Frequently Asked Questions

+ What is the Dream Big Campaign?

A global campaign to raise the funds necessary to build the organizational capacity to invest in the dreams of a half million women and girls through access to education by 2031 – and sustain that growth well into the future.

+ Why are we having this campaign?

To ensure Soroptimist on every level is prepared to thrive in our next century and meet our audacious goals to impact half a million women and girls. We need to provide the support our volunteers need to grow the Live Your Dream Awards, Dream It, Be It and Big Goal Accelerator Projects. In order to provide that support, SIA plans to modernize its operations, expand its impact and attract new partners.

We envision that by the year 2031, Soroptimist will continue to thrive and grow into a more sustainable and increasingly impactful organization enacting social change, both locally and globally. The strong foundation that is built today will ensure Soroptimist is thriving in the year 2031 and beyond.

+ What is the goal of the campaign?

The board has set the goal to raise $15 million dollars by 2023. It’s a bold goal. Soroptimist’s unified goal of reaching half a million women and girls in the next ten years depends on being able to expand, deliver and sustain our service.

+ How will the money be used?

Funds raised will be invested into projects in three key program areas: expansion, delivery and sustainability. These projects will enable our organization to reach four times the number of women and girls we are currently serving by 2031.

The projects identified for the first phase of funding are addressing critical organizational needs to reach our strategic goals. These projects will focus on program sustainability – improving current and acquiring new technology and program expansion – supporting Soroptimist clubs financially and attracting new donors.

+ What are the Dream Big Campaign projects and how were they selected?

The projects were identified through a combination of volunteer feedback and strategic planning by Soroptimist leadership. These projects will expand our ability to deliver our global Dream Programs and support our forward-looking vision of growth and investment into our volunteers, clubs, and global mission.

Learn more about our areas of greatest need at https://www.dreambig.soroptimist.org/needs.

+ How will the campaign impact communities, clubs and members?

The practical impact of this campaign will appear as we progress through the ten-year time frame of our goal to reach a half million women and girls, including:

• financial support for clubs to deliver impact locally.
• leadership development and volunteer training for members.
• increased visibility of our programs which will help clubs to attract more constituents and supporters.
• decreased fundraising responsibilities for clubs so they can focus on mission-related work.
• new opportunities to engage community members in our goals.
• increased resources to carry out the Dream Programs.
• increased brand awareness of Soroptimist.

+ How is giving to the Dream Big Campaign different from supporting SIA’s other fundraising efforts?

We are dreaming big for today and for our future. Gifts to SIA ensure we have the resources we need to provide Live Your Dream Awards, implement Dream It, Be It, support clubs in their local efforts, and carry out the mission of Soroptimist. Designating a gift to the Dream Big Campaign is an investment in the future transformation and growth of Soroptimist. Our donors have the opportunity to be a part of supporting women and girls today while building a strong and sustainable future for the next generation of Soroptimists.

The Dream Big Campaign creates a special opportunity to give a gift over and above support of our current program impact. If a donor is able to give to both, that is fantastic, but if they are only able to give to one, we encourage continued support of the annual fund.

+ How are donors to the Dream Big Campaign being recognized?

There will be special recognition for cumulative gifts to the Dream Big Campaign for gifts made by individuals, foundations and corporations. Full details on recognition benefits are available at: https://www.dreambig.soroptimist.org/recognition.

All Soroptmist member individual gifts and pledges made to the Dream Big Campaign will be recognized through the Laurel Society.

+ How do I make a gift to the Dream Big Campaign?

One-time and monthly gifts, as well as pledges, can be made on the Dream Big Campaign website at https://www.dreambig.soroptimist.org/giving. Gifts can also be mailed to Soroptimist International of the Americas at 1709 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Larger commitments can be made through a pledge over a period of 2-3 years by contacting Erica Cheslock erica@soroptimist.org, Director of Donor Relations.

+ I know someone who could be a potential major donor to the Dream Big Campaign. Who can I talk to about this?

We have special groups of volunteers, the Dream Big Campaign Committee and the Donor Relations Task Force, who are able to support conversations with potential major donors. Additionally, staff is available to support outreach to corporations, foundations and other potential donors. Please contact Erica Cheslock, Director of Donor Relations, at erica@soroptimist.org to be connected with the right person.

+ Where can I get more information about SIA’s financials?

Our financial statements are public knowledge and can be viewed at https://www.guidestar.org/profile/23-2154856. You can also request our audited financials from siahq@soroptimist.org.