With the closing of a school in the heart of downtown Findlay, Ohio, the community’s largest performance space was facing demolition. The leadership of the local community foundation and arts organizations engaged Benefactor Group to examine the feasibility of raising funds necessary to renovate the school auditorium and create a community performing arts center, what would eventually be the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.

Upon completion of the feasibility study, Benefactor Group was engaged further to establish a new 501(c)(3) organization, manage the recruitment of volunteer leadership and a founding board of directors, search for initial staff, and launch a capital/endowment fundraising campaign totaling $15 million.