Trends/Analysis

Nell Edgington is president of Social Velocity.

An agency-trained, award-winning, freelance fundraising copywriter and consultant with years of on-the-ground experience, George specializes in crafting direct mail appeals, online appeals and other communications that move donors to give. He serves major nonprofits with projects ranging from specialized appeals for mid-level and high-dollar donors, to integrated, multichannel campaigns, to appeals for acquisition, reactivation and cultivation.

Pamela Barden is an independent fundraising consultant focused on direct response. You can read more of her fundraising columns here.

Vice President, Strategy & Development
Eleventy Marketing Group

Angie is ridiculously passionate about EVERYTHING she’s involved in — including the future and success of our nonprofit industry.
 
Angie is a senior exec with 25 years of experience in direct and relationship marketing. She is a C-suite consultant with experience over the years at both nonprofits and agencies. She currently leads strategy and development for marketing intelligence agency Eleventy Marketing Group. Previously she has worked at the innovative startup DonorVoice and as general manager of Merkle’s Nonprofit Group, as well as serving as that firm’s CRM officer charged with driving change within the industry. She also spent more 14 years leading the marketing, fundraising and CRM areas for two nationwide charities, The Arthritis Foundation and the American Cancer Society. Angie is a thought leader in the industry and is frequent speaker at events, and author of articles and whitepapers on the nonprofit industry. She also has received recognition for innovation and influence over the years.

Philip King is founder of The Donation Funnel Project, an experiment in online and mobile fundraising. He is a regular contributor to NonProfit PRO.

Steve MacLaughlin is the vice president of data and analytics at Blackbaud and best-selling author of “Data Driven Nonprofits.” Steve has spent 20-plus years driving innovation with a broad range of companies, government institutions and nonprofit organizations. He serves on the board of the Nonprofit Technology Network and is a frequent speaker at conferences and events. Steve earned both his undergraduate degree and a Master of Science degree in interactive media from Indiana University.

Mary Beth Westmoreland is Blackbaud’s chief technology officer, responsible for leading worldwide product, technology and analytics strategy, architecture, user experience and innovation across the company’s entire solution portfolio. Mary Beth joined Blackbaud in 2008 and has over 30 years of experience in software engineering and product development.

Prior to Blackbaud, Mary Beth was VP of research and development at Ipswitch, Inc. where she led software engineering, design and operations across the company’s global product portfolio. Before Ipswitch, she spent 15 years at the Savannah River National Laboratory, where she started as a programmer and eventually managed the company’s Enterprise and Technical Systems Engineering organizations.

In both 2019 and 2017, Mary Beth was named one of the Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Technology by the National Diversity Council — a definitive list that honors the most extraordinary female leaders, influencers and achievers impacting the technology industry. She has been recognized for her leadership in Blackbaud’s transformation to a cloud software company that is innovative, agile and successful, for her mentorship of other women and for her commitment to corporate citizenship.

Mary Beth is a trustee at her alma mater, Immaculata University, where she graduated with a degree in mathematics and physics. She is also a member of the advisory board of Clemson University’s College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences, a founding board member of Charleston Women in Tech, and is actively involved in a variety of STEM programs, Women in Technology initiatives and other nonprofits.

Otis Fulton, Ph.D., spent most of his career in the education industry, working at the psychometric research and development firm MetaMetrics Inc., Pearson Education and others. Since 2013, he has focused on the nonprofit sector, applying psychology to fundraising and donor behavior at Turnkey. He is the co-author of the 2017 book, ”Dollar Dash: The Behavioral Economics of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising,” and the 2023 book, "Social Fundraising: Mining the New Peer-to-Peer Landscape,"  and is a frequent speaker at national nonprofit conferences. With Katrina VanHuss, he co-authors a blog at NonProfit PRO, “Peeling the Onion,” on the intersection of psychology and philanthropy.

Otis is a much sought-after copywriter for nonprofit fundraising messages. He has written campaigns for UNICEF, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, March of Dimes, Susan G. Komen, the USO and dozens of other organizations. He has a Ph.D. in social psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia, where he also played on UVA’s first ACC champion basketball team.

Nhu Te is the former editor-in-chief for NonProfit PRO. 

Maya Bur is a former editorial assistant for NonProfit PRO and a current freelance writer and frequent contributor.

Katie Zwetzig is executive director of Verified Volunteers, an organization that aims to help nonprofits and service organizations better fulfill their missions by reducing the time and costs associated with volunteer screening.

Katie is excited to lead the revolutionary change Verified Volunteers is bringing to the nonprofit and volunteer industry. She has been at the forefront of the screening industry for the last 14 years and founded her own background screening company, Tandem Select. She feels strongly that nonprofits and volunteerism are at the heart of strong communities.

Jeremy Silverstein is vice president of operations and vehicle dispatching at Goodwill Car Donations. Silverstein has handled tens of thousands of donated vehicles and has become quite an expert in the past five years he has been with Goodwill Car Donations.

Audrey Willis is PR and marketing specialist for Circa Interactive. Reach her at audrey@circaedu.com

Paul D’Alessandro, J.D., CFRE, is a vice president at Innovest Portfolio Solutions. He is also the founder of High Impact Nonprofit Advisors (HNA), and D’Alessandro Inc. (DAI), which is a fundraising and strategic management consulting company. With more than 30 years of experience in the philanthropic sector, he’s the author of “The Future of Fundraising: How Philanthropy’s Future is Here with Donors Dictating the Terms.” 

He has worked with hundreds of nonprofits to raise more than $1 billion dollars for his clients in the U.S. and abroad. In addition, as a nonprofit and business expert — who is also a practicing attorney — Paul has worked with high-level global philanthropists, vetting and negotiating their strategic gifts to charitable causes. Paul understands that today’s environment requires innovation and fresh thinking, which is why he launched HNA to train and coach leaders who want to make a difference in the world.

As the director of community engagement for United Way of Metro Chicago, Jackie guides grant making initiatives and collective impact planning for 10 Neighborhood Network coalitions. She mobilizes government, nonprofit, small businesses and community leaders around common community goals. Additionally, she oversees United Way’s AmeriCorps program, which places 12 AmeriCorps members across the 10 Neighborhood Networks for a year of service addressing critical community needs.

Jackie has more than 10 years of experience in community and civic engagement. Prior to joining United Way in 2015, she worked for Chicago Public Schools and Mikva Challenge. She was the recipient of the 2016 Hispanics in Philanthropy Next Generation Fellowship and holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from DePaul University.

Paul D’Alessandro, J.D., CFRE, is a vice president at Innovest Portfolio Solutions. He is also the founder of High Impact Nonprofit Advisors (HNA), and D’Alessandro Inc. (DAI), which is a fundraising and strategic management consulting company. With more than 30 years of experience in the philanthropic sector, he’s the author of “The Future of Fundraising: How Philanthropy’s Future is Here with Donors Dictating the Terms.” 

He has worked with hundreds of nonprofits to raise more than $1 billion dollars for his clients in the U.S. and abroad. In addition, as a nonprofit and business expert — who is also a practicing attorney — Paul has worked with high-level global philanthropists, vetting and negotiating their strategic gifts to charitable causes. Paul understands that today’s environment requires innovation and fresh thinking, which is why he launched HNA to train and coach leaders who want to make a difference in the world.

Steven Nardizzi is the former CEO of Wounded Warrior Project and a current partner at Paragon Strategic Insights, a consulting firm that helps nonprofits develop strategic direction, scale their revenue and programs, and raise awareness of key issues affecting their stakeholders. Reach him at snardizzi@paragonstrategicinsights.com.

Wayne Elsey is the founder and CEO of Elsey Enterprises. Among his various independent brands, he is also the founder and CEO of Funds2Orgs, a social enterprise that helps nonprofits, schools, churches, civic groups, individuals and others raise funds, while helping to support micro-enterprise (small business) opportunities in developing nations and the environment.

You can learn more about Wayne and obtain free resources, including his books on his blog, Not Your Father’s Charity.

Jeff Schreifels is the principal owner of Veritus Group — an agency that partners with nonprofits to create, build and manage mid-level fundraising, major gifts and planned giving programs. In his 32-plus year career, Jeff has worked with hundreds of nonprofits, helping to raise more than $400 million in revenue.

Erica Waasdorp is one of the leading experts on monthly giving. She is the president of A Direct Solution, a company serving nonprofit organizations with fundraising and direct marketing needs, with a focus on monthly giving and appeals. She authored "Monthly Giving: The Sleeping Giant" and "Monthly Giving Made Easy." She regularly blogs and presents on fundraising, appeals and monthly giving — in person and through webinars. She is happy to answer any questions you may have about this great way of improving retention rates for your donors.

Erica has over 30 years of experience in nonprofits and direct response. She helped the nonprofits she works with raise millions of dollars through monthly giving programs. She is also very actively supports organizations with annual fund planning and execution, ranging from copywriting, creative, lists, print and mail execution.

When she’s not working or writing, Erica can be found on the golf course (she’s a straight shooter) or quietly reading a book. And if there’s an event with a live band, she and her husband, Patrick, can be found on the dance floor. She also loves watching British drama on PBS. Erica and Patrick have two step sons and a cat, Mientje.

Kristy Morris is a creative professional in corporate and nonprofit social media advertising and brand strategy. As the chief marketing officer at Funds2Orgs and Elsey Enterprises, she works with a suite of global fundraising brands and manages national campaigns for her clients. She hosts a monthly webinar with Funds2Orgs, teaching nonprofits how to make an impact with their social media strategy. Kristy is a passionate individual that loves nothing more than to help others make an impact in their market and the world.

Kristy also contributes monthly to her NonProfit PRO blog, “Marketing IRL.”

Elizabeth Abel is a senior vice president at CCS Fundraising and expert in philanthropy. In her role at CCS, she has led capital campaigns and development initiatives that have collectively raised half a billion dollars for education, health care, arts and culture, and advocacy organizations. 

Elizabeth provides counsel on strategic planning, major gifts fundraising and board engagement. She is an Instructor at the University of Pennsylvania where she teaches “Fundraising and Philanthropy: The Donor Journey” to graduate students in the Nonprofit Leadership Program. Elizabeth has been recognized by BELLA Magazine as a “Woman of Influence in Philanthropy.” 

You can find Elizabeth offering her fundraising expertise at industry conferences, on nonprofit podcasts and on social media platforms, including LinkedIn and Instagram. She lives in New York City with her husband and daughter, and she is an avid hiker, traveler and tea drinker.

Mark founded Cathexis Partners in 2008 to help nonprofit organizations get the most from their existing technology tools, implement new technology to address gaps and find the best overall approach to using technology to support their missions. He previously served as director of IT consulting at a fundraising event production company focused on nonprofits.

Mark also serves on the editorial advisory board for NonProfit PRO, where he contributes monthly to his blog, “Nonprofit Tech Matters.”

Duke Haddad, Ed.D., CFRE, is currently associate director of development, director of capital campaigns and director of corporate development for The Salvation Army Indiana Division in Indianapolis. He also serves as president of Duke Haddad and Associates LLC and is a freelance instructor for Nonprofit Web Advisor.

He has been a contributing author to NonProfit PRO since 2008.

He received his doctorate degree from West Virginia University with an emphasis on education administration plus a dissertation on donor characteristics. He received a master’s degree from Marshall University with an emphasis on public administration plus a thesis on annual fund analysis. He secured a bachelor’s degree (cum laude) with an emphasis on marketing/management. He has done post graduate work at the University of Louisville.       

Duke has received the Fundraising Executive of the Year Award, from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Indiana Chapter. He also was given the Outstanding West Virginian Award, Kentucky Colonel Award and Sagamore of the Wabash Award from the governors of West Virginia, Kentucky and Indiana, respectively, for his many career contributions in the field of philanthropy. He has maintained a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation for three decades.

Steven Edelman is a founding partner and president of Connect360 Multimedia, a marketing and communications company that works exclusively with nonprofit organizations, trade associations and agencies of the federal government. Steve is a CPA who has published numerous articles about accounting and compliance issues related to PSAs. He is a member of the nonprofit industry committees of the American Institute of CPAs and the New York State Society of CPAs.

As an insights consultant, Nicholas Hedenkamp is responsible for providing a deeper dive into constituent and transaction data for nonprofits. As an additional part of his role, he researches current and ongoing industry trends to provide fresh data and ideas to clients and Pursuant. He has experience in nonprofit fundraising both as a volunteer and development coordinator. Most recently, he worked for the statewide nonprofit Colorado Health Network, where he develops new fundraising strategies and grew its donor portfolio.

Tracy Vanderneck is president of Phil-Com, a training and consulting company where she works with nonprofits across the U.S. on fundraising, board development and strategic planning. Tracy has more than 25 years of experience in fundraising, business development and sales. She holds a Master of Science in management with a concentration in nonprofit leadership, a graduate certificate in teaching and learning, and a DEI in the Workplace certificate. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), an Association of Fundraising Professionals Master Trainer, and holds a BoardSource certificate in nonprofit board consulting. Additionally, she designs and delivers online fundraising training classes and serves as a Network for Good Personal Fundraising Coach.

Ken Wells provides communications and marketing services to Houston-area nonprofits through his company, StoryBoard HTX. He uses his more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit world to help organizations tell their own stories.

Eric Ryan has dedicated 25 years of his professional life to service. He is the co-founder of Mission Met, a company devoted to making strategic planning easier and more effective for nonprofit and organizational leaders around the world. Although he has focused on serving small nonprofits, Eric has also consulted with numerous corporations and government entities.

In addition to his consulting work, he has started one nonprofit, been an executive director, and served on several boards as both treasurer and board chair. He led the creation of nonprofit strategic planning software, Causey, and is the author of "Mission Met: Proven Strategic Planning Guidance to Help You Build a Financially Secure and Impactful Nonprofit."

Malaika Cheney-Coker is the founder and principal of Ignited Word, a consulting firm dedicated to helping nonprofits increase their impact through creativity. She delights in the kaleidoscope of ideas that is creativity as well as the analytic thinking and research that partner with those ideas for effective social change. With experience in both the U.S. and international nonprofit arena, she works across a range of subject matter areas, including evaluation and organizational learning, thought leadership, coalition building, and organizational creativity.

Maria Clark is GoodUnited's executive vice president of partnerships, and chief evangelist. Clark is a career nonprofit executive with 30-plus years of industry experience. She is a champion of innovation in the sector and has fearlessly led technology adoption and change management efforts throughout her career. Previously, Maria spent 33 years at the American Cancer Society, a top 20 U.S. nonprofit.

With more than a decade of experience working in nonprofit strategy and development for diverse nonprofit organizations, Whitney Norman has developed an aptitude to identify and understand the unique strengths and opportunities each nonprofit organization may possess. As the vice president of client solutions at Pursuant, she engages new potential partners, builds and maintains lasting relationships, and provides appropriate solutions for those organizations to grow to their full potential.

Laurence is author of "The Nonprofit Fundraising Solution," the first book on fundraising ever published by the American Management Association. He is chairman of LAPA Fundraising serving nonprofits throughout the U.S. and Europe.

Kalie VanDewater is associate content and online editor at NAPCO Media.

Joe Fisher is CEO of Indianapolis-based Ren, an independent philanthropic solutions provider that aims to serve as a driving force that powers people, ideas, and institutions for good.

Meredith Lancaster, the head of marketing at boodleAI, is a marketing visionary who combines her passion for content creation, design and data-driven decision-making with a strong belief in the power of AI to increase productivity and drive positive change. Outside of the home office, you'll find her chasing after her ever-energetic 1-year-old son and keeping up with her crazy, lovable pup.

David Rodriguez is the vice president of marketing at Everyware, a customer engagement, billing and payments company based in Austin, Texas.

Katrina VanHuss has helped national nonprofits raise funds and friends since 1989 when she founded Turnkey. Her client’s successes and her dedication to research have made her a sought-after speaker, presenting at national conferences for Blackbaud, Peer to Peer Professional Forum, Nonprofit PRO, The Need Help Foundation and her clients’ national meetings. The firm’s work is underpinned by the study and application of behavioral economics and social psychology. Turnkey provides project engagements, coaching, counsel and staffing to nonprofits seeking to improve revenue or create new revenue. Her work extends into organizational alignment efforts and executive coaching.

Katrina regularly shares her wit and business experiences on her and Otis Fulton's NonProfit PRO blog “Peeling the Onion.”  She and Otis are also co-authors of the books, "Dollar Dash: The Behavioral Economics of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising" and "Social Fundraising: Mining the New Peer-to-Peer Landscape." When not writing or researching, Katrina likes to make things — furniture from reclaimed wood, new gardens, food with no recipe. Katrina’s favorite Saturday is spent cleaning out the garage, mowing the grass, making something new, all while listening to loud music by now-deceased black women, throwing in a few sets on the weight bench off and on, then collapsing on the couch with her husband Otis to gang-watch new Netflix series whilst drinking sauvignon blanc.

Katrina grew up on a Virginia beef cattle and tobacco farm with her three brothers. She is accordingly skilled in hand to hand combat and witty repartee — skills gained at the expense of her brothers. Katrina’s claim to fame is having made it to the “American Gladiator” Richmond competition as a finalist in her late 20s, progressing in the competition until a strangely large blonde woman knocked her off a pedestal with an oversized pain-inducing Q-tip. Katrina’s mantra for life is “Be nice. Do good. Embrace embarrassment.” Clearly she’s got No. 3 down.

Patrick Schmitt is co-CEO of FreeWill. Before FreeWill, Patrick founded two nonprofit organizations and served as the head of innovation at Change.org, where he helped grow the organization to 100 million users in four years.

Looking for Jeff? You'll find him either on the lake, laughing with good friends, or helping nonprofits develop to their full potential.

Jeff believes that successful fundraising is built on a bedrock of relevant, consistent messaging; sound practices; the nurturing of relationships; and impeccable stewardship. And that organizations that adhere to those standards serve as beacons to others that aspire to them. The Bedrocks & Beacons blog will provide strategic information to help nonprofits be both.

Jeff has more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience and is a member of the NonProfit PRO Editorial Advisory Board.

Jen Newmeyer, CFRE, is a digital fundraising strategist specializing in integrated campaigns and online engagement. Through her groundbreaking work and creative approaches during her more than 20-year tenure, she's raised more than $10 million in online revenue for nonprofit organizations while managing development budgets of more than $25 million and leading teams through collaborative campaign projects. 

She is the author of "The Insider's Guide to Online Fundraising: Finding Success When Surrounded by Skeptics" and host of the podcast “From The Nest with CharityJen: Where Fundraising Takes Flight.” Jen is the director of digital fundraising strategy at the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and the vice president of education for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Washington, D.C., Metro Area Chapter.

Amanda Baldwin boasts over a decade of expertise in philanthropy and nonprofit development. Currently, she's a senior customer success manager at GoodUnited, a marketing automation platform that helps nonprofits find their supporters where they are — on social media.

Previously, Amanda held significant roles at Blackbaud, the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity specializing in corporate strategy, relationship-building and fundraising.

Michelle Flores Vryn, CFRE, is a nonprofit executive based in Austin, Texas. With 15-plus years of experience in the field, she has dedicated her career to fostering social change through innovative leadership and community-centered fundraising. Her insights into psychological safety and leadership have been informed by her extensive work in nonprofit fundraising and her passion for creating real social impact.

Mark Eshman is the director of Mercer Advisors’ endowment and foundation services. 

All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author as of the date of publication and are subject to change. The information is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed or warranted by Mercer Advisors. For financial planning advice specific to your circumstances, talk to a qualified professional at Mercer Advisors.

Mercer Global Advisors Inc. is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and delivers all investment-related services. Mercer Advisors Inc. is the parent company of Mercer Global Advisors Inc. and is not involved with investment services.

Jennifer C. Loftus is a founding partner of and national director for Astron Solutions, a compensation consulting firm. Jennifer has 23 years of experience garnered at organizations including the Hay Group, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Eagle Electric Manufacturing Company and Harcourt General. 

Jennifer has held volunteer leadership roles with Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), New York City SHRM and WorldatWork. She serves as a subject matter expert to the SHRM Learning System and as a SHRM instructor. Jennifer is a sought-after speaker for local and national conferences and media outlets. Jennifer holds adjunct professor roles with Pace University, Long Island University and LIM College.

Jennifer has an MBA in human resource management with highest honors from Pace University and a Bachelor of Science in accounting summa cum laude from Rutgers University. Jennifer received the 2014 Gotham Comedy Foundation’s Lifetime Ambassador of Laughter Award.

Cara Dickerson is the vice president of customer success at GiveSmart by Community Brands where she oversees a team dedicated to assisting thousands of organizations utilize fundraising and donor management technology platforms to exceed their financial goals and fund their missions. With close to 16 years in the nonprofit space, her passion for this industry runs deep. While she loves to travel anywhere and everywhere with her husband, Cara is proud to call Chicago home.

Jamie Bearse is an award-winning nonprofit CEO and executive. Over the past 21 years, he’s helped lead and advance cancer causes through strategic planning, fundraising, retention and recruitment, and team and culture building. Currently, he’s the CEO and founder of Build a Better Nonprofit and lives outside of Boston with his family.

A nonprofiteer for more than 20 years, Evan Wildstein has led fundraising, programming, and operations for organizations like The Juilliard School, Asia Society, Rice University, Houston Grand Opera and others. Inspired by the intersection of philanthropy, creativity and learning, he has consulted nonprofits on board development and talent growth, galvanized funding for innovative projects that inspire stronger communities, commissioned operas, and produced community-centered educational programs. 

Evan’s organizational and academic efforts center around nonprofit management and organizational leadership, and his writings are featured in Philanthropy News Digest, the International Journal of Servant-Leadership and elsewhere. His first book, "The Nonprofiteer’s Fundraising Field Guide" and Social Impact Staff Retention research report are helping to improve the overall health of the nonprofit sector. A native of New York, Evan and his family live in Houston.

Joe Frye is a digital marketer who has spent more than a decade helping organizations make an impact and connect their missions with individuals. He has led award-winning projects and campaigns for organizations, including PBS, No Kid Hungry, the Identity Theft Resource Center, Partners of the Americas, ADL and UNESCO. 

Joe’s experience at the intersection of technology, data and creativity provides a unique perspective that allows organizations to create impactful digital ecosystems, increase donations, grow membership, improve member retention and increase overall revenue.

Brad Saft is an award-winning entrepreneur, writer, investor and founder of DonorAdvisedFunds.com, a site for advising individuals and companies on donor-advised funds. He has founded several companies including eSpired, an education technology company focused on at-home learning. He is actively involved with a variety of nonprofits, serving on the board of Kids Need Our Love, aimed at combating child abuse, and is a member of the Advisory Board of the LeMieux Center for Public Policy at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Nhu is a content strategist with over a decade of experience improving the way social good brands engage and build connections through human-first storytelling. She currently leads NTB Content, a content marketing agency with a niche in digital fundraising and nonprofit tech.

Bettina Lipphardt is a partner on The Bonadio Group’s healthcare services team. In her role, she provides assurance services for various healthcare and nonprofit clients. With more than 20 years of experience, Bettina is an excellent source of knowledge for her clients. She regularly consults on best practices, efficiency ideas, cost reporting, internal dashboard reporting and compliance initiatives. She also regularly speaks at various conferences across the state.

Disclaimer: The summary information presented in this article should not be considered legal advice or counsel and does not create an attorney-client relationship between the author and the reader.  If the reader of this has legal questions, it is recommended they consult with their attorney.

Mike Snusz brings 20 years of digital fundraising experience to his role as director of nonprofit customer experience at Tatango. Today, Mike closely partners with Tatango's nonprofit customer to maximize the impact text marketing can have to further their mission.

Prior to Tatango, Mike spent 15 years at Blackbaud, leading a team of digital consultants focused on increasing nonprofit fundraising. Mike started his nonprofit career managing the Ride For Roswell in 2003.