Across 40 states, hundreds of communities and a wide-range of nonprofit organizations, our Swanson House consultants have successfully served the nonprofit community. Each consultant possesses extensive fundraising knowledge and experience; and the expertise to make that knowledge and experience relevant and productive for their clients. Swanson House consultants have been successful fundraisers, nonprofit executives, and now excel as fundraising architects ready to design and build your fundraising program.
Robert Swanson, President & CEO
Robert’s 30 years of fundraising and consulting experience spearheads a team of consultants with more than 100 years of combined experience. He has worked in 14 states with nonprofit organizations. Robert believes strongly “…large gifts are created, not found.” His proven “fundraising architecture” serves as the fundraising framework for all Swanson House clients. He stresses the need and effectiveness of thoughtful and professional fundraising in which donors are respected and acknowledged.
In addition to his successful client work, Robert has spoken and presented throughout America to a variety of nonprofit resource and advocacy groups including the prestigious International AFP Convention. Robert concluded his nonprofit career as CEO of the Emporia State University Foundation.
Brenda Bogner, Senior Vice President
Brenda has spent a significant portion of her professional career in support to programs and organizations focused on individuals with disabilities and their families. Education, physical and developmental disabilities, mental health and youth development are her specialty. Her classic training as an educator brings invaluable expertise to her clients as she works to effectively engage staff and volunteer leadership to focus on the tasks at hand.
“Fundraising is about more than money.” says Brenda. “When a relationship is built with a donor and that relationship is maintained and respected over time, the nonprofit and the donor can achieve remarkable things on behalf of their community.”
Heather Hogan, Senior Consultant
Heather Hogan began her professional career in marketing and business. She quickly learned that she made a greater impact working in the nonprofit world. She concluded her nonprofit career as president of the Envision Foundation where she raised more than $30 million. “A gift is a yes vote,” she likes to say. “It’s equivalent of a person walking into a polling booth and pulling the lever that says I vote for this nonprofit. It’s a vote of confidence in the mission and the work of a nonprofit.”
Heather’s fundraising and nonprofit experience is extensive, ranging from major gifts to annual fund, and nonprofit management and board development. “Usually, it’s the need for a multi-million-dollar campaign or annual fund overhaul – operating funds – that shake an organization out of its complacency or comfort zone. I like being a change agent for our clients.”
Sarah Wine, Senior Consultant
Sarah Wine’s consulting career includes working with nonprofits focused on human services, education, and historic restoration. Sarah began her professional career in education “Like any profession, fundraising is a knowledge, information, and experience-based work,” says Sarah. “There is knowledge, a structure, and a process to effective fundraising. As a successful fundraising professional, I enjoy engaging with clients, staff, and volunteers – to help them succeed.”
Having served as a director of development before becoming a consultant, Sarah understands the demands of staff and volunteers when engaging in a multi-million-dollar project. “It’s a team effort. Communication and honest conversation build a team. Our goal is to be transparent, engaged, and accessible to our clients.”
Jennifer Curzon, Senior Consultant
For 21 years Jennifer has worked with nonprofits facilitating hundreds of campaign assessment studies, conducting foundation research and grant writing, annual fund development and major gift solicitation. Jennifer has worked in seven states helping dozens of nonprofits reach their fundraising goals. Serving as both a development director for a nonprofit organization and a fundraising consultant, her expertise spans across the fundraising spectrum.She successfully assisted reStart, Inc. of Kansas City, MO with both annual and capital fundraising efforts for over five years.
“Being organized and having structure can raise a lot of money,” says Jennifer. “I think too many organizations don’t realize that a plan and some hard work to execute it will produce good results. With creativity, a thoughtful strategy and implementation any nonprofit can achieve fundraising success.”
Cathy Rutz, Client Services Director
Cathy is a 19-year veteran working with nonprofit organizations. She provides support to consultants as they work directly with a nonprofit organization. From fundraising management reports to material development to scheduling, Cathy provides “back office support” which allows Swanson House consultants and their clients to focus on the architecture of fundraising.
Cathy speaks from experience when she says, “…consultants who create a bond with their nonprofit client and focus on fundraising are successful. am proud to play a part in that process.” She has served consultants and their clients who have collectively raised more than $800 million.
Basil Kessler, Research & Analytics
Basil provides exceptional fundraising research and analytical analysis in service to clients. His skill and affinity for such work was developed through a professional career spanning higher education, public policy and as a nonprofit executive.
As a result he believes strongly in the maxim “… that which is not measured is not understood” and eagerly accepts the challenge when a seemingly intangible metrics cannot be obtained and understood. “Donors want to understand the impact of their participation in the life of your organization.”Diane Vicars, Communications & Public Relations
Diane spent 25 years in mainstream media and finished her for- profit career as managing editor of the Beatrice Daily Sun Newspaper. Her work with nonprofits is guided and informed by her experiences as a journalist and editor; and as a board member for a variety of nonprofits.
“Controlling and delivering your nonprofit message to the right audiences is essential to success.” Diane goes on to say, “It’s important for a nonprofit to understand the difference between marketing and cultivation. One sells services, the other engages donors.”