$7 Million Raised to Empower Independent Living

A Strategic Investment That Delivered a 58x Return

  • TOTAL INVESTED: $120,000
  • TOTAL RAISED: $7,000,000
  • ROI: ~58 X Initial Investment

Why It Mattered

At Central Oregon Collective (COC), Executive Director Scott Pelham had a bold vision: ensure that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities could live full, empowered, and independent lives.

The mission was strong, the community support was growing—but the organization lacked the major gift infrastructure and capital needed to scale its services. Without transformational funding, the impact would remain limited.

The Strategic Decision

Scott and his leadership team brought the challenge to the board. Together, they made a bold move: invest $120,000 in the Major Gifts Ramp-Up (MGRU) model—a high-impact fundraising system designed to secure major gifts and drive long-term sustainability.

With the support of an MGRU Counselor, the team:

  • Crafted a clear and compelling case for support
  • Identified and cultivated high-capacity prospects
  • Trained board members and staff in strategic donor engagement
  • Hosted a powerful Ask Event that aligned community leaders behind the mission
  • Established systems to support major donor relationships and future growth

The Outcome

The results were transformational:

  • $7 million raised, including the organization’s first six-figure gifts
  • ~58x return on the board’s initial investment
  • Cultural shift toward bold fundraising and long-term thinking
  • Expanded programs and infrastructure to serve more individuals
  • Board alignment around a shared growth strategy

What began as a tactical fundraising shift became a complete organizational transformation.

Impact and Takeaway

“I wasn’t looking for another fundraising concept—I needed a model that could unlock serious revenue and help us fund the future. MGRU gave us the clarity, structure, and support we needed to make bold asks—and people said yes.”

Scott Pelham, Executive Director

Central Oregon Collective

This investment didn’t just fund services—it changed the mindset. The board now operates from possibility instead of limitation, leading with vision and the confidence to grow.

Key Insight

If your mission matters, it must be funded accordingly. The right investment in major gifts strategy can unlock transformational resources and position your board to lead with impact. With MGRU, vision becomes reality—at scale.