Rachel Ellis

Liaison for Little Light House Foundation

• Prepped all monthly board meeting materials
• Wrote necessary policies and procedures for the maintenance, growth and distribution of funds managed by LLHF
• Wrote and managed the grant application cycle for LLH affiliates and programs to request funding from LLHF
• Point of contact for affiliates to request funding from LLHF, reporting and offered consultation and training services on how to open a LLH affiliate and become financially sustainable

Grant writer for Little Light House Tulsa

• Foundation support increased 116 percent
• Submitted grants to foundations, clubs, civic organizations, corporations and churches to help fund LLH Tulsa
• Submitted all necessary follow-up reporting and metrics
• Maintained professional & steward relationships with funders
• Researched new funders
• Analyzed data base to re-engage former funders

GiveSmartOKC Manager

• Developed and implemented strategies to increase nonprofit usage and satisfaction on the GSOKC platform.
• Created monthly reports for senior management summarizing performance metrics.
• Coached, mentored and hosted training opportunities for nonprofit leaders on how to efficiently and effectively fundraise, track metrics and incorporate their GSOKC profile in their communication plans.
• Wrote educational articles for nonprofits pertaining to methods of fundraising, donor retention, marketing strategies and budgeting.
• Created monthly communication plan promoting GSOKC to both nonprofits and potential donors.
• Identified, secured and worked with a new platform partner to migrate all the data on GSOKC to their platform

iFund Manager (January 2019 - January 2020)

• Using Foundation Manager (Foundant), created online grant application process for Access to Healthcare, Opportunities for Children and Services for Senior Citizens grants to include the letter of intent, grant application, grant contract and all follow-up reporting.
• Conducted site visits to nonprofits receiving funding.
• Host grant information session for nonprofits to explain application process, review logic model for setting and tracking SMART goals, and answer questions.
• Oversaw the distribution of $388,400 to 19 charitable organizations.

• Responsible for the planning, assessing, and overseeing of the coordination of all activities relating to fundraising with regards to annual giving, planned giving, major giving, grant writing, designated giving (capital campaign), and other special projects
• Prepare historical charts and graphs that will assist in establishing realistic revenue projections for budgetary purposes
• Prepare charts and graphs quarterly and annually, designed to educate and inform the board and staff of funding
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with all those involved in fundraising activities as to carry forth the organization’s mission and vision
• Maintain accurate and thorough documentation through compilation of materials utilized in the coordination of events and through the donor database
• Responsible for seeking and acquiring all possible grants for both operating and designated funds; responsible for maintaining positive relationships with foundations and keeping them updated and invested in the organization
• Responsible for redeveloping and growing our Church Support Program
• Responsible for researching and seeking donors, both individuals and corporate level, to participate in the Opportunity Scholarship Fund and maintaining public awareness of the fund
• Maintain and build awareness about planned giving and organization’s planned giving society
• Responsible for the bi-annual direct mail appeals, to include building mailing lists and working with Community Outreach Coordinator to design marketing materials for the appeals
• Research and develop new avenues of funding
• Responsible for reviewing daily deposit reports to ensure proper gift designation, amount, and stewardship
• Attend and accept donations at public check presentations
• Responsible for developing and maintaining programs, which serve to educate and nurture the support base
• Collaborate with the Director of Events and Marketing and Community Outreach Coordinator to produce literature to promote the organization, such as the quarterly newsletter, brochures, and memorial packets
• Responsible for the planning, coordination and implementation of sponsored special events, particularly events to honor planned giving or major giving donors
• Responsible for maintaining and updating website by coordinating with Director of Events and Marketing or Community Outreach Coordinator
• Develop and oversee Junior Board meetings and their fundraising activities
• Collaborate with team of administrators, educators and therapists to develop a new program to serve more families on the waiting list
• Participate in media interviews for the organization, when the need arises
• Deliver public speeches for groups educating them about the organization’s mission

• Manage the execution of solicited grants increasing foundation support by 116 percent
• Research foundations and organizations for grant giving
• Manage the stewardship of foundation managers
• Submitted all necessary follow-up reporting and metrics
• Develop action plans for building membership for the legacy society and more than doubled membership in two years and increased projected endowment value from $1.4M to $4.3M
• Increase awareness about the Opportunity Scholarship Fund, an avenue of donating that offers donors a state tax credit
• Participate in event and corporate fundraising meetings

• Prepare and maintain donor lists, departmental reports, manuscripts, and correspondence; Doubled previous year’s student response rate during donor appreciation week
• Coordinate departmental calendars, integrate schedules, and develop travel arrangements and itineraries
• Research prospects for Arts & Sciences giving
• Administer accounts for Board of Visitors
• Process expense and travel reports
• Assist with the execution of stewardship events and board meetings
• Assist with the execution of special projects

• Assist with execution of investiture ceremonies and large-scale charity events hosting 250+ guests
• Administer accounts for the Professional Advisory Council and legacy members
• Prepare and maintain donor lists, departmental reports, manuscripts, and correspondence
• Research and recommend prospects for Major, Planned, and Corporate Giving
• Coordinate departmental calendars, integrate schedules, and develop travel arrangements and itineraries