Skip to the main content.
sign up BOOK A DEMO
sign up BOOK A DEMO

Features

How our software can help you, your audiences, and your team

Organizations

Meet our clients and learn what Spektrix could do for you

New Approaches MegaMenu USData-driven MegaMenu US

 

By Topic

Achieve more with Spektrix, with expert training, guidance, and support

By Type

Resources and expertise to inspire arts professionals

How to Choose Best CRM MegaMenu UK

Hubs MegaMenu US-1

 

Improvements

We're constantly innovating to add features and value

Press Center

Latest announcements from the market-leading solution for the arts

Spektrix Community is liveApple Google Pay MegaMenu UK

 

Purpose-driven

Creating social wellbeing by supporting the arts sector

People-centered

Building a positive, diverse team and culture

Social Value MegaMenu US
Security and Compliance

CASE STUDY: FUNDRAISING

Turning Ticket Buyers Into Donors with a Fundraising CRM


How Macomb Center for the Performing Arts used Spektrix to unlock donations and grow revenue through college and community audiences

Warren, Michigan
Macomb Center for the Performing Arts logo

Macomb Center for the Performing Arts

Arts Center
squiggle-divider-pink

SWITCHED FROM CHOICE TICKETING IN 2023

Challenge

Macomb’s previous ticketing system didn’t allow donations in the purchase pathway, and the central college fundraising team was wary of setting them up. 

Solution

Using dynamic fundraising tools and CRM insights in Spektrix, the team invited every ticket buyer to make an optional donation.

By tracking revenue and targeting asks, they maintained great patron relationships and quickly evidenced impact.

Outcome

With personalized messaging and flexible donation options, Macomb Center:

  • Engaged 300 donors giving more than 700 gifts in their first season using Spektrix
  • Doubled that number the following year
  • Exceeded their annual donation target by 7%
  • Inspired new giving, even for free events

Interior of the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, a modern auditorium with seating across two tiers

Located on the campus of Macomb Community College in Warren, Michigan, Macomb Center for the Performing Arts presents a wide range of live music, theater, and community events across a 1,261 seat main stage, a flexible black-box theater, and an adjacent cultural center. Serving both college and community audiences, the Center is active more than 300 days each year.

At the 2025 US Spektrix Hubs in Chicago, Cate Foltin (she/her), Business Manager, shared how the Center has transformed its fundraising approach. Working within a college structure meant additional layers of approval for any fundraising activity. But by experimenting with flexible setup tools in Spektrix, Cate and her team have shown how even publicly funded or education-based venues can successfully introduce dynamic donation tools and membership benefits to strengthen income and relationships.

0

new donors in year 1

0

gifts in year 1

0%

of free ticket buyers made a donation

Adding donations to the purchase pathway

When Macomb Center joined Spektrix in 2023, the team's goal was simple: to make it possible for patrons to donate as part of buying a ticket. 

Their previous system didn’t allow them to ask for donation in the purchase path, and instead fundraising activity was handled centrally by the college. It took time to convince internal stakeholders to allow an additional donation ask, but the results quickly proved its value.


The team introduced optional, dynamic donations directly in the purchase path. Each suggestion is based on the customer’s cart value, and patrons can adjust or skip the ask entirely. Within the first season, 300 individuals made more than 700 gifts.

The following year, that number doubled, and for the first time since COVID-19, Macomb Center exceeded its donation target by 7% — all without additional printing, postage, or campaign costs.
“It took a lot of convincing for the college to allow us to ask for a donation because it wasn’t part of their annual appeals. But once we added it, it’s been very successful. If you haven’t set up dynamic donations, it’s the easiest thing we ever did."

Cate Foltin

Business Manager

Personalized, data-driven fundraising through the Spektrix CRM
“We looked at people who’d already given and told them, ‘You’re $43 away from early access or 15% off concessions.’ About 25% upgraded their gifts."

Cate Foltin

Business Manager

With donations now flowing through Spektrix, the Center began analyzing giving patterns and tailoring messages to different segments. 


Data from the Spektrix CRM combined purchase patterns, giving history, and average spend, revealing clear opportunities to nurture donor relationships and build loyalty through membership benefits.

Using Spektrix reports, Cate’s team identified donors who were close to qualifying for benefits such as priority booking or concession discounts, and sent them personalized follow-ups.

This simple, data-driven approach has turned one-time donors into regular supporters. The ability to track donor activity, purchases, and communication history all in one place has made fundraising more strategic and transparent, even within the constraints of a college environment.

Giving audiences choice - and building community revenue

Not every patron chooses to give, and that’s part of what makes the approach effective. For Cate, the goal isn’t to pressure audiences, but to make the option visible and easy.

During a recent summer family dinosaur exhibition, around 15% of registrants chose to donate, even though tickets were free of charge. Those small, voluntary gifts have become an essential revenue stream that complements larger annual appeals.

By embedding donation prompts within event purchase pathways, the Center has created a culture of giving that aligns with audience behavior.

 

“We have people who don’t give, people who give less than the suggested amount, and people who give every time they buy a ticket. The important thing is: they have the choice."

 

The central college fundraising team can be confident that their vital relationships are protected, while welcoming contributions, large or small, to help sustain live performance in their community.

The Macomb Center’s journey shows how arts organizations can use the Spektrix fundraising CRM to make giving simple and successful, even within the complexities of a campus setting.

Dynamic, optional donation asks have made philanthropy part of everyday audience engagement, while data from the centralized patron record has empowered the team to communicate personally and effectively. 

Revenue growth is scalable and sustainable, and the Center has grown a more loyal and connected community of supporters.

For other college-based or campus venues, Cate’s advice is clear - do it!
“If you haven’t set up dynamic donations yet, it’s the easiest thing we ever did — and the team at Spektrix are really cool to work with."

Cate Foltin

Business Manager
squiggle-divider-pink

Ready to explore the benefits of integrated fundraising tools?

Tell us who you are and we'll reach out to arrange a demo