Melanie Jarratt Wolfe, Mais, Cfre Email & Phone Number

Vienna, Va, Us

Washington, Dc

Provide a range of capacity-building consulting services to nonprofits including: best practices in major and principal gifts fundraising; planned giving; campaign feasibility, design, and execution; board development; fundraising operations assessments; effective communications; and strategic planning; Clients/consultations have included performing arts academy; low-income clinics; international health volunteers organization; international policy organization; foundation focusing on critical domestic issues; creative aging through the arts pioneer; historical association; and philanthropy advocacy organization.

Reviewed and evaluated grant applications from Fairfax County arts organizations for annual funding from the Arts Council. Assessed viability of proposed programs and budgets, as well as artistic and educational merit. Made recommendations for project funding; ways for nonprofits to improve their applications and strengthen programs. Arts organizations had budgets from $.5M to $25M+.

Co-founded start-up focusing on patented ocean energy technology R&D. Promote innovative technology designed to generate clean/renewable power to potential partners.

Washington, Dc

Raised numerous 6- and 7-figure gifts for advanced research cutting edge technology,medical education, community programs, capital needs, pediatrics, HIV clinics, and women's health initiatives throughout the extensive $2 billion Inova Health System. Managed portfolio of 150-200 high-end prospects including many board members, affluent individuals, and major institutions. Initiated and facilitated board development and revitalization plan. Identified two chairmen and many board members. Provided philanthropy training and coaching for executives, board members, physicians, and other key staff. Served as Interim Director of Planned Giving (1 year); promoted planned giving awareness among board members, donors, and executives. Created fundraising plans, strategies, and communication pieces for system-wide programs including Inova Cancer Services, Research, and "Inova Magazine." Created "The President’s Series" featuring lectures by medical experts designed to engage prospective donors.

Launched and built major gifts program to:secure leadership gifts of $100,000+ from individuals for first-ever campaign ($21 million goal) and ensure the long-term financial health of Wolf Trap. Secured the highest levels of individual gifts to Wolf Trap ever, increasing the revenue and visibility of Wolf Trap significantly. Coached and trained executive and development staff, Board members, and other volunteers on effective fundraising strategies, resulting in greatly expanded outreach.Secured preeminent philanthropists as speakers for The Philanthropy Forum at Wolf Trap. Identified, recommended, and cultivated corporate and community leaders with philanthropic capacity and influence for the Board. Created exclusive events designed to introduce affluent individuals to Wolf Trap. Participated in planning for Campaign kickoff gala; groundbreaking ceremony and grand opening events for the new National Center for Education at Wolf Trap. Recruited and hired staff for Campaign fundraising team.

Supervised seven staff members responsible for high-end annual membership circles; major gifts; research; foundation relations; and donor stewardship. Personally managed caseload of 150+ individuals who were principal and planned gift prospects, which result in many six- and seven- figure gifts for the collections, exhibitions, educational programs, curatorial research, and unrestricted purposes. Designed comprehensive plan for creating a Legacy Society to attract, recognize, and engage planned gift donors. Produced marketing materials on charitable giving for National Gallery publications. Oversaw planning and execution of 10th anniversary celebration for high-end individual giving membership program.

Identified, cultivated, and solicited individuals for major gifts ($25,000+) to increase private giving for research, curatorial, and public programming needs for the Smithsonian’s activities around the world. Launched Smithsonian Benefactors recognition event for highest level of donors across the institution. Played pivotal role in formation of the Smithsonian Young Benefactors (young professionals) giving society. Prepared content for Smithsonian Magazine ads and articles for donor newsletters. Served as public relations representative on international trips for Smithsonian Associates. Generated local and national media coverage for exhibitions and public programs.

Bachelor Of Arts (Ba), Music

German Minor

Master Of Arts In Interdisciplinary Studies (Mais), Organizational Development (Od)