Academy of Natural Curiosity

What do you do as a fundraiser hired on the day of groundbreaking to complete a $30 million capital campaign with more than $4 million left to raise?

What if all the top prospects have already given and all the most prominent naming opportunities have been allocated?

What if additional unexpected construction costs increase the original budget and one of your commitments is suddenly unable to pay a $900,000 pledge?

You get creative. Very creative.

I worked with Tom and Beverly Dickson to connect with one of his key passions–helping children learn hands-on science in non-traditional ways. Then, we created a legacy opportunity that named the educational experiences and staff as the Dickson Academy of Curiosity.

It was perfect! They loved it.

After opening, Tom came to the new museum and blended rakes in his traditional ‘Will it Blend?’ lab coat and the children loved him and posed for selfies with the famous YouTube star.

He still raves about the contribution and the museum, and is thrilled with the investment. A grandson even plans to have his wedding in the museum!