In December 2021, the Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation Department engaged Benefactor Group to conduct a campaign feasibility study focused on upgrades to the county’s Civic Center Park. Initially, the request for proposal (RFP) sought only a campaign plan; however, Benefactor Group submitted a proposal advocating for a comprehensive feasibility study.

The study assessed the viability of a $12 million campaign to implement a master plan for the park, which had been developed through a community planning process. In addition to conducting a traditional feasibility study involving 19 interviews and one discussion group, Benefactor Group performed a funder scan to identify potential public and private grant funding for the project.

Benefactor Group also provided recommendations regarding potential fundraising partners to support the proposed campaign, ensuring that the Parks and Recreation Department had a well-rounded approach to securing funding for the park’s upgrades.