Out of the Box Fund Development exists to help Christian camps, retreat centers, and faith-based nonprofits grow generosity, deepen donor relationships, and build long-term financial sustainability, without the cost of hiring full-time development staff.

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I've spent more than 33 years in Christian outdoor ministry, and I've seen what one week at camp can do. I've watched children, youth, and adults leave camp changed, closer to God and to each other, and I've seen how faithful donors make those moments possible. That's why I do this work.

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I'm part consultant and part coach. As your consultant, I shape the strategy and do the hands-on work: annual fund plans, year-end appeals, micro-fundraisers, capital campaigns, grant proposals, and the systems that keep it all running. As your coach, I walk alongside your director, staff, and board so they grow confident asking, thanking, and telling your story. Along the way, I've helped a ministry grow annual giving from $127,000 to over $520,000, built million-dollar capital campaigns, and secured major grants.

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I also understand the day-to-day life of a camp. As executive director at three camps and director of development at another, I've led year-round ministries serving more than 5,000 guests annually, hired and trained full-time and seasonal teams, facilitated strategic planning, launched programs, and led major facility renovations, including the restoration of a 13-bedroom historic lodge. I know how hospitality, program impact, and facilities shape donor confidence, and I bring that perspective to every plan.

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My leadership and consulting background includes:

• Executive Director, Camp Lake Stephens, MS

• Executive Director, Clearwater Forest, MN

• Executive Director, Pyoca Camp and Retreat Center, IN

• Director of Development, Heartland Presbyterian Center

• Director of Development, TennGreen Land Conservancy

• Out of the Box client: Pyoca Camp and Retreat Center, Brownstown, IN

• Out of the Box client: William Black Lodge, Montreat, NC

• Out of the Box client: Stronghold Camp and Retreat Center, Oregon, IL

• Out of the Box client: Camp Fellowship, Lake Greenwood, SC

• Coach and grant coordinator, Johnsonburg Presbyterian Camp and Flourish Nature Preschool

• PCCCA (Presbyterian Church Camp and Conference Association) consultant for eight years

• Compass Points faculty member, Fund and Site Development (2016)

• UMCRM (United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries) presenter on fundraising

• Presenter and workshop leader in fund development and board training at national conferences

 

Whether your ministry needs a short-term boost, a focused campaign, or a partner for the long haul, I'd love to walk alongside your team. Contracts start at six months, with year-long and ongoing partnerships available as your needs grow.

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Let's build something lasting, together.