Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

The Challenge

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust (PCT) approached Carter to help plan for and execute the largest campaign in their history, which was also their first campaign in 20 years, with an overarching vision to elevate Pittsburgh’s Cultural District into an internationally known arts and culture destination. The complex, comprehensive campaign was multifaceted to fund a number of strategic priorities and goals, including: celebrate and secure the venues, programs and initiatives of the Cultural District; envision and execute more artistic, educational and economic opportunities; and preserve the Cultural District’s assets by building a robust endowment.

How Carter Helped

Carter conducted a development audit to assess the organization’s fundraising program and internal readiness for success in a campaign of this magnitude, followed by an external stakeholder study to develop the campaign strategy. The strategy included a retirement and executive transition plan for the organization’s deeply respected, long-time CEO, to ensure the milestone was leveraged as an opportunity to increase donor engagement, raise more money and set up the new CEO for future success.

Carter provided campaign counsel for the duration of the campaign. Our team guided PCT through the critical leadership and stakeholder phases, as well as the public phase, strengthening PCT’s development practices and capacity, enlisting and training campaign leadership and volunteers, advising campaign leaders in soliciting and securing mega and major gifts, and supporting awareness and campaign-related events. Carter also helped PCT engage an award-winning design agency and worked closely with them to guide messaging, communications and collateral material.

The Results

The campaign raised $175 million – $25 million over goal – in gifts, pledges, planned gifts and endowments to transform Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. Our team also worked with PCT to enhance the major gift program, expand relationships to multiple staff members, and relaunch their legacy society, which allowed the CEO to retire knowing his successor was strongly positioned for continued success.

What was once a downtrodden red-light district now thrives as a vibrant center for culture, art, food, and community. Pittsburgh’s Cultural District stands as a nationwide model for how the arts can play a pivotal role in urban revitalization.

“The team at Carter was instrumental to the success of this landmark campaign in the Cultural Trust’s history. Their leadership and guidance helped secure our future for the benefit of millions of patrons in the years ahead!”
– Nick Gigante, Chief Development Officer