Fundraising counsel for nonprofits at a turning point.
Major gifts strategy, interim development leadership, assessments, feasibility studies, and coaching. 20+ years partnering with nonprofits to build programs that raise more.
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HOW IT WORKS
The right support depends on where you are.
Interim Leadership
When your development director leaves, your donors should not feel it. I step in quickly to manage your pipeline, steward key relationships, and keep operations moving while you search. You finish with momentum and a transition plan, not a backlog.
Typical engagement: 3 to 9 months
Program Assessments
Before you can raise more, you need an honest picture of where things stand. I assess your staffing, systems, donor pipeline, and organizational readiness, then deliver a written roadmap with specific, prioritized recommendations your team can act on immediately.
Typical engagement: 3 to 6 months
Consultation & Coaching
Whether you are building a major gifts program from the ground up, coaching a new development director, or shifting how your board engages with fundraising, I work with you directly to identify what is getting in the way and build a plan to move past it.
A few focused sessions to a year-long partnership
ABOUT TORREY
I help Boston-area nonprofits grow major gifts and keep fundraising strong through times of change.
When your development director leaves, a campaign is on the horizon, or your board is ready to do more, I can step in quickly and help you keep your fundraising moving. I have led development offices on an interim basis at the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, St. Francis House, and Breakthrough Greater Boston, and I have advised Codman Square Health Center, the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, and Brookline.News on major gifts and development strategy.
I bring more than 20 years of frontline fundraising experience to this work. At Tufts University, I led development for Tisch College and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts and ran the major gift program for both schools during the university’s $1.5 billion Brighter World campaign. I personally raised $20 million during my time there, fundraising for Tisch College tripled, and I worked closely with deans, trustees, and the university’s most generous donors.
I can help you strengthen major gifts and midlevel giving, improve the results of your annual fund and direct mail appeals, lead your development office while you hire, and coach your staff and board as they grow in their roles. I get to know your donors and your team quickly, I share what I see with care and candor, and together we build a plan that fits the staff and budget you have.
Because I run a solo practice, you work with me directly from our first conversation through the final recommendation. When a project calls for expertise beyond my own, I bring in consultants I know and trust. I live in Brookline, where I serve on the board of Steps to Success, and I present for AFP Massachusetts.
IN THEIR WORDS
Andrew Russell, VP of Philanthropy & External Affairs at St. Francis House Shelter
“Torrey became a true member of the team. I’m grateful for all she did for St. Francis House, and me, during a transition period at the agency. ”
Marie Meyers, Head of School, Sophia Academy
"Torrey came in, assessed where we were, and built systems that actually make sense for humans to follow. She trained two Directors of Development and our Development Associate, coaching each through donor conversations until they were completely comfortable leading on their own. She does not try to make herself indispensable. She teaches your team to fly solo."
Beth Garvin, Fundraising Consultant & former Executive VP and CEO, MIT Alumni Association
“I’ve partnered with Torrey on two consulting engagements supporting nonprofits in transition. She brings sharp strategy, major gift expertise, and a collaborative spirit that makes her a strong asset to any team. Together, we helped clients steady their programs, refine their approach, and support senior leaders through change.”
What you might be wondering.
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It depends on the scope. An assessment usually takes four to six weeks. Interim leadership engagements typically run three to nine months, depending on the complexity of the search and the state of the program. Strategic counsel can be as focused as a few working sessions or as sustained as a year-long partnership. We'll define the scope together before any work begins.
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Carefully, and collaboratively. I'm not there to replace anyone or undermine existing relationships. When I come in as interim leadership, I work alongside your team, coach where it's helpful, and make sure institutional knowledge stays in the building. The goal is always to leave your people more capable and more confident, not less.
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Fees are based on scope and typically structured as a monthly retainer or project fee. I provide a clear proposal before any engagement begins.
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You should be in a stronger position than when we started. Before I wrap up, I make sure there's a clear transition plan: documentation, warm handoffs to incoming staff, and a realistic roadmap your team can execute without me. I'm available for check-ins after an engagement ends, but you shouldn't need them often.
Let's start with a conversation.
30 minutes. Tell me what's happening and I'll tell you what I see.