Benefactor Group was founded in February 2000 by Laura MacDonald, CFRE—a respected philanthropic advisor known for her thoughtful counsel and deep understanding of how generosity shapes communities. From day one, Benefactor Group was built to serve those who serve the common good. Laura’s vision and leadership attracted organizations seeking strategic guidance at pivotal moments in their growth. And in those early years, one of the firm’s first major campaign projects helped chart the course for what would become one of the essential services we offer today.

Launching Campaign Counsel with Purpose

The Global Fund for Women had just entered a new era of leadership and was preparing for a milestone anniversary. With a strong legacy of funding women-led organizations around the world, the Global Fund needed a plan to deepen its impact, connect with supporters, and invite new investment. They turned to Benefactor Group for help shaping their fundraising strategy and communications. Our team collaborated with the Global Fund to align internal teams, build understanding across departments, and develop donor-facing materials that told a clear and compelling story. That partnership supported their 25th anniversary campaign and demonstrated how powerful it can be when strategy and storytelling work hand in hand.

Since then, campaign counsel has grown into one of the core services we offer—helping nonprofit organizations of all sizes fuel their missions through powerful fundraising.

Campaign Strategy Grounded in Experience

Today, I have the privilege of leading Benefactor Group’s Campaigns service line. Before joining the firm, I served as Assistant Vice President for Alumni and Donor Engagement at Eastern Michigan University Foundation, where I led the most successful fundraising campaign in the university’s history. Our campaign, Give Rise, surpassed its $100 million goal by nearly 20 percent. That experience reinforced something I already believed: campaigns are about more than just dollars—they’re about people, purpose, and the chance to imagine what’s possible.

Now, as a consultant, I have the privilege of guiding organizations through the same kind of transformational work. I’ve led feasibility studies, advised campaign teams across sectors, and worked alongside clients as they turn bold visions into reality. Whether a campaign is in the earliest planning stages or already underway, I help organizations stay grounded in strategy, aligned as a team, and connected to the mission that drives their work.

A Proven Process for Fundraising Campaigns

No two campaigns are alike—but every successful campaign is rooted in clarity, alignment, and preparation. At Benefactor Group, we guide our clients through a proven, people-centered, data-driven process that builds the foundation for a strong campaign:

We begin with orientation—learning about the organization’s history, goals, and readiness to take on a major fundraising effort. Then we develop a preliminary case for support, helping clients put their vision into words that resonate with donors. From there, we move into discovery, engaging stakeholders through interviews, focus groups, or surveys to gather insights about the organization’s reputation, relationships, and philanthropic potential. Those findings inform a phase of analysis, where we assess readiness and identify opportunities or areas that need attention. Finally, we share findings and recommendations—a detailed, practical roadmap for moving forward with a campaign that reflects the organization’s goals, strengths, and capacity.

We’ve walked through this process with healthcare institutions, schools and universities, social service agencies, arts and cultural organizations, and more. It’s not a formula—it’s a flexible framework that ensures thoughtful planning and increases the likelihood of success.

Campaigns That Strengthen Organizations

Campaigns push organizations to think bigger, work together, and reach beyond their usual boundaries. They build internal alignment. They deepen relationships with donors. And they invite communities to invest in a shared vision for the future. At Benefactor Group, we’re honored to serve as a reliable partner throughout this process—helping our clients navigate complexity with clarity and confidence.

Whether preparing for a capital campaign, a comprehensive campaign, or a capacity building effort, organizations turn to us for honest counsel, collaborative planning, and a thoughtful approach to strategy and messaging. And just as important, they trust us to help build momentum that lasts long after the final gift is secured.

After 25 years of helping nonprofits rise to their most ambitious moments, we’re still inspired by what’s possible when people come together to rally behind their mission and effect change.

If your organization is planning for a campaign—or wondering if now is the right time—I’d love to start the conversation. Reach me at [email protected] to learn how Benefactor Group can support your organization’s next step forward.