For Nonprofits Ready to Grow

Gayle partners with diverse non-for-profit leaders, just like YOU, both in her hometown of Chicago and throughout the country. These organizations are on the forefront of the philanthropic community. Together we expand revenue generating activities, increase resources, and enhance volunteer engagement.

DEVELOPMENT

Increase revenue generating expertise-boosting strategy around earned income, major donors, grant writing, event planning, and more

ENGAGE VOLUNTEERS

Strategically engage volunteers in organization activities. Expand the capacity of the board, increase committee strategy and fundraising. Drive leader involvement & grow organization energy and momentum

STAFF

Grow personnel capacity with search, coaching and organization staffing

PLAN

More than a strategic, business, or development plan; create a comprehensive approach with accountability and regular objectives to stay on track

COMMUNICATE

Enhance communications through branding and internal & external campaigns leading to new websites, newsletters, and increased donor engagement

Gayle's experience and insight took PRAA's messaging and branding to a new level. She partnered with our entire leadership team to develop much of the text for our new website and uncovered new stories to bring the organization to life.
Carlos Hernandez, Founder & Executive Director, Puerto Rican Arts Alliance (PRAA)

Thank you for all of your incredible work on behalf of IWC. We wouldn't be where we are now without your thoughtful guidance and support. You helped us pull off an amazing inaugural education conference, imagine a new website, adapt to the virtual world AND hire a brilliant ED
Carrie Armour, Board Member, Illinois Women In Cannabis (IWC)

Gayle … has an excellent understanding of the field of non-profit development, and the challenges that non-profit executives face.
Jeremy Iggers, Former Executive Director, Twin Cities Media Alliance

I worked with Gayle from the day she started at St. Leonard's. She is always available, keeps her commitments, sharp as a tack, extremely reliable and has a contagious laugh. She and I worked close together in the development of "Finding Freedom”… Gayle was also integral in helping the Kickstarter receive international media attention as we were covered in Esquire, Huffington Post, NPR, and even Italy's second largest newspaper, in addition to at least a dozen other publications… She was the right person at the right time for the project we worked on together. It would have been nearly impossible to do without her.
Brandon Crockett, Creative Director at TBWA\Australia: Former Volunteer, St. Leonard's Ministries

Gayle approached this assignment with a passion that can only be described as thoughtful and endearing. She presented additional story angles to work from and internalized the message of the subject she was assigned to write on. Highly recommend.
Sharon L. Hadden, Content Strategist & Marketing Educator

Gayle Nelson, Esq is a leader driving nonprofit sustainable growth. For over twenty years, she has collaborated with diverse non-for-profit organizations to expand programs and services to meet critical needs. Gayle enjoys teaming up with organization leaders to facilitate strategic planning and board development activities. Additionally, she organizes fundraising events, writes grants, and supports staff in strengthening their leadership skills. She was the main writer and project manager of Curt's Cafe's successful $2 Million transformational grant from Lever For Change's 2024 Yield Giving Open Call. She has a passion for environmental causes, criminal justice reform, expanding legal services, empowering leaders with lived experiences, and coaching organization leadership.

Her clients, from foundations to trade associations and diverse nonprofit organizations, appreciate her unique mix of development, marketing, financial, and legal expertise. Gayle enthusiastically builds community and often connects clients to one another to explore opportunities to collaborate and share findings.

Gayle shares her home with her daughters and two cats. When she is not working, she enjoys a good workout and cultivating her backyard garden.

Gayle was a dedicated and thoughtful leader on the CWIP Board of Directors. She led our Technical Assistance Committee, which focused on strengthening our non-profit member organizations, with great success, helping us to increase our nonprofit membership segment. As a board member, she asked the right questions, helped to keep us on track, and brought new ideas and practical strategies to the group. Gayle is a tremendous asset, who leads by example.
Susan Gidley, Gidley Management, Managing Chicago Women in Philanthropy

Gayle is a prolific writer contributing to several different websites throughout her career. Her clients appreciate the unique perspective this provides. Here is a sample of her articles. For more visit: https://nonprofitquarterly.org/author/gaylenelsonesq/

5/19/2020

In the Shadow of the Pandemic, Nonprofits Form Partnerships to Expand the Meaning of Healthcare

The nonprofit sector has seen firsthand how different populations are susceptible to the effects of Covid-19. By expanding the scope of services through strategically formed partnerships, organizations can address the multitude of complex issues impacting the health and well-being of vulnerable communities.

2/19/2020

What Happened to My Annual Appeal? The Effect of the 2018 Tax Overall on Nonprofit Donations and the Rise of DAFs

Have you noticed a significant decline in donations, particularly small dollar amounts? What is the cause, and more importantly, what can you do to bring these donors back?

2/23/2017

The 16 Ways Your 990 Informs on You

Many nonprofit leaders leave their 990 to their tax professional. But many donors are examining it as part of their due diligence. Nonprofits utilizing their return to educate and clarify can lead to increased revenue and donor engagement.

1/31/2017

The Nonprofit #CuteAnimalTweetOff: Does It Need a Reason?

How are nonprofits using social media activities to educate and further their missions?

3/21/2016

What’s the Potential Impact of This Billionaire’s Charity Network Consolidation on the Philanthropic Community?

As inequality continues to grow, nonprofits are dependent on a smaller number of large individual donors. What effect does that have on their ability to carry out their missions?

12/10/2015

Caution Required in Approaching Social Enterprise

Nonprofits often develop social enterprises to grow their revenue. What happens when these efforts fail?

For Nonprofits Ready to Grow

Services

DEVELOPMENT

ENGAGE VOLUNTEERS

STAFF

PLAN

COMMUNICATE

Clients Talk

About

Articles

Gayle is a prolific writer contributing to several different websites throughout her career. Her clients appreciate the unique perspective this provides. Here is a sample of her articles. For more visit: https://nonprofitquarterly.org/author/gaylenelsonesq/

In the Shadow of the Pandemic, Nonprofits Form Partnerships to Expand the Meaning of Healthcare

What Happened to My Annual Appeal? The Effect of the 2018 Tax Overall on Nonprofit Donations and the Rise of DAFs

The 16 Ways Your 990 Informs on You

The Nonprofit #CuteAnimalTweetOff: Does It Need a Reason?

What’s the Potential Impact of This Billionaire’s Charity Network Consolidation on the Philanthropic Community?

Caution Required in Approaching Social Enterprise

Blog

Succession Planning: fueling a sustainable organization through strategic talent (staff and volunteer) development and growth

Why Succession Planning, Now?

The Five Steps of Succession Planning

Step 1: Get Started

Step 2: Develop Thorough & Empowering Avenues of Communication

Step 3: Creating Volunteer Job Descriptions

What Does a Good Board Job Description Look Like Anyway?

Transition: The Magic Sauce of a Resilient Board

Contact