This is Us
Twenty years of experience. Tens of millions of dollars raised.
We help nonprofit organizations bridge the gap between mission and money by creating sustainable strategies to support organizational growth.
Approach
Every nonprofit organization has its own culture and community. We get to know you and build a partnership that is specific and intentional.
We are a high-touch consultancy.
We don't speak cookie cutter.
Strategy
Growth happens when organizations respond to the environment we live in today. We help you create sustainable strategies and flexible action plans with benchmarks for success.
No plans that sit on a shelf.
Impact
What will the world look like when your work is done? We help you clarify the answer and share it with your stakeholders. Be the change you want to see in the world* and others will follow.
*Gandhi, of course.
Services
Engage. Grow. Matter More.
Leadership
Development
Promote a Culture of Success
Adaptive Planning
Board Development & Training
Board Recruitment
Leadership Assessment
Meeting & Retreat Facilitation
Fund Development Solutions
Improve Fundraising Outcomes
Assessment & Readiness
Authentic Fundraising Events
Campaign Study & Planning
Case Development
Supportive Content
Grant Writing
Expand Impact: Corporate - Government - Private Sources
Assessment & Readiness
Narrative & Proposal Development
Prospect Research
Reporting & Compliance
Staff Training
Founder
Cecily Lerner
My passion for community service began at age 8 when I volunteered at a charity telethon. Since my professional nonprofit career kicked off in 1998, I've developed a comprehensive portfolio of experiences and skills that inform my practice. I’m a fundraiser at heart. That means I look at my work through a fund development lens. I can’t help it.
In my current capacity, I provide consultative, freelance, and interim services to nonprofit organizations of all shapes and sizes. I have my finger on the pulse of today’s impact sector and I’m good at helping clients develop more effective leaders, improve fundraising outcomes, and build capacity to do more meaningful work in our community. I care about your success. It's my world, too.
When I’m not preoccupied with how to help you be even more awesome, I’m probably out volunteering or spending time with my husband and teenage daughter.
Contact Us
What Clients are Saying About Us
When we came to Cecily Lerner Consulting, we needed help developing effective proposals to submit to funders. Cecily asked the right questions and tailored her services to our needs. She helped us to clarify our mission and identify the value of our services. She created meaningful and compelling copy to support our fundraising outreach. As a small, volunteer-run nonprofit, we now understand that our current pool of funding opportunities is limited. However, Cecily was able to provide us with some guidance to support our grant seeking and other fundraising activities. We loved how she embraced Kids Kaps and pushed us to think a little bigger.
Elaine Schreiber
Founder and President
Kids Kaps With Love
We first met Cecily working on a music education project with the LA Phil and Fidelity Investments, which evolved into a nationwide initiative with tremendous impact for many schools and students. We sought her out a few years later, working as a consultant, to help us create a development plan. Since she knew our work and culture, she incorporated our unique program and human resources into a workable plan for success. Over the years, we've relied on Cecily's perspective and knowledge to help us work through issues and challenges - from board development and engagement to staffing needs, to overall strategy and succession planning. She's our go-to sounding board. I recommend Cecily highly - have coffee and pancakes with her and then get to work.
Felice Mancini
President and CEO
The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation
Cecily is a creative, energetic and committed professional with a strong moral compass. Results oriented, Cecily is a life long learner and strong team player who is not afraid to speak truth to power. Cecily's innovative leadership has greatly benefited the Child and Family Guidance Center and it has been a privilege to get to know her.