Precipitating Change
One Program at a Time
Who We Are
Catalyst: (n) a person or thing that precipitates change.
At catalyst we believe in the power of mobilizing a community to create the change needed to sustain higher education. We accomplish this by working in tandem with Alumni Relations and Annual Giving professionals to adapt to the changing demographics and interests of alumni.
Further we believe our that the youngest generations will lead their own catalyzing changes necessary to meet the global and society challenges that don’t exist yet.
Meet Nicole, Founder and CEO
Nicole founded Catalyst to precipitate the change necessary within Alumni Relations and Annual Giving that results in greater and more authentic engagement and giving among growing, diverse populations.
In her work with clients, she enables them to lead programs that stop and reverse the donor decline, as well as, think holistically about what a multi-generational constituent base expects from their alma mater now and in the future. The finished roadmap respects the character and rich history of your institution while imagining a vibrant (and sustainable) future.
Nicole cut her teeth in fundraising after the collapse of the stock market in 2008 and has been disrupting annual giving and alumni relations programs ever since. Nicole has held a variety of individual and leadership positions at colleges and universities in the upper midwest - having successfully led change to programs that met the needs and interests of their constituents, engaged more donors, and raised record-setting current-use dollars. As a curious person, she joined a leading advancement technology company to expand her knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing higher ed advancement and worked with more than 40 teams nationally.
Nicole brings a rare blend of nonprofit savvy, tech fluency, and the trust-based people skills needed to enact change.She holds a BA in Marketing from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, a Mini-MBA in Non-Profit Management from St. Thomas University, and is a PROSCI certified change practitioner. To compliment her professional part of life, she’s a mom, wife, woman’s advocate, and fervent supporter of education.
How we can help
Leadership Coaching
Managing programs and leading teams in today’s environment is challenging. You probably found this page because you are questioning if its even possible to meet the needs of both a multi-generational staff and constituent base - at the same time. You’re tired. You’ve tried technology, different strategies, and yet you didn’t hit your goals last year. Your team is discouraged and tired too. You are not alone.
I’m here to affirm that it’s possible with a open mind and empathetic heart to lead to the next level. Reach out today and let’s talk.
Diverse Constituent Engagement
Engaging a multi-generational, increasingly diverse constituent base has made alumni relations work more complex then ever. You’re here because you know addressing the long-practiced mismatch in resources compared to counterparts and overall engagement that does not match the diversity of your constituent base isn’t serving your organization well.
Together, we’ll create a roadmap that honors the organizations unique character while building the programs your constituents want to engage with.
Multi-generational Donor Strategy
The landscape of annual giving is as complex as it has ever been. Whether you are a one person shop or a team of 10+, are volunteer or staff-led, you are likely navigating a decreasing donor base, flat revenue, and a multi-generational constituent base.
At Catalyst we understand that one size doesn’t fit most. We work alongside you ensure that what you implement aligns with your organization’s unique character
Interim Support
Fiscal years have a unique cadence to them. But rarely does the departure, search process, and onboarding fit nicely in your ‘down-time’. At Catalyst, Nicole understands the cycle and help provide your organization with a stop-gap so you can focus on what matters most - everything else.
Get in touch
It all begins with an idea.
