Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does Focus Fundraising do?
Focus Fundraising is a DC-based consulting firm that works with nonprofits across the US to help them expand support and grow revenue. Since 2010 we have worked with our clients to create annual development strategies and plans, provide counsel for major gift and capital campaigns, serve in interim development roles, assess fundraising programs, and offer coaching and training to board and executive leadership. We also conduct prospect research so you can identify your top potential donors, advise on event sponsorship, and craft key messages, case statements, and other donor communications to tell your nonprofit’s story more effectively.
2. With Whom does Focus Fundraising work?
Our clients are nonprofit charities, community organizations, foundations, schools, and mission-driven organizations that want to improve their fundraising results and deepen donor relationships.
3. What makes Focus Fundraising different from other development consultants?
We take a collaborative, relationship-centered approach that blends strategy with practical implementation. We work closely with internal fundraisers and other staff, provide clear timelines, and tailor every plan to the organization’s capacity. Our process is built on understanding your mission and creating strategies and tactics to meet your unique goals.
4. What types of fundraising campaigns do you support?
We help nonprofits with annual campaigns, year-end fundraising, recurring gift programs, stewardship systems, campaign messaging, donor communications, and general development planning. We also support organizations preparing for larger fundraising initiatives.
5. Can Focus Fundraising help with year-end development efforts?
Yes. Year-end fundraising is one of our areas of focus. We develop campaign strategies, email sequences, donor segmentation plans, messaging, timelines, and reporting systems that help nonprofits maximize giving in the final months of the year.
6. Do you offer targeted support or ongoing consulting?
Both. We offer one-time audits, project-based campaign support, and ongoing consulting. Every engagement is customized based on your needs, urgency, and capacity.
7. How does the consulting process work?
We begin with a discovery call to assess your needs and goals. From there, we create a tailored proposal with clear steps, timelines, and deliverables. If you decide to move forward, we work with your team through implementation and ongoing refinement.
For staffing engagements (interim roles to ensure continuity when a development director or grants writer leaves), we’ll work together to identify the best fit from our team to work with your organization until a new hire joins and is onboarded. For research engagements, we provide targeted prospecting for specific initiatives or can serve as your ad hoc researchers to provide details on potential major donors or event attendees. Last, for donor communications, our messaging specialist will take the lead to craft a case for support or other targeted pieces detailing your goals for a specific donor audience.
8. What results can nonprofits expect after working with you?
Organizations typically see stronger donor engagement, improved campaign performance, clearer messaging, a more organized development calendar, and increased revenue. Many clients also report more confident teams, better communication with donors, and more intentional fundraising workflows.
9. Does Focus Fundraising work with organizations that have small teams?
Yes. We work with both small nonprofits and larger organizations looking to expand their reach or augment their staffing. Our strategies are developed to be realistic, sustainable, and achievable with limited staff and resources.
10. Do you offer virtual fundraising consulting?
Yes. Focus Fundraising works with nonprofits nationwide through virtual consulting, strategy sessions, and online campaign support.
11. How much experience does your team have?
Our founder, Nadine Gabai-Botero, CFRE, has more than 25 years of fundraising experience and has partnered with a wide range of nonprofits, helping them develop campaigns, donor communications, stewardship systems, and long-term strategies. All members of our team have at least 15 years of experience working with nonprofits in senior-level development capacities.
12. Do you help train nonprofit staff or boards on fundraising?
Yes. We offer training and coaching for staff, development teams, and boards of directors. Training can cover donor engagement, fundraising basics, campaign planning, and stewardship best practices, among other topics.
13. How do we get started with Focus Fundraising?
You can reach out to schedule a complimentary introductory call by clicking here. We’ll learn about your organization, discuss your goals, identify challenges, and determine the right level of support. From there, we’ll create a proposal that details our recommended strategy, timeline and budget.
14. Will you solicit gifts on our organization’s behalf?
No. Focus Fundraising does not solicit gifts for nonprofits. Instead, we provide strategic counsel, coaching, and training so your team develops the skills, confidence, and donor relationships essential to sustaining and growing your organization over the long term.