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Fundraising Strategists. Philanthropic Partners.

We understand the day-to-day demands of running a nonprofit. With the added strain of a major fundraising effort, you need more than a consultant—you need a strategic partner. That’s why we’ll be there for you. With you. Working alongside you, every step of the way.

Since 1989, The Curtis Group has provided personalized fundraising counsel to over 250 nonprofits across the country. Partnering with clients spanning the arts & cultural, educational, civic & public affairs, social service and healthcare sectors, we’ve conducted more than 200 planning studies and campaigns, over 6,000 interviews and raised $1 billion dollars for its clients.

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What We Do

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Campaign Planning & Management

Your campaign readiness and feasibility are only the beginning. Our extensive planning study will serve as a blueprint for your campaign, offering customized strategies to help you meet—and often exceed—your fundraising goal. We’ll continue this personalized approach in helping execute your campaign, through our fundraising campaign management and consulting services.

Program Assessment & Capacity Building

By assessing your fundraising program’s strengths, weaknesses, and effectiveness, we can pinpoint areas of challenge and opportunity. Whether you need a development audit or capacity-building consultants, we’ll provide customized recommendations that will enhance the effectiveness and the results of your fundraising efforts.

Board & Staff Development

Through our staff and board training services, The Curtis Group can educate your leaders on topics that are crucial to reaching your fundraising goals. Topics will be customized for your organization and your board and may include “The Role of the Board in Fundraising” to “How to Make a Major Gift Ask.”

Clients & Case Studies

  • United Way of South Hampton Roads

      United Way of South Hampton Roads Turns Obstacles into Opportunities   When our team defines the elements of a successful campaign, there are three key factors always at the top: committed volunteers, highly effective staff and connected donors. Over the course of our nearly four years working with the United Way of South Hampton… Read more »

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  • Virginia Aquarium
    Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

    How Our Team Helped Leverage a Successful Campaign to Transform a Fundraising Program   A Blueprint for the Future The only aquarium in Virginia, the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach is committed to the guest experience, creating inspiring exhibits and nature paths, and supporting research and conservation. When we began our… Read more »

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  • Norfolk Botanical Garden
    Norfolk Botanical Garden

    Norfolk Botanical Garden Surpasses Campaign Goal With Support From Our Team PLANS FOR SUCCESS Celebrating their 80th anniversary under the new leadership of a highly acclaimed executive director was the ideal time for the Norfolk Botanical Garden (NBG) to launch a major campaign to transform their 175 acres into the Garden of Tomorrow. With visions… Read more »

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  • BRC case study bikes
    Bridgewater Retirement Community

    Passion & Leadership Foster Successful Fundraising How we helped Bridgewater Retirement Community Surpass Their Campaign Goal   PLANS FOR SUCCESS Located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, Bridgewater Retirement Community provides a vibrant, friendly and safe environment to age gracefully. Recognizing a need to continue to improve their facilities as well as create a second memory… Read more »

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  • Outer Banks Relief Foundation

    Outer Banks Relief Foundation’s Campaign Advances the Entire Organization Experiencing personal tragedy is accompanied all too often by financial stress. This stressor is where the Outer Banks Relief Foundation (OBRF) steps in for its neighboring families in North Carolina ensuring that families have housing, food and dependable care. Recognizing an ever-increasing need for their assistance,… Read more »

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News & Events

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August 11th, 2023
New Blog: Ensuring Equity in Philanthropy
The Potential Impact of the Affirmative Action Supreme Court Decision. Whatever your opinion on the recent Affirmative Action Supreme Court decision, it is impossible to ignore it’s potential impact on philanthropy. the impact extends beyond higher education: to foundation grantmaking...
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August 7th, 2023
President and Founder Keith Curtis recently published in The Virginian-Pilot
ur President W. Keith Curtis just published an opinion piece in the The Virginian-Pilot, “Don’t Just Read the Headline about Charitable Giving," sharing his thoughts on the state of philanthropy in the U.S
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July 21st, 2023
Wendy McGrady Elected Vice Chair of Giving USA Foundation
Our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Wendy McGrady was just elected Vice Chair of Giving USA Foundation at the most recent Giving Institute and Giving USA annual meetings in Indianapolis.
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June 23rd, 2023
Giving USA 2023 Results
Check out our latest post with a key trends and takeaways from Giving USA 2023.
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