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.
About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern Michigan University (EMU) has a long and proud tradition of academic excellence and community engagement. Today, EMU serves more than 15,000 students with a mission to prepare them for meaningful careers and lives of purpose. The University is distinguished by its commitment to access, inclusion, and applied learning—helping students connect knowledge to real-world impact across Michigan and beyond.
Laying the Foundation for Campaign Success
In 2019, Eastern Michigan University partnered with Benefactor Group to assess the potential for a multi-million-dollar fundraising campaign to support student success, strengthen signature programs, and expand hands-on learning opportunities.
Through a series of interviews, analyses, and internal readiness assessments, Benefactor Group helped EMU gauge its philanthropic potential and build momentum for a campaign that would not only raise funds but also deepen engagement among alumni, donors, and friends of the University.
The resulting recommendations encouraged EMU to move forward confidently—anchoring its effort in both financial goals and the long-term goal of cultivating a stronger culture of philanthropy across campus.
Enhancing Fundraising Systems and Strategy
As EMU began its campaign, Benefactor Group continued to provide strategic counsel—this time focusing on the Foundation’s business processes and data management. Together, the teams streamlined operations and enhanced systems to support a more sophisticated, data-informed approach to fundraising.
These operational improvements became essential to the campaign’s success, allowing EMU’s advancement staff to work more efficiently, connect more meaningfully with donors, and plan with greater precision.
Continuing the Journey of Growth and Impact
By the conclusion of Benefactor Group’s engagement in 2021, Eastern Michigan University had strengthened its infrastructure, deepened its donor relationships, and embedded philanthropy more fully into its institutional culture.
As EMU continues to build on this foundation, Benefactor Group celebrates its role as a trusted partner in helping the University advance its mission—empowering students, supporting academic excellence, and contributing to a stronger future for the region.
As we mark 25 years of serving those who serve the common good, Benefactor Group is proud to highlight Eastern Michigan University as an example of how intentional planning, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to mission can lead to lasting progress.
If you’re interested in learning more about how Benefactor Group’s nonprofit consulting, campaign planning, and data strategy services might support your organization, connect with us today. We’d love to talk.
