The Lion Project
The Lion Project is a Denver-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2003 that helps other nonprofits through video storytelling, fractional CMO services, and the Mobile Food Market program combating food insecurity at Title I schools. It serves Denver-area nonprofits, for-profit CSR partners, individual donors, and food-insecure families.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2003
- HeadquartersCoushatta, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What The Lion Project does
The Lion Project is a Denver, Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2003 that operates a hybrid model combining video storytelling, marketing services, and direct community service to support other nonprofits and address food insecurity. Its primary activities include funded storytelling for nonprofits, fractional CMO and marketing services delivered through sister company Lion Media Group, Google Grants management for qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations, and the Mobile Food Market ("The Mark-et") program that distributes nutritious food and household essentials at Denver Public Schools Title I sites in partnership with the district's Family and Community Engagement (FACE) department. The organization is governed by a board led by Executive Director and founder Zak Ferry and Chairman Dirk Dykson, with a staff headcount disclosed as 1-10.
The Lion Project's core product surface spans the Mobile Food Market program, Funded Storytelling video production, Fractional CMO leadership engagements, Google Grants Management, and the Lion Media Group sister-company marketing services line, complemented by an annual gala and a volunteer outreach program that connects community members to service projects. The underlying technology stack is explicitly not a focus; the organization relies on standard web, social media, and video platforms rather than proprietary technology, and there is no disclosed AI, API, or SDK capability. Service delivery is human-led, project-based, and distributed through direct nonprofit partnerships, business sponsorships, and school-based food distribution.
The organization generates revenue through three streams: individual and corporate donations plus event sponsorships (the 2024 11th Annual Lion's Gala raised $130,000), fee-for-service marketing work executed through Lion Media Group at discounted nonprofit rates, and paid Google Grants management services for other 501(c)(3) entities. Customer segments include Denver-area nonprofit partners (WeeCycle, Sparrow Recovery, Denver Children's Home, Open Door Ministries, Hope House, Pathways into Inclusive Higher Education), for-profit business partners and CSR sponsors (LuxNeuro, Mile High Spirits, Four Seasons Denver, Paint Denver), individual donors and volunteers, and food-insecure families served through the Mobile Food Market. The go-to-motion is community-led and event-driven, relying on partnerships, galas, happy hours, and direct outreach rather than traditional sales channels.
The Lion Project firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Lion Project
- Legal name
- The Lion Project
- Website
- https://thelionproject.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2003
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- The Lion Project is a Denver-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2003 that helps other nonprofits through video storytelling, fractional CMO services, and the Mobile Food Market program combating food insecurity at Title I schools. It serves Denver-area nonprofits, for-profit CSR partners, individual donors, and food-insecure families.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Lion Project industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Nonprofit Marketing and Community Services
- NAICS
- Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Community Food Services (624210), Civic and Social Organizations (813410)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Community Foundations (BPAGAKAB)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Corporate Foundations & CSR Grantmaking (BPAGAKAC)
Keywords
Where The Lion Project is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Coushatta
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
The Lion Project business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Sponsorships: The Lion Project generates revenue through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and event sponsorships. They offer various giving levels and sponsor recognition opportunities for the Mobile Food Market and annual gala events.
- Fee-for-Service Marketing Services: Through their sister company Lion Media Group, they offer discounted video production, branding, digital marketing, and fractional CMO services to nonprofit partners and community organizations on a fee-for-service basis.
- Google Grants Management: The organization helps other nonprofits secure and manage Google Grants ($10,000/month advertising credit) and likely charges for this management service as part of their social enterprise model.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Monthly | Google Grants - $10,000/month advertising credit |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels11 records
The Lion Project product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Lion Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps other nonprofits and businesses grow through professional video storytelling, fractional marketing leadership, and Google Grants management. It also operates a Mobile Food Market program that brings nutritious food and essential supplies to Title I schools and food-insecure neighborhoods in the Denver metro area. Its sister company, Lion Media Group, extends these marketing services at discounted rates to nonprofit partners.
Product overview
The Lion Project is a nonprofit organization structured as a single unified platform focused on accelerating nonprofit growth through three core service pillars: video storytelling, marketing services, and in-person service projects. The organization operates the core The Lion Project platform which connects businesses, nonprofits, and creatives to amplify voices of those making real difference. Key products include: the Mobile Food Market (The Mark-et) program addressing food insecurity through mobile food distribution; Fractional CMO Services providing senior marketing leadership; Video Storytelling/Funded Storytelling for nonprofit video production; Google Grants Management for ad campaign optimization; and Lion Media Group as a sister company for expanded marketing services. The organization also hosts the annual Lion's Gala and operates a Volunteer Outreach Program connecting community members with service projects. All offerings work together to help nonprofits raise awareness, inspire support, and fund hands-on initiatives.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Fractional CMO Services Senior-level marketing leadership for organizations that need executive marketing direction without a full-time hire. Service scope includes strategic leadership, brand creation, identity and logo design, social media and content strategy, copywriting, podcast and video production, event marketing, and website strategy and development.
- Video Storytelling / Funded Storytelling Professional video production and storytelling services that capture the vision and mission of nonprofit organizations or individual causes. The Lion Project produces promotional, campaign, and storytelling videos delivered to nonprofits (via funded grants) and to individuals (via the funded storytelling program).
- Google Grants Management Management service for the Google Ad Grants program, providing qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofits with $10,000/month in Google AdWords advertising credit. Service scope includes strategy meetings, grant securing, campaign building, keyword research, monthly reporting, and weekly optimization.
- Mobile Food Market (The Mark-et) Practical food-access program that brings nutritious food, basic household necessities, and community support directly to Title I schools and food-insecure neighborhoods in Denver. Operates as a sponsored community program with an annual economic impact of approximately $1,040,000 per market and grocery support of roughly $150 per family per week.
Quantifiable outcome
- $1,040,000 annual economic impact per mobile market (10x return on investment)
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use The Lion Project
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
The Lion Project technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
The Lion Project partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered supporting, core and major.
- Mile High SpiritssupportingLocal distillery that partnered with The Lion Project to create 'The Lion's Meow' specialty charity cocktail. Throughout February 2024, 99 cocktails were sold raising $495 for the Denver Public Schools FACE program partnership. The partnership includes hosting the Lion Project Happy Hour event.
- Denver Public Schools (FACE Program)coreStrategic partnership with Denver Public Schools' Family and Community Engagement (FACE) department to combat hunger and food scarcity among DPS Title One schools. The Lion Project collaborates with FACE to establish onsite food markets, create community gardens, and provide essential support to families. This partnership is central to the organization's 2024-2025 mission of eradicating food insecurity in Denver low-income schools.
- Paint DenvercoreBusiness partner led by Rob Peterson that provides painting and finishing services for The Lion Project's service projects. Paint Denver has been instrumental in transforming spaces at Gust Elementary and other locations into markets for food, clothing, and basic necessities. Their contributions include painting, finishing touches, and major remodeling efforts.
- LuxNeuromajorTitle sponsor of The Lion Project's 10th Annual Gala. Founded by Havilande Lodge and Laura Mahony, LuxNeuro provides neurofeedback and counseling services. Their mission aligns with The Lion Project's focus on creating positive impact and life change in the community.
- Project 1.27coreFaith-based nonprofit focused on engaging churches and families to serve children through foster care and adoption. The Lion Project partnered with Project 1.27 to provide interior design, volunteer labor, video documentation, home furnishings, and remodeling services for foster care homes. Together they created nurturing environments for children transitioning into foster care.
- Denver County Department of Human ServicessupportingPartner for the Project Suitcase initiative providing essential items for children in foster care. The partnership supports The Lion Project's suitcase drive to eliminate the use of garbage bags for packing belongings when children move between homes.
- WeeCyclesupportingNonprofit partner for which The Lion Project created a video to capture the organization's work serving children and families.
- Sparrow RecoverysupportingRecovery nonprofit partner receiving video production, fundraising campaign support, and service project assistance from The Lion Project.
- Denver Children's HomesupportingChildren's services nonprofit partner for video production featuring youth from the organization in campaign content.
- Open Door MinistriessupportingFaith-based nonprofit that received a free video for their Te Veo House program and volunteer landscaping services for Cornerstone Home for disabled men.
- Hope HousesupportingNonprofit partner for video storytelling to help share their mission and story with new audiences.
- Pathways into Inclusive Higher EducationsupportingEducation-focused nonprofit that partnered with The Lion Project for a comprehensive rebranding project.
- Lion Media GroupcoreSister company of The Lion Project that provides marketing strategy, production, distribution, branding, web, and digital marketing services. Offers discounted rates to nonprofit partners and nonprofits in the community.
- Colorado Prayer LuncheonsupportingCollaborated with The Lion Project on video production showcasing Highland Moms' efforts to support Venezuelan immigrants in the community.
- Denver Rescue MissionsupportingPartner for Lion Media's 'Chef Takeover' event featuring four Denver chefs serving those using Denver Rescue Mission services.
- Team Denver HomessupportingBusiness partner that participated in the Gust Elementary service project alongside The Lion Project.
- Four Seasons DenversupportingLuxury hotel partner that collaborated with The Lion Project on a donation incentive program offering a night at Four Seasons Denver for donations of $30 or more.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
The Lion Project competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Points of Light: A major civic engagement nonprofit that mobilizes volunteers and corporate CSR programs. Highly comparable as both organizations aggregate business sponsors, nonprofits, and volunteers to deliver community impact through structured service programs.
- Catchafire: A nonprofit that connects skilled volunteers (including marketing and video professionals) with nonprofits for pro bono support. Directly comparable to The Lion Project's model of providing professional marketing and storytelling services to nonprofit partners through volunteer and sponsored engagement.
- Community First Foundation: A Denver-area community foundation that distributes philanthropic funds and supports nonprofit capacity building. Comparable as a regional grantmaking/partner-enablement organization serving the same Denver nonprofit ecosystem.
- Food Bank of the Rockies: A leading Colorado food bank distributing food to families facing hunger. Comparable to The Lion Project's Mobile Food Market program, both addressing Denver food insecurity through direct food distribution and community partnerships.
- Mile High United Way: A Denver-based community services nonprofit mobilizing corporate partners, donors, and volunteers to address local needs. Comparable in Denver geography, multi-stakeholder GTM model, and reliance on business-CSR partnerships.
- Hunger Free Colorado: A Colorado statewide organization focused on reducing food insecurity through advocacy and direct programs. Comparable as a Colorado food-insecurity-focused nonprofit operating in the same Denver service area as The Lion Project.
- VolunteerMatch: A leading online volunteer engagement platform connecting nonprofits with volunteers. Comparable in the volunteer mobilization and nonprofit-corporate-volunteer tri-party model that anchors The Lion Project's service project and outreach programs.
- TechSoup: A nonprofit that provides technology products, services, and capacity-building support to other nonprofits. Comparable as an intermediary nonprofit that helps other nonprofits access resources (Google Grants, marketing tools, technology) they otherwise couldn't afford.
Broad incumbents
- No Kid Hungry: A national campaign focused on ending childhood hunger. Comparable mission overlap with The Lion Project's Mobile Food Market addressing food insecurity for low-income schoolchildren, though operating at much larger national scale.
- Feeding America: The largest U.S. hunger-relief nonprofit network with food banks across the country. Comparable as a food-distribution-focused nonprofit addressing hunger, operating at vastly larger scale than The Lion Project's mobile market approach.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
The Lion Project social profiles
Digital presenceThe Lion Project compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
The Lion Project financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Lion Project leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
The Lion Project funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Lion Project M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Lion Project
What does The Lion Project do?
The Lion Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps other nonprofits and businesses grow through professional video storytelling, fractional marketing leadership, and Google Grants management. It also operates a Mobile Food Market program that brings nutritious food and essential supplies to Title I schools and food-insecure neighborhoods in the Denver metro area. Its sister company, Lion Media Group, extends these marketing services at discounted rates to nonprofit partners.
Is The Lion Project a public or private company?
The Lion Project is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Lion Project founded?
The Lion Project was founded in 2003. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is The Lion Project based?
The Lion Project is headquartered in Coushatta, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Lion Project make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Donations and Sponsorships are the primary driver. The others are fee-for-Service Marketing Services and google Grants Management.
Who are The Lion Project's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Points of Light, Catchafire, Community First Foundation, Food Bank of the Rockies, Mile High United Way, Hunger Free Colorado, VolunteerMatch and TechSoup. Broad incumbents are No Kid Hungry and Feeding America.
Does The Lion Project have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Lion Project.
What industry is The Lion Project in?
The Lion Project's product category is Nonprofit Marketing and Community Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAKAB, Community Foundations, with a secondary code of BPAGAKAC, Corporate Foundations & CSR Grantmaking. Its NAICS code is 813211 and its SIC code is 8300.