Fundraising is full of challenges, and it is also all about success. This is the story of Libertas School of Memphis and their success to date as they expand their classroom buildings, educational curriculum, and enhanced student services. Their story is not a dream or a wish, it is a reality.
Libertas is a thriving charter school in Memphis, TN that is changing the lives – and test scores – of its students. When preparing for its 10th anniversary, the board approved an expansion plan that includes a new middle school. Leadership mapped out the anticipated costs, identified property, and searched for fundraising counsel. We had the honor of being selected to work with Libertas and are proud to share their success to date.
The total cost to grow their school – and build a reserve fund – is $11 million. Before launching their campaign, Libertas secured $6.4 million. Their campaign goal is to raise the remaining $4.6 million. In under a year, they are more than half-way to goal. How does this happen? Consistent, strategic, and honest communication and engagement. Here is a summary of how to do it right.
First, Libertas is known and well-respected in the giving community for its educational model, student successes, and long-term, qualified, and experienced leadership. It is in a class all by itself as it relates to educational innovation and achievement. For the campaign, Libertas draws on existing strengths from across the school and the community. Despite limited traditional capacity and infrastructure, they consistently execute their plan, engage volunteers, and raise money.
Initial campaign tasks included creating and testing a case for support, building a fundraising leadership team, and launching a process of identifying potential donors and funders who could give at the highest levels. Their case for support is a masterpiece combining storytelling, financial projections, visuals, and testimonials. A diverse campaign leadership team launched quickly, meeting virtually, with members actively identifying, cultivating, engaging, and soliciting. Major gifts were quickly secured, providing excitement and momentum. An ongoing tour program brings people to campus to witness how a public charter school implements the Montessori model in a school that was once one of the state’s lowest performing schools. As of this month Libertas students are topping the national charts for growth in math and more. 
It takes a team. The chair of the board’s development committee, Lee Adams, is active in all aspects of fundraising and strategy development. The co-founder and CEO, Bob Nardo, is not afraid to talk with those who can give or influence funding at the highest levels. He cultivates stakeholders, follows up, solicits, follows up, communicates, engages, invites, follows up…. He works in lockstep with development director Sarah Newstok, guiding the process of strengthening the culture of fundraising within the Libertas family. Board, faculty, staff, parents, community leaders, and educational advocates embrace the campaign, contributing their strengths and dollars. Libertas had limited experience with fundraising, but they were pursuing an important vision for our youth. Your vision is important too. You can bring it to life. God protect America.
© 2025 Mel and Pearl Shaw, authors of “Prerequisites for Fundraising Success.” We provide fundraising counsel to higher education, nonprofits, and philanthropy. Video conferencing always available. Visit www.saadandshaw.com.
