Your big ideas start with one step. Start Now.

About

I started this business to inspire people to take the first step now, making big strategies seem like manageable milestones. It can seem overwhelming to set lofty fundraising goals and reach them, or start new planned giving programs without even really understanding how a bequest works.

I bring 10+ years of fundraising experience (from grassroots canvassing, to small shop start-up, to Community Foundation fund development). Wherever you are beginning, however you are equipped, whenever you are ready to take the first step, I would love to help.

Fundraiser coaching and advice

Sometimes you just need someone to bounce ideas off of. This industry can be hard - it requires gumption and curiosity. Let's talk about how to grow your skills, where your challenges lie, and what steps you can take today to move you in the right direction.

Strategy Development

Plan the work and work the plan. Without thoughtful reflection that takes context and various factors into consideration, we can find ourselves just spinning our wheels. Let me take a 30,000 foot view and drill down into an action plan that starts now.

Planned giving made easy

The highest most powerful gift is a gift that comes at the end of someone's lifetime. Whether your non-profit already has donors who treat you like family, or you wish to engage your donors in a deeper more transformational way, I'm here to help.

They call me Genuine Jenine

I am a nonprofit fundraising professional committed to equity and inclusion, and making the world a better place. We all thrive when one thrives and I believe the actions, thoughts, and words we speak everyday are important. Here are the highlights of my life, helping to shape my identity:

Grew up in West Michigan and attended City High School, city high pegasi!
My one way train ticket to Oregon turned into an adventure of working and studying across 7 states.
Finishing a BA of International Relations, minor Spanish, in Oaxaca, Mexico changed my life, forever solidifying my commitment to working with Latinx communities.
Proud GVSU Laker, finishing a Master of Public Administration in Nonprofit Management and Leadership in 2014 confirmed 10+ years of practical experience in the field.
Earning my Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy, CAP designation means I have expert level experience guiding conversations for donors and nonprofits around philanthropy that is transformational not transactional.
I'm a stepmom, dog mom, wife, daughter, step-sister, step-daughter, and best friend to many. I work hard and I enjoy the fruits of my labor in balance!
Currently, I work full time as a Development Officer with Grand Rapids Community Foundation where I have worked since 2016.
I am a proud graduate of Leadership Grand Rapids and Leadership Advantage with the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce.
In 2022 I was recognized as a GRBJ 40 under 40 business leader.
I look forward to connecting with you, give me a call or check out my LinkedIn profile

Other expertise and experience

Bilingual (Spanish/English) Fluency

- translating non-professional documents in volunteer and professional settings
- working with Spanish only speaking community and volunteers
- building community engagement strategies like hosting focus groups and evaluating responses
- at family gatherings
- travelling through Mexico

Strategic Project Planning

- as Chair of Create Great Leaders Council led strategic planning process
- serving as Core Team member for Centennial Planning committees
- what mom isn't a natural strategic planner?

Volunteer, Event and Project Management

- building volunteer management programs
- volunteer onboarding, engagement, and stewardship
- intimate house parties, and 500 person evening soirees
- strategy, execution and evaluation of programs

Grant writing and management

- Experience working with community foundations has made me very familiar with grant applications and processes
- familiarity of Common Grant Application

Short and long-term engagements

Have a need but don't see it listed here? I'd love to talk.

Who is my ideal client?

I am based in Michigan, with limited opportunities to travel at this time. I am however, available to take on remote projects within the United States. My ideal client is:

a small to mid-sized nonprofit with at least one full time staff or a working board.
a fundraising operation that is new, growing, or well established.
someone who is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. What does this look like? Not discriminating against anyone for employment, volunteering or services based on the color of their skin, who they choose to marry, gender, or other identifying characteristics.
People with big ideas but haven't found the place to start.

Where do you start?

The journey of a million miles starts with one small step. It sounds cliche, but the big hairy audacious goals get accomplished by a combination of small actions - taken one step at a time.

Schedule a meeting for a free consultation and review of your needs
Co-create an agreement with me for scope of work and cost
Schedule regular working appointments with me and your team
Project milestones review, outcomes, and ongoing evaluation
Wrap up of project and evaluation

Let's talk about how I might help. Tambien podemos platicar en español!