Introducing Forster Consulting

I am pleased to introduce myself as founder and principal of Forster Consulting. Let me summarize our mission. Forster's mission is to bring informed solutions in strategic planning & communications, fund development & philanthropy, and student civic engagement to nonprofit organizations, higher education, healthcare, and government. In my father and grandfather's day, it was often said that a man's word is his bond, and my 'brand' is validated on the strength of the insight and wisdom I bring to the table when working with clients. I am the company's brand, so client satisfaction is of utmost importance.

I have been in the nonprofit arena for 25 years. Earlier, I spent nearly two decades at two Christian universities, initially responsibile for planned and major gifts. In time, I was also responsible for additional aspects including alumni, annual fund, campaign coordination, and communications & marketing. I was twice appointed to the self-study committees for each institution's accreditation review process, and I served on the steering committee for the university's strategic plan. In order to bring a level of expertise into discussions with donor families on the potential uses and applications of charitable gift planning tools, I earned the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) designation in 2009.

Adding the dimension of the grant-making side of philanthropy, I then worked in program development with a Christian health foundation for several years. Guiding and mentoring organizations to the next steps in their development, as well as establishing a program of university internships and practicum experiences for students in health and medical education, was a key part of that work. Along the way, I taught college-level Fundraising & Grant Writing courses, as well as Church Stewardship & Management.

Finally, if the consulting 'brand' is me, then why in the name of Forster, you may ask? Well, you see, even that is who I am! The name honors the memory of my great-grandfather whose grandfather emigrated to America from the village of Maguiresbridge, County Fermanaugh, in what is today Northern Ireland. Here is the Maguires-bridge Church that would have been the place of worship for many members of the Forster family.