Fundraisers and nonprofits —
This is where you’ll learn a creative, connection-based approach to closing major gifts
So that you can smash your revenue goals and start making even bigger change
Beth Ann was instrumental in helping us secure our largest donation to date of $100,000
“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. And, our alumna has now made her 6-figure gift an annual one!
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
You do this work because you’re committed to making a meaningful impact in the world.
But you spend a lot of your time on work that isn’t moving the needle…
You're determined to get better at closing major gifts.
Right now, major gift success might feel like "magic," but you know you have what it takes.
You want to understand how to take the steps that lead to unprecedented gifts.
Totally possible, I promise. I’m here to show you how.
There are tons of resources out there that’ll teach you the foundations of fundraising. But if you want to smash your revenue goals halfway through the year (instead of 11:59 pm on December 31)..
You'll benefit most by being coached by a pro.
Because when you have an experienced major gifts guide who’ll support you, you will:
- Learn how to trust your instincts (and which instincts to trust)
- Stop being afraid of rejection and learn that a donor’s “no” isn’t about you — it means “just not now”
- Develop the soft skills you need to work with any major gift donor
- Release your own preconceived beliefs about money, and
- Grow your confidence with successful “yeses” from donors who trust you
You become a catalyst for philanthropy that makes a major impact. How do I know?
Hi, I’m Beth Ann Locke
Chief Spark at The Fundraiser Coach. I'm a catalyst for impactful philanthropy and you can be, too
I work with fundraisers and nonprofits to refine and optimize their fundraising approach so that they can close more major gifts.
With over 30 years' experience fundraising for nonprofits, I’ve mastered the art of creative, connection-based strategies that increase the ROI of all your fundraising efforts.
Want to learn more about how I can help you go from barely meeting your goals to celebrating record-breaking gifts?
Let’s chat!
BOOK A CALL WITH BETH ANN NOW
What makes me different from most of my peers?
Fundraising isn't something I "fell into" — I pursued it!
I saw fundraisers working at my first job, and I loved what they were doing. I made friends with them, and when one of the Directors left to set up a fundraising office in another part of the University of Washington - I applied.
At my very first conference, just 2 months into my new fundraising job, one of the keynote speakers was the late John Lewis, the civil rights leader and later became a representative in U.S. Congress.
When he said, “Philanthropy fuels the change we need in the world,” I was struck to my core that this is what I was meant to do. I’ve never doubted it a day since.
Helping you identify and sharpen your talents is one of my greatest skills
I have an instinctive talent for helping people identify and sharpen the skills that make them unique.
I care deeply about your success
In the same way that I teach that fundraising’s not a transactional act, the support you get when you work with me isn’t based on how much you spend.
From doing my homework before we chat to the resources and “language tracks” I’ll share, my clients love the warm, caring, and fun energy I bring to our sessions, in addition to the practical tips, creative ideas, and winning strategies they take away.
Beth Ann has the knowledge and skills to help you tackle any technical challenge.
“I chose to work with Beth Ann because I was impressed with her wealth of knowledge and easygoing style. Some of the things I don't know or am unsure of are very basic to others, so I needed a judgment-free coach.
In the early months of our partnership, she was an excellent sounding board for my frustrations and helped me find solutions to many challenges. As time went on, Beth Ann was a wonderful resource on technical questions and helped me set more realistic goals.
I would highly recommend Beth Ann's services to fundraisers and executives alike. She has the knowledge and skills to help you tackle any technical challenge. More importantly, she has a next-level understanding of people and will support your growth in this critical soft skill.”
Andrea Brown, Vice President for Development, Institute for Community Living
Wondering how I learned what it takes to make your fundraising results explode?
Here’s a selection of highlights from my career so far:
I closed my first $1,000,000 gift in 2006. We went into the meeting hoping to close a $25,000 gift. The donors were a couple just starting to move into impact giving, eager to make a difference. Simply by listening and asking the right questions, I saw an opportunity and acted on it. I can show you how.
During my tenure at United Way of King County in Seattle, I closed between $6 and $8 million in gifts, annually.
In 2007, I brainstormed how best to use a new tax law to secure five new $100,000+ gifts from donors in my portfolio.
While at Simon Fraser University near Vancouver, I cultivated and closed a $950,000 professorship in 2017 from a supporter previously giving at the low five-figure level; we worked together on a planned a $3.5 million endowed professorship in the near future.
At the Orthopaedic & Arthritic in Toronto, I Increased fundraising revenues by 55% the first year and 30% the second year. I noted a new $5,000 donor and cultivated him; within 4 months the O&A received one of the largest gifts to date, a $269,000 stock gift.
At Providence Hospital in Washington DC, I increased annual giving by 30% in the midst of a capital campaign.
At my very first job at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, I won the regional award for Best Employee Campaign (1993) from the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy.
Now, I can help you harness the enthusiasm of your existing donors and build strong relationships with new major donors.
My coaching and consulting offers include big picture strategy, hands-on support, and are 100% tailored to you.
BOOK A CALL WITH BETH ANN NOW
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?
BOOK A CONNECTION CALLGroup 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.
LET'S CHAT ABOUT WHAT'S NEXTSelf-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.
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EXPLORE AND LEARN MOREJust like there's always something more to learn about your donors…
There's more to me than my (impressive) resumé.
Here are 7 surprising facts that tell you more about who I am:
I was the child in school who was often asked to help other students with homework, to assist a new refugee classmate, or to support other kids at camp. To me, fundraising ended up being the perfect alchemy of bringing joy to the world and helping others.
My colleague Rory Green and I created a community called Ms.Rupt, where women in fundraising could gather to talk about issues facing them in our industry.
I've had a wide range of experiences in my life. I'm an adoptee and a mother. I’ve dined at the Élysée Palace, competed in rodeo barrel racing, taken a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti, and met and spoken to 5 presidents and prime ministers.
I'm an advocate or what is right. As a young fundraiser, I experienced a sexual assault by my boss at the office. I finally spoke up about bullying, sexual harassment, and sexual assault in our sector during the #YesAllWomen movement. To shine a light on this pervasive issue, I co-authored an article for my professional organization, weeks ahead of #MeToo. Investigative reporting appeared in the Chronicle of Philanthropy proving 1 in 4 fundraisers has been harassed.
I’m a person who sees solutions. My friends and colleagues are often surprised at just how many solutions to any problem I can find. This is a gift I bring to the table on every client call.
I was born in Seattle, Washington and currently live in Vancouver, British Columbia. I've lived in 10 cities in 4 different countries and I've loved every single one.
I’m exceedingly proud of my career accomplishments. But what I love most about my work is connecting with people and using my gifts to help them succeed.
One donor doubled her biggest gift of $25,000 to a generous $50,000!
"One donor went from her biggest ever gift of $25,000 to a generous $50,000 thanks to your invaluable coaching. We continue to cultivate this donor for another, more substantial gift. Thank you so much, Beth Ann, for all your insights and guidance!"
Jackie Dalton, Director of Philanthropy, Frensham Schools
It's been a journey of connecting donors with dreams of a better world.
"Salute Harborview" gala, Harborview Medical Center
SEATTLE, 1993
At the Providence
Hospital gala
Washington, DC, 1994
At the Providence
Hospital gala, with co-chairs
Washington, DC, 1995
With the Greater Baltimore Medical Center Team
BALTIMORE, 1997
With my team at the Vancouver Art Gallery
vancouver, 2004
With major gift colleagues at United Way of King County
Kirkland, 2007
At an Alexis de Tocqueville event for United Way
Seattle, 2009
At the 10th anniversary gala for College Success Foundation
Seattle, 2010
Team building at the Mariners game, College Success Foundation
SEattle, 2011
Post-gala clean up with my team at BC ParkinsonsÂ
Vancouver, 2013
With colleagues of the Aga Khan University team
Nairobi, 2013
Airport lounge with Aga Khan University collegues
Kilimanjaro, 2014
With major gifts colleagues at an SFU golf tournament
Burnaby, 2016
At an SFU Alumni event, Mariners v Blue Jays
Seattle, 2017
Hard hat tour for donors, BC Women’s Hospital with my team
VAncouver, 2018
