Telling your organization’s story to funders is an art and science. This interactive session will cover best practices in persuasive writing and strategies to more clearly communicate your fundraising needs to institutional and even individual donors.

About the Speaker

Mary Claire Waltham

Mary Claire’s positivity, warmth and heart for mission is only matched by her relentless commitment to help her clients achieve their goals. Since joining Dini Spheris in 2014, Mary Claire has served nearly 100 nonprofits throughout Texas and across the country. She is a seasoned consultant, successfully helping clients grow their annual, capital and major gift fundraising, executing strategic planning processes that have transformed institutions, and managing campaigns with goals ranging from $1 million to $250 million.

As a coach and counselor, Mary Claire focuses first on building a strong, confident team of volunteers and staff. Her goal is always to maximize her client’s strengths, to build the right, tailored strategy for every setting, and to create an enduring partnership based in trust. Nothing brings her more joy than walking hand in hand with organizations in the midst of transformation, boldly facing challenges and celebrations.

Mary Claire holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Chicago and a Nonprofit Finance Certificate from Rice University. She is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals - Greater Houston Chapter and regularly presents at conferences throughout the United States. Mary Claire also deeply enjoys mentoring the next generation of sector leaders as a lead instructor with the University of Houston Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. She serves on the Board of the Endowment Fund of St. Stephen’s Episcopal, Houston and previously served on the Board of Trustees of St. Stephen’s Episcopal School. Mary Claire is most proud to be the mother of Baby Malcolm and spends every moment she can chasing after her son and his best friend, Hercules the Cat.