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Ann McGuiness Fundraising Consulting provides hands-on fundraising expertise, advice and services to nonprofit organizations seeking to raise more money and grow sustainable development programs. Ann's experience, insight and personalized attention help organizations achieve their fundraising goals and fulfill their mission.
about Ann [ about ann ]
Ann McGuiness is a fundraising professional with more than 30 years experience working with a variety of nonprofit, political and philanthropic organizations. For the last 18 years, she has worked as an independent fundraising consultant advising more than 25 organizations. Ann is a professional who brings passion, energy, intelligence, creativity and a strong work ethic to every fundraising engagement. She is a trusted partner with a record of success.
Ann is experienced in all aspects of fundraising, marketing and institutional development for organizations large and small; local, national and international. She has built successful major donor programs, managed high-yield fundraising campaigns, organized large scale fundraising events, directed multi-million dollar direct mail initiatives, increased organizational support from foundations and corporations, completed executive searches for development and management personnel, led strategic planning processes, and trained and coached boards and staff in fundraising.
Ann has held major development staff positions for Planned Parenthood Federation of America, NARAL Pro-Choice America, the National Women’s Political Caucus, and Families USA. She was a member of the national finance staff for Senator Tim Wirth’s US Senate campaign and worked as a fundraiser for several community based organizations and political campaigns early in her career. She has also served as a member of the boards of directors of several organizations.
As a consultant, Ann has had the privilege of working for organizations and causes she passionately believes in. Her causes and clients have included: The Interfaith Alliance; CASA Reproductive Health Centre in Mexico; Capital Repertory Theatre; the National Partnership for Women and Families; the Pacific Council for International Policy; Historic Cherry Hill and the George Washington University Native American Political Leadership Program.
Ann McGuiness holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Columbia University in New York, NY, and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Saint Joseph College in West Hartford, CT. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive , a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and a member of Women in Development of both the Northeast New York and New York City chapters.
In addition to her consulting work, Ann is an Adjunct Professor at the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York and teaches the fundraising course for the Graduate School of Business.
Ann and her family live in the upper Hudson River Valley of New York.
See full resume via pdf
AMprofile.pdf
menu [ fundraising services ]
As a fundraising consultant, I help organizations raise money and build sustainable fundraising programs. There are no cookie-cutter solutions to the fundraising challenges organizations face today. My work is client-driven and based on the needs and expectations of each organization. It is infused with the rich experiences and learning from 30 years in the fundraising field.
How do I work with organizations?
Typically, at the start of a relationship, I conduct a fundraising “audit,” which is a thorough study and analysis of an organization’s current fundraising program. The audit reviews the development program within the context of an organization’s mission and programs and examines leadership, the case for support as well as program effectiveness, efficiency, and systems. With this insight, I can make informed, strategic and specific recommendations for achieving fundraising goals that are appropriate to the particular organization.
The heart of my work with clients, however, lies in helping to develop and execute a plan that produces results. I work closely with clients over time as a member of the development team comprised of board members and key staff. My role as a member of the team is to provide expertise, advice, and a fresh perspective. The goal is to keep the plan on track and moving forward so that the organization can succeed in raising more money.
Meeting the needs of my clients
There are a variety of ways in which I help in the fundraising process including:
Crafting and perfecting the Case for Support, which is the key to raising money – it answers the prospective donor’s essential question, “Why should I give?” Designing the fundraising campaign plan which raises more money in the short term and builds enduring programs for the long haul Recommending the systems, staffing structure and data management to support a vibrant fundraising operation Creating, mining, vetting, qualifying and expanding the donor prospect list Accessing and using donor research to support effective donor solicitation Developing the best strategies for cultivating, soliciting and stewarding top donors Recruiting the right staff for a development operation Strategizing “the ask” and ensuring that it is the right amount, at the right time for the right purpose Helping organizations understand philanthropy and the importance of developing meaningful relationships with donors Training and on-going coaching in every aspect of the fundraising process Producing donor materials that inspire and motivate donors to give Working with boards of directors and helping them succeed in their fundraising role Monitoring campaign progress, staying on track and several steps ahead of the curve and keeping the eye on the goal gallery [ current projects ]
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Manage relationships with principal level donors from around the country and lead the national efforts to raise political support from major donors in 2012 and beyond.
National Partnership for Women and Families
Support and provide strategic advice to the new Development Director as she works to expand indivdiual giving and build a dynamic major gifts program.
Center for International Policy
Conducting a new audit of the fundraising program and outlining recommendations for improvement and growth.
The College of Saint Rose/School of Business
Teach the fundraising for non-profits course to MBA students and those enrolled in the Not-for-Profit Management Certificate Program.
events [ clients 1994-2012 ]
American Association of Community Colleges
Capital Repertory Theatre
CASA Reproductive Health Centre
Center for International Policy
Equal Justice Works
Families USA
The George Washington University/Native American Political
Leadership Program
Henry L. Stimson Center
Historic Cherry Hill
International Women’s Health Coalition
Jewish Women’s Archive
Management Assistance Group
Mountain Retreat and Learning Centers
NARAL Pro-Choice America
National Breast Cancer Coalition
National Immigration Forum
National Industries for the Blind
National Partnership for Women and Families
National Women’s Law Center
Older Women’s League
Optical Society of America
Pacific Council on International Policy
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Population Action International
Sisters of the Good Shepherd
The Interfaith Alliance
Women in International Security
Page 1 Ann McGuiness is the consummate professional, combining three decades of fundraising experience with a lifelong passion
for progressive causes. Ann loves to connect philanthropists with opportunities to change the world and it is a delight to work with her.
Cecile Richards, President
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Page 2 Ann is insightful, always direct, very loyal and above all, passionate about the causes near
and dear to her heart. Both personally and professionally, I have trusted and valued Anns advice for the entire 14 years I have led the Interfaith Alliance.
The Rev. Welton Gaddy, President
The Interfaith Alliance
Page 3 I've worked with Ann
on more than one campaign with various organizations. She brings years of experience, flawless intuition, impeccable judgment and just the right balance of tact and assertiveness when working with boards and donors.
Ann Unterberg, Vice Chair
International Womens Health Coalition Board
of Directors
Page 4 Since her earliest involvement at Cherry Hill, Ann has offered sound counsel and
sought opportunities for
"real life" training in donor cultivation and solicitation. Her holistic approach has raised our small institution's level of professionalism in all areas of development, significantly enhancing the bottom lines of our annual fund, capital campaign, and newly established bequest society.
Liselle LaFrance, Director
Historic Cherry Hill
Page 5 We are still following the strategic plan Ann prepared for the Center for International Policy ten years ago.
We have exceeded the fundraising goals she established for us... I still give every senior staffer we hire a copy of
her plan.
William Goodfellow, Executive Director
Center for International Policy
