Why I Started BeaconPoint Strategies

I started BeaconPoint Strategies after more than a decade of leading my own nonprofit and seeing firsthand how many organizations simply don’t have the resources to hire a dedicated development professional. Fundraising responsibilities get spread across boards, volunteers, and already-overextended staff, and that’s when consistency slips and donor relationships begin to fall through the cracks.

My Background in Donor Development

I’ve spent more than 15 years working directly in donor development, stewardship, and mid-level donor strategy. My work has included managing donor portfolios, strengthening cultivation pipelines, and helping organizations secure and sustain significant gifts through steady, relationship-focused development work. My experience spans individual giving, donor engagement systems, stewardship planning, reporting, and supporting foundation and grant efforts.

My Philosophy on Donor Relationships

I believe donors should never feel like they’re giving so an organization can “go off and do the work” without them. Healthy donor relationships are partnerships—where people feel like they’re coming alongside the mission, not funding it from a distance. That means focusing on the relationship first, not just the transaction.

I don’t view donors as dollar signs. They’re people, and the relationship should reflect that. When you invest in truly getting to know them—their motivations, values, and story—the connection becomes long-term, not transactional. Trust deepens. Loyalty grows. And generosity tends to follow that kind of steady, genuine care.

Who I Work Best With

I work best with mission-driven organizations—especially faith-based ministries, values-aligned nonprofits, and cause-focused groups in areas like health, education, and community support. These teams care deeply about their mission but may not have a full development staff in place. I’m a strong fit for leaders who value relationships first. Revenue doesn’t always create relationships—but strong relationships often create sustainable revenue.

My Strength

My strength in this work comes from a blend of relational intuition and data-driven clarity. I naturally build trust with donors—listening well, understanding their motivations, and helping them feel genuinely connected to the mission. At the same time, I’m deeply detail-oriented. I study patterns, giving trends, and donor behavior so organizations can make informed, practical decisions. That combination—the ability to connect personally while also bringing structure and insight—helps organizations strengthen donor loyalty and build sustainable giving.