St. Bonaventure’s College

THE CHALLENGE

For generations, St. Bonaventure’s College has provided a Jesuit education that inspires students to pursue excellence. But time had taken its toll on the historic campus. Years of deferred maintenance left the facilities showing their age, requiring costly repairs amid rising utility expenses. Essential spaces, from classrooms to restrooms and athletic facilities, appeared worn and no longer reflected the standards of excellence that students and school families deserved. Without proactive investment, the ability to serve future generations would be at risk. It became clear that the time arrived to act boldly to preserve the facilities and secure a future for St. Bon’s.

THE VISION

Ambitious yet essential, the vision to care for the historic campus while also strengthening a financial foundation for the school would require an extraordinary fundraising effort. A capital campaign would include these goals:

• Enhancing the endowment fund to expand financial assistance for students and maintain endorsement from the Jesuits of Canada.
• Re-cladding and renovating exteriors including roof replacement and installing new windows and doors.
• Updating all classrooms with new desks, chairs and modern learning features.
• Renovating restrooms and changing rooms.
• Replacing gym flooring and HVAC system.
• Installing new fencing and updating lighting throughout the campus.

THE SOLUTION

To bring the vision to life, St. Bonaventure’s partnered with the Steier Group to create the What Did You Give Today? Capital Campaign. Beginning with a thoroughly executed planning study, the Steier Group team recruited several generous supporters as campaign leaders, inspiring faculty, staff, alumni and parents to rally support. An onsite campaign manager provided the structure, clarity and hands-on support to collaborate closely with school leadership. As detailed in a Twelve Wicker Baskets interview, the campaign sparked a renewed spirit of unity and commitment across the community. Together, Steier Group and the St. Bon’s community strengthened the mission of the school, exceeding the campaign goals and preserving the historic campus to secure a future where all students can thrive.