DPFUTURES CAPITAL CAMPAIGN REPORT: APRIL2025
CampaignFocus& CurrentProgress
The DP Futures Campaign is a bold and forward-looking initiative to create a permanent home for independent student journalism Our vision is to renovate 3721 Chestnut Street into a purpose-built headquarters for independent student journalism The building will serve as a professional newsroom, a center for digital innovation, and a hub for mentorship, dialogue, and civic engagement
This is not simply a capital project. It is a strategic investment in the future of the DP. By building a permanent headquarters, we are reinforcing our mission of editorial independence, expanding access to training and mentorship, and strengthening a platform for independent student journalism that has served the Penn community and the public for generations.
Construction will begin only when 75%, or $2 625 million, of the $3 5 million renovation cost has been raised. Our focus right now is to hit that milestone by summer 2026. To date, more than 100 alumni and friends have contributed $900,000 in new commitments, demonstrating strong early momentum. Our goal is to complete fundraising for the full renovation cost by the end of 2027 and open the new facility in 2028. We are also raising an additional $500,000 to support ongoing operations and maintenance, ensuring the longterm strength and sustainability of our new home
Learn more about our campaign and project at DPFutures com, or to schedule a conversation to hear about our giving opportunities and priorities email molberger@thedp com
Total Campaign Goal: $4,000,000
Renovation Budget: $3,500,000
Operations and Maintenance Reserve: $500,000
Funds Raised to Date: $900,000
34% of Groundbreaking Target Achieved
23% of Total Campaign Goal Achieved
Target to Begin Construction: Summer/Fall 2026
Goal: $2,625,000 Raised Before Groundbreaking
75% of Renovation Budget
Projected Timeline:
Construction Begins: Late 2026 - Early 2027
Campaign Concludes: End of 2027
Grand Opening: Early 2028
CurrentFundraising Strategy
Naming Opportunities
We are also actively inviting six and seven-figure commitments tied to naming opportunities throughout the new building. These include high-profile spaces such as the newsroom, digital media studios, and leadership offices as well as the opportunity to name the building itself. Every named gift offers donors a powerful way to leave a lasting legacy while investing in the future of independent student journalism.
Founder’s Circle
The DP Futures Campaign is focused on securing major and leadership gifts to reach our $2 625 million pre-construction goal Central to this effort is the expansion of the Founder’s Circle, comprised of donors committing $100,000 or more These early contributions are critical to building campaign momentum and demonstrate the strength of our alumni community Every Founder’s Circle member will have their names permanently honored within our new home at 3721 Chestnut.
Who’sLeadingtheWay?
The Futures Campaign is guided by a growing group of alumni volunteers whose experience spans journalism, law, business, public policy, and technology. These leaders share a deep commitment to The Daily Pennsylvanian's mission and future.
Campaign Committee Members
Binya Applebaum '01
Eric Brachfield '84
Peter Canellos '84
Chuck Cohen '83
Bryan Harris '83
Scott Heller '85
Lee Levine '76
Juliette Mullin '13
Jeff Shafer '06
Carolyn Spector '04
Dana Vogel '96
Mike Weiner '84
Current Campaign CommitteeActivity
To advance this critical phase of the campaign, members of the Campaign Committee are actively engaging a curated group of alumni and donor prospects through personal outreach and one-on-one conversations. This deliberate, relationship-focused strategy is designed to ensure that each potential supporter receives thoughtful, individualized attention. As outreach efforts grow in the coming months, this work strengthens our visibility across the DP and Penn communities and uniting those who share in our vision for the future of student journalism. If you are interested in joining the committee or would like to learn more, please be in touch with Steven Molberger at molberger@thedp com
Board of Managers, DP Foundation
The DP Foundation Board provides essential leadership in overseeing the organization’s long-term assets, including the acquisition of 3721 Chestnut Street The Board is responsible for guiding the renovation project, managing the building’s future operations, and ensuring sound financial stewardship for the Daily Pennsylvanian’s next chapter. We’re proud to recognize the dedicated alumni who currently serve on the Board:
Robert Chasen `88
Jean Chatzky `86
Chuck Cohen `83
Brandon Johnson `18
Jonathan Zimman `76
UpcomingCampaign Events
We are hosting a series of in-person events designe to bring together alumni, share campaign progress, and offer a firsthand look at our vision for the new home at 3721 Chestnut Street These gatherings are opportunities to connect with fellow alumni, hear from student leaders, and learn how you can help shape the next chapter of the DP's legacy.
Philadelphia Campaign Reception
Wednesday,April 30, 2025 | 6:00 to 8:00 PM Ballard Spahr LLP, 1735 Market Street, 51st Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103
DPAlumni Open House at PennAlumniWeekend
Saturday, May 17, 2025 | Time TBD 4015 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
NewYork City Capital Campaign Gathering
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 | 6:00 to 8:00 PM
NewYork City BarAssociation, 42 West 44th Street, NewYork, NY 10036
Each of these events is part of our broader campaig strategy to cultivate leadership gifts, build visibility and celebrate the collective strength of our alumni community To RSVP or learn more, contact molberger@thedp com
