Focus Fundraising works with clients as both a trusted adviser and a collaborative partner. Below are some testimonials from past clients.
“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
“I can’t say enough positive things about Nadine and her team at Focus Fundraising. Nadine knew what we needed before we did, and from the very beginning of our partnership she hit the ground running, turning lofty ideas into actionable strategies. Her experience and responsiveness has made her one of our most valuable partners. Focus Fundraising has not only taught us development best practices and strategies, but has empowered us to engage in them in each step of the development plan. The impact of this partnership and its success is felt throughout our organization. Nadine’s graceful, tactful leadership has us on the right course to meet our audacious benchmarks.”
Executive Director, Center for Policing Equity
“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
“Joan Wood is an amazing development consultant with a proven track record for helping nonprofits grow their organization. Her years of fundraising experience, vast knowledge of the industry, creativity, extensive skill set, network, and can-do attitude add up to success. I have personally very much enjoyed working with Joan and highly recommend her services! In fact, when my board asked me why our year-end giving was up by over 35%, I said it was because we followed Joan’s sound advice!
Executive Director, DV Leap, Domestic Violence Empowerment & Appeals Project
“We had the pleasure of working with Joan and her expert team on an intensive, year-long, fund development capacity building initiative for our advocacy grantees. The training sessions were tailored to the specific cultivation challenges of each organization, and the whole group benefitted from the team’s diverse fundraising experience as they helped us craft and execute on our respective development plans.
Executive Director, UN Foundation’s Universal Access Project
“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