Case Study: Children's Museum of Oswego achieves 85% new donors with Bonterra Network for Good

Children’s Museum Brings in 85% New Donors with First P2P Campaign

The Children’s Museum of Oswego (CMOO), a very small, volunteer-driven museum led by founder and executive director Jillian Shaver, needed to close the final stretch of its year-end annual fund and jumpstart a first-time capital campaign but struggled to bring in new donors. Encouraged by a board member, CMOO launched its first peer-to-peer (P2P) effort using Network for Good to expand its donor base.

CMOO built a two-week campaign around a vivid mission image and a clear call-to-action, asked existing donors to recruit friends and family, and supported fundraisers with ready-made email templates and easy-to-use P2P software. The effort—run with minimal time and budget—produced 11 fundraisers, exceeded its goal, and brought in 85% first-time donors; CMOO then retained supporters with a $15+ admission incentive, regular updates, and ongoing engagement for fundraisers.

Children's Museum of Oswego

Jillian Shaver

Executive Director