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Fundraising Strategy Coaching for Nonprofit Leaders

Figuring out how to spend  precious time and energy? 

You aren’t alone - we’ll figure it out and walk this path together. 

Empowering Nonprofits for Success

I help clients answer challenging questions like:

How do I know where to focus my efforts?

What should I be doing differently?

How can I keep my board focused?

What should I keep doing, and what should I stop doing?


I’m here for you as someone to:

  • walk with you and answer your challenging questions
  • help you make sense of all the noise and endless ideas coming from all directions
  • provide structure and guidance so you can successfully get your team and your board on the same page
  • help you adapt amidst our changing, challenging world, because what worked before may not work next time

what i do

Fundraising Strategy Coaching

Fundraising Strategy Coaching

Fundraising Strategy Coaching

I believe nonprofits are undeniably vital to our community. So I collaborate with you in a coaching relationship to help you get clear, confident, and strategic in your fundraising efforts. Because when we make your fundraising work for you, you can have more fun, raise more money, and help more people. I’m here for you as a thought partner to walk with you and answer your challenging fundraising questions, someone to help you make sense of all the endless ideas coming from all directions, and someone to provide structure and guidance so you can successfully get the team and the board on the same page.

Strategic Planning

Fundraising Strategy Coaching

Fundraising Strategy Coaching

Having a Strategic Plan can be the best way to ensure organizational effectiveness and preparation for the future. Reconnect your board members with their passion for the cause and create a solid three-year strategic plan. First, we explore in depth where your organization is now and start to develop ideas for future direction. Then we articulate detailed goals and objectives focused on sustainable strategies. You will walk away with a written strategic plan, a detailed implementation spreadsheet, and a foundation for long term growth.

Training for Board Members

Fundraising Strategy Coaching

Training for Board Members

Sometimes you need to start by making sure your team is operating from the same information. I’ve been a front-line fundraiser, board member, volunteer, event chair, and donor over the last few decades. I enjoy using that experience to create engaging and informative trainings for staff members and board members which result in your team feeling more confident and ready to take action. My trainings are always a fun combination of information, large group discussion, small group conversations, and activities. Here’s a short list of some of the topics I cover: creating an annual fundraising plan, board orientation and engagement, strategic planning, peer-to-peer fundraising, succession planning, ethical storytelling and campaign preparation.

CINDY GRUBENHOFF (SHE/HER)

A little bit about me

I have been working as a volunteer, staff member, board member and/or consultant with nonprofit organizations since the early 1990’s. Over the years I have met so many passionate people who followed their heart into nonprofit work, but weren’t sure how to raise money or create a long-term strategic plan. 


That’s why I started “In the Know” in 2012: to share what I know with those passionate nonprofit professionals. Together we figure out how to make your fundraising work, how to create and implement a strategic plan, and how to get your staff and board involved along the way.

If you’re looking for someone who...

  • will challenge you and tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear
  • will help you create a system to accomplish what you planned to do
  • wants to challenge the ways fundraising is problematic (racist, colonial, misogynistic) 
  • wants to educate board members and donors instead of placating them
  • supports LGBTQ rights, works to be anti-racist, and believes DEI is still important 

…then I just might be the right fit!

more about me

My Family

My Education

My Hobbies

My Partner and I live in  Aurora, Colorado with two adorable cats named Ferris and Freckle. We also have two kids who are partially “launched” and finding their own ways to make a positive impact on our world. 

My Hobbies

My Education

My Hobbies

I enjoy reading, knitting, cooking, and baking. I was born and raised in Colorado and enjoy a little snowshoeing, paddle boarding, or hiking from time to time… as long as I’m with good friends, it’s not too strenuous, and we’re celebrating with a burger, fries and beer/wine on the patio!

My Education

My Education

My Education

• B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies with a focus in Nonprofit Management from Colorado State University

• Graduate Certificate in the Nonprofit Management and Leadership Program at University of Missouri St. Louis

Contact Me

Like what you’ve seen so far? Want to explore working together? Use this form to send me some info:

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Selected Clients

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

"Cindy has supported BIAC through 4 strategic plans over the last 10 years. When I became the CEO, I wanted to keep working with Cindy because she’s the best at what she does. I appreciate her unique way of providing clear guidance without being dismissive or judgemental. The strategic plan she helped us develop keeps us focused. Instead of making spontaneous decisions based on distractions or outside influences, we come back to our established framework. And my team feels empowered to do their work instead of coming to me for constant check-ins. We can be confident we’re towards the same goals, and that’s because of the plan Cindy helped us create. You won’t regret working with her."


KATE KERKMANNS CEO, Brain Injury Association of Colorado

“We initially began working with Cindy as a fundraising consultant, but we were so impressed with her talents and her results that we began working with her in other capacities. She has done Board training, Staff training, two strategic plans, and supported strategic initiatives with our leadership team. It's not just that Cindy is smart (she is), organized (she is), and forward-thinking (she is that, too) - it's that she's not afraid to challenge us. She holds us accountable to stay true to our mission, and to work harder and smarter on behalf of our clients. She inspires us - and our Board - to bring our best selves to the table, because she always does. She has become an invaluable part of our team.”


DIANA GOLDBERG Executive Director, SungateKids

“I didn't understand all the nuances that go into fundraising, but Cindy’s depth of knowledge helped me figure out how to do the job in a way that is all about relationships AND feels aligned with my values. Any question I have – she has so much helpful information and useful resources to tap into! We never had a fundraising plan before, but the one I created with Cindy helps me stay organized, hold myself accountable, and share what I’m working on with staff members and my fundraising committee. Her advice has been so much more tangible and connected to our work than other consultants. Overall it has been such a great experience I feel lucky to have her helping us.”


EMMA WELTY  Development Manager, Sun Valley Kitchen + Community Center

“Cindy brought clarity, focus, honesty, and energy to our strategic planning process. She helped me navigate internal conversations, gather input from our internal stakeholders, and then shaped that feedback to inform a thoughtful plan that positions Friends of CAIC for long-term success. Her ability to balance structure with flexibility made the process both productive and collaborative.”


AARON CARLSON Executive Director,  Friends of Colorado Avalanche Information Center

“I have had the opportunity to attend several of Cindy’s workshops. I have benefited greatly from her expertise and coaching. Recently, I had the chance to share the content with my Board of Directors. They not only appreciated her approach, but feel they have become more effective in developing and supporting the fundraising opportunities for the organization.”


ANDREA RABOLD

Former Executive Director, Mirror Image Arts

“Every part of working with Cindy is really phenomenal! We were looking for a skilled facilitator to lead a discussion on a pressing concern we're having. The amount of preparation she puts into conversations in advance of any collaboration is always a really good experience, and makes me think about things in different ways. But the actual events she does are incredible and always give us new perspectives to consider. Her process is delightful. It’s easy. It’s seamless. I am always trying to find new things to work with her on!”


ASHLEY JELLISON Executive Director, Colorado Children's Alliance

Copyright © 2025 In the Know, LLC - All Rights Reserved.


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