The Outdoor Recreation Alliance has contracted with Crescendo Fundraising Professionals, LLC, to conduct a Campaign Readiness Study Summit on November 15th, 2022, to determine the financial capacity, leadership potential, general interest and economic climate for a $6M campaign for expansion. There will be a combination of online public survey, focus groups, and confidential interviews to inform the study recommendations for the Board of Directors.
ORA has cultivated an opportunity to purchase and protect a large swath of land within the La Crosse area Bluflands. The land is 277 acres of forest and farmland with class A trout stream frontage on Upper Pammel Creek. It is in close proximity to neighborhoods, businesses, schools, public transit, and other public lands with diverse terrain for various activities. The unique location consists of various aspects of historical significance to multiple facets of historic and prehistoric culture.
“With a focus on conservation, recreation, and education, the proposed project will protect and share landscapes with ecologic, cultural, and recreation significance,” said Jed Olson Executive Director of ORA. Olson continued, “This land is a once-in-a-generation opportunity and will revolve around a robust network of shared-use trails and will include the amenities needed to lower the barriers to getting outside.”
The Outdoor Recreation Alliance (ORA Trails) began as Human Powered Trails in 2001. The group was focused on improving trail access on one specific city-owned property. As ORA evolved, the focus shifted to include a broader user base and a wider breadth of the mission. Within the last five years, ORA Trails has grown exponentially.
Now ORA Trails’ mission is to build happy, healthy, and resilient communities by providing sustainable and equitable access to outdoor recreation activities. These efforts are critical because ORA believes opportunities in nature improve the human condition. Through this growth, ORA Trails has become a leading member of the Bluffland Coalition, a group of nonprofit and municipal partners who are working through a concerted effort to raise awareness and value of the natural landscape by protecting blufflands and providing recreation opportunities
The Study Summit will outline the most effective fundraising strategy, identify top leadership, evaluate the current and short-term economic climate, recommend a campaign goal and preliminary campaign timetable, cultivate prospective contributors and volunteers, identify possible challenges and provide the opportunity for area residents to voice their opinions.
The public is invited to provide your feedback on the project and potential campaign by completing a short survey. Please see “Survey” page located on the Home Page of the website. The deadline to complete the survey is November 30th, 2022. For more information, please email Jed at jed@oratrails.org.
Crescendo Fundraising Professionals, LLC has widespread and successful experience assisting nonprofits in fundraising studies and capital campaigns for new facility improvements, expansion projects, and endowments. The firm has 25 years of experience and has completed over 42 successful campaigns.