I'm Nancy Rieves
your fundraising coachGet ready to unleash your passion, raise money for what matters, and prepare yourself for your next career move!
As your coach, I provide overwhelmed leaders of nonprofits with a roadmap to maximize and sustain major gift fundraising.
With a proven fundraising process, you will be more comfortable, confident, and successful raising money for your nonprofit.
Hi! I am Nancy Rieves, also known as the Fundraising Maximizer. I did not plan to be a fundraiser. I fell into it like many of you!
While teaching leadership, marketing and business classes at a community college, the president asked if I would oversee the college foundation. I declined. I did not like asking people for money, not even for my daughter’s girl scout cookie sales! It was after the president asked me a third time that I considered the role. He said I would not have to raise money – he would do that.
After attending several national training programs and seminars, I understood fundraising in a whole new light. It was not about me – it was about being a conduit for those who have the capacity to give and want to make a difference. It was about solving problems. Now, that made sense to me!
I completed my doctorate studies focusing my dissertation work on analyzing fundraising activities.
After overseeing the college foundation and fundraising for a museum, I embarked on a journey to launch a new foundation. After securing the 501 (c)(3) status, I slowly hired
I knew little about fundraising when I started. However, I knew the importance of meaningful relationships and helping others make a difference that is meaningful to them.
Nancy with her her amazing fundraising team at the Foundation. The team was responsible for raising over $16 million!
What's important . . .
Journal Daily
Journaling is a powerful leadership tool. I currently set aside 15 minutes at the end of each day to journal. It’s a time for me to reflect on my day, take account of my progress, and identify priorities for the next day. Each day I note lessons learned, my biggest wins, and my next steps to move forward.
Be Intentional
Define where you want to go. Ask what would you do if you knew you would not fail. Envision your future, develop a plan and move everyday in that direction. I use Michael Hyatt’s Full Focus Planner to keep me on track. It has been a game changer for me.
Be Grateful
Show appreciation for the things others do for you. There is never a time when you shouldn't thank someone for doing something for you. Unfortunately, when we send a thank you note, we stand out from the crowd. Remember it’s the little things that people remember. Maya Angelou say, “. . . people will never forget how you made them feel.”
I hope you find my website helpful as I share my experiences, new discoveries from interviews, and new research. My blogs are about clarifying your message, building an effective team, being a high-achieving leader, engaging your board, and securing major gifts through meaningful relationships.
Here is how to contact me if you have questions: [email protected]. Don’t forget to subscribe by clicking the red button at the top of the page and follow me on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest, and Instagram to receive latest news!
Nancy's Bio
Nancy Rieves is an executive coach and consultant to charitable organizations. She is passionate in her role to assist the charity to maximize and sustain funding for their charitable purpose.
She has worked with nonprofits for more than 25 years. Before launching her own consulting and coaching business, she founded an education-related foundation that she guided for 10 years as executive director. During that time, she managed a staff of 12 overseeing fundraising, scholarships, and public relations. Her development team was responsible for raising more than $16 million. Nancy served in leadership roles in planning, accreditation, and advancement while also teaching leadership, marketing, and other business classes at a college in Arkansas.
Nancy has deep knowledge and experience in coaching executives, implementing fundraising processes, engaging board members, and building effective teams for nonprofit organizations. She specializes in establishing processes that allow organizations to create lifetime donors that result in sustained and increased funding. She focuses energy to strengthen leaders who are committed and passionate about maximizing their organization’s capacity as well as their own talents.
Nancy has an undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas in marketing. She has a master’s and doctorate degree from Arkansas State University. She was recognized by Southeastern Association of Community College Research for exemplary dissertation work focused on analyzing fundraising activities.
Nancy is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham and The Women’s Network of Birmingham. She is on the boards of the Alabama Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and Alabama Women in Business.
Nancy has two wonderful children and three wonderful grandchildren – a daughter who lives in Birmingham and a son who lives in Nashville. In her spare time, she leads a fun filled life where her favorite hobby is driving on a road racecourse and fly fishing. She is proud to have completed the Chicago marathon and over a dozen half marathons.
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PO Box 530102
Birmingham, AL 35253