Precision Prospecting, Powerful Results: Fueling the Fleet Science Center’s Renovation

Client: Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
Sector: Science & Education

“DonorSearch is the sharp tip of the spear for us, helping us identify the people most likely to give and engage deeply with our mission.”
— Jim Kennedy, Director of Major and Principal Gifts, Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Client Overview

The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, located in the heart of Balboa Park, San Diego, California, has been inspiring curiosity and connecting the community to the power of science since 1973. Currently undergoing a $21 million renovation to create entirely new exhibits and visitor experiences, the museum is preparing to engage both existing and new supporters to fuel this transformative effort.

The Challenge

With a major renovation underway, the Fleet Science Center needed to expand its donor base and strategically identify high-capacity prospects. While the museum had a loyal group of supporters, the development team faced the challenge of connecting with individuals whose philanthropic interests aligned with the museum’s mission—without overextending limited resources. A smarter, more data-driven approach to prospecting was critical to the success of their capital campaign.

The Results

• Targeted Prospecting: DonorSearch enabled the development team to focus outreach on the donors most aligned with the Fleet’s mission.
• Deeper Donor Insights: Surfacing patterns in donor capacity and alignment helped strengthen personalized conversations.
• Streamlined Campaign Support: The Most Likely to Respond (MLR) scoring acted like a “donor FICO score,” helping prioritize prospects and allocate staff resources efficiently.

The Solution

DonorSearch equipped the Fleet Science Center’s development team with a data-driven platform designed for capital campaign success. Personalized onboarding and ongoing support from DonorSearch experts, including Kathy Wilson and Ingrid Tugwell, ensured the team could maximize the platform’s capabilities. This empowered the team to better understand existing donors, uncover new prospects, and guide strategic outreach with clarity.

The Benefits

• Data-Driven Confidence: Jim Kennedy and his team could engage in fundraising conversations with clarity, backed by donor-specific insights.
• High ROI: The precision of DonorSearch ensured resources were directed toward the highest-impact prospects.
• Seamless Partnership: DonorSearch’s expert support provided continuity and knowledge-sharing, allowing the team to stay focused on fundraising.

Conclusion

DonorSearch is helping the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center elevate its fundraising strategy at a pivotal moment in the museum’s history. By combining robust data, strategic insights, and personalized support, the team is working smarter, engaging more effectively, and strengthening the museum’s long-term mission. The result is not just a successful capital campaign, but deeper connections between the museum and the community it serves.