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.
About the Columbus Museum of Art
Founded in 1878 as the Columbus Gallery of Fine Arts, the Columbus Museum of Art (CMA) was established by a visionary group of civic leaders who sought to bring touring exhibitions to the city and build a lasting public art collection. Today, CMA continues to foster creativity, broaden perspectives, and spark dialogue through transformative encounters with art for visitors across Central Ohio and beyond.
Celebrating a Decade of Arts Capital Campaign Success
This year marked a significant milestone for the Columbus Museum of Art: the 10-year anniversary of the Margaret M. Walter Wing. When the Walter Wing opened in 2015, it represented a bold step forward for both the Museum and the city of Columbus. The 50,000-square-foot addition gave CMA the space to grow—presenting more ambitious exhibitions, hosting dynamic public programs, and welcoming a rapidly expanding audience. In the years that followed, attendance nearly doubled, and CMA emerged as a museum of national relevance, better equipped to serve its community and engage the world.
The Walter Wing was made possible through a multi-million-dollar capital campaign—one of the Museum’s most transformational endeavors. Benefactor Group partnered with CMA to design and execute the campaign, developing a comprehensive plan that guided the formation and expansion of the volunteer corps, crafted strategies for engaging top donors, and provided coaching to board members, the director, and the development team. Benefactor Group also supported the creation of a compelling case for support—language that continued to resonate in grant proposals and donor appeals long after the campaign concluded.
Sustaining Momentum Through Strategic Fundraising
Nearly a decade after the campaign’s success, the Columbus Museum of Art continued to look forward with ambition. In 2023, following a leadership transition, CMA engaged Benefactor Group once again—this time to conduct a philanthropic assessment in preparation for renewed and elevated fundraising. The assessment informed a detailed development plan that aligned with CMA’s evolving goals and growing regional significance.
Benefactor Group’s partnership extended beyond strategy to include hands-on support: placing an interim advancement leader, conducting a search for the next Chief Advancement Officer, and advising staff and volunteer leaders through implementation. Together, these efforts built a foundation for sustainable growth and positioned CMA to pursue a new, multi-million-dollar comprehensive campaign that would strengthen its endowment, expand programs, and deepen its community impact.
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter of Art and Impact
As the Columbus region continues to grow, the Museum’s vision remains rooted in the belief that art can inspire, connect, and shape the life of a city. Benefactor Group is proud to be a partner in this ongoing journey—from the campaign that built the Walter Wing to the strategic planning that now supports the Museum’s next era of growth. Together, CMA and Benefactor Group celebrated the power of art to build community and advance culture—proving that thoughtful planning, enduring partnerships, and visionary leadership could transform both institutions and the cities they serve.
As we commemorate 25 years of serving those who serve the common good, Benefactor Group celebrates the Columbus Museum of Art as a testament to what is possible when mission, creativity, and philanthropy work hand in hand.
If you’re interested in learning more about how Benefactor Group’s nonprofit consulting, campaign planning, and interim leadership services might support your organization, connect with us today. We’d love to talk.
