$3 Million Raised to Expand Recovery Services

A Strategic Investment That Delivered a 46x Return

  • TOTAL INVESTED: $65,000
  • TOTAL RAISED: $3,000,000
  • ROI: ~46 X Initial Investment

Why It Mattered

At Hand in Hand Ministries, Executive Director David Douglas was leading critical work—helping individuals in recovery rebuild their lives through compassion, structure, and support. But while the mission was strong, the organization’s financial engine wasn’t.

Programs were limited by cash flow. Donor engagement was inconsistent. And there was no roadmap for scaling services to meet growing demand. The need was there—but the infrastructure wasn’t.

The Strategic Decision

David brought the challenge to his board. Together, they made a bold choice: invest $65,000 in the Major Gifts Ramp-Up (MGRU) model—a structured system designed to drive transformational gifts, build long-term sustainability, and activate leadership in the fundraising process.

With the help of an MGRU Counselor, David and his team:

  • Designed and hosted a compelling Awareness Event to share the vision
  • Executed a powerful Ask Event that inspired new and existing donors
  • Built and refined a major gifts case for support
  • Trained staff and board members in personal solicitation
  • Created engagement systems that deepened donor commitment

The Outcome

The campaign delivered lasting change:

  • $3 million raised to expand recovery programming
  • ~46x ROI on the board’s initial investment
  • Increased visibility and credibility across the region
  • New donor relationships with long-term potential
  • Community and board alignment around a bigger vision

The results were immediate—and sustainable. Hand in Hand Ministries went from reactive fundraising to proactive growth.

Impact and Takeaway

“Our counselor walked us through every step. The clarity of the model, the purpose behind every move—it all worked. We didn’t just raise money. We created momentum.”

David Douglas, Executive Director

Hand in Hand Ministries

This campaign didn’t just fund recovery programs—it built the foundation for long-term expansion. By investing in strategy, the board empowered the organization to meet need at scale and step confidently into a new season of growth.

Key Insight

Mission growth doesn’t happen without funding growth. Investing in major gifts strategy isn’t just smart—it’s essential. When the board leads with vision and backs it with the right model, transformational outcomes follow.