The Challenge

As a nonprofit 501(c)(3), Riverstone International School relies on philanthropic support to cover critical operating expenses, from staff salaries and tuition assistance to outdoor learning programs. Each year, the school’s Annual Fund fuels these efforts, and in 2023, the team set an ambitious goal: $225,000.

But after years of running the campaign on autopilot, the process had become formulaic. To make the 25th anniversary truly special, Riverstone needed a fresh approach, one that would reignite excitement, strengthen connections across the community, and inspire generosity on a new level.

The Solution

Sprig’s Alexis Bennett led the campaign strategy and messaging, transforming what had been a plug-and-play appeal into an integrated, inclusive celebration of Riverstone’s 25-year legacy.

The campaign theme — “This Is Only the Beginning” — captured both pride in the past and optimism for the future. Every message and event was built around that idea, reminding families, staff, and alumni that their support today fuels what comes next.

Over four weeks, Alexis helped orchestrate a full suite of engagement activities, communication touchpoints, and content, including:

• Multiple community engagement events, including: 

• Teacher-led paint-and-sip night: A creative evening that gave parents a taste of the “Riverstone experience.”

• Cocktail and networking nights: Intimate gatherings hosted by current families to build connection between families, donors, and staff.

• Exercise classes: Fun, wellness-focused events tying back to Riverstone’s outdoor-learning values.

• Virtual cooking class: A chef-led, teacher-hosted night that brought families together online.

• 25th Anniversary Celebration: A grand finale featuring student performances and community recognition.

• Digital and print marketing, including: 

• A print mailer 

• Signage in front of the school 

• Weekly emails 

• Talking points for room parents 

• A physical thermometer showing progress

• Social media posts integrating students, goal updates, and an appeal

• Student speakers at each event

Throughout the campaign, Alexis ensured consistent, uplifting messaging across all emails, event materials, and donor communications, including a personal letter that moved a former foundation donor to make a $40,000 transformational gift.

The Results

The results exceeded every benchmark. The campaign achieved: 

• 84% participation rate among board members, staff, and families

• $265,927 funds raised, surpassing the goal by more than $40,000.

Beyond the numbers, the campaign reignited school pride and deepened relationships across the Riverstone community.

The Takeaway

Riverstone’s 25th Anniversary campaign proved that when storytelling and strategy align, fundraising becomes more than a transaction; it becomes a movement.

By uniting celebration with purpose, Sprig helped Riverstone turn a milestone year into a record-breaking campaign that strengthened community ties and set the stage for continued growth.