Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation
Case Study: Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation – Visioning for Sustainable Growth
Background
Founded in 1891, the Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation (OPSF) began as a regional institution dedicated to educating and supplying Presbyterian ministers to area congregations. During World War II, OPSF transitioned from residential teaching to a support organization providing lifelong learning grants, pastoral leadership programs, scholarships, financial support, and continuing education for ministers and seminary students.
The Challenge
Although OPSF had sufficient operating revenue to sustain its current budget, it faced challenges securing additional resources to fund new and relevant initiatives. The organization sought to establish a forward-looking vision that addressed national trends while increasing revenue to support its mission.
The SNS Solution
Strawhecker Nonprofit Services (SNS) brought a deep understanding of OPSF's mission, the regional fundraising market, and national philanthropic trends. The consultants’ university-level expertise in fundraising and teaching allowed them to provide:
Tailored visioning exercises to help the board explore future opportunities.
Fundraising strategies aligned with OPSF's mission and goals.
Recommendations for programs designed to secure long-term funding.
SNS’s personalized approach ensured that OPSF had actionable strategies to address current challenges and expand its reach.
The Outcome
With SNS’s support, OPSF secured a $1,000,000 multi-year grant from the Lilly Endowment to fund the "Thriving in Ministry Initiative." This transformative achievement enabled OPSF to launch impactful programs aligned with its vision for growth.
The Impact
The collaboration with SNS marked a new chapter for OPSF, combining visionary planning and strategic fundraising to create sustainable, synergistic initiatives. The foundation is now better equipped to address emerging trends, support its mission, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of ministers and their communities.