Case Study: Friends of the Governor Stone achieves rapid fundraising to rebuild their historic schooner with Blackbaud eTapestry

Blackbaud eTapestry helps nonprofit raise and rebuild national historic landmark

Friends of the Governor Stone, an all‑volunteer nonprofit that owns and operates the 1877 Gulf Coast schooner Governor Stone, faced a dual challenge after Hurricane Michael capsized the vessel: quickly raise $150,000 to qualify for a FEMA rebuild grant while moving away from time‑consuming manual spreadsheets and coping with lost in‑person fundraising during the COVID‑19 pandemic.

They adopted Blackbaud eTapestry for cloud fundraising and supporter management, including eStore (Cart) functionality and targeted email tools. Within two months they validated and consolidated records, automated acknowledgements, engaged lapsed donors, offset lost market revenue, and secured over 70% of their $150,000 goal—streamlining operations and improving donor engagement.

Friends of the Governor Stone

Colleen Reilly

President of Friends of the Governor Stone