Our mission is to equip nonprofits with the insight and strategy needed to navigate today’s philanthropic landscape, unlock effective fundraising, and drive measurable, sustainable impact for the communities they serve.
About Us
Nonprofit Development Strategies’ staff have raised more than $125 million for nonprofits around the world since 2013. Today, we work alongside established nonprofits, think tanks, cultural institutions, and mission-driven organizations of all sizes so they can elevate their fundraising strategy, strengthen their development expertise, and ultimately increase their reach, services, and impact.
We most commonly work as grant writers and reviewers, advisors and researchers on fundraising matters, campaign managers, or surge staffing support for development departments.
What We Value
Alignment of Efforts
Looking beyond one-off fundraising tactics, we take the time to learn about your organization’s values, purpose, and goals to ensure each fundraising effort is in clear alignment with organizational priorities. One size does not fit all.
Building from Within
We approach each partnership with the intention of creating long-term, sustainable change, knowledge transfer, and aim to leave organizations better equipped for long-term success after our work is done.
Data-Driven Storytelling
Our fundraising methods are informed by research, data, and proven approaches. Combined with creative storytelling, we ensure your proposals and efforts are not filled with buzzwords and platitudes, but rather tangible insight into where a donor can make a difference.
Meet Emily
Founder & Principal Advisor
Emily has been active in the nonprofit sector since 2009, and continues to be driven by a passion for community-based solutions and the transformative power of philanthropy.
Beginning her career in direct client services, she saw firsthand how consistent fundraising shapes program stability and ultimately impact. She later expanded into volunteer management, fundraising, and strategic development. After getting professional training as a grant writer and program developer, Emily stepped into various roles as a grant writer, fundraising campaign manager, business development manager, planner of major fundraising events, and revitalizer of stagnant development teams with organizations ranging from small community arts programs to global international development institutions.
With experience raising funds from $500 to $49 million through foundations, governments, corporations, and individuals, and after several years working as a financial and operational strategy consultant for a think tank, she founded Nonprofit Development Strategies in 2026 to meet the need for nonprofits to have access to affordable expertise in fundraising and development to navigate an ever-changing and challenging giving landscape.
Emily holds a PhD in Public Administration and Public Policy from the University of Texas at Arlington, an MA in International Studies from the University of North Texas, and has received professional certifications in Nonprofit Management, Nonprofit Accounting, and Program Management from Cornell and Northwestern University.