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!
Enter DBD Group. Our partnership approach not only helped Mike and his team renovate a building that the community could be proud of, but we also coached Mike through the process, highlighting his strengths and building his confidence.
As we celebrate 20 years of empowering nonprofit organizations, the Newport County YMCA stands as an example of what happens when authentic relationships and strategic guidance meet passionate community service. This is the story of how a once-intimidated CEO became a relationship builder who helped raise $18 million to better serve his community.
The Client: Newport County YMCA
The Newport County YMCA, founded in 1878 by the Vanderbilt family, serves as much more than a community center—it’s the center of community in Newport County, Rhode Island. With programs spanning from swimming and gymnastics to squash, youth sports, and preschool, the Y fulfills its mission to strengthen the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Background: Why Their Work Matters
For 144 years, the Newport County YMCA has been a vital force in improving the quality of life for members, families, and the broader community. As CEO, Mike Miller reflects, "If we could impact one kid, that's all it takes to change a life. It’d be nice to do more than that, but if we can just take one kid at a time and really focus and have that impact, that’s why we do everything we do."
Mike’s philosophy underscores the Y’s role not only as a place for activities but as a preventative force in the community. As someone who once wanted to be a probation officer, he explains, "My mentor said, Why don’t you prevent adults and kids from ever seeing a probation officer by impacting them early on in life as a youth director?" This one question changed the trajectory of Mike’s life! Prevention through youth engagement is central to the Y’s mission, helping build strong foundations that steer youth toward positive futures.
Before Working With DBD Group: New Leader, Aging Facility, Limited Fundraising Experience
When Mike Miller became CEO, he inherited not just leadership responsibilities but also a capital campaign mandate to update the aging facilities. He felt the weight of that responsibility, knowing that the building no longer reflected the impactful work happening inside. This was limiting the staff’s ability to fully serve their community.
“I never did a capital campaign before, was never really part of a capital campaign before," Mike explained. "Before this capital campaign, I used to be afraid to ask for $500! And that's no joke. I hated internal campaigns.”
Soon, Mike would come to learn that capital campaigns have less to do with raising money and more to do with building relationships (something he actually loves!).
Ultimate Goal: A Facility That Matches the Mission
Mike’s goal was to create a modernized facility that would represent the impact they made in the community—a true center of community life that would serve Newport County for generations to come. "Our facility did not represent the impactful work that the staff was doing in our community," Mike shares. "The large goal there was to give the team and the staff spaces to do their work and also to do more of it."
Beyond updating infrastructure, Mike and his team wanted to build a facility that the community would be proud of. “It’s the community’s YMCA,” said Mike. “It’s owned by the community, run by the community. CEOs come and go, right? And staff come and go. But it’s one of those things where the community needs to be invested in this because it’s going to be here, hopefully, for another 150 years and beyond.”
Recommended Solution: Coaching & Support to Build Relationships with the Community
When it came time to select a consulting firm to guide the capital campaign, Mike and his hiring committee interviewed several firms. They ultimately decided to go with DBD Group because of their authentic, community-centered approach.
Mike recalls, "The other ones came in—let me be honest with you—I felt like I was buying a car. They came out like car salesmen and said, ‘We'll raise all this money for you. You don't have to worry about this. We'll meet with your donors. We'll do that.’ And it just didn't sit right with me. Because I knew our community.”
He continues, "I pictured them in front of some of our major donors, and thought, our major donor may just walk out of the room if you're talking like this! It just didn't sit right with me."
By contrast, Mike describes meeting Jon Simons from DBD Group as "meeting a long-lost friend I haven't seen in a while. Just very comfortable." We made our approach clear: Mike and his volunteers would be running the show, building relationships, and making asks, and we would be behind the scenes providing strategic guidance, resources, and support.
"They said to me, Mike, you're the one that's going to be out there with your volunteers doing the work. You're going to sell them on the mission of the Y and your passion there and lead your volunteers and guide them," Mike explains. "We're going to help develop a strong case. We're going to help get prospects. And we're going to make sure we have the right leadership around the table. We're here behind the scenes as your coach."
This approach resonated deeply with Mike and his desire to be connected to his community, and we’re honored to call the Newport County YMCA and Mike Miller not just a client, but a dear friend!
Process: Conduct a Feasibility Study, Create a Case, Build Relationships
The process began with a feasibility study to gauge community support and establish realistic fundraising goals. This was followed by developing compelling case materials that articulated the vision and need for a renovated facility.
Throughout the campaign, Jon Simons served as Mike’s mentor and coach, helping him overcome his fear of fundraising by reframing it as relationship-building. When Mike was nervous about asking a donor for a half-million dollars, Jon offered this advice:
"Look in the mirror and ask yourself, have you done everything possible to make this the right time for the ask? Have you built a true relationship? Is it authentic? Have you not rushed anything? Does he trust you? Do you trust him?" The answer was clear. It was time for the ask, and this donor ultimately gave that and much more! It came down to trust. This donor, and many others like him, had built a relationship with Mike and could see the impact the Y had in the community.
When construction costs increased during the campaign, the team had to adjust its goals. Thanks to the strong relationships Mike had built, many were willing to increase their giving to meet the rising costs. "It was really cool to see the relationship with the funders, especially with funders that kept on giving. Every step of the way, they believed," Mike says. "They took such ownership. We even had one funder who said we need to add $250,000 to our landscaping plan to really give the community a beautiful building. And that's after they gave over $2 million!"
Outcome & ROI: A Transformed Community Centerpiece
The partnership between Newport County YMCA and DBD Group resulted in extraordinary outcomes:
- Raised nearly $18 million across multiple campaigns (main facility, childcare center, and squash program)
- Membership doubled to almost 10,000 members
- 1,500–2,000 children participate in weekly programs
- 35,000–40,000 visitors come through the doors monthly
- Created a modern, accessible facility that truly serves as the center of the community
Beyond the numbers, Mike points to his favorite outcome: "Just sitting by the fireplace in our lobby and seeing so many people going through that door. Kids holding basketballs, smiling on the way to the gym, to grandparents coming here to watch their daughter do gymnastics, to someone maybe working out for the first time."
The impact extends to Mike’s own family, with his children building confidence through gymnastics and squash programs, giving his kids opportunities they wouldn’t have had without the Y.
Key Learnings & Discoveries
Mike Miller’s journey with DBD Group revealed several profound lessons that can guide any fundraiser:
- Fundraising is Relationship-Building, Not Asking for Money
Mike learned that fundraising isn’t about “asking for money” but about cultivating authentic relationships rooted in trust and shared vision. He shares, “Before this capital campaign, I was afraid to ask for $500. I thought I had to ask for money. That’s the wrong way to think about fundraising.” The real work is connecting with people, sharing your passion, and inviting them to join a cause they care about. - Authenticity is Essential
Being genuine and true to yourself is critical. Mike advises fundraisers, “Be your authentic self and don’t change. People will see through that.” Authenticity builds trust, which is the foundation of successful campaigns. - Everyone Has a Role in the Campaign Ecosystem
Fundraising is a collective effort involving donors, volunteers, staff, and leadership. Mike reflects, “Everyone wants to do something. The question is, how do we get people around the same table to focus on that one thing you want to get done together?” Aligning stakeholders around a shared vision creates momentum and ownership. - Donors Give Because They Care, Not Because They Have Money
Jon Simons from DBD taught Mike a key insight he’ll never forget: “People don’t give money because they have money; they give money because they care about something.” Fundraisers must connect donors’ passions to the mission to inspire giving. - Patience and Timing Are Crucial
Relationships take time. It’s important to recognize your level of trust in the relationship to make the ask. Mike recalls a moment when he hesitated to ask a donor for a large gift. Jon’s advice was to “look in the mirror” and honestly assess whether the relationship was ready for the ask. Timing and readiness are as important as the ask itself. - Fundraising Builds Confidence Over Time
Initially intimidated, Mike now loves fundraising because it allows him to share dreams and build community. He says, “Now I love building relationships, sharing visions and dreams, and having people create those visions with me.” - Campaigns are About Community Ownership
The campaign’s success came from making the community feel ownership of the YMCA’s future. Mike explains, “This is the community’s YMCA. It’s owned by the community, run by the community. CEOs come and go, but the community needs to be invested.”
These learnings highlight that successful fundraising is less about technique and more about connection, patience, and shared purpose—principles that any fundraiser can apply to build lasting impact.
Conclusion: Anyone Can Be a Fundraiser!
The partnership between Newport County YMCA and DBD Group demonstrates the power of authentic relationship-building in fundraising. What began as a daunting capital campaign for a hesitant CEO turned into $18 million raised, a transformed facility, and a leader who now embraces fundraising with confidence.
“DBD Group doesn’t just come in as consultants. They come in as true partners. They come in as part of your team,” Mike emphasizes. “If you go with DBD Group, you’re going to get authentic people that care about the work, that understand the process, and that are there for you when you need them. They’re there really to support you. And it’s going to help you within your own community build deeper relationships.
“They also helped us with grant writing and marketing materials. I’ve even called Donor by Design in times when we were looking for a new CFO. It’s just not a capital campaign firm. It’s a firm that can really look at your whole Y operations and support you.”
Your cause matters. Let’s ensure it’s thriving!
Is your nonprofit facing a capital campaign with a leader who needs confidence and strategy? Like Mike Miller and the Newport County YMCA, you too can transform your organization’s impact with the right guidance and approach to authentic relationship-building.
Do you have a DBD Group story? Share yours!