In an effort to generate funds for large-scale capital projects, the Falls Township Supervisors recently contracted with a grant and institutional fundraising firm.
During the board’s June meeting, the Supervisors unanimously approved hiring The Aubrey Group as a replacement to Millennium Strategies.
“The nice thing about the services of The Aubrey Group is there’s no retainer,” Township Manager John Shepherd said. “It will financially work out much better for the town.”
While the firm is New Jersey-based, Falls resident Connor Schmiegel will serve as the township’s project executive and main point of contact.
“It’s my personal goal to grow out our business here,” Schmiegel said. “I would love to really branch out even more so. Falls is one of our first opportunities.”
Living in the town provides Schmiegel with insight about potential areas of fundraising and grant writing focus, offering a “helpful kickstart.”
Falls is looking to The Aubrey Group to devise formal fundraising strategies, goals and plans that will enable the township to “move forward in a more concentrated way,” Shepherd said.
The focus is park and community related, Shepherd said, adding that Falls will seek grants and other funds for capital projects, as well as sponsorship for recreation facilities.
“The board’s definitely focused on that,” Shepherd said.
In addition, Shepherd will be meeting with all of the township’s department heads to formulate potential grant and fundraising opportunities based on staff’s areas of concern.
Schmiegel, who serves as The Aubrey Group’s partner and vice president, has been with the firm since 2022. Since that time, he has secured more than $50 million for a variety of clients, including a $2 million award in USDA Urban Community Forestry grants for two New Jersey municipalities and more than $5 million in funding for recreational facility improvements for several New Jersey local governments. Schmiegel has also assisted clients with managing and drawing down on more than $150 million in grant and HUD entitlement funds.
The sky is the limit in terms of available grant, donor, and fundraising programs, he said, adding that he will help Falls vie for federal, state, corporate and foundation funds, as well as direct donor giving.
Completion of a master plan could provide the framework for additional funding opportunities, according to Schmiegel.
“When that’s completed, that could give us a good sky view of the entire town,” he said.
