Hi, I'm Jennifer, a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) with 25+ years experience in
Strategic Communications
Fundraising + Donor Stewardship
Executive Leadership
Volunteer Board Service
And when I was little my grandmother taught me how to needlepoint, play Yahtzee, and to always write thank you notes.
I suppose that's why gratitude was top of mind when I became a nonprofit executive director.
An important part of my job was cultivating relationships with donors and thanking them for being part of our mission.
In fundraising, thanking donors is a cornerstone of donor stewardship, which is core to a development strategy.
Effective stewardship can lead to repeat gifts from the same donor – and not only repeat giving, but increased giving.
And, showing donors that you understand their interests and preferences helps your messages resonate and further bonds them with your mission.
That's where I'm most energized: at the intersection of communications and fundraising.
Let's work together to help your nonprofit build donor relationships and gain their continued support.
Client Testimonials
Elizabeth Del Toro, Director of Communications, The Holdsworth Center
Lora Blakeslee Atkinson, Former Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Denton County
Lora Blakeslee Atkinson, Former Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Denton County
Jennifer is a caring and thoughtful strategic partner who helped our team build a long-term communications strategy and plan for our stewardship efforts. She listened to our needs, took time to understand where the organization is and delivered on a plan that will be put into practice. I highly recommend Jennifer to tackle your biggest communications challenges.
Lora Blakeslee Atkinson, Former Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Denton County
Lora Blakeslee Atkinson, Former Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Denton County
Lora Blakeslee Atkinson, Former Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Denton County
Jennifer and her team changed the way we implement our communications. We had the wonderful opportunity to work with her to redefine our entire communications plan.
We are confident that our work with Jennifer will build our capacity to serve and grow our donor base.
Emily Pickens, Former Executive Director, Women in Neuroscience
Lynn McBee, Chief Executive Officer, Young Women's Preparatory Network
Lynn McBee, Chief Executive Officer, Young Women's Preparatory Network
With the tools Jennifer has created for us and the guidance she has provided, WiN has been able express our mission and purpose much more effectively. We’ve been able to transition from a “start-up” non-profit to a more established organization. We’ve been able to reach more people, raise more money and tell our story. I do not say this lightly: WiN would not be where we are without Jennifer’s exceptional contributions.
Lynn McBee, Chief Executive Officer, Young Women's Preparatory Network
Lynn McBee, Chief Executive Officer, Young Women's Preparatory Network
Lynn McBee, Chief Executive Officer, Young Women's Preparatory Network
Under Jennifer’s leadership and guidance, we successfully established strong Advisory Councils in Midland and El Paso while strengthening existing councils and foundations in Houston, San Antonio and Fort Worth. Jennifer planned and executed the work flawlessly while building trust with all stakeholders to move the projects along to execution. Today, the councils and foundations are strong with sustainable operations in place. This work would not have been possible without Jennifer's many skills in the areas of strategic planning, operations, project management, fundraising, marketing/communications and board governance.
About Jennifer Long
My work is about creating meaningful connections to make the world a better place. Through my consulting practice, I help nonprofits advance their missions,
engage their communities, and achieve greater impact.
I serve as a Library Foundation board member, on Austin Community Foundation’s Women’s Fund steering committee, and as a National Charity League-Hills of Austin board member. I also volunteer on Women Communicators of Austin's scholarship committee.
Previously I served as executive director of the Ann Richards School Foundation and spent more than a decade in marketing communications with the Livestrong Foundation during its greatest growth and challenges. I've also served as a board member for Generation Serve (formerly Little Helping Hands) and Mainspring Schools.
A two-time graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, I earned my master in public affairs degree from the LBJ School of Public Affairs and my undergraduate degree in advertising. I'm part of Leadership Austin's Essential Class of 2017 and Leadership Texas' Class of 2018. I live in Austin, TX, with my husband, our daughters, and two pugs.
