GROW
GREAT
CAUSES

our mission is to grow great causes.

Learn how your organization can become more resilient and sustainable, through practical coaching and strategic advice. With experience in assisting groups of all sizes for operations and capital campaigns, MJ is eager to partner with you to build a stronger community. 

Services include:

01

Coach executive directors, boards and development staff

02

Conduct development audits

03

Lay the groundwork for capital campaigns

04

Strengthen leadership committees

05

Advise on grant strategies

06

Launch an annual campaign & write a case for support

07

Develop mission-based communications and special events

ADAPT

Charities need to continually re-assess systems and tactics to meet the current challenges.

MJ built a local youth development organization’s first development department from scratch, launched its initial annual campaign, completed an $11.4M capital campaign, and revamped a decades-old brand with an engaging new logo, tagline, and website.

GROW

Start by understanding the organizational elements that support positive growth. Learn how to develop and implement effective sustainability tactics.

MJ coached a veterans organization’s leaders to successfully launch a capital campaign. This involved working to establish growth strategies, which included hiring their first paid staff member, establishing advanced organizational communications, securing major grants and building a leadership team.

TRANSFORM

Examine and employ new approaches for lasting change.

MJ led the development program at a Pittsburgh youth education organization, turning a deficit into a surplus. Highlights included securing one of the largest grants received in over two decades, and ensuring that the agency initiated an effective peer-to-peer fundraising program. MJ co-produced mission-driven videos and oversaw three successful virtual events during the pandemic.

8 Steps to prepare for a funder site visit

*To be featured in an upcoming book

  • 1. Tidy up

  • 2. Do your homework.

  • 3. What’s the back story?

  • 4. Set your intention (*And have contingent plans)

  • 5. Ask 4 questions before they leave.

  • 6. Have fun!

  • 7. Follow up

  • 8. Work the plan

ABOUT

Fueled by a strong commitment to make the world a better place and combined with a pragmatic approach, MJ can quickly assess systemic issues and patterns that may be holding back organizations and offer meaningful recommendations that create change.

MJ’s perspective and range of experience is unique in that she has served in diverse roles including board governance, executive director, program staff, development and communications staff, and volunteer.

Dedicated to positive community building, MJ raised more than $30M in her charitable projects in Boston and Pittsburgh.

MJ is an optimistic, visionary and pragmatic problem-solver who can work with you to envision and enact a brighter future.

 

Testimonials

  • "As a result of MJ’s enthusiasm and encouragement, professional and experienced counsel, and creative problem solving, we have reaped the rewards of her advice and will be breaking ground on a new house in 2024. MJ has helped The Friends of the Pittsburgh Fisher House enrich our connections, become more savvy and organized in our capital campaign efforts, and establish sustainable systems for when we are managing two houses. We are very grateful for her expertise, and I would highly recommend her as fundraising counsel."

    – Dayna B, Friends of Pittsburgh Fisher House Board Member

  • "I learned so much from MJ regarding identifying fundraising strategies and practical implementation tactics, as we successfully welcomed new donors needed to complete an $11M capital campaign. Together with board members and staff key leaders, we built the first annual campaign infrastructure by upgrading our data systems and implementing donor acquisition and cultivation programs. We also led a process to revamp and relaunch the brand of the organization with a vibrant new look and tag line that reflected the mission."

    – Janice W., Colleague and Mentee

  • "MJ provided our organization with a variety of valuable services–starting with an audit of our organization’s fundraising approaches. She brings a systematic, easy to follow approach to fundraising, taking away some of the mystery and anxiety that can go along with asking for money. Working with MJ has been a good learning experience and it has been a pleasure to work with her."

    – Nancy C, Board Member ARTZ Philadelphia

  • "MJ is a consummate professional and a pleasure to work with. She established solid relationships with staff, board members, and donors, resulting in substantial increases in giving every year. She successfully planned and oversaw all aspects of annual galas, including three virtual events during Covid 19. MJ established a new pool of loyal donors, including foundations, businesses, and individuals. She mentored interns, volunteers, and staff while exhibiting passion and creativity in order to achieve strategic objectives. I highly recommend MJ due to her expertise, positive attitude, and proven ability to get results."

    – Brian Sheridan, Homeless Children’s Education Fund Board Member

  • "MJ was our key to success for our largest fundraising event by providing strategic and tactic guidance.  She also supported hiring additional staff to the development team by identifying strengths and weaknesses of the department. MJ has truly become both a personal and professional confidante to me as I grow in the profession. She is absolutely a professional you can trust to create the change you need in your organization.”

    – Jarrod Williams, Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh