Benefactor Group is honored to celebrate 25 years serving those who serve the common good. This milestone isn’t just about our journey—it’s about recognizing 25 years of philanthropic successes and the transformative impact those successes have had on people and causes around the world. Together, we fuel causes with powerful fundraising, people, and systems, and we look forward to continuing this work for many years to come.
Spring 2000: a dining room table, a vision, and a mission to support those who serve the common good. 25 years later, Benefactor Group has partnered with countless nonprofit organizations to inspire donors, strengthen teams, and bring bold ideas to life. We’ve helped nonprofits raise millions, cut ribbons on transformational projects, and celebrated the next generation of fundraising leaders. And through it all, one thing remains clear—philanthropy thrives when strategy meets heart.
Reflecting on 25 Years of Service
Today, Benefactor Group is a team of 25 professionals, known for our expertise, project management, and camaraderie. Our services have evolved into six core areas: capital campaigns, executive search, capacity building, communications, strategic planning, and nonprofit technology. We’ve grown, adapted, and learned a lot along the way—so here are 25 lessons from 25 years:
- Fundraising is the science of predicting human behavior and the art of influencing it.
- Need produces charity, vision inspires philanthropy.
- Donor fatigue is a myth, but fundraiser fatigue isn’t.
- Every community wants to be seen as generous.
- Fundraising is complicated because donors are human.
- “Ask” and “give” are words of action, not objects (verbs, not nouns).
- For a donor, every meaningful gift is a “major” gift.
- Words matter.
- It’s rare for people to give unless they’re asked.
- If it isn’t measured, it doesn’t matter, so it might not happen.
- Few people like to be asked for money; most people like to be inspired.
- If we are facing in the right direction, all we must do is keep on walking.
- Six words that are the key to a successful strategic plan: Clear objectives on a clear timeline.
- Everything is a project. Treat them accordingly.
- Know your portfolio measures.
- A good plan requires the head and the heart. It needs tactics, timelines, measures…and it needs to inspire.
- There is no such thing as a technology project.
- Do the basics well. Then do the next thing.
- Good data is sexy.
- What CRM is best? It depends.
- Don’t treat all your donors the same way.
- If you’re open and coachable, the sky’s the limit.
- Don’t overlook the power of volunteers.
- If you’ve worked on one campaign, you’ve worked on one campaign. They’re all different.
- Talent is everything.
Talent is everything—but the right talent, strategy, and systems make all the difference. At Benefactor Group, we bring the nonprofit expertise, project management, and partnership to help you fuel your cause with powerful fundraising, strong teams, and the right tools. As we look ahead to the next 25 years, we remain committed to helping nonprofits turn big visions into reality.
