In 2017, the Science Center of Iowa (SCI), a leading organization engaging Des Moines and regional residents in STEM learning, faced significant challenges. Changing technology, aging exhibits that were well loved but overused, and a growing demand for STEM programs highlighted the need for a campaign study to determine the organization’s future direction.

In mid-2018, Benefactor Group partnered with SCI to conduct a study, testing a $25 million campaign goal. The study concluded successfully in late 2018, leading to Benefactor Group’s retention for counsel and management of SCI’s capital campaign. This campaign aimed to secure capital and endowment funding for transformative changes in SCI’s innovation experiences, technology engagements, STEM programs, and its highly regarded STEM-based preschool.