Exceeding Expectations with $4M Fundraising for Detroit's BIPOC-Led Birth Center
After the completion of a feasibility study, Wright Collective designed a $4M capital campaign to launch Birth Detroit, Detroit’s first BIPOC-led community birth center. This campaign would ensure the resources necessary were secured to open Birth Detroit in the Fall of 2025. This campaign was projected to be completed by June 2025, but funds were secured in December of 2024, 6 months early, offering Birth Detroit the opportunity to complete their build and onboard birth center staff slightly earlier than projected
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CHALLENGES
WC INTERVENTION
RESULTS
As a start-up, Birth Detroit did not have the staff to manage a campaign this size.
Birth Detroit was not currently an active player in the regional and national philanthropic community, although leads did exist.
Birth Detroit was not fully aware of potential community support when it came to volunteerism and philanthropy.
Through a set of focus groups, WC was able to articulate the community’s interest in this project and help the organization think big and see the local abundance.
Located new local donors and created an engagement and activation program.
Located institutional and national donors interested in supporting Birth Detroit, of which $2MIL+ came from those national donors by the end of the capital campaign.
The committee took their fundraising responsibility seriously and used the tools provided to engage past and new donors.
Completed comprehensive donor and institutional research with an eye toward large initial interests both in Michigan and other states.
WC worked with Birth Detroit to create an active and engaged campaign committee to support the internal efforts of the organization with WC support.
Birth Detroit knew they needed to raise millions but did not have a roadmap to get there.
With a plan and WC’s coaching, Birth Detroit was able to stay on track and exceed projected goals both for the annual fund and the capital campaign.
WC designed a multi-year fundraising plan to help leadership and the board stay focused on campaign goals and see how each gift added to the next and built to 7-figure goals.
Funders lacked clarity as to how they engage with and support the fundraising efforts.
Excited funders helped inspire additional funders to support (funder organizing) and helped close the campaign 6 months early. Many visits were
WC created unique funder engagement activities to empower activation and increase giving.
Birth Detroit’s board lacked significant fundraising experience and mostly regional, national members on the capital campaign committee (but with roots in Detroit).
Empowered two volunteer leaders to mobilize family and networks. One helped bring in $950K and another pooled family DAF dollars to bring in $100K and fully fund a birth suite! Others still struggled to find the time to volunteer, but creative offerings were made with the final gala so they could all get involved.
WC helped board and committee members think bigger, realize their network's potential and increase their own giving power
Company Vision
FOUNDER
LESELIEY WELCH
Birth Detroit envisions a future where Detroit leads in community-based maternal and infant care. Grounded in equity, hope, and meaningful partnerships, they aim to create a model birth center that transforms care and supports families through innovative, community-driven solutions.
FOUNDING YEAR
2019
Funds Raised
$4,000,000
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Testimonial
Because of Alyssa and Wright Collective my first capital campaign leadership experience was joyful, educational, successful and inspiring. We couldn’t have done it without them. Thank you, Wright Collective for building Birth Detroit with us!
Leseliey Welch, Co-Founder and CEO, Birth Detroit