Since 2021, The Aubrey Group has been instrumental in developing and executing the Township of Montclair’s comprehensive grants strategy to support its impressive community and economic development goals.

In early 2024, The Aubrey Group was selected as the Township’s professional services consultant to lead all aspects of a Fundraising Feasibility Study. This study determined the future of Essex Park/Clary Anderson Arena, a public, Township-owned facility containing a seasonally operated indoor ice rink, multi-purpose event space, outdoor swimming pool, outdoor park, and playground.

The Township’s leadership acknowledged that moving through a pragmatic Feasibility Study before formalizing the vision, renovation, and/or expansion plans was crucial in embarking on a potential capital campaign project. The purpose of the study was to provide guidance on executing the work.

The Aubrey Group took the reins in early 2024 and formed a Study Advisory Committee made up of Township Council members, staff, residents, and stakeholders. The Committee was formed to guide the vision and inform the strategy of the Feasibility Study. The Committee oversaw study activities, including gathering data and conducting confidential interviews, and, based on this input, shaped the Case Statement.

The Committee held four meetings during the feasibility study development process. Various Committee members held a facility walkthrough on Feb 20. Additional walkthroughs and meetings with Township staff and community stakeholders occurred separately from the Committee meetings to gather additional input.

The Aubrey Group worked with the Committee to identify stakeholders for confidential interviews.

The Aubrey Group conducted confidential interviews with more than 60 key stakeholders between February and May. During that same timeframe, the team conducted in-depth independent research and document review.

The Aubrey Group delivered a robust Feasibility Study containing 80+ pages of research, data, interviewee insights, and key stakeholders’ perspectives two months earlier per the Township’s request on May 22, 2024.

The Feasibility Study defined the project vision and summarized initial donor research. It included a draft Case Statement with a detailed recommendation for a capital campaign plan, reasonable budget estimates, next steps, and a timeline to achieve the fundraising goal.

Finally, The Aubrey Group worked closely with the Township’s leadership and stakeholders to educate and engage all parties about the process at a high level.

Now, with the Clary Anderson Association, The Aubrey Group is helping to identify potential donors, cultivate relationships, and educate various stakeholders about the capital campaign process and roadmaps for success.

About the Client: The Township of Montclair (pop. 40,000) is located in Essex County, NJ, about 12 miles from Manhattan. Montclair has a strong and unique identity as an excellent place to live and to raise a family., It is as a center for the arts and culture, and as a great place to build a thriving business. When other municipalities across New Jersey and New York look seek to revitalize their downtowns, they often point to Montclair as an example of what they aspire to become.