Case Study: Milwaukee Ballet

About the Organization 

Milwaukee Ballet is a Company of international artists, supported by a talented team of professionals and artisans. Their School & Academy attracts students from around the country to train under celebrated dancers, choreographers and faculty.  Their Engagement programs promote confidence, a healthy lifestyle and creativity through accessible performances, in-studio educational opportunities and inclusive programming. Together, these programs strive to break down traditional barriers so more people can share in the power of dance.

The Situation 

Milwaukee Ballet envisioned a future where dance could be more accessible to its community. But to make that dream a reality, they needed a space that matched their ambition. Without a larger, state-of-the-art facility, Milwaukee Ballet risked turning away students, limiting community programs, and missing opportunities to grow its audience. With the partnership of Alford Group, Milwaukee Ballet prepared for and launched a capital campaign to raise funds for the Baumgartner Center for Dance.

The Goal

To first determine Milwaukee Ballet’s capacity to launch a capital campaign for the new dance facility and second, to implement a successful campaign and reach the set fundraising goal.

The Approach

Feasibility Study & Campaign Planning

Alford Group embarked on a deep dive into Milwaukee Ballet’s community, engaging approximately 50 key stakeholders in a process that would shape the future of dance in the city. Through data-driven insights and strategic counsel, we laid the groundwork for an ambitious yet achievable campaign.

Alford Analytics

Alford Group launched its proprietary data analytics to examine trends in total philanthropic revenue, community participation, donor acquisition and retention of Milwaukee Ballet’s constituency. The data also led to unique recommendations for how the organization could prepare its database and tracking methods for a potential campaign. 

Ultimately, the study and analysis led to key recommendations, the most significant being to launch a $20 million campaign to construct a new building and additional funding to expand artistic and community programming and for capital reserves. 

Campaign Counsel

Following the completion of the study, Alford Group partnered with the Milwaukee Ballet during the implementation of the campaign by facilitating strategic campaign meetings with staff, board and donors; developing the campaign work plan and timeline; assisting in recruiting campaign leadership and lead donors; creating the campaign vision overview; and maintaining momentum and tracking progress.

The Results

Milwaukee Ballet completed a successful campaign, surpassing their initial $21-million campaign target and ending the campaign at over $26 million.  Within the next year, the organization completed construction for a two-story, 52,000-square-foot facility. This new facility expanded the number of dance studios and allowed for additional community programs and outreach.