I feel like I am one of the luckiest people in our school district and maybe even the State of IL! A quick internet search, a Bloomerang referral and bam! Our paths crossed. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with you on our annual fundraising. Your “style” is a great fit for our Foundation and I hope you will be open to working with me again. I just know your letter will take our annual fundraising to the next level.
Robin Niewold, Chair, PBL Education Foundation
Mary has a rare ability, she is able to both understand an organization’s moment in time and then describe it in writing. This often leads to highly effective fundraising appeals. Her communication skills are outstanding and she has always been a pleasure to collaborate with on fundraising campaigns.
Stephen J. Albert, former Executive Director, Court Theatre
Hands-On Fundraising is the bomb. Thank you to Mary Cahalane for being a super-smart strategic mind, a hand to hold, and a huge supporter of Grace Café, Inc. as we start this new adventure.
Rochelle Bayless, Executive Director, Grace Café, Inc.
Mary is a consummate professional, with the expertise and track-record to deliver results. She is particularly skillful in guiding nonprofit boards and organizations, developing impactful donor communications in the context of an effective fundraising plan that builds resources and momentum. A joy to work with, Mary instinctively sees the big picture and the nuances that matter most – providing a level of care and commitment that builds capacity, and can be sustained.
Bernard Kavaler, Managing Principal, Express Strategies
When clients need to take their donor communications to the next level, I speed dial Mary Cahalane. Mary’s work puts the donor at the center of the conversation, tapping into donor passions, nurturing long-term relationships and mobilizing enthusiastic support for the cause. Her writing is beautiful, simple, direct and compelling… and the results are even more impressive.
Debra Pittorie Forand, Consultant, Nonprofit Management
I have known Mary Cahalane’s work for over 25 years. Her writing is clear, direct, light-hearted and compelling. Mary sees through chaos to the core message, and delivers it with calm inspiration that compels you to comply. She understands human nature, and what drives people to do good in the world. She is my “go-to” person for nonprofit fundraising.
Sandra B. Wood Forand, Philanthropic Consultant
Mary uses her infinite knowledge of the latest research in donor trends, best practices, and data analysis to help organizations create effective direct mail campaigns. Her expertise and good sense extends to the details of the ‘how-to’s” of segmented and targeted mailings and crafting donor-centered letters and mail pieces.
Nancy Altschuler, Director of Development, Goodspeed Musicals
Mary Cahalane not only has the experience to guide and support clients in the fundraising process, she has the true essence of what it means to donate and to ask for donations. In a world where money can be a sensitive topic – on both sides of the asking – she knows how to put priorities into action. Her organic approach to fundraising relationships resonated with our board that was new to fundraising, making everyone comfortable in the donation process.
Sonia Plumb, Artistic Director, Sonia Plumb Dance Company
Mary is the real deal! Her work is smart, sophisticated, contemporary and strategic and is delivered with genuine warmth and compassion. Mary is a recognized expert on nonprofit fund development and social networking for nonprofits. She values results and is extremely effective. Mary is also a caring and supportive colleague who brings out the best in everyone around her!
Kate Busch Gervais, President, Strategic Management Consulting
Mary is an invaluable colleague and the consummate professional. She is patient, thorough and the model of diplomacy. In a relationship-driven field like fundraising, a kind and caring heart like Mary’s goes a long way. Additionally, she is a gifted writer and, unlike many development professionals in her generation, Mary has stayed way ahead of the curve in terms of how technology and social media are changing the fundraising game. If you are the head of a non-profit, know that Mary will quickly become one of your most reliable and productive advisors.