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.
Launching a Capital Campaign to Transform a National Treasure
Rising more than 14,000 feet above sea level, Pikes Peak is one of America’s most iconic landmarks—and a treasured destination for visitors from around the world. For decades, the summit welcomed millions with awe-inspiring views but outdated facilities. After 55 years of operation in extreme alpine conditions, the original Summit House had deteriorated beyond repair.
In 2016, the City of Colorado Springs launched an ambitious effort to reimagine the summit experience and replace the aging facility with a new, sustainably designed Summit Complex. Through a competitive interview process, the City selected Benefactor Group to conduct a campaign planning study to assess the feasibility of launching a public/private capital campaign to fund the $60 million project. The study explored the potential for private philanthropic support for a national treasure that had no previous donor records or history of charitable giving.
Fundraising Feasibility Study and Campaign Counsel
Over several months, Benefactor Group’s fundraising consultants engaged regional and national leaders, conducted interviews, and analyzed the public’s perception of Pikes Peak’s value. These insights informed a comprehensive report to the Mayor of Colorado Springs and the Summit Complex Task Force, offering a realistic and encouraging path forward.
Following the study, the City retained Benefactor Group as campaign counsel to help implement a $15+ million fundraising strategy that would complement the City’s $45 million in public funding. The firm provided hands-on support—helping identify prospects, craft a compelling case for support, plan campaign events, and prepare for a successful public phase.
Achieving Capital Campaign Success Through Partnership
Throughout the campaign, Benefactor Group worked closely with City staff and community stakeholders to build momentum and secure private gifts. As Sandy Elliott, Parks Operations Administrator, noted,
We needed a consultant that would provide realistic expectations—not just tell us what we hoped to hear. Benefactor Group offered the personalized support we needed to make our project successful.”
By the time the capital campaign concluded in 2020, the project had exceeded its original goal, securing approximately $65 million in total funding—including more than $15 million from private donors.
A Lasting Impact and a Legacy of Philanthropy
The new Pikes Peak Summit Complex officially opened in 2021. More than just a building, it became a gateway to wonder: designed with sustainability in mind, accessible to all, and rich with educational opportunities. The facility elevated the visitor experience for hundreds of thousands each year and bolstered the regional economy, which already benefited from more than $30 million annually in tourism tied to the mountain. The ripple effects of the project extended far beyond the summit. It served as a model for how capital campaigns can succeed even without prior fundraising infrastructure, and how public-private collaboration can steward shared resources for the common good.
As we commemorate 25 years of serving those who serve the common good, Benefactor Group is proud to celebrate the Pikes Peak Summit Complex as a shining example of what’s possible through thoughtful campaign planning, strategic fundraising counsel, and a shared commitment to impact.
