PEGGY KNUDSON
Washington,DC
Summary
In my 27 years as a successful fundraiser, my undergraduate degrees in English and journalism have served me well. My excellent communication skills—written and verbal—have helped me raise more than $300 million from individuals, foundations, corporations, and governments for nonprofits working on a variety of issues: environmental protection, climate change, foreign policy, international security, global health, and the advancement of women, among others. I opened and directed the first American foundation office in the former East Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President of Development
Potomac Riverkeeper Network
Washington, D.C.
01.2025 - 10.2025
- Responsible for strategic fundraising for this nonprofit that works to protect the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers and their tributaries throughout the 14,500 sq. miles that comprise the Potomac Watershed.
- On track to raise $1.74 million in 2025 from foundations, individuals, corporations, and governments for PRKN's programs that focus on pollution assessment, advocacy, clean-water law enforcement, and public engagement to protect local rivers.
- Doubled the organization's digital and snail-mail outreach; created marketing materials that included videos to describe our work to battle PFAS and pitch our annual gala.
- Producing a five-minute video that details our programs throughout the watershed (currently in post-production; will be released on 9/25/25).
- Overseeing PRKN's 25th anniversary gala, scheduled for October 11, 2025, that will welcome more than 200 attendees and is on track to net more than $175,000 for the organization.
- Launching the organization's first-ever legacy giving program, donor giving circles, fitness fundraisers and corporate-sponsored river clean-up program.
Chief Development Officer and then Vice President, Development
Nuclear Threat Initiative
Washington, D.C.
04.2018 - 02.2024
- Raised $85 million for this nonprofit organization that works to prevent catastrophic attacks and accidents involving weapons of mass destruction and disruption: nuclear, biological, radiological, and cyber.
- Oversaw a staff of five; implemented best practices to research, cultivate, solicit, and engage donors.
- Stood up a Development Committee of the Board to find and secure new funders.
- Increased number of donors by 47%. Raised donor retention rate to 9% above industry average.
- Implemented friend-making events to win new donors across the country and in Europe.
- Created and moderated a popular donor-stewardship program, 'Ask NTI' video conferences, where I interviewed NTI experts on topics like "AI and Nuclear Security: Promise and Peril."
- Instituted successful fundraising campaigns, deploying social media, snail mail and email; fostered a culture of philanthropy throughout NTI.
Vice President, Development
ecoAmerica
Washington, D.C.
09.2014 - 04.2018
- Raised more than $10 million for this nonprofit that works to engage mainstream Americans in climate solutions by training and deploying leaders in faith, health, higher ed, and local communities.
- Conducted in-person, phone, snail and email solicitations and social media campaigns.
- Hired and managed fundraising staff.
- Member of the senior management team that created strategy and evaluated progress toward goals.
- Launched and staffed a development committee of the board.
- Conducted communications outreach from COP21 talks in Paris, tweeting and blogging five articles in seven days on climate leadership in various groups, including youth, faith, minorities, business, and academia.
Vice President, Development
Friends of the Global Fight Against AIDS, TB & Malaria
Washington, D.C.
01.2013 - 08.2014
- Chief development officer for this organization that advocates U.S. support for global health.
- Built a development program from the ground up.
- Created a strategic plan and marketing documents; developed a prospect pool; solicited funds from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
- Won a $5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Senior Vice President, Development
The Center for American Progress
Washington, D.C.
04.2012 - 01.2013
- Raised more than $36 million in 12 months from foundations, corporations, and individuals for research and other programs at two affiliated organizations (CAP and CAP Action) that promote progressive U.S. policy and action at home and abroad.
- Oversaw a staff of 10 in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.
- Directly solicited five- and six-figure gifts.
- Oversaw CAP's annual fundraising gala, the Progressive Party, which netted $1 million.
Director of Development, Foreign Policy
The Brookings Institution
Washington, D.C.
03.2004 - 04.2012
- More than tripled revenue (from $8 million to $27 million raised annually) from a variety of sources.
- Oversaw a staff of five and worked with scholars in 11 regional and functional centers (China, Northeast Asia, South Asia, Europe, Latin America, energy and sustainability, defense, intelligence, arms control, human rights, and global governance) to write proposals and make direct pitches.
- Directly solicited major gifts from $5,000 to more than $1 million.
- Implemented cultivation and stewardship strategies for major donors, including face-to-face meetings, policy discussions, salon evenings, e-newsletters, phone briefings, and site visits.
Associate Senior Editor
The Chronicle of Philanthropy
Washington, D.C.
03.2002 - 02.2004
- Responsible for the compilation, production, accuracy, and quality of copy for 10 columns in this national bi-monthly newspaper covering charitable giving and nonprofits. Circulation: 46,000.
- Oversaw a staff of two to compile and edit 22 pages of copy, including information on grants made by major foundations and capital campaign results for universities and nonprofits.
Executive Director
Women in International Security
College Park, MD
07.1997 - 03.2002
- Chief executive and fundraiser for this membership organization that provides programs and services to promote women professionals in security policymaking.
- Responsible for a staff of four plus interns and an annual budget of $750,000.
- Raised more than $3 million; increased membership threefold; initiated a diversity program.
Marketing Manager
Treuhandanstalt
Berlin, Germany
03.1992 - 02.1996
- Acquired and assisted investors for companies formerly owned by the East German state.
- Educated investors on the process of acquisition; organized and led factory tours.
- Conducted due diligence on potential investors.
- Designed and implemented international marketing strategies, including direct mail, trade fairs, and special events to showcase companies and products.
- Briefed visiting foreign delegations on the privatization process.
- Liaison to foreign embassies in Berlin.
Acting Director, Berlin Office
The German Marshall Fund of the U.S.
Berlin, Germany
10.1990 - 03.1992
- Opened and directed the first U.S. foundation office in the former East Germany.
- Responsible for a staff of three and a budget of $350,000 for this transatlantic foundation promoting U.S.-European dialogue and exchange on a variety of issues like democracy, environment, and education.
- Designed and implemented a $2 million annual fellowship program that educated new and future leaders from eastern Germany about U.S. culture, society, and government.
- Recruited and helped select candidates for other GMF grants and fellowships.
Program Associate
The German Marshall Fund of the United States
Washington, D.C.
03.1988 - 09.1990
- Assisted the Director of Programs in the administration of a $1.7-million grant program that aimed to promote understanding between the U.S. and Germany through fellowships and other exchanges.
- Assessed proposals and projects; prepared recommendations for the Board of Trustees; provided the Director of Programs with administrative support.
English Teacher
Technische Universitaet Dresden
Dresden, German Democratic Republic
02.1984 - 08.1985
- Taught English immersion courses to Germans preparing for work abroad.
Education
Master of Arts - International Relations and Economics
Johns Hopkins University SAIS
Washington, D.C.05-1987
B.A. - English and Journalism
The University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, N.D.05-1982
Other
- Member, Board of Trustees, ecoAmerica
- Avid kayaker
- Amateur musician: Piano, guitar, ukulele, voice. Composed several songs, including 'The East Bloc Blues' (1984).
Languages
German
Full Professional
Timeline
Vice President of Development
Potomac Riverkeeper Network
01.2025 - 10.2025
Chief Development Officer and then Vice President, Development
Nuclear Threat Initiative
04.2018 - 02.2024
Vice President, Development
ecoAmerica
09.2014 - 04.2018
Vice President, Development
Friends of the Global Fight Against AIDS, TB & Malaria
01.2013 - 08.2014
Senior Vice President, Development
The Center for American Progress
04.2012 - 01.2013
Director of Development, Foreign Policy
The Brookings Institution
03.2004 - 04.2012
Associate Senior Editor
The Chronicle of Philanthropy
03.2002 - 02.2004
Executive Director
Women in International Security
07.1997 - 03.2002
Marketing Manager
Treuhandanstalt
03.1992 - 02.1996
Acting Director, Berlin Office
The German Marshall Fund of the U.S.
10.1990 - 03.1992
Program Associate
The German Marshall Fund of the United States
03.1988 - 09.1990
English Teacher
Technische Universitaet Dresden
02.1984 - 08.1985
Master of Arts - International Relations and Economics
Johns Hopkins University SAIS
B.A. - English and Journalism
The University of North Dakota