I am a one-person, independent fundraising and communications expert with more than 35 years of hands-on experience working across Texas and occasionally, beyond. In the 1990s, I worked for half a year with a large fundraising firm, but I soon discovered I valued my independence. If I need additional support during the course of my work, which is rare, I discuss that in advance with my nonprofits (bulk mailing would fall into that category). I have raised more than $34 million, and wherever possible, I make use of appropriate technologies to amplify my effectiveness.

A brief list of my fundraising skills includes:

• Major gift and special project campaign strategy design and development, and hands-on campaign implementation. I find less is more when it comes to raising major gifts (don’t be fooled by consultants telling you otherwise).
• Grant research, writing, submission, reporting. I have worked with philanthropists statewide and beyond. At the conclusion of this page, you will find a video on YouTube of a recent slide deck that outlines my research based approach to major gifts.
• Prospect research (including advanced wealth screening).
• In-person donor solicitation (and gift negotiation and renegotiation), with or without volunteer assistance. I do understand sometimes “asking” can make one squeamish.
• Stewardship (keeping donors informed, updated and engaged).
• Damage control and repair (turning negative situations into positive ones).
• Executive staffing: I have found by carefully staffing a philanthropist wishing to solicit gifts from his or her colleagues, when done well, results in major gift campaigns attaining and exceeding their goals.
• Board meeting organization and implementation, documentation of minutes, presentations, reports and follow-up. Sometimes personally staffing board members and volunteers leads to very positive fundraising results. Enough said.
• Digital media communications related to fundraising, including major gifts (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, ISSUU, Pinterest, Instagram, PowerPoint, WordPress, Tumblr, Paperless Post, MailChimp, Adobe Creative Cloud, Avery and more).
• Other professional writing (correspondence, speeches, blogs, social media, newsletters, brochures, video scripting, print publications, including editing and ghostwriting).
• Public speaking and teaching. Unlike some “consultants,” I do my own work, by hand. I learn by doing. This means my experiences are genuine, and this helps me work, speak and teach with authority.
• Special event design and implementation (from conventions and cocktail receptions to galas). I do favor using online platforms for managing events of all sizes and types. One unusual but fun technology discovery is discussed in my article, “Grasshopper.”
• Travel arrangements and trip hosting (from VIP van and bus to private jet).
• I am familiar with a variety of other nonprofit fundraising activities including giving days and online auctions. If I cannot do it, I know many experts who can.
• The articles in my blog are based upon personal experiences and research. They are a great way to learn how I work and how I have overcome seemingly unsurmountable challenges with success.
• I prefer long-term assignments where more in-depth work accomplished. Fees depend upon the client and the needs of each (half-time and full-time work are considered). Commonly, I receive a flat monthly fee from which I pay my own insurance, taxes, benefits, and basic office expenses (a professional accounting firm has managed my personal and professional taxes for the past 20+ years). I have low overhead and I maintain a dedicated home office (since 2014).
• Full documentation is provided upon the conclusion of each assignment, usually in the form of electronic files on a disc, flash drive or via cloud platform. In fact, I have been able to restore critical documents to nonprofits that have lost them years after my work was completed (free of charge, of course – sometimes equipment breaks and the like). When appropriate, I also prepare final written reports with suggestions about future work beyond my tenure.
• Contact me via the secure online form on this blog. Thank you!