With over 50 years of combined experience in nonprofit fundraising and development, our team brings proven expertise to every engagement.
Fundraising Guru Consulting (FGC) is a boutique consulting firm founded in 2011, specializing in nonprofit fundraising, strategic planning, and organizational development. Our team has helped organizations secure over $80 million in philanthropic funding, bringing decades of combined experience from leading institutions including Children's National Hospital, The George Washington University, the Smithsonian Institution, and the American Society of Hematology. We are committed to empowering nonprofits with the strategic expertise they need to achieve lasting impact.
Our Team
Bathsheba Philpott, CFRE
President and Principal Consultant
With a prestigious career of more than 20 years in nonprofit fundraising development, Bathsheba has served within local and national nonprofit organizations in the environmental, health care, public health, human services, advocacy, arts, international affairs, and higher education sectors.
She has significant experience working with nonprofit organizations in comprehensive capital campaigns, annual, and multi-year efforts to secure philanthropic and public support. Having secured more than $80 million throughout her career, Bathsheba has served in three successful comprehensive fundraising campaigns ranging from $500 million to $1.5 billion at Children's National Hospital, The George Washington University, and Smithsonian Institution.
Her advancement career also includes leadership roles at American Council for Education and National Medical Fellowships, along with early career roles at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Alliance for Healthy Homes.
Bathsheba has served as a speaker at national and regional conferences, including UnidosUS (formerly National Council of La Raza), Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), and Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). She is the founding co-chair of the African-American Affinity Group of AFP's DC chapter and previously served as a member of CASE Minority Advancement Professionals.
Bathsheba is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a designation she earned in 2007, and additionally received the Grant Professional Certified credential from the Grant Professionals Certification Institute in 2008. She has a Graduate Certificate in Public Health from the Milken Institute School of Public Health at The George Washington University, an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Georgetown University, and a bachelor's degree in psychology from University of Maryland Global Campus.
Stephen Tanne, Ph.D.
Senior Consultant
Stephen Tanne, Ph.D. is a distinguished professional with more than three decades of experience in non-profit advancement. He has played leadership roles in seven capital campaigns, ranging from $1 million to $1 billion.
Steve has a broad background in all areas of development, including major and planned gifts, corporate and foundation giving, annual fund programs, board development, and volunteer management. His career is marked by leadership roles at prominent institutions where he led successful fundraising initiatives, developed strategic donor engagement plans, and built and managed multi-faceted development efforts in complex organizations.
Organizations with which Steve has played a leadership role include the American Society of Hematology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Baystate Health and Baystate Health Foundation, University of Stony Brook, University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center.
With a doctoral degree in English from Stony Brook University and a B.A. in English from the University of Rochester, Stephen combines his academic background with practical experience in fundraising development and strategic planning.
Danielle Hipps
Administrative and Project Operations Specialist
Danielle Hipps, Administrative and Operations Support Coordinator, plays a key role in managing project logistics and operational tasks, allowing the firm's core consultants to concentrate on delivering in-depth assessments and actionable insights for clients.
With expertise in project management, research, and administrative and logistical support, Danielle's contributions ensure seamless project execution. Her professional background in sales and marketing, combined with her education from Trinity University, strengthens her ability to support the firm's mission effectively.
Ready to Transform Your Fundraising?
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