[Top Agency Series] The Power of Strategic Fundraising With Kesheyl van Schilt of Blakely

Kesheyl van Schilt is the President, Senior Fundraiser, and Owner at Blakely, a strategic fundraising and marketing firm that works exclusively with the not-for-profit sector. Since purchasing the company in 2013, she has led Blakely to grow significantly, crediting the dedicated team and strong client relationships. Kesheyl started her nonprofit career at Kids Help Phone and credits her father's influence for her acumen in marketing and business leadership. Throughout her career, Kesheyl has remained committed to helping fundraisers succeed and has shaped Blakely's culture around transparent communication, continuous improvement, and innovation.

In this episode…

In today's rapidly evolving nonprofit sector, how can organizations bridge the gap between ambition and limited resources while ensuring donor satisfaction? Navigating philanthropy and fundraising can be daunting, but innovative leaders are uncovering successful strategies. Could the secret be a deep understanding of donor psychology and a commitment to creating meaningful experiences?

Kesheyl Van Schilt, a prominent figure in the fundraising and marketing sector, shares how she transformed Blakely into a powerhouse in strategic fundraising for nonprofits. She emphasizes data-driven approaches, such as affinity surveys, to enhance donor engagement and tailor communications. By understanding donor motivations and aligning them with organizational goals, Kesheyl has led her team to make significant strides in the nonprofit sector. Her leadership fosters a culture of innovation that empowers her team to develop impactful strategies for their clients.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Kesheyl van Schilt, President, Senior Fundraiser, and Owner of Blakely, about transforming nonprofit fundraising through strategic innovation. Kesheyl shares valuable insights into the intricacies of effective donor communication and the importance of leveraging data in decision-making processes. She highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between operational efficiency and creative marketing, providing practical strategies for nonprofits to enhance donor relationships.