George Consulting Services
Strategic Fundraising. Values-Driven Impact.
Fundraising Strategy
Strategies for mission-driven organizations and nonprofits.
Ethical practices for sustainable fundraising success.
Integrity in every fundraising initiative we support.
Consulting Services
Mission Driven
George Consulting Services
At the core of all the work I do is a belief that generosity, wisely directed, has the power to shape a better world.
Attracting gift and grant revenue requires research tools, backroom competence, a CRM database, a well-organized board eager to pitch in, a strategic plan that includes methods, budget and evaluation, and a trained staff to manage the work. The goal of George Consulting Services is to create a plan that addresses the gaps in readiness, lays out the steps and timing for success – then sets the work in motion
Meet Maureen George
For more than 30 years, I’ve worked on the frontlines of fundraising — contributing to institutions that serve civic, educational, cultural, and humanitarian missions. My journey began at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where I led corporate giving and steadily increased partner firm contributions despite a nationwide downturn in corporate giving.
As my work with small nonprofits expanded, the needs appeared more critical, success was more urgent, and the gaps in organizational readiness were apparent. I was founder and chair of a group called “Senior Professionals in Small Shops,” where very smart people dealt successfully with small budgets.
Grant writing — a newer chapter in my career has proven intellectually stimulating, values-aligned, and deeply rewarding. Evaluation methodology – a new chapter in quality management has led to better case statements and grant submissions.
What I Do
I help mission-driven organizations attract and manage philanthropic revenue through smart planning and hands-on guidance.
I help you assess organizational readiness, identify gaps, and design a clear plan of action — then set it in motion.
Grant Management
Diversifying revenue streams helps to mitigate a loss due to volatility affecting a single source. Grant submission starts with research, then gathering relevant documents, and ends with a compelling narrative. Grant management collects and reports on data as required by the grantor.
Feasibility Studies
These help determine if you are ready to launch a capital campaign, and if so, under what circumstances. Occasionally, it is necessary to scale back plans, but that is better to know up front than when you are struggling several years down the road.
Annual Campaigns
Annual funds are the shoulders on which all other gift funds stand. Donors who are interested in planned, leadership or campaign giving all begin as donors to the annual fund. Annual campaigns are marketing messages sent to a broad audience that allow recipients to self-identify as donors. And the money that comes in is for the highest priority, unrestricted use.
Recognizing a donor for a gift they made can be a delicate undertaking. I recommended a style of room naming at the Cambridge Public Library that considered the everyman aspect of a public library: This room is dedicated to Eleanor Roosevelt who fought tirelessly for individual rights throughout her life. This dedication is made by the Loft Family.
Donor Recognition
Evaluation
What is the nature of change for your program participants, how have they benefited compared to what you believe is beneficial? How will you evaluate the success of a program for which you are requesting funds?
Tactical Planning
Developing the tactics that support the strategic plan answers the question HOW? Otherwise, the strategic plan is simply aspirational.
Client Feedback
Like most public libraries, the need for services at the Pollard Memorial Library has grown faster than the municipal funding. The process of grant writing led by Maureen George was a knowledge-building experience. It helped us see our unused potential to fund programs that will benefit our community. I look forward to further developing this resource with Maureen.
Jamie O'Hearn
Chair, Pollard Memorial Library Foundation
Maureen was our interim Executive Director and opened new vistas for us. She established a communications plan including a donor-focused newsletter, led board discussions on advancement strategy, set the stage for our first annual campaign and successfully solicited leadership gifts. Her tireless energy and her ideas on making us a stronger, more secure organization were the basis of our joyful partnership.
Patrice Ficociello
Past Board Chair, Power of Flowers Project
★★★★★
★★★★★