You're on a mission to change the world.
I guide major gift fundraisers and nonprofit leaders to collaborate with donors and prospects to raise more money and build strong relationships. Ready for new skills and strategies that inspire donors to step up and give to your cause?
 Let's talk!
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Major gift fundraising isn’t easy — but it doesn’t have to be so hard!
As a fundraiser, you know all too well: Your nonprofit needs donations to make change happen.
Problem is, it’s hard to know:
- which tasks to prioritize,
- how to pivot when strategies shift, or
- where to focus your efforts for the biggest impact from the limited time you have…Â
 When you’re struggling to cover costs with expensive events and small-scale funding initiatives, with an executive team telling you to “just get the money!”...
 ... soliciting significant gifts can feel like pushing a boulder up a hill.
But what if I told you:
People love giving!
You just have to invite them in ways that helps them feel connected to your cause.
Not sure where to start?
I can show you the way to more success through major gifts.
Beth Ann helped us secure our largest donation to date
Beth Ann was instrumental in helping us secure our largest donation to date of $100,000, in addition to some smaller gifts ranging from $20,000 to $40,000. Previously our largest donors were those who donated between $250 and $1,000.
If you’re seeking the guidance of an expert who will also provide a personal, hands-on approach and someone who is sincerely genuine, then Beth Ann is the person for you.
Cristina Fragale, Senior Director of Recruitment & Development, Preston High School
My team and I have grown significantly working with Beth Ann
Beth Ann is a seasoned fundraiser with countless ideas and what seems like boundless creativity. She is quick to share word-tracks based on situations described that can be used immediately following the coaching session.
Her creativity and solid understanding of people make her a brain-storming whiz, offering 3 or 4 different ways to tackle a particular challenge or open a particular door. We have not only learned a great deal from you and my team and I have grown significantly through our association with Beth Ann!
Todd Partin, VP of Philanthropy & Engagement, Methodist Retirement Communities
Ready to unlock your major gift fundraising potential and connect with generous donors who want to join you in creating impact?
Hi, I’m Beth Ann Locke
Fundraiser, Coach, Adventuress & The Chief Spark
I became a fundraiser to change the world for the better.
But along the way, I found myself on a path that felt more like a treadmill – transactional fundraising that lacked connection and sustained success.
After 10 years, I learned that when high-net-worth donors see themselves as partners, rather than just contributors, their generosity knows no bounds. It's about creating impact together, hand in hand.
I learned that engaging with those who have much requires not just different skills, but a whole new mindset – one that embraces the power of connection and of shared values.
Now, I've fully embraced my calling as a coach. I equip and guide fundraisers and nonprofit leaders, showing them how to unlock more significant gifts and collaborate with high-net-worth individuals.
Become a catalyst for giving when you grow your skills, strategies and confidence in major gifts.
Choose your path:
WaYS WE MAY WORK TOGETHER
Whether you're looking for personalized guidance, training for your entire team, or a powerful keynote to inspire, I'm here to help you reach beyond your goals
1:1 Coaching
I’ll guide you through building the skills, strategies, and confidence to connect with major donors and close large gifts. Our sessions focus on your unique strengths, turning potential into powerful results, so you can make a lasting impact on your organization’s mission.
Team Trainings
Equip your team with the tools to excel in major gift fundraising. My tailored live or virtual trainings enhance major gift strategies, build skillsets, and align your team’s efforts. We focus on real-world scenarios, preparing your team to engage donors effectively and achieve outstanding results.
Keynote Presentations
Inspire and engage your audience with dynamic keynotes. My live and virtual presentations deliver fresh insights and actionable strategies for major gift fundraisers. Combining storytelling and expert advice, I empower attendees to deepen donor relationships, think boldly, and reach their fundraising goals.
Your next step?
Group Coaching + MastermindS
All the wisdom and "BethAnn-ergy" fundraisers crave, with results beyond the ordinary.
My group coaching and mastermind programs offer a unique opportunity to work with me at a more accessible price-point, without sacrificing the personalized support fundraisers need to succeed. Whether you’re aiming for a strong year-end or looking to strengthen your high-net-worth donor strategies, I design programs that deliver.
The Q4 Closer is a 12-week program focused on closing more gifts with a connection-based approach. My Mastermind for High-Net-Worth Fundraising helps major, principle and Directors of Development navigate working with donors or prospects with assets of $10 million or more. Built around deep learning and practical action tailored guidance, and the camaraderie of fellow fundraisers, all while refining your skills.
Join a program that’s as dynamic as you are. With 15 years' experience raising major gifts from affluent donors in the U.S. and Canada, I bring a creative and bespoke approach that helps fundraisers feel confident working within the world of wealth and ready to move forward with the strategies—and the mindset—to ask for and close gifts.
SELF-PACED Courses + RESOURCES
Explore tools and trainings at your own pace, from free resources to deeper dives that fit your needs
Whether you're looking for a quick boost or a guide or a recorded mini-summit to help you guide your nonprofit to success, I offer a range of self-paced courses and resources designed to help you connect with donors and raise more for your mission. These resources are perfect for fundraisers who want to sharpen their skills on their own schedule, using proven, connection-based strategies.
From practical guides like How Better Thanks Get Bigger Gifts and Dialing into Success, A Guide to Help You Conquer Phone Phobia to a 4-hour mini-summits: Your Fundraising Toolkit or the popular Year-End Fundraising Clinic, there is something to support your fundraising.Â
No matter where you are in your fundraising journey, these self-paced resources provide actionable insights and techniques to help you succeed—all at your own pace.
Since working with Beth Ann, we have doubled the number of active donors and expanded our services
We first reached out to Beth Ann because we were looking to rapidly grow our fundraising efforts. She came with an incredible referral from someone we trusted.
We have been repeatedly impressed by Beth Ann’s deep understanding of the fundraising process, her creativity, and her focus on donor retention and gratitude.
Since working with Beth Ann June 2020 to October 2023, we have more than doubled our number of active donors, expanded our services, and our revenues allowed us to hire a part-time fundraiser. And I feel much more confident inviting donors and prospective board members to join us.
Beth Ann is genuine and puts her whole soul into helping your nonprofit succeed. She cares deeply about her clients and works alongside you to achieve the best possible success.
Gila Block, Executive Director, Yesh Tikva
Beth Ann is in the top 5% of effective fundraising professionals
"Before we started working with Beth Ann, our fundraising efforts were defined by lots of chaos and frustration! Beth provides great advice, she listens, and gives feedback you can use immediately.
Beth Ann taught me how to ask for legacy gifts. She gave me several examples of what to say and her approach to fundraising works so well I have secured multiple gifts.
I have been in fundraising for fifteen years and Beth Ann is one of the most positive trainers I have ever worked with. You will never leave a meeting with her wondering what your next steps are and how to execute them. If you are looking for the most effective fundraising professional, Beth Ann is in the top five percent!"
Lorie Fees, Director, Major Gifts, Children's Hope Alliance
Imagine feeling confident you can achieve any major gifts fundraising goal because you know how to craft creative strategies and cultivate thriving relationships with major donors.
When you learn how to confidently approach affluent donors - or prospects - and build strong connections with people who share values about your cause…
You can stop...
- Having to find so many new donors after each big fundraising campaign (costing you huge amounts of time and effort)
- Feeling overwhelmed by all the individuals in your portfolio you "should be working on"
- Stressing about how to organize and prioritize, whether you can secure meetings with key players, and whether you'll know just what to say
And start...
- Retaining the donors you already have and gracefully moving them towards higher-level gifts
- Finding more joy and meaning in your work because you can confidently close more - and larger - major gifts
- Feeling like you deeply understand your what motivates donors, which messages they need to hear and when, and be at ease with any donor or prospect
Working with Beth Ann, the donor doubled her largest gift
"During our school's giving day, one of our donors went from her previously largest gift of $25,000 to her biggest gift yet of $50,000 thanks to your invaluable coaching, Beth Ann.
We continue to cultivate her for another, more substantial donation. Thank you so much for all your insights and guidance in cultivating this donor and closing this gift!"
(this client wishes their name to remain confidential)
