Building Early Campaign Momentum

Background: New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR), the state’s NPR member station, engaged Compass to prepare for a campaign focused on the future that would support journalism, innovation in the media business model, and growth in engaging audiences with expanded access to exceptional news products. The organization needed a clear strategy—and strong early momentum—to inspire leadership-level giving.

Solution: Compass partnered with NHPR to conduct a Planning Study and provide ongoing Campaign Management. The study confirmed the feasibility of a major campaign and helped leadership sharpen priorities, refine messaging, and engage board and volunteer leaders early. As part of the study’s recommendations, NHPR explored how philanthropic partnerships could strengthen its long-term business model. Based on these findings, the board voted to add a fourth campaign priority: a $3 million endowment to secure NHPR’s financial foundation, raising the overall campaign goal to $18 million. With aligned leadership across staff, board, and volunteers, the campaign launched with clarity and confidence.

Success: NHPR surpassed the halfway point of the campaign in less than 12 months, fueled by five seven-figure gifts—an unprecedented milestone for the organization, which had never before received a seven-figure commitment. The campaign is expanding major-donor relationships, building the systems and confidence needed to sustain high-level fundraising beyond this effort, and ensuring NHPR carries out its public service mission of providing independent, unbiased news that resonates.