Focus Fundraising works with clients as both a trusted adviser and a collaborative partner. Below are some testimonials from past clients.
“We started working with Focus just as we were establishing our development infrastructure. They spent time listening and getting to know us, the work we do, and how it gets done. Throughout our engagement, Focus worked at our pace — sometimes slowly, sometimes with quick turnarounds — to help us not only design a plan that made sense, but also to implement and execute along the way so that we could see progress with results.“
President & Executive Director, MacArthur Justice Center
“The support and perspective your team offered was invaluable. For us, fundraising isn’t just about asking for money; it’s about deeply understanding the reasons behind our requests. The coaching and dialogue you provided were crucial and your development assessment showed that you clearly understood our current situation. In my five years with Partners, this was the most significant strategic planning work we’ve done. It was the best exercise we’ve had for thinking strategically.
Fundraising is neither magic nor luck; it’s both an art and a science. It requires time and dedication to be successful. Our meetings were open and honest, allowing us to express challenges and identify opportunities, which were vital in helping us rethink our organization.“
Vice President of Organizational Advancement, Partners of the Americas
“The Focus Fundraising team served our needs well. They took the necessary time to learn of our organizational mission and historical approaches to our work before advising of change. In the end, they came with ground-truthed and viable recommendations that have upgraded our Mid-Level Giving program to new level of sophistication.”
Director of Development, Chesapeake Bay Foundation
“The Focus team knew what we needed before we did, and from the very beginning of our partnership they hit the ground running, turning lofty ideas into actionable strategies. Their experience and responsiveness have made them one of our most valuable partners. Focus Fundraising not only taught us development best practices and strategies, but has empowered us to engage in them in each step of the development process. The impact of this partnership and its success is felt throughout our organization.”
Executive Director, Center for Policing Equity
“While watching the exchange between Joan and our staff yesterday, I was once again reminded about how impactful Focus has been to our fundraising program. Seeing my team so ignited and engaged in this work with you, especially during these turbulent times, and the detailed annual plan you have all created for the year ahead, is not only thrilling but exactly what we need to be doing right now.”
Senior Director of Engagement, Physicians for Reproductive Health
“Nadine immediately earned our Board’s trust and respect — from her first conversation with our Development Committee to the detailed recommendations reflected in the feasibility study to her ongoing strategic coaching. Our donors appreciated their conversations with Nadine and her Focus Fundraising colleagues; they left each interview feeling appreciated, heard, and inspired. Nadine continues to guide our team with just the right balance of patience and urgency, at each step challenging us and supporting us to do more than we thought possible.”
Director & CEO, LearnServe International
“Nadine very quickly developed a deep understanding of our needs and unique challenges. Her approach is comprehensive and well-organized. Nadine has shared her knowledge and experience, helped us establish an annual plan and calendar for achieving our goals, and we very quickly saw successes.”
Director, Consortium for Ocean Leadership’s
National Ocean Sciences Bowl
“NNSTOY has benefited tremendously from Nadine’s tutelage, expertise, and talents during the past two years. We now know how to develop our own fundraising plan, conduct funder research, and make funding calls. I do not believe that NNSTOY would be where we are today were it not for Nadine’s commitment and expertise.”
Executive Director,
National Network of State Teachers of the Year
“Nadine not only respectfully worked with our veteran board and staff, but led us – and when necessary gently pushed us – to create the best development plan our 35-year old organization has had. She understands development, has strong communication skills and fulfilled each of the many deliverables we agreed upon. I learned and am still learning a great deal from our engagement.”
Executive Director, Washington Bach Consort
“Nadine added exactly what we needed in order to grow our capacity: the right amount of strategy, on-the-job training, advice and counsel, coaching, and even passion for our mission. When you combine her smarts and insights with her own enthusiasm for what you do, you have in Nadine a winning combination in your consultant.”
Executive Director,
Council of Korean Americans
Executive Director, 826DC
“Our development committee was very energized by the plan we put together. I’m pleased to report that thanks to your guidance, we exceeded our $100,000 goal in advance of today’s public launch – – to date we have $110,000 committed. THANK YOU for your help and guidance!”
Associate Director of Development, Sixth & I Historic Synagogue
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