We’re a team of seasoned fundraisers with a cross-sector view and a passion for results. We’re always learning and we love what we do, We’re here to make your life easier and to help you fundraise well.
Donorly was founded on the premise that donor research is an essential element for all successful development operations — but we knew that small shops needed a cost-effective solution to hiring a full-time staff member. We designed a way to provide professional donor research to even the smallest nonprofit teams, and have expanded along the way. Now we provide small organizations with all the tools that larger ones have in-house. After all, why should they have all the fun?
We believe in the power of communities—building connections, nurturing relationships, and sharing joy. When we come together, there is no stopping us.
This is the heart and soul of effective collaboration. We stand for generous knowledge-sharing, radical transparency, and downright candor.
Hitting walls is a natural part of life and fundraising. We keep moving forward by creatively maneuvering around roadblocks and fearlessly confronting unexpected challenges.
We lead with kindness and work constructively through conflict.
Collaboration is the key to success, and we get better results when we’re all doing the work, together.
Donorly’s headquarters are located on the traditional, unceded lands of the Lenape people. We pay our respects to the Lenape and their elders — those who have lived here before, live here now, and will live here in the future. We acknowledge and denounce White supremacy, systemic racism, cis-hetero-patriarchy, settler colonialism, police brutality, and other oppressive doctrines. We stand in solidarity with Black and Brown communities and LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC-led movements for justice and liberation.
Donorly is deeply committed to anti-racism and, beginning in May 2020, has begun a long-term, ongoing journey to live out our anti-racist values within our organization, in our work with our clients, and in our engagement with the philanthropic sector. Through staff education and trainings; empowered, staff-led working groups; a transparent salary structure; a process for reviewing potential partners; developing anti-racist offerings; improving hiring and onboarding processes; and more; we commit to continuous growth and education in order to become a truly multicultural organization.
President
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Working with organizations that are making change in the world has given me a professional life filled with joy and lifelong learning.
Moments of growth and change are what excite me most about working with our clients. I’m a sucker for a campaign kick-off ceremony, and I love working with our clients to spur activity that helps them move from a handful of gifts to a CRM that is jam-packed with a new and growing donor base.
When I am not working with our amazing clients, I’m traveling with my history-loving husband, walking my dog, Tanner, in Central Park, and taking in the endless adventures that New York City has to offer.
Megan Callaghan
Senior Consultant
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After studying dance in college, I quickly found my way to fundraising. The development departments at the small dance companies I supported were often under-resourced. I gladly stepped in to set up systems, build relationships, and generate excitement for their mission.
Throughout my career I have provided a wide range of support in the creative culture and social impact sector from individual and institutional giving to operations and special events. After decades training in dance studios and performing on stages, I bring both structure and creativity to everything I do. I’m energized by learning and creating organization.
When I’m not at my desk, you’ll find me walking around my beloved Baltimore neighborhood with my dog, Rory, who always reminds me to appreciate the little things in life.
Allison Gutstein
Senior Consultant
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I came to the social impact space through a love for the arts coupled with the knowledge my destiny was in support of the work, not on stage.
A lover of learning, my Masters in Performing Arts Administration from NYU gave me the knowledge I needed to take on fundraising roles while supporting social impact organizations holistically. My knowledge of events, donor stewardship, major gifts, and capital campaigns has helped my work with a variety of clients across multiple sectors including Manhattan Theatre Club, The Chick Mission, Marin Theater Company, and 54 Below.
When I am not working, I am taking in as much culture in New York City as time will allow and raising two intrepid teenagers.
Scott Patton
Senior Consultant
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I spent a lot of my early professional days in the performing arts as a producer, performer, and fundraiser for nonprofit orgs large and small. Those experiences instilled in me the importance and joy of fundraising in the social impact and creative culture sectors.
At Donorly, I provide critical services that give our clients clarity on opportunities and next steps. Each organization is surrounded by individuals ready and willing to help them achieve their goals, and I love helping to discover and cultivate those supporters for our clients.
When I’m not helping to solve fundraising challenges for the wide spectrum of social impact organizations we work with, I enjoy cycling, playing music, and attending live theater.
Kel Haney
Senior Consultant
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I believe we can create fundraising conversations that are relationship-building opportunities, as opposed to transactional encounters. I came to fundraising as a way to support myself as theater director and I've developed a fundraising methodology that’s based on how I led a rehearsal room: focusing on what makes each of us unique and engaging.
I’ve empowered a number of nonprofits to grow their mid-level donor relationships through quick, authentic, and successful phone conversations, including Signature Theatre, Ensemble Studio Theatre, and Berkshire Theatre Group.
When I’m not coaching clients, you’ll find me seeking out all kinds of artistic experiences, taking nature walks with my rescue pup, playing extremely intricate board games, and attempting to recreate the fabulous meals my husband & I have enjoyed on our various travels.
Connor Stribling
Consultant
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My work in the social impact sector began with a love of theater and a desire to explore opportunities in arts administration. I had worked for several arts organizations in New York in a variety of positions, from front-of-house to frontline fundraising, and found fulfillment in helping uplift these missions through strategic and empathetic fundraising practices.
My background in individual giving and special events has been a true asset in my ongoing client work, aligning with Donorly’s core belief in community building and collaborative approaches to fundraising.
When I’m not working with clients, I enjoy quality time with my office assistant (my sweet dog named Charlie), testing out a new recipe, or exploring neighborhoods around the city.
Brian Blend
Consultant
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My dedication to the social impact sector is inspired by my commitment to humanity.
Social Impact organizations step in where government and civil society falter, providing crucial support. Yet, without financial backing, their missions cannot thrive.
With a decade of experience, I employ a holistic approach to community empowerment and impact communication. At Donorly, I've been proud to work with our clients like Homegrown National Park and Share Winter to create that seamless link between donor contributions and program success—an inspiring synergy.
Beyond work, I immerse myself in history, current events, video games, and crafting personalized music playlists for friends.
Izzi Wayner
Consultant
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My leap from dancer to fundraiser was easy. While working at Pilobolus, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, and Lincoln Center, I learned to approach event management as choreography, campaigns as storytelling, and development as a superpower that can unite people around the betterment of individuals and communities.
It is a joy to infuse all of my client work with a passion for organizing teams around a shared goal, communicating stories across channels, and building meaningful relationships. I strive to bridge the gap between individual and institutional fundraising to prioritize community-building and connection above all else.
When not at work, you can find me running along the Westside Highway, at my local movie theater or live performance venue, or “fangirling” over dogs across NYC parks.
Weston Ganz
Consultant
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As a naturally curious creative who fell into fundraising to champion the artists around me. Working with nonprofits energizes my love for collaboration, research, and problem-solving.
At Donorly, I am motivated by our client’s discoveries and growth. Nothing is greater than surpassing a budgeted goal, discovering a new grant opportunity and submitting a winning proposal, or seeing a room of dedicated donors at an annual celebration. I am grateful to be a piece of that puzzle and to support our clients throughout the process.
When I’m away from my desk, you can find me exploring Brooklyn’s food scene, catching the latest live performance, or investing too much time in reality television.
Lauren Siff Siegel
Consultant
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As a lifelong theater fan, I came to fundraising by way of my love for the arts. I knew that I wanted to dedicate my work to helping theater thrive and along the way I developed a passion for building relationships with donors, patrons, and audience members alike.
At Donorly, I bring my passion for building community and creating sustainable fundraising strategies to all of my work. My experience developing and executing annual appeals, events, and capital campaigns allows me to dive right in and support our clients’ goals.
When I’m not collaborating with clients, you can find me at family yoga with my husband and daughter, snuggling with my cats, or winding down with some Below Deck.
Rachel Katz
Consultant
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With three art history degrees and formal training in archival studies, I found my way fundraising and never looked back. My ability to connect with individuals enables me to cultivate long-lasting relationships with donors that I've built for over a decade.
Utilizing my right-brain creativity and left-brain analytics, I deliver innovative solutions to complex fundraising problems. My expertise gives me the opportunity to lecture at University of West Georgia and serve on the Southeastern Museums Conference programming committee, where I have been speaking since 2018.
When I’m not strategizing partnerships, you can find me tending my indoor garden, voraciously reading sci-fi novels, or attempting to finish one of my many incomplete art projects.
Vanessa Matthew
Consultant
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Right out of college, I dove into the social impact sector, driven by a passion for creating change. To me, fundraising isn't just a job. It's about bringing life-changing visions to fruition. With two decades of expertise in brand strategy, communications, and fundraising, I've mastered storytelling that informs, resonates, and ignites growth.
At Donorly, my journey from Tufts to West Virginia University, where I sharpened my skills in integrated marketing communications, now fuels my approach to enhance nonprofit fundraising with innovative, strategy-driven methods.
Away from work, I'm tending to my plant babies, immersed in books about human psychology and self-improvement, and engaging in strategic thinking. These interests mirror my dynamic approach to both personal and professional growth.
Wendolyn Sims-Rucker
Project Manager
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From an early age, I volunteered with social impact organizations in my community. I started my career in the non-profit sector during college when I studied abroad in London and interned in the fundraising department of a youth theatre organization. It was a unique opportunity to support an important mission and travel the world.
Over the years, I have worked for a range of social impact and creative culture organizations, where I’ve grown skillsets in individual giving, grants management, and special events. At Donorly, I have expanded my expertise in development operations and research to support organizations working towards causes with positive impacts.
When I am not at work, you can find me exploring a new country, thrifting, wandering through an art exhibition or attending a performing arts event.
Skai Huie
Project Manager
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Being able to connect people who have a passion for making a difference with causes they care about is something that I value deeply. Donorly’s mission of collaborative teamwork allows me to not only identify my own strengths (and weaknesses!) but also feed off the strengths and experiences of my team. I love being part of a company that fosters growth amongst not only their clients but staff as well.
When I am not helping clients positively impact their communities, you can find me trying different restaurants, binging horror films or online shopping.
Sofia Del Valle
Project Manager
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Like many members of the Donorly team, I am driven by a commitment to fortify the missions of social good organizations and cultivate a more just world. Throughout my time as both a student and professional, I have been lucky enough to take part in a variety of advocacy efforts that look to address long-standing social ills. My professional endeavors within the nonprofit sector have granted me insight into the immense bandwidth and capacity required to effectively fundraise.
I am proud to be part of a team that bolsters the developmental aims of nonprofits in a tangible and crucial way. Through targeted prospect research and strategic planning, Donorly provides a clear pathway for nonprofits of any size to translate their mission into reality.
When not at work, I can be found searching for hidden gems at thrift stores or exploring the best coffee shops in the city.
Daphne Sprague
Project Manager
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My previous experience working in the social impact sector and educational institutions drew me to Donorly because I have seen the organizational growth that stems from combining cause-driven work with data-led strategy. I bring an analytical and organizational skillset to our social impact clients, and I find working on the functional components that bring a project to life to be the most fulfilling aspect of this work.
Between research, CRM maintenance, and building out reporting capabilities, I enjoy handling logistics to allow those in forward-facing roles to spend more time serving their community.
In my time outside Donorly, I am usually baking new recipes, at secondhand stores, or browsing the library.
Sam Garber
Project Manager
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I have always been interested in the ways social impact organizations engage with their communities. This interest drove my own work in fundraising to find unique and novel ways to bring in less traditional donors and grow donor bases. I see this same excitement towards finding unorthodox solutions everywhere at Donorly and it is what continues to fuel my work every day.
At Donorly, I bring my commitment to anticipating client and donor needs as well as a strong understanding of best practices for data management and CRMs. I support the work of our clients by helping to ensure their donors have a fulfilling experience engaging with the organization and expand the donor network.
When I’m not chatting with donors I can be found reading books large enough to be used as doorstops, cooking something new, or furiously scribbling down trivia answers in bars across the city.
Karina Gonzalez
Project Manager
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Success relies on seizing opportunities and mastering effective communication, and we do that with and for our clients.
I am proud to contribute my problem-solving and analytical skills to Donorly and continue to develop my abilities in effective storytelling and communication. Collaborating with my team, I strive to extend engagement to communities beyond my own, fostering their growth while also nurturing my personal development.
When I am not working, you can find me reading, doing arts and crafts, taking nature walks, or hunting down the next best bakery in NYC with my sister Jen.
Gabrielle DeGaetano
Project Manager
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Over the last decade, I held roles in social impact organizations that contribute to customer experience, growth and sustainability.
With a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing complemented by a Bachelor’s in Theater Arts, I take pride in my ability to create compelling narratives across mediums. I believe in targeted audiences, clear communication and the establishment of data informed expectations.
When not busy systemizing and raising funds for social impact organizations, I teach children's dance and vocal lessons, passing along my passion for the arts to the next generation. I can also be found styling plus size outfits or dyeing my hair a new color.
Rihana Joseph
Project Associate
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My continued commitment to equity within workplaces, schools, and beyond inspired my path to social impact work and fundraising.
Before joining Donorly, I honed my skills as a dedicated advocate for the underrepresented youth, focusing on financial literacy, mental health awareness and body positivity. At Donorly, I’ve seamlessly applied that skillset. My work environment and professional skill trajectory have evolved from a passionate advocate to a worker who uses innovative ideas, and creative ideas to provide support and give a positive attitude towards my team.
When I am not working, I am taking long walks, reading, writing poetry and spreading positivity.
Kayla Andresino
Project Associate
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My love of human connection and the social good we can accomplish when passion meets practicality fuels my work at Donorly.
Before I became an avid fundraiser, I worked in client-facing roles in the health wellness sector. I also worked in children and adult education for vocals and piano where I found a passion for teaching the arts and personal expression.
When I’m not helping our clients raise funds, you’ll find me planning my next vacation, finding a new Florida fresh-water spring to check out, or brewing another cup of coffee.
Briani Netzahuatl
Project Associate
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Storytelling and building community have been at the heart of my personal experiences and professional endeavors, so the social impact sphere seemed like a natural fit.
Before joining the Donorly team, I wrote for numerous publications and worked at a political marketing agency and a journalistic nonprofit.
My background in journalism and marketing informs my work here, where I'm committed to understanding and empowering the diverse stories our clients tell in order to serve different communities. People have purpose, and I believe we’re stronger when we come together with a mission and vision.
In my free time, I'm searching for hidden thrift store gems in the city, journaling in cafes, hosting dinner parties with friends, or photosynthesizing in community gardens.
Carrie O’Dell
Grant Writer
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I came to Donorly after years of working in theater, arts administration, and academia.
In all of those fields, I saw talent and ingenuity unrealized because of a lack of funds. As a grant writer, I have the opportunity to help social impact organizations connect with institutional donors and secure the funds they need to put ideas into action.
My background in teaching college writing helps me craft grant materials that honor clients’ missions and needs, while my work in theater and arts administration gives me an intimate understanding of the needs of our creative culture clients.
When I’m not working, you can find me reading, exploring New York City’s cultural offerings, or planning a new cooking adventure.
Lucia Serrano
Executive Assistant
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With a degree in Public Relations, I specialize in executive assistance, emphasizing efficient time and resource management.
The social impact world beckoned, aligning with my passion for collaborative teamwork and contributing to meaningful causes amid intercultural challenges.
Holding over 8 years of experience working as an executive assistant, my journey into the fundraising/non-profit sphere was a natural progression.
Outside of work, I enjoy long walks with my dog, Torvi, capturing captivating sunsets with my camera, and savoring delicious ice cream while exploring documentaries based on real-life stories
Roxana Obertti
Executive Assistant
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Born and raised in Argentina, being bilingual has allowed me to explore and connect with various cultures around the world which I love to do!
I have a degree in English Interpretation and took multiple classes in Administration and Human Resources, and am growing my knowledge and skill set around executive coaching.
When I am not working, you can find me snuggling my cat Wendy, watching documentaries, or at the beach meditating and surfing waves with my sup board.
Cameron Light
Administrative Associate
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My background includes a variety of jobs and spaces, but they all pare down to one underlying goal: to help people. Ultimately, I enjoy leaving the lives of people I’ve met better and easier than when we first crossed paths. Working for Donorly gives me the opportunity to not only help others but to assist those who also help others- so on and so on, ad infinitum. It’s the absolute dream!
When I’m not working, I’m likely spending time with my partner and our son by enjoying food and a movie together, going for walks, or playing Scrabble.
Morgan Shnier
Director of Research & Special Projects
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Prospect research is crucial to all aspects of fundraising. Whether you need to conduct due diligence on potential sponsors, find new grant opportunities, or prepare yourself to make an ask of a new board member,
Coming from an academic background, I see each research project as a rich text to explore and a mystery to solve. This artisanal, tailored approach is what makes Donorly's research stand out, client after client.
When I am not conducting prospect research or shaping our processes, I can likely be found drawing, leathercrafting, or re-reading Moby-Dick.
Phedra Deonarine, Ph.D
Research Associate
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Bringing my research skills, my Ph.D. in English, and my MFA in Creative Writing to the social impact sphere allows me to explore a new way of utilizing my talents.
I enjoy sifting through information and finding connections for each of our clients.
When I am not researching with Donorly, there is a good chance that I can be found reading fiction, looking up gardening tips, or trying to ensure that my plants are doing okay. I am interested in storytelling, archives, and gardens.
Josh Perdomo
Operations and Finance Manager
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Born and raised in New York City, I am a product of social impact organizations that helped me along my academic journey. My experience in this work is rooted in providing support for those with similar backgrounds and upbringings.
The versatility needed in social impact work allows me to help the engine internally to allow the team to help organizations thrive. I enjoy wearing many different hats to support this team.
When I am not helping Donorly behind the scenes, I can be found reading, weightlifting, cooking, or watching something animated.
Emile Pollet
Business Manager
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While exploring career opportunities after completing my MBA in Brussels, Belgium and gaining experience in the world of diplomacy in New York City, I was captivated by the intersection between transferrable business management skills and fundraising.
Leveraging my technical and analytical business expertise helps passionate individuals in amplifying the voice of their cause through prosperous development with a sustainable trajectory of growth.
Outside of my professional life, I find joy in spending time with my inner circle, working out and delving into books in a perpetual pursuit of personal growth and self-improvement.
For more information on the current demographic make up of our team, see our most recent survey results.
