Client: Adventure Science Center
Nashville, Tennessee
For more than sixty years, Adventure Science Center (ASC) has brought science to life with hands-on, interactive exhibits and engaging programs. The Center expands horizons for 260,000 visitors annually from Middle Tennessee, Southern Kentucky, Northern Alabama and beyond.
ASC has seen a dramatic revitalization over the past decade, including completing more than $30 million in improvements through the Adventure Tower, Tennessee Engineering Center, BodyQuest, and the Sudekum Planetarium and Space Chase exhibit hall.
In its quest to become a world-class science center, ASC has partnered with Lighthouse Counsel since 2001 for campaign counsel and other vital support on these crucial, high-visibility projects.
Following a successful $3.3 million campaign for its popular Adventure Tower, ASC applied Lighthouse Counsel’s recommendations by conducting a feasibility study to test support for a new planetarium and sky and space exhibit. The study revealed some support within the community, but also a lack of understanding and awareness from many of the leaders interviewed. During the study phase, Lighthouse also uncovered significant support for what would ultimately become the Center’s next strategic priority: an exhibit focusing on health and the human body, BodyQuest.
Implementing Lighthouse’s advice, ASC raised $5 million for BodyQuest from only five donors in a short timeframe. After the successful completion of the BodyQuest campaign, the Sky and Space Campaign developed according to strategic recommendations from Lighthouse and community leaders. The campaign’s $21.3 million total exceeded the original goal by more than $1 million.
Lighthouse Counsel contributed to Adventure Science Center’s growth and success through:
• Comprehensive campaign strategy and counsel
• Donor relations support
• Annual fund support and materials
• Creation of grant proposals including a successful Kresge Foundation proposal
• Development of campaign materials including presentations, VIP communications, mailings
• Strategic guidance for securing national, state and local funding
• Blueprint development for ASC’s planned giving and major gifts program
“The Lighthouse team worked with us to craft and implement wise strategies that helped lead to our new Sudekum Planetarium, and more.”
Ralph Schulz
former president and CEO, Adventure Science Center
current president, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
“Lighthouse Counsel is resourceful and responsive. They provide everything from strategic counsel to hands-on implementation. Their personal attention, professionalism and high standards were crucial during Adventure Science Center’s campaign.”
Belinda Dinwiddie
former development director, Adventure Science Center
current director of donor education, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
