Strategic Nonprofit Fundraising

with Noel McKenzie

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  • Let's build a funding staircase — so you can stop climbing in circles.

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meet our founder

Noel McKenzie is an engagement specialist with over 15 years of experience helping organizations bring people closer to their mission to grow their impact.

From solo founders to midsize teams, Noel has supported business and nonprofit leaders as a coach, strategist and trusted advisor helping leaders secure funding from major donors, brands, and charitable foundations—and in building strong partnerships with organizations such as Airbnb, Google, and Meta.

Noel holds his Master’s in Nonprofit Management from The New School. A former nonprofit founder himself, he’s been honored as a Roddenberry Fellow, Aspen Institute Fellow, and NYC/EDC Fellow, and recognized by the BET Network for championing Black and Brown nonprofit leaders in New York.

At Your Next Step, Noel turns big goals into simple steps that makes fundraising achievable, accessible and simple where it counts most.

SERVICES

Transform your fundraising capacity with step-by-step support

  • For nonprofit leaders who feel burnt out by doing it all.

    Key Benefits

    • Reclaim your time with a step-by-step funding roadmap

    • Become a support magnet with a curated donor story

    • Get re-energized with a 90-minute strategy session

  • For fundraising leaders feeling defeated by lackluster results.

    Key Benefits

    • Watch in excitement as long-held goals come to life

    • Reclaim clarity with a thought partner to leap past hurdles

    • Transform plans to progress with focused monthly support

LET'S CHAT

Growing Major Gifts with Independent Curators International 

As Independent Curators International (ICI) prepared for its 50th anniversary gala, Development Director Judy (far left) was preparing for her own milestone –her first child. The organization needed consistent, high-level fundraising support during Judy’s maternity leave.

Your Next Step stepped in as a fractional fundraising leader—designing interim donor communications, providing coaching to ICI’s Executive Director and speaking on Judy’s behalf to major donors to keep the campaign on track. 

The mix of coaching, communications, and donor engagement support helped ICI secure a six-figure, multi-year commitment from a new donor and a record number of early pledges and table commitments for their gala.

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What Clients sAY

  • “Noel was wonderful and kept us on track!.”

    Abril, Citizens Committee NYC

  • “Thank you for helping ICM develop and being part of my Journey!”

    Tyisha, Incredible Credible Messengers

  • “You have been such an inspiration to me, that I wanted to reach out to say thank you.”

    Tricia, God’s Love We Deliver

  • “It was exactly what I needed at a point in my life when I was trying to pick up some pieces and figure out what path I wanted to take with my professional and personal life, quite frankly..”

    Marissa, Tallawah Consulting

  • "Noel is always so engaging, and creates a comfortable and friendly atmosphere for us to share ideas and experiences."

    Damian, The Refugee Translation Project

  • "As a first time Executive Director I appreciated the care and attention Noel brought to creating practical, welcoming trainings and peer-driven opportunities to get the foundational knowledge I needed to get started. I still connect with peers and consultants I met through Noel's leadership support."

    Pilar, Center for Urban Pedagogy.

  • "Noel served."

    Shiori, Vibrant Emotional health

  • "as an entrepreneur there are so many priorities. after an hour with noel, i left feeling realigned and able to prioritize what comes next."

    Theon, Theon Freeman Events

  • The man knows what's really good for the hood. Noel helped us clarify our mission, refine our storytelling and secure nearly $2,000 in 30 days (our first fundraiser!)

    Jerri, Sew So Fresh

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Ready to take Your Next Step?

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