Deidre Kennelly, CFRE
Principal, Owner

Deidre started Kennelly Consulting with a mission: To help small nonprofit leaders create organized and strategic fundraising programs and provide the support they need to take their organization to the next level.

Deidre has fifteen years of experience in fundraising and has spent over a decade working directly for nonprofits. From her experience in the industry, she truly understands the challenges and nuances small nonprofit leaders face. In her tenure, Deidre has raised millions of dollars, led 'small nonprofit' to 'big nonprofit' transitions, created development departments from the ground up, conducted countless individual giving campaigns, and implemented small-nonprofit marketing and communications solutions.

Through authentic and intuitive fundraising tactics, she helps small nonprofits shift to a ‘big nonprofit’ mindset so they can grow and sustain the important work they do. Deidre feels privileged to act as an advocate, strategic advisor, and confidant to the amazing and hard-working nonprofit leaders who create positive changes in the communities they serve.

Deidre is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and holds a Certificate in Professional Fundraising from Boston University. Her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from California State University, Sacramento stoked a passion for working with diverse communities and cultures early on.

She stays current with fundraising strategies and concepts through frequent industry-led trainings, being an active board member for local nonprofits, and connecting with nonprofit leaders and community partners to find resources that help the small nonprofit industry thrive.

About

A Note From Deidre

If you want a no-nonsense, unpretentious and, above all, an implementable approach to growing your organization, you’ve come to the right place. I am passionate about helping small nonprofits save time and stress less by building on what they already have to take them where they want to be. When you work with me, you’ll get an advocate and cheerleader that will help you and your organization succeed.

I believe that collaboration creates the biggest impact. By choosing Kennelly Consulting, you’re getting an entire community of support. I regularly call upon the expertise of well-vetted, experienced nonprofit leaders who are ready and willing to share their insight and provide support so that you get relevant, real-time support. I’m proud to build upon this network of supportive, encouraging nonprofit leaders that can learn, share, and connect with one another through individual interactions and events like the Nonprofit Roundtable. I invite you to come be a part of this amazing community!

Testimonies

  • "I had the pleasure of working with Deidre to establish a fundraising plan for C.O.P.E. Family Support Center. For many years our board lacked a blueprint for planning and managing accountability of fundraising roles and responsibilities. Deidre supported our board by offering clarification and guidance that highlighted past successes and focused us on future opportunities. We are a better team as a result of Kennelly Consulting, and we are continuing to grow with every event!"

    Natasha Paddock, Executive Director
    C.O.P.E. Family Suppor Center

  • “Deidre was a joy to work with on a recent fundraising training for Placer nonprofit organizations. She listened closely to what we wanted and delivered a session that was thought provoking and actionable for attendees.”

    -Eileen Speaker, Placer Community Foundation

  • “Deidre knows the in’s and outs of nonprofits and has a real instinct for everything related to organizational development. I’m so glad to see that she’s chosen to help agencies enhance their services on a larger scale by providing consulting services.”

    -Christi Cakiroglu, CC Consulting

  • “Deidre is extremely organized, capable, and fun to work with. She is creative in coming up with new ways to fundraise and spread the message of the organizations she works with. I had the pleasure of working with her on fundraising events and campaigns that all exceeded fundraising goals. I highly recommend working with Deidre!”

    -Camille Cauchois, previously Achieve Tahoe Progam Coordinator