Rheumatology Research Foundation

Since 2005, the Rheumatology Research Foundation and CCS have collaborated on two successful campaigns, raising more than $90 million for endowment, research, and special programming to provide relief for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. The first campaign, Within Our Reach, was the largest campaign ever conducted by a medical association. The Foundation and CCS worked closely to launch a new $75 million campaign.

The Challenge

To accelerate innovative rheumatoid arthritis research, the Foundation needed to raise a minimum of $30 million for a new peer-review grant program. Potential funding areas included innovative, translational, clinical practice, novel clinical trials, and collaborative projects.

The Solution

CCS conducted a feasibility study to test the fundraising potential for this unprecedented campaign. Upon completion of the study, CCS guided the successful Within Our Reach campaign and helped the Foundation reach its goal.

The Impact

The Within Our Reach campaign created a new culture of philanthropy within the organization and among its members. In 2010, CCS helped the Foundation conduct a successful $60 million effort to fund research endowments and programmatic support for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. Shortly after the campaign, CCS conducted a development assessment with a focus on staffing needs and a benchmarking analysis for post-campaign operations. In 2017, the Foundation and CCS launched an audacious new $75 million campaign.