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.
Strengthening Capacity Through a Feasibility Study
Help & Hope Center (HHC) supplies nutritious food, housing and utilities support, hope, and a pathway to a brighter future for residents of Douglas and Elbert counties. Founded in 1984 as an emergency assistance center in a garage operated by a handful of volunteers, Help & Hope has expanded to a staff of 23 and a 300-member volunteer corps.
In 2023, Help & Hope Center engaged Benefactor Group to conduct a feasibility study for a potential campaign to reimagine the physical space. The study assessed organizational readiness, donor engagement, and fundraising potential. Ultimately, the board decided to invest in building capacity across the development department and strengthening donor relationships to set the organization and its clients up for long-term success and sustainability.
Building Capacity and Strategic Planning
In early 2024, Benefactor Group worked with Help & Hope to create a comprehensive development plan and establish its development department. The process addressed four guiding questions: Who are you now? Who could you be? Who will you be? How will you get there?
Benefactor Group provided executive coaching, strategic counsel, practical tools, and implementation support—helping the organization strengthen internal systems, clarify fundraising priorities, and enhance donor engagement. In the years following, Help & Hope Center achieved a 28% increase in annual fundraising in one year and has a blossoming major giving program.
Preparing for Transformational Leadership
Currently, Benefactor Group is conducting an executive search for Help & Hope Center’s next Executive Director. Leadership transitions can be daunting for any organization, but they also present a unique opportunity to plan boldly for the future. With the support of Benefactor Group’s search team, the board will identify a leader capable of guiding the organization through its next phase of growth, ensuring long-term sustainability, and maximizing its impact in the community.
Under the steady leadership of outgoing Executive Director Dan Marlow, Help & Hope Center has strengthened its operations, expanded its reach, and engaged its community of stakeholders, laying the groundwork for long-term impact. With this strong foundation in place, HHC is well positioned to welcome its next leader. As the Castle Rock area continues to grow and rising costs put additional strain on household budgets, the demand for HHC’s services is increasing. The incoming Executive Director will have the opportunity to build on Marlow’s legacy, guiding a mission-driven board and talented staff to expand partnerships, set a bold vision, and ensure neighbors in need continue to find hope and support during life’s most challenging moments.
Learn more about the position here.
How Growth Partnerships Lead to Success
Benefactor Group’s work with Help & Hope Center demonstrates the importance of a feasibility study, and the value of investing in development planning and leadership support. Each phase of engagement built a stronger foundation for the organization, from evaluating campaign readiness to designing sustainable fundraising structures and preparing for transformational leadership.
Benefactor Group’s partnership reflects a commitment to helping mission-driven organizations strengthen infrastructure, expand development capacity, and prepare for critical growth opportunities. By providing strategic nonprofit consulting and campaign guidance, Benefactor Group has helped ensure that Help & Hope Center could continue delivering essential services and hope to its community.
As we commemorate 25 years of serving those who serve the common good, Benefactor Group is proud to celebrate Help & Hope Center’s story as a testament to the impact of thoughtful planning, strong growth partnerships, and dedicated leadership.
If you’re interested in learning more about how Benefactor Group’s nonprofit consulting, campaign planning, and executive search services might support your organization, connect with us today. We’d love to talk.
