Client Stories

From Fear of Fundraising to $18M Raised: How Newport YMCA and DBD Group Built a Community Legacy

When Mike Miller came into his new role as CEO of the Newport County YMCA, he was faced with an aging facility that no longer reflected the vibrant impact his team was making in their Rhode Island community. Despite having a clear vision for transformation, Mike had a secret: he was terrified of fundraising!

How Listening to the Community Propelled Urban Ecology Center’s Vision

When the Urban Ecology Center (UEC) opened its brand new Washington Park branch after years of planning and relationship-building, more than 1,200 neighbors flooded in—triple the number expected! It was a day of celebration, but also a testament to what happens when a nonprofit listens deeply to its community, adapts with humility, and builds bold dreams together. 

For us at DBD Group, the journey with UEC has been a masterclass in partnership and building trust. The real magic of this campaign wasn’t just in the millions of dollars raised, but in the community that came together to create an environment everyone could celebrate and enjoy.

Rekindling Campfire Dreams: How YMCA Camp Kitaki Built a Legacy of Growth

Imagine children gathered around a campfire, faces glowing as they share stories and build life-long friendships. For generations, this scene has defined many summers for kids at Camp Kitaki. But what happens when this cherished gathering place begins to wear down?

Building Legacy: Leading a $150M Campaign Through Relationships & Storytelling

In the heart of Idaho, a small liberal arts college with a rich 134-year history was not immune to the challenges in modern higher education. With society’s shifting perceptions about the value of going to college, the College of Idaho needed a fresh perspective and support to secure its future. For Co-Presidents Doug Brigham and Jim Everett, the answer wasn't just about building or upgrading new facilities—it was about investing in what they already did exceptionally well and inviting others into their story. 

When they partnered with us to launch the most ambitious comprehensive campaign in the college's history, what they discovered was that the power of authentic storytelling, leadership, and relationship would become their greatest assets.