Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Membership Program/Ongoing Consulting

Columbus, Ohio

Columbus is home to one of North America’s most successful zoos. For eight years, Benefactor Group has been instrumental in strengthening every aspect of this zoo’s fundraising operations. Counsel conducted an assessment of the Zoo’s governance and evaluated and fortified its development and membership programs; created a strategy to increase gifts of $1,000 and above through an upper-level membership/donor society; and worked closely with senior staff to implement this strategy. Benefactor Group has guided the solicitation of leadership gifts, assessed the giving potential of the zoo’s more than 49,000 member households, and created appropriate materials to reach these members, as well as prospective members and donors.

ISIS (International Species Information System) Capital Campaign

Minneapolis, Minnesota; Amsterdam

For 30 years, ISIS has gathered data from the world’s zoos, organized it into various data banks, and made it available globally. ISIS has grown into a network of more than 650 zoos in 72 countries that have sheltered two million individual animals representing 10,000 species. As a nonprofit organization with a modest budget, however, ISIS strained to keep pace with rapid changes in technology and growing demand for access to information. Benefactor Group was retained to help the leaders of ISIS secure funding for a new state-of-the-art “Noah’s Ark” database; a significant challenge given ISIS’ lack of relationships with donors. Counsel developed a strategy that rallied the worldwide conservation community and has secured more than $7 million in grants, pledges, and program-related investment.

Newport Aquarium Foundation Development

Covington, Kentucky

The Newport Aquarium retained Benefactor Group to help develop a robust supporting organization, the WAVE Foundation. Counsel evaluated every aspect of the aquarium’s fundraising operations, education programs, and conservation efforts to identify opportunities to match the WAVE Foundation’s mission with the vision of potential donors.

Central Ohio Technical College Feasibility Study

Newark, Ohio

To meet growing workforce needs in the region, Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) engaged Benefactor Group to assess support for additional educational facilities in an adjacent county. As the primary regional resource for people seeking career advancement through two-year educational curricula, COTC maintained a direct linkage between its programs and employer requirements and discerned the need for a campus that would serve other communities in the region. Through a feasibility study, Counsel conducted 35 confidential interviews and provided recommendations that would guide the college through strategic prospect cultivation and detailed preliminary campaign planning.

Chefs Collaborative Development Assessment & Plan

Boston, Massachusetts

Chefs Collaborative, a national network of food-related professionals—chefs, farmers, fishers, and educators—as well as other food-lovers, promotes locally grown, sustainable foods and products. To make the best use of limited human and financial resources and implement the goals of its strategic plan, Chefs Collaborative engaged Benefactor Group to conduct a development assessment. Based on study findings, Counsel created a comprehensive, three-year plan to increase membership and visibility and to enhance staffing and governance. Benefactor provided board training and staff coaching as well as precise tactical steps to increase the effectiveness of this broadly decentralized collaboration.

Columbus Metropolitan Library Fundraising Assessment & Plan

Columbus, Ohio

Columbus Metropolitan Library is consistently ranked among the top four libraries in the United States. With more than 44% of the county’s population holding library cards and at least 8.5 million users annually, it outranks urban library systems in New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles. With diminishing government support for operations, the library engaged Benefactor Group to explore the potential for increased philanthropic support. Through internal and external assessments that included current and prospective donors, board members, community leaders, and staff; extensive review of library records and materials; and competitive benchmarking, Counsel provided a detailed and comprehensive development plan. Benefactor is currently providing general consulting services to assist in the implementation of the plan.

Eastman School of Music Pre-Campaign Planning

Rochester, New York

The Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, engaged Benefactor Group to provide a variety of pre-campaign planning and positioning activities to help the school clarify its fundraising goals. Counsel adjusted the table of gifts and campaign structure to reflect more thoroughly the capacity of Eastman donors and volunteers; and led the development of a comprehensive case for support and campaign communications plan.

Heidelberg College Board Training

Tiffin, Ohio

A liberal arts school in northwestern Ohio, Heidelberg College sought the advice of Benefactor Group to strengthen its board leadership and fundraising capabilities in preparation for an $18 million capital and endowment campaign. Benefactor Group conducted board training that combined coaching sessions—using specific individual donor strategies and case studies—with role play scenarios that included “How to Ask” for a gift to the campaign.

Mount Carmel College of Nursing Feasibility Study

Columbus, Ohio

Benefactor Group conducted a feasibility study to test support for capital projects, student scholarships, and endowed faculty positions. Counsel recommended a campaign and provided preliminary campaign plans, which are under consideration. This nursing program has been training healthcare professionals for more than a century and now serves more than seven hundred non-traditional students on its urban campus.

The Ohio State University College of Engineering Feasibility Study

Columbus, Ohio

OSU has supported studies in chemical engineering for more than a century. Today the department is suffering from severe space deficiencies due to accelerating changes in chemical engineering research and instruction and increasing enrollments spurred by long-respected faculty and graduates. Benefactor Group was invited to conduct a feasibility study when College leaders proposed a $35 million campaign to expand or replace Koffolt Laboratories. The results of the study signaled a prospect and donor community eager to volunteer and willing to support a more modest campaign. Benefactor Group worked with leaders of the College and an ad hoc volunteer study committee, conducted more than 40 interviews in many locations across the country, and recommended intense cultivation as the preface to a $20 million capital campaign. The department is currently engaging College and University leaders in high-level cultivation activities.

Ophelia Project Annual Fundraising

Erie, Pennsylvania

The Ophelia Project provides tools to encourage healthy adolescent relationships and reduce bullying behavior. To help bolster its outreach to young girls, the organization retained Benefactor Group. We researched potential options and helped Ophelia Project identify two initial methods to link donor dollars with its mission—development of a conference sponsorship plan and a cause-related marketing plan.

Purnell School Pre-Campaign Planning

Pottersville, New Jersey

Though less than fifty years old, Purnell has earned a national reputation as an innovative learning and living center for young women. Benefactor Group has helped Purnell realign its fundraising activities so they better reflect the vision of the board and the Head of School. A new fundraising plan has brought greater discipline and broader aspirations to the annual campaign as a prelude to the reinvigoration of a capital and endowment campaign.

Broad Street Presbyterian Church Capital Campaign

Columbus, Ohio

With a vision for expanded and revitalized facilities at their historic urban location, Broad Street Presbyterian Church retained Benefactor Group to help plan and implement a capital campaign. Counsel conducted a thorough assessment of the congregation’s fundraising capacity. Beginning with strategic cultivation activities, Counsel assisted the church in conducting a $5.1 million campaign, which was launched with $2.7 million of the goal already pledged.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church Feasibility Study & Campaign

Weston, Connecticut

Benefactor Group conducted an assessment of the fundraising capacity of this unique congregation. Though members worship in a picturesque colonial church, the parish is distinguished by its energy and a momentum that has drawn new members and new ministries to this quiet rural setting. The church was fast outgrowing its fellowship and meeting facilities. Based on the feasibility study, Counsel recommended a $1.5 million campaign to replace the parish hall. Today, Emmanuel has exceeded its campaign goal and continues with fundraising initiatives that will cover all remaining costs of the new facilities.

St. Luke’s Church Feasibility Study & Campaign

Benefactor Group completed a campaign feasibility study for renovation of the historic facilities belonging to this 182-year-old parish and creation of endowment funds for mission and maintenance. Benefactor designed and implemented the subsequent fundraising campaign and the congregation has just kicked off the public phase of its $1.25 million campaign.

Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego Endowment Building

San Diego, California

In its work with donors, the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego found that many people hesitate to give large gifts during their lifetimes, yet enjoy leaving bequests through their wills or trusts. Through its Endowment Leadership Institute, the Foundation has received scores of new—often major—bequests from people of seemingly modest means. A Benefactor Group principal is an annual presenter for the Institute.

Trinity Episcopal Church Capital Campaign

Buffalo, New York

Trinity Episcopal Church is committed to the challenges of providing a vibrant ministry in a transitional neighborhood in downtown Buffalo. Benefactor Group helped the congregation reshape its understanding of fundraising and stewardship, increase fundraising capacity by implementing a robust “every member canvas” annual campaign, and prepare for a major capital campaign. As a result of these preparatory activities, Trinity conducted a successful campaign to raise $1.3 million for historic preservation, renovation, and expansion of its facilities.

Arizona Endowment Building Initiative Endowment Building

Phoenix, Arizona

The Arizona Endowment Building Initiative is a collaborative program designed to assist Arizona nonprofit organizations in establishing and building endowments through an intensive 18-month proprietary course based on Diana Newman’s book, Nonprofit Essentials: Endowment Building. Benefactor Group helped to design the program and has facilitated a training session in each of the past three years. The Initiative is now hosting its third class of teams comprised of six to eight nonprofits. The organizations represented in the first two classes have already collectively raised more than $50 million in current and deferred gifts from their endowment building efforts.

Columbus Medical Association Foundation Feasibility Study

Columbus, Ohio

Through the Columbus Medical Association Foundation (CMAF), central Ohio physicians have, for decades, addressed emerging and emergency healthcare needs. The Physicians Free Clinic and Central Ohio Trauma System—both major projects of CMAF—are integral to emergency healthcare in the region and both suffer from the rising costs of medical supplies and services. When CMAF considered a campaign to help stabilize the future of the free clinic and the trauma system, the foundation invited Benefactor Group to conduct a feasibility study. With 40 interviews and the cooperation of an ad hoc study committee, Counsel tested a $4.1 million endowment campaign that would give these two projects long-term financial stability and independence. Based on the results of the study, Benefactor Group provided options—rather than a single campaign strategy—to help each project cultivate a firmer, broader donor base and wider recognition for the vital services each offers to the community.

Community Foundation of Abilene Endowment Building

Abilene, Texas

The Community Foundation of Abilene is dedicated to building endowments that enrich the quality of life in Abilene and the surrounding areas. It invited Benefactor Group to present a series of workshops for staff and board members of nonprofit organizations in the region. The workshops focused on strategies, skills, and tools to encourage their supporters to invest in permanent endowment funds that support their organizations—both now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Delaware County General Fundraising Capacity

Delaware, Ohio

When the Community Foundation of Delaware County was ready to consider its first endowment building campaign and assess its readiness for its first full-time president, it called on Benefactor Group. Benefactor conducted a feasibility study, designed a development campaign for both annual fundraising and endowment building, and planned and executed a search for a CEO. Since then, they have hired a president, developed the Quiet Campaign for operating funds, attracted more than 50 separate philanthropic funds, and awarded $690,000 in grants in 2008.

Foundation for Appalachian Ohio Leadership Development

Nelsonville, Ohio

When Ohio business and political leaders were considering the establishment of a community foundation to serve the 29 counties in Appalachian Ohio, they asked Benefactor Group to facilitate early meetings, conduct a feasibility study, and draft policies, structure, and strategies. Today, the Foundation has a diverse board, holds more than 50 charitable funds, and assets of nearly $5 million.

Greater Cincinnati Foundation and Knowledgeworks Foundation Endowment Campaign

Cincinnati, Ohio

Benefactor Group served these two community organizations as they evaluated the possibility of launching a scholarship program that would offer the promise of a college education to students in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky urban core. Benefactor designed the subsequent fundraising campaign. The early organizing phases of this transformational project and cultivation of prospective donors are in process.

Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego Endowment Building

San Diego, California

In its work with donors, the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego found that many people hesitate to give large gifts during their lifetimes, yet enjoy leaving bequests through their wills or trusts. Through its Endowment Leadership Institute, the Foundation has received scores of new—often major—bequests from people of seemingly modest means. A Benefactor Group principal is an annual presenter for the Institute.

Knowledgeworks Foundation and Greater Cincinnati Foundation Endowment Campaign

Cincinnati, Ohio

Benefactor Group served these two community organizations as they evaluated the possibility of launching a scholarship program that would offer the promise of a college education to students in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky urban core. Benefactor designed the subsequent fundraising campaign. The early organizing phases of this transformational project and cultivation of prospective donors are in process.

OhioHealth Foundation Board Training/Fundraising Counsel

Columbus, Ohio

Benefactor Group has provided training for the Foundation staff and board, and helped develop a fundraising strategy for the Center for Women and Babies, a $9 million project that is currently under development at Grant Medical Center. We provided coaching and guidance for the development officer during initial meetings with potential donors. Based on the outcome of these initial meetings, we provided fundraising recommendations and facilitated meetings of Grant’s development committee.

Ohio State Bar Foundation General Fundraising Capacity

Columbus, Ohio

The Ohio State Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the Ohio State Bar Association, is driven to improve public understanding of the law and to build a better justice system. When the Foundation decided to focus on increasing the funds available for grants and programs, it invited Benefactor Group to help establish a fundraising effort. Benefactor worked with the board of trustees to develop appropriate fundraising policies and structures, helped to prepare its new website, and provided orientation for its new development committee.

Scioto Foundation Development Assessment and Plan

Portsmouth, Ohio

The Scioto Foundation, located in the heart of Appalachian Ohio, decided to work through a corps of volunteers in the 11 school districts in Scioto County to raise funds for scholarships for graduates of local high schools. Benefactor Group was asked to conduct a feasibility study to determine the likely success of a fundraising and endowment campaign for scholarships and to help Foundation leaders design a fundraising plan. In addition, Benefactor continues to provide on-going fundraising training for teams of five to six individuals from each school district.

United Way of Greater Cincinnati & Greater Cincinnati Foundation Assessment & Endowment Plan

Cincinnati, Ohio

Leaders of these two highly regarded organizations wanted to assess their potential for working together to build a human services endowment that would meet the needs of Cincinnati residents. Benefactor Group conducted interviews with civic, corporate, and philanthropic leaders; polled nonprofit directors; identified other model partnerships around the nation; and estimated the community’s financial capacity. A plan to build endowment was provided to the partnership and the organizations are in the process of implementing this plan. Counsel also facilitated a year-long program to train United Way development staff members and to help build camaraderie between United Way and the Greater Cincinnati Foundation.

Women’s Fund of Central Ohio Development Assessment & Plan

Columbus, Ohio

The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio provides grants—to individuals and programs—that promote positive social change and expand opportunities for women and girls. Recently, the organization determined it would benefit from a comprehensive development plan to support a sustainable future. Through interviews with community leaders and the women who benefit from the Women’s Fund, Benefactor Group evaluated the organization’s development programs, made recommendations to strengthen the capacity to secure generous philanthropic support, and created a five-year development plan to increase funding support, build the endowment, and expand the donor base. The plan provided a clear path for the Women’s Fund to increase its annual net development income at least threefold and its endowment assets fivefold over the period of the development plan, maintaining its role as a premiere resource for women and girls in Central Ohio.

Women’s Funding Network Endowment Building and Mid-Campaign Assessment

San Francisco, California

The Women’s Funding Network is composed of more than 130 organizations that transform the lives of women and girls across the globe. Benefactor Group provided 11 monthly on-line endowment building workshops for staff and board members of 20 member organizations, culminating in a face-to-face session at the Network’s annual conference. In addition, Benefactor Group conducted a mid-campaign assessment of the historic Women Moving Millions campaign, which has secured gifts of $1 million or more from 80 women and expects to exceed its $150 million goal.

Columbus Medical Association Foundation Feasibility Study

Columbus, Ohio

Through the Columbus Medical Association Foundation (CMAF), central Ohio physicians have, for decades, addressed emerging and emergency healthcare needs. The Physicians Free Clinic and Central Ohio Trauma System—both major projects of CMAF—are integral to emergency healthcare in the region and both suffer from the rising costs of medical supplies and services. When CMAF considered a campaign to help stabilize the future of the free clinic and the trauma system, the foundation invited Benefactor Group to conduct a feasibility study. With 40 interviews and the cooperation of an ad hoc study committee, Counsel tested a $4.1 million endowment campaign that would give these two projects long-term financial stability and independence. Based on the results of the study, Benefactor Group provided options—rather than a single campaign strategy—to help each project cultivate a firmer, broader donor base and wider recognition for the vital services each offers to the community.

Girl Scouts Seal of Ohio Council Feasibility Study

Columbus, Ohio

For urban, suburban, and rural scouts as well as girls from underserved areas in 17 counties, camping and outdoor activities play an integral role in cultivating independence and lifelong friendships, and environmental knowledge. To address the aging state of camping facilities for these girls, the Seal of Ohio Council invited Benefactor Group to assess the support for a campaign to renovate and redesign four deteriorating camp sites. Benefactor wrote a case for support, assessed internal capabilities to support a campaign, and conducted 37 confidential interviews. As a result of the study, Counsel recommended specific internal organizational steps and prospect and donor cultivation strategies in preparation for a capital campaign.

Mid-Ohio FoodBank Feasibility Study & Campaign

Columbus, Ohio

Mid-Ohio FoodBank supplies million of pounds of nutritious food annually to more than 550 hunger relief agencies across 20 Ohio counties. With the demand for food increasing every year, the organization has outgrown its present location. Benefactor Group conducted a feasibility study and recommended a $15 million campaign to purchase and renovate new facilities that support expanded capacity and distribution capabilities. With more than $12 million pledged to date, the Mid-Ohio FoodBank has just kicked off the public portion of its campaign.

OhioHealth Foundation Board Training/Fundraising Counsel

Columbus, Ohio

Benefactor Group has provided training for the Foundation staff and board, and helped develop a fundraising strategy for the Center for Women and Babies, a $9 million project that is currently under development at Grant Medical Center. We provided coaching and guidance for the development officer during initial meetings with potential donors. Based on the outcome of these initial meetings, we provided fundraising recommendations and facilitated meetings of Grant’s development committee.

Ophelia Project Annual Fundraising

Erie, Pennsylvania

The Ophelia Project provides tools to encourage healthy adolescent relationships and reduce bullying behavior. To help bolster its outreach to young girls, the organization retained Benefactor Group. We researched potential options and helped Ophelia Project identify two initial methods to link donor dollars with its mission—development of a conference sponsorship plan and a cause-related marketing plan.

Scioto-Paint Valley Mental Health Center Board Assessment & Training

Chillicothe, Ohio

To improve governance and enhance operational effectiveness, Benefactor Group guided the board and staff of the Scioto-Valley Mental Health Center through a multi-step assessment. This process enabled Counsel to help clarify and establish the center’s outcomes; assess personnel talents, interests, and potential; and develop a plan for the implementation of recommended changes to board function.

Women’s Center of Jacksonville Assessment & Capital Campaign

Jacksonville, Florida

The Women’s Center was founded in 1992 to serve the needs of women in northeast Florida. Within a decade, the center had outgrown its modest offices in a renovated home and made plans for a new facility. Benefactor Group conducted a feasibility study and helped facilitate a number of training sessions with board members and other volunteers. The center launched a capital campaign and realized its goals within a year.

World YWCA Endowment Campaign & Capacity-Building

Geneva, Switzerland

The world’s oldest and largest women’s movement, the YWCA launched its first major fundraising campaign in 2000—a global effort to raise funds to endow activities that touch the lives of nearly 20 million women and girls in more than 100 countries. Benefactor Group designed and guided the implementation of a world-wide planning study and assisted in the identification and training of campaign leaders. We worked successfully with donors and volunteer leaders from far-flung cultures and helped the World headquarters in Geneva pursue major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations. As a result of our efforts, the World YWCA has added more than $11 million to their endowment and anticipates additional contributions through planned gifts and their strengthened global network.

Yellow Springs Senior Center Endowment Building

Yellow Springs, Ohio

Yellow Springs established a Senior Center in 1959. The Center’s board wanted to prepare for the future by building an endowment to provide income for the Center’s programs and activities. The board asked Benefactor Group to assess the likelihood of success of an endowment campaign and to help its leaders develop a compelling case for support and a plan to attract philanthropic investments. The Seniors for Tomorrow Endowment Campaign reached its goal through a combination of current and deferred gifts.

YMCA of Central Ohio Feasibility Study

Columbus, Ohio

Benefactor Group conducted a feasibility study for renovation and expansion of eight urban and suburban YMCA facilities and a camp. This process demanded nine different cases for support and 53 interviews around the state. Used around the clock, these facilities accommodate as many as 2.6 million visits annually by members and guests and support one of the largest safe and affordable childcare and after school programs in the region.

YWCA of Greater Milwaukee Mid-Campaign Assessment & Campaign

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The YWCA of Greater Milwaukee engaged Benefactor Group to help complete a $15 million capital campaign. Initially, the campaign was launched with a lead gift of $1.2 million and great enthusiasm. Early solicitations yielded gifts of more than $8 million but then momentum stalled. Counsel conducted a mid-campaign assessment, redefined the campaign goals and gift chart, reorganized the development staff, and re-energized the volunteer corps. The campaign ultimately achieved its goals and blazed a new fundraising trail for women’s philanthropy in Milwaukee.

YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts Feasibility Study & Campaign

New Bedford, Massachusetts

Located in a historic New Bedford home, the YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts needed to preserve its facilities as well as adapt them to support an extensive service area. Through a customized feasibility study, Benefactor Group assisted YWCA leaders to plan a capital campaign that combined historic preservation and expanded facilities, thereby improving services to women and families in this diverse coastal population.

Community Research Partners Board Assessment & Training

Columbus, Ohio

Community Research Partners (CRP) is a unique collaboration between the city of Columbus, United Way of Central Ohio, the John Glenn School of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University, and the Franklin County Commissioners. A nonprofit research center that provides cutting edge research, community-based information, and data evaluation, CRP came to Benefactor Group to strengthen and focus its diverse board. Counsel specially tailored a board retreat to teach governance skills and strategies through individualized member assessments, coaching, and guidance.

Council on Foundations Leadership Development

Arlington, Virginia

The Council on Foundations is the national association for community, private, and corporate foundations. Since 2001, when Diana Newman was asked by the Council to design a three-day course for new staff and board members of community foundations, she has taught and revised the curricula for “Community Foundations Fundamentals” and “Community Foundations Asset Development” courses. She also conducted research into inclusive practices and wrote “Opening Doors: Pathways to Diverse Donors,” published by Jossey-Bass in 2002 under the sponsorship of the Council on Foundations.

Women’s Funding Network Endowment Building and Mid-Campaign Assessment

San Francisco, California

The Women’s Funding Network is composed of more than 130 organizations that transform the lives of women and girls across the globe. Benefactor Group provided 11 monthly on-line endowment building workshops for staff and board members of 20 member organizations, culminating in a face-to-face session at the Network’s annual conference. In addition, Benefactor Group conducted a mid-campaign assessment of the historic Women Moving Millions campaign, which has secured gifts of $1 million or more from 80 women and expects to exceed its $150 million goal.

Girl Scouts Seal of Ohio Council Feasibility Study

Columbus, Ohio

For urban, suburban, and rural scouts as well as girls from underserved areas in 17 counties, camping and outdoor activities play an integral role in cultivating independence and lifelong friendships, and environmental knowledge. To address the aging state of camping facilities for these girls, the Seal of Ohio Council invited Benefactor Group to assess the support for a campaign to renovate and redesign four deteriorating camp sites. Benefactor wrote a case for support, assessed internal capabilities to support a campaign, and conducted 37 confidential interviews. As a result of the study, Counsel recommended specific internal organizational steps and prospect and donor cultivation strategies in preparation for a capital campaign.

Mayfield Senior School Pre-Campaign Planning/Campaign

Pasadena, California

For 75 years, Mayfield Senior School has helped to shape young women academically, socially, and spiritually. The school was established by the Society of the Holy Child Jesus and is firmly rooted in its Catholic heritage. To determine its readiness for a capital and endowment campaign, the school retained Benefactor Group. After a thorough pre-campaign study, we recommended the school take a number of steps to strengthen relationships with alumnae, parents, and the community; Counsel has guided school leaders through this process. Now, Mayfield is on the threshold of launching the most ambitious campaign in the school’s history and has secured a number of pace setting gifts.

Ophelia Project Annual Fundraising

Erie, Pennsylvania

The Ophelia Project provides tools to encourage healthy adolescent relationships and reduce bullying behavior. To help bolster its outreach to young girls, the organization retained Benefactor Group. We researched potential options and helped Ophelia Project identify two initial methods to link donor dollars with its mission—development of a conference sponsorship plan and a cause-related marketing plan.

Purnell School Pre-Campaign Planning

Pottersville, New Jersey

Though less than fifty years old, Purnell has earned a national reputation as an innovative learning and living center for young women. Benefactor Group has helped Purnell realign its fundraising activities so they better reflect the vision of the board and the Head of School. A new fundraising plan has brought greater discipline and broader aspirations to the annual campaign as a prelude to the reinvigoration of a capital and endowment campaign.

Women’s Center of Jacksonville Assessment & Capital Campaign

Jacksonville, Florida

The Women’s Center was founded in 1992 to serve the needs of women in northeast Florida. Within a decade, the center had outgrown its modest offices in a renovated home and made plans for a new facility. Benefactor Group conducted a feasibility study and helped facilitate a number of training sessions with board members and other volunteers. The center launched a capital campaign and realized its goals within a year.

Women’s Fund of Central Ohio Development Assessment & Plan

Columbus, Ohio

The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio provides grants—to individuals and programs—that promote positive social change and expand opportunities for women and girls. Recently, the organization determined it would benefit from a comprehensive development plan to support a sustainable future. Through interviews with community leaders and the women who benefit from the Women’s Fund, Benefactor Group evaluated the organization’s development programs, made recommendations to strengthen the capacity to secure generous philanthropic support, and created a five-year development plan to increase funding support, build the endowment, and expand the donor base. The plan provided a clear path for the Women’s Fund to increase its annual net development income at least threefold and its endowment assets fivefold over the period of the development plan, maintaining its role as a premiere resource for women and girls in Central Ohio.

World YWCA Endowment Campaign & Capacity-Building

Geneva, Switzerland

The world’s oldest and largest women’s movement, the YWCA launched its first major fundraising campaign in 2000—a global effort to raise funds to endow activities that touch the lives of nearly 20 million women and girls in more than 100 countries. Benefactor Group designed and guided the implementation of a world-wide planning study and assisted in the identification and training of campaign leaders. We worked successfully with donors and volunteer leaders from far-flung cultures and helped the World headquarters in Geneva pursue major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations. As a result of our efforts, the World YWCA has added more than $11 million to their endowment and anticipates additional contributions through planned gifts and their strengthened global network.

YWCA of Greater Milwaukee Mid-Campaign Assessment & Campaign

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The YWCA of Greater Milwaukee engaged Benefactor Group to help complete a $15 million capital campaign. Initially, the campaign was launched with a lead gift of $1.2 million and great enthusiasm. Early solicitations yielded gifts of more than $8 million but then momentum stalled. Counsel conducted a mid-campaign assessment, redefined the campaign goals and gift chart, reorganized the development staff, and re-energized the volunteer corps. The campaign ultimately achieved its goals and blazed a new fundraising trail for women’s philanthropy in Milwaukee.

YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts Feasibility Study & Campaign

New Bedford, Massachusetts

Located in a historic New Bedford home, the YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts needed to preserve its facilities as well as adapt them to support an extensive service area. Through a customized feasibility study, Benefactor Group assisted YWCA leaders to plan a capital campaign that combined historic preservation and expanded facilities, thereby improving services to women and families in this diverse coastal population.