About
Hi. I'm Marti.
Fundraising has been my real-world classroom.
Along the way I've worked on fundraising strategy, donor relationships, events, grants, communications, and nonprofit leadership.
Which means I've seen a lot of good people handed a fundraising job they never applied for. If that's you, hello. You're my favorite kind of person.
I'm a fundraiser with more than 20 years of experience, a champion for inclusion, a community volunteer, and an entrepreneur at heart. I'm also an empty nester, lifelong learner, and a bit of a dork.
I've spent my career connecting people, building relationships, and creating opportunities for people with disabilities. Now I'm exploring how AI, practical tools, and a little creativity can make fundraising easier, more effective, and maybe even a little more fun!
What I believe
Done beats perfect.
A good thank-you note sent today beats a beautiful one you never send.
Simple systems beat fancy ones nobody uses.
If it takes a training manual, it's probably not getting used on a Tuesday.
Donors are people, not prospects.
They want to hear from you, and not only when you need something.
Fundraising can be less overwhelming.
Approachable, practical, effective. That's the whole point of this place.
Why this exists
For years, people have asked me, "How do I...?" How do I write an appeal. How do I talk to the board. How do I thank donors without it taking all week. I've answered a lot of those over coffee. The Accidental Fundraiser is me finally putting the answers in one place, with the goal of making fundraising more approachable, practical, effective, and less overwhelming.
Your next step
Block a 30-minute meeting with Marti
Talk through your result and pick the one fundraising task that matters most this month. Send a request and Marti will reply to find a time.