Challenge
The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), one of 16 member institutions in the UNC System, embarked on a comprehensive fundraising campaign that focused on increasing private contributions to the University. Contracting with Contrast Creative, the University geared up to enter the public phase of the “Soaring to Greatness” Campaign with the creation of an inspirational video that would be used to support their ambitious fundraising efforts.
Results
The video, entitled “Soaring to Greatness,” highlighted the University’s dramatic growth from about 200 students in 1947 to nearly 13,000 today. It shared the stories of students and professors whose dreams became reality due to the incredible generosity made available through private contributions. The video, shot over three days, spearheaded the Campaign’s public launch. It was presented at statewide campus sponsored alumni gatherings, University events and was the focal point for the fundraising webpage. Within eleven months, the University surpassed their $65 million fundraising goal, and all nearly one year in advance of the Campaign’s scheduled closure. The funds raised created 239 new scholarships and generated $31.5 million in new endowment funding.