Fueling Dynamic Fundraising: Strengthening Nonprofits through 1:1 Consulting

The sixteen nonprofits selected for one-on-one consulting time with the Fueling Dynamic Fundraising team reflected the diverse and eclectic contributions being made for the betterment of our local society. 

These agencies participated in FDF's Cohort 4 from summer 2025 through spring 2026, as learners in The Fund Raising School's "Fundraising for Small Nonprofits" or "Principals & Techniques of Fundraising" courses. These agencies applied for and were chosen to receive individual strengthening through consulting time between January and April 2026.

Sara Leonard, FDF initiative lead, Josephine Eisenberg, Jennifer Abbott, and Victoria Finley, assisted integrally by Alicia Exantus, coached agencies in their selected areas, which included major gift strategy, development planning, institutional readiness for fundraising, and personal solicitation.

Participating organizations:
ALSO Youth
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast
Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County
Ghanaian Mothers' Hope
Hannah's House
Harbor 58
NAMI of Sarasota & Manatee Counties
Parenting Matters
Reflections of Manatee
Sarasota Chorus of the Keys
Sarasota Music Conservatory
Second Heart Homes
Star Lab School
The Literacy Council of Sarasota
The Players, Inc.
Via Nova Chorale

One-on-one fundraising consultation provided skillful guidance, aiding the agency in approaching its desired outcome by deeply engaging in the material taught in Cohort 4's fundraising courses. The Patterson Foundation understands the challenges nonprofits face and provides fundraising muscle to coach leaders to reach objectives.

In most situations, multiple stakeholders participated in the consulting sessions–executive directors, development officers, and board members. The purpose of the one-on-one consulting investment is to strengthen the agencies' capacity to take the course knowledge and apply it to areas of need, resulting in better outcomes.

Hannah's House, a residential shelter in Wauchula, Florida, for victims and their children of domestic violence. Pictured are Victoria Finley, FDF consultant, with the executive team and the board of directors.