We are
roll up our sleeves
accessible
bold & audacious
collaborative
consultants

More than just talk

We are a small and nimble company dedicated to standing shoulder to shoulder with our clients. We don’t just advise–we walk the walk, helping our clients activate through hands on engagement.

  • We set in motion effective and impactful fundraising for our clients. From designing fundraising roadmaps, to building effective donor portfolios and guiding strategic focus and planning–we are there to be your one stop shop for all fundraising needs.

  • We know that to engage, it is often not just about WHAT you are saying, but HOW you are saying it. We write compelling content for proposals, are skilled grant writers, and bring visual communication expertise to your team. We equip our clients with content (think pitch decks, fact sheets, proposal templates, answers to those pesky grant questions) that will enable you to more effectively communicate for years to come.

  • We coach our clients, not just to support fundraising efforts–but to instill a confidence in our partners, inspiring and catalyzing positive growth. We work hand in hand with staff members and cultivate dynamic board engagement. Ever available, we pride ourselves in providing rapid support to our clients.

  • We are the consultants who go above and beyond consulting. We don’t just talk about what your team needs to do, but we help you do it. We embed ourselves as part of your organization, taking on essential research, writing, content creation, and so much more. We are there during gaps for hiring, able to step in where needed for the betterment of your team and mission.

Our Services

Who we are

  • Lisa Lord

    FOUNDING PRINCIPAL

    Lisa has more than 40 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, including service with or on nine nonprofit boards in Jackson, Wyoming. Over 11 years with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Lisa helped raise $43 million for the Wyoming Chapter. In her four years as Development Director for TNC’s Caribbean Division, she launched a $100 million conservation campaign and raised close to $60 million prior to leaving the organization. Lisa completed Manager-Mentor training at Harvard Business School, Highly Effective Teams certification, and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).



  • Dory Welch

    MANAGING SENIOR ASSOCIATE

    Dory Welch has a background in nonprofit development, marketing and strategy. Today, Dory guides organizations with expertise in fundraising, mission focused copywriting, communications planning, and graphic design. Since graduating from the University of Vermont in 2017, she has worked in the nonprofit field, and found her passion in strategizing awareness around causes she cares about. This work has been carried out most recently as the Director of Advancement for Astoria Park Conservancy. She is an avid hiker, snowboarder, and painter and lives in Bozeman, Montana.



  • Lisa Zimmerelli

    SENIOR ASSOCIATE

    Lisa is an Associate Professor at Loyola University Maryland. Her publications and expertise include principles of collaboration; community engagement and social justice; diversity, equity, and inclusion; tutor training; feminist historiography, and rhetorical traditions in the US. In addition to her work in higher education, Lisa provides grant writing, strategic planning, and communication/marketing support to local non-profit organizations and businesses. Lisa previously served as Chair of the Writing Department and Director of the Writing Center at Loyola. She earned her PhD from the University of Maryland in English with a specialization in Rhetoric and Composition.

  • Hali Stewart

    ASSOCIATE

    Hali Stewart joins the team from Portland, Maine where she moved after receiving a BS in Environmental Studies from the University of Vermont. Hali grew up on the small Caribbean island of Antigua, which inspired a passion for sustainability, conservation, collaboration, and community-based action. When she is not working with PBD, she is a Community Outreach Coordinator for a low-waste refill store where she educates and inspires community members. She is committed to work that continuously supports others to make a difference.





  • Grace Lord-Alge

    ASSOCIATE

    Grace is based in Los Angeles, California. She is a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned a Bachelor of Science in Consumer Behavior and Marketplace Studies, with additional minors in Business and Entrepreneurship. Throughout her academic journey, Grace developed a keen ability to analyze and solve complex problems from a people-first perspective. Additionally, her business background enables her to maximize outreach initiatives through effective communication and strategic planning. Grace is eager to apply her skills to support meaningful causes and create positive change.

Our Clients

We work with organizations of all sizes, focus areas, and stages. Below find a sample of the groups we have been delighted to work with.

  • "Without Philanthropy by Design, we would not have had the capacity or the depth of skills to implement our $15M Campaign. Their team brings a comprehensive approach to developing a campaign that truly meets the organization's needs- and we had a ton of fun together while doing it!"

    Sarah Cavallaro
    Executive Director, Teton Youth and Family Services

  • "I can't express how grateful I am for the Philanthropy by Design team. They were able to take our vision and put it into actionable steps that have proven to be successful. The team is so engaged and easy to work with. They truly care and it translates beautifully into their work."

    Mary Johnson
    Chief Executive Officer, Cloud Peak Counseling Center

  • “As a grassroots organization learning how to fundraise, Lisa’s strategy, guidance and support were instrumental in growing our organization. Lisa demystifies the art of fundraising to be an empowering and skill-based practice.”

    Jordan Rich
    Executive Director, Voices JH

  • “The impact of Covid-19 on our community and clients called for a refresh of our visual presentation and outreach communications. Philanthropy By Design created a new look for newspaper ads and a variety of donor-focused materials in addition to grant writing and an end-of-year appeal. A first-rate creative and collaborative team."

    Smokey Rhea
    Interim Executive Director, Curran Seeley Foundation

  • “Fundraising is the base of nonprofits and this team has the experience and track record to boot.”

    Dr. David Vaughan
    Founder & Executive Director, Plant a Million Corals Foundation

Get in touch.

We work with organizations big and small–with bold ideas and ambitious goals. Get in touch discuss how we can work together.