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.
When asked about the motivation behind launching an ambitious capital campaign to expand its facilities, President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Habash had a straightforward response: “Quite frankly, we ran out of space.” As the 12th largest food bank in the country, the Mid-Ohio Food Collective serves 20 counties and collaborates with over 550 charitable organizations, distributing more than 66.5 million pounds of food annually—an impressive leap from the 200,000 pounds handled in its inaugural year. To continue addressing the growing hunger needs in the community, the organization required additional space. Benefactor Group partnered with MOFB to evaluate its capacity for a capital campaign and to establish a solid foundation for achieving its $16 million goal.
The Importance of Preparation
Preparation played a pivotal role in the campaign’s success. Effective campaign planning involves addressing five key questions:
- Does my organization have a respected reputation?
- Is there a compelling case for support?
- Are there committed leaders in place?
- Is there generous initial giving and significant philanthropic potential?
- Do we have adequate technology and infrastructure?
With the support of Benefactor Group, the Mid-Ohio Food Collective meticulously assessed and enhanced these critical components.
Crafting a Compelling Case for Support
Habash attributed the campaign’s success to several of these essential elements, particularly the case for support developed by Benefactor Group.
“The case for support compelled us to clarify our vision for the new space and how it would enable us to better meet community needs. Having a powerful narrative about the impact of hunger, paired with our determination to effect change, sparked real passion,” he explained.
Crafting a compelling and comprehensive narrative that outlines an organization’s potential impact is a crucial preparatory step, laying the groundwork for the entire campaign’s messaging.
Innovative Leadership Approach
Nurturing effective campaign leadership—and fostering leadership giving—were vital aspects of the preparation process. The Mid-Ohio Food Collective employed an innovative approach to selecting its campaign committee leadership. Instead of recruiting high-profile CEOs, Habash assembled a team from the corporate sector who were typically on the receiving end of capital campaign solicitations. This unique composition proved advantageous, as it allowed corporate donors to gain insight into the decision-making process from the other side.
Moreover, the MOFB community “truly stepped up to the plate,” according to Habash. “We approached our family first for contributions. Although we were a bit apprehensive—nearly one-third of our board members were new—each board and staff member rose to the occasion, and we exceeded all our family goals.”
Building Momentum with Donors
With a strong base of family contributions established, Benefactor Group’s expertise further equipped the organization’s leadership for approaching larger donors.
“Campaigns thrive on building momentum. When it came time to approach donors, we leveraged Benefactor Group’s guidance to maximize our meetings and transform the trust we had built with our donors into commitments and gifts. The Benefactor Group team excelled at teaching us the importance of relationship building. That’s the heart of fundraising, and their team members are truly exceptional,” said Habash.
Achieving Remarkable Results
In just two years, the Mid-Ohio Food Collective raised over $30 million to transform hunger relief in Central Ohio—nearly doubling their initial goal. This remarkable achievement underscores the impact of their partnership with Benefactor Group, which helped amplify their efforts and create lasting change for the community.
Conclusion
As Benefactor Group proudly celebrates 25 years of serving those who serve the common good, the story of the Mid-Ohio Food Collective is a shining example of the philanthropic successes we aim to recognize through our 25 Stories of Impact series. This milestone isn’t just about our journey; it’s about honoring the transformative impact that dedicated organizations like the Mid-Ohio Food Collective have on individuals and communities.
Their remarkable achievement of raising over $30 million in just two years—nearly doubling their original goal—exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships and effective fundraising. Together, we fuel causes with robust strategies, passionate people, and innovative systems, driving meaningful change in the fight against hunger. We look forward to continuing this vital work alongside organizations committed to making a difference for many years to come.
