Fundraising with confidence and joy.
Integrity | Excellence | Collaboration | Creativity | Joy | Success
Not just guiding principles, but a commitment to clients and the communities they serve.
With personal experience serving at every level of both small and large fundraising shops, Alisa brings the expertise, leadership and joy necessary to elevate your development program. She is a trusted partner to several well-known non-profits throughout the Washington, DC region, helping Directors of Development and non-profit CEOs with advice on all aspects of fundraising strategies and events.
Given her extensive experience in event and gala management, Alisa is well equipped to handle large- and small-scale events from top to bottom, including budget planning, sponsorship management, registration, seating, creative concept and décor, vendor sourcing and venue selection.
More about Alisa.
Alisa Ben-Ami is a strategic and systems-driven executive management professional with over 25 years of experience in all aspects of fundraising and event planning including major gifts, foundation and government grants, donor relations, individual annual giving, and events as well as operations and systems. Alisa excels at gauging needs, generating solutions, streamlining processes, team building, and achieving goals in collaboration with key stakeholders.
For 13 years, Alisa was part of the Development department at Levine Music, one of the largest community music schools in the nation serving approximately 3,500 individuals weekly through several physical campuses and a permanent virtual campus, concluding her tenure as Vice President of Development & Strategic Projects and part of a five person executive team.
Previously, she has held leadership fundraising roles at the international NGO Search for Common Ground, as well as Maret School and National Cathedral School. She began her fundraising career as a development assistant at The Brearley School in New York City and has personal experience at every level of a development career. She served as Director of Development at The Diller-Quaile School of Music, also in Manhattan, before moving to the Washington, DC region. Alisa holds her BA from Haverford College and MA in Arts Administration from New York University with coursework through the NYU Stern School of Business.
Together, we will work elevating your fundraising program and have fun doing it!
Services
Individualized Fundraising Coaching
Customized for Board Chairs, CEOs, Presidents, Executive Directors, Major Gift Officers, and Directors of Development.
Weekly or monthly coaching sessions serving as a sounding board for strategy, effective cultivation, solicitation, or stewardship training, or simply as a partner in shared experiences. Useful and reliable advice to non-profit leaders as they work as key organizational fundraisers.
Event Planning
— Fundraising Strategy
— Sponsorship Solicitation, Strategy, & Implementation
— Event Theme Visioning and Design
— Program Development, Coordination, and Day of Production
— Budget Planning and Management
— Venue and Vendor Oversight and Management
— Vendor Solicitation and Management
— Onsite Venue Management
— Security Coordination
— Floor Plan Design and Guest Seating
— Management of Guest Registration
— Venue Decor and Design
— Event Staffing
— Event Technology
— Advance And VIP Coordination
Development Systems, Operations, and Data
– Processes and Procedures
– Analytics
– Assessments
Interim Staffing and Talent Development
Prospect Research
– Landscape Analyses
– Board & Leadership Development and Trainings
– Prospect Lists
Fundraising Communications
— Fundraising Letters
— E-Appeals
— Cases for Support
Testimonials
What People are Saying
“Focused”
“During our weekly meetings where Alisa serves as a thought partner and coach to our CEO and me as Director of Development, she helps us stay focused and on track with our long-term and short-term Gala fundraising goals. Her advice is always spot on, and her genuine interest in people and understanding of what works in terms of fundraising strategy have proven invaluable. Any time I email her with questions or need advice, she responds promptly and always makes me feel inspired and ready to go!”
KATIE TUKEY
Director of Development and Engagement
American Horticultural Society
“A Host’s Dream”
“Working with Alisa is a host’s dream. You get to be calm and enjoy a turn-key event: she is on top of all of the details at all times—even the ones you didn’t think of. She cuts no corners ever, while always being sensitive to budget and always happy to recommend ways to save money without compromising quality. And, to boot, a true delight to work with! I cannot recommend her enthusiastically enough.”
CRAIG BENSON
Private Host
“Another successful experience”
“Alisa joined us five weeks before our 60th Anniversary Gala to finalize and execute vendors and plans our team and committee had selected and discussed. She hit the ground running and delivered a sophisticated, fun, and successful evening! She was able to manage multiple moving parts with ease, communicate across our team efficiently and effectively, and brought a level of experience and professionalism that shone through. Our Board of Directors and membership were thrilled with the result, and I would recommend her without reservation to anyone looking for an outstanding Gala.”
DONNA HAY
President and CEO
National Job Corps Association
Gallery
Drop Alisa a Line
Don’t be shy. Let me know if you have any questions!
