Fundraising consultant insights offer a powerful lens into what makes campaigns succeed. In Episode 42, Lindsay talks with Tiffany Williams about what happens behind the scenes—from building strong donor pipelines to coaching leadership and boards. Her practical advice and perspective illuminate the impact of intentional strategy and authentic relationships.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, rate, and review.
Tiffany Williams, CEO and Founder of Givly, and I explore a day in the life of a consultant.
Reflections on a Journey in Major Gifts and Capital Campaign Consulting
“Here's the thing about fundraising. More than dollars and cents, it is about the operational process to get to that point. The question is: how do you activate teams, committees, staff and people to facilitate that and to make that happen?” Share on X
The Path into Fundraising Consulting
Have you ever considered a career in fundraising consulting? Wondered which skills are most transferable? Or heard Lindsay mention “Case, Leadership, Prospects, and Plan” and wanted to know why?
I’ve been asked many times what it’s like to be a fundraising consultant and how I found my way into this work. For me, it’s a powerful blend of purpose and curiosity—an opportunity to serve, to strategize, and to support nonprofits in reaching their full potential.
Solving complex challenges with each client is both a privilege and a passion. I see this work like an engineer’s task: tinkering, exploring, and innovating toward meaningful solutions. A recent favorite read of mine is Think Again by Adam Grant—books like this inspire me, as someone deeply interested in behavioral psychology and systems thinking.
More Than Fundraising: It’s About Problem Solving
Fundraising isn’t just about raising dollars. It’s about designing systems, activating teams, and aligning vision with execution. My goal is to help organizations rediscover purpose, share resources more creatively, and lead with authenticity.
It’s not just about the gift—it’s about the structure that sustains giving and the human connection that makes it meaningful.
A Day in the Life: With Guest Tiffany Williams
In this episode, I’m joined by fellow consultant and dear friend Tiffany Williams. Together, we reflect on the realities of this work:
How we choose the right clients
How we balance deadlines with real-world events
How we build trust in high-stakes environments
Tiffany’s journey into consulting, like mine, was unexpected but deeply fulfilling. With over a decade of experience and nearly a billion dollars raised for nonprofits, she now leads her own firm, TJ Marie Consulting.
Meet the Founder of Givly: Inspiring a New Generation of Donors
In addition to her consulting work, Tiffany is the CEO and Founder of Givly, a universal giving and stewardship platform designed to ignite the philanthropic spirit in younger donors.
Her work focuses on innovation, accessibility, and creating tools that meet donors where they are—especially in an increasingly digital world.
Why Hire a Fundraising Consultant?
Organizations often bring in consultants because they need to raise money fast. But the real benefit? Muscle memory.
Consultants don’t just bring short-term wins—they introduce systems, best practices, and long-term strategies that remain long after the engagement ends.
Hiring a great consultant means more than hitting a goal. It means transforming your development culture and building a roadmap you can sustain on your own.
Key Takeaways:
(05:10) – Tiffany’s top 3 transferable skills: communication, organization, and grace.
(07:35) – What most clients need: dollars and the operational processes to get them.
(11:11) – Building systems for future success and how to crack the biggest challenges in consulting.
(16:04) – What brings us the most joy as consultants?
(20:21) – Pandemic connection: how to build a long-distance connection with clients.
(23:55) – Tiffany’s ideal client and her absolutely non-negotiables.
(27:22) – How to serve the greatest good? The push and pull between causes and donors.
(31:06) – Ethical dilemmas: how to focus your campaign without forgetting the bigger picture.
(36:00) – Tiffany’s golden advice for consultants!
Connect with Tiffany
through LinkedIn
Episode Resources
TJ Marie Consulting on LinkedIn , Facebook and their website
Givly App on LinkedIn, Facebook,Twitter, Instagram and their website
💡 Curious how fundraising consultants support growth? Explore our Fundraising Strategy for expert guidance.
