I'm Jessica Cloud, creator of Real Deal Fundraising. I've been a fundraiser for over 20 years and a trainer since 2012. I will be giving you engaging content with actionable precise advice to take your fundraising results over the top and accelerate your career growth.
"Jessica's crisis fundraising content was very helpful. I am on a board of an arts nonprofit and heading their crisis response efforts. We’ve been trying to figure out how to support the larger community we serve and raise funds during that process. Thanks to her, I have some good ideas I can bring to that team on how to do that!"
- Katie Garcia of Athene Strategies
Hi, I’m Jessica Cloud, CFRE
My career started in phonathon, as a student caller my freshman year of college. Since that time, many moons ago, I have worked in nearly every area of development and currently serve as Vice President for Advancement at Starr King School for the Ministry.
I have also held my Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation since 2013 and I've worked in fundraising for over 20 years. I worked for the Libertarian National Committee, RuffaloCODY (now Ruffalo Noel Levitz), the University of South Carolina, the University of Southern Mississippi, and Starr King School for the Ministry.
Through my consulting I've also worked closely with Samford University and the University of Alabama. By conducting conferences and webinars, I've helped countless other institutions and colleagues. You can read testimonials from those I've worked with here.
When I worked for my alma mater, The University of Southern Mississippi, in one year, I increased the total dollars raised by over 300%, and in three years I increased the number of first-time donors by 285%. During my tenure, the total number of yearly donors to the USM Foundation increased from about 3,000 to over 8,000. In 2012, we launched the first faculty-staff giving campaign for USM, and employee giving rose from 10% to over 32% in three months.
I am the real deal!