The Schepens Eye Research Institute - Boston, Massachusetts
Research to Conquer Blindness
The burden of blinding eye diseases is enormous. Today, more than 35 million Americans are afflicted by eye disease, including macular degeneration, dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, chronic inflammation, and diabetic retinopathy.
A leader in the fight to eliminate the scourge of blindness from our society, Schepens Eye Research Institute, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, is the largest independent eye research center in the nation. With a distinguished 50-year history, the Institute has pioneered some of the twentieth century's most important breakthroughs in the treatment and cure of eye disease. In order to continue their legacy of eye research into the new century, the Institute's Board of Trustees initiated a campaign to raise $55 million by 2004 to purchase and expand their research laboratory facilities and to recruit the highest caliber vision scientists to the Institute. In the midst of their efforts, however, institutional dynamics changed, expenses escalated, and the campaign stalled.
Schepens' executive officers and Trustee leaders realized a catalyst would be needed to bring direction to the myriad of transitions facing the institution, and they took bold steps to bring the Institute back on track. With a reinvigorated Board of Trustees and recruitment of a cadre of talented new professional development staff, Schepens Eye Research Institute inaugurated a $30 million Phase Two effort of the campaign to accomplish the Institute's mission of fighting the many eye diseases that rob people of their independence and quality of life.
What Made It Happen?
The slowdown of the campaign represented a turning point for the Institute. Realizing it needed revival, the Board of Trustees sought counsel from Skystone Ryan. The firm quickly conducted a fundraising assessment and recommended a plan of action. With Skystone Ryan's help, the Trustees vigorously re-examined their own roles and responsibilities, particularly as they related to fundraising. A new campaign plan, timetable and case were developed. The firm subsequently guided the Institute in the recruitment of several talented senior development executives to bring their knowledge and enthusiasm to the work of the Institute. The success of the redirection effort enabled the Institute to launch Phase Two of The Campaign For Sight with a talented campaign cabinet, a well-tailored campaign plan, and a compelling case that defined the vital, noble work of Schepens' eye researchers dedicated to a future with clear vision.
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