Thomas McSorley

UpLift One, Inc exists to partner with organizations on a mission to improve the lives of others.

A network of uplifting content creators for all platforms - grants, email, social media, e-commerce websites, apps, live special events - and other modes. Services provided include creative writing, graphic arts and multi-media presentations, strategic marketing, management and development services.

Other services:

• Advanced level Philanthropy and Development Consultant.
• Special Investigative Research Projects.
• Organization start up including incorporation, by law creation and applying for non profit status.
• Full service development departments
• Individual donor acquisition and renewal.
• Monthly, sustained giving
• Comprehensive grant management services
• Special Events creation and management
• Foster high value donor stewardship/ philanthropy programs.
• Planned giving.
• Created and was steward of corporate and business philanthropic partnerships

This consultancy has evolved from preceding endeavors under other names that allowed me to share my experiences and natural abilities with many people and organizations who may not have been able to afford the investment of a full time development specialist with advanced experience. Giving of my talents has always been a part of my personal Philanthropy.

GRID Alternatives was the first installer of solar power for low-income homes. The organization started in Oakland, CA and rapidly became a national organization with affiliates nationwide.

I created the development and fundraising program for the San Diego/Imperial County regional affiliate. Our office was the highest revenue producer among all affiliates.

• Government Grants - 80% success rate. Scored highest two years in a row in the Federal Community Development and Block Grant Program. $2 million grants
• Corporate Grants
• Major Donor Cultivation and Stewardship
• Media relations
• Special events

• Provided strategic direction for this membership organization, growing its capacity to provide specialized supportive housing to 1,000 persons daily.
• Cultivated strong relationships with current and prospective members, governments and the general public
• Prepared annual budget forecasts and monitored performance to meet organizational objectives.
• Created an industry standard home inspection system.
• Tripled membership
• Established effective mediation service for homeowners and their residents for conflict resolution.
• Acted as a fiscal sponsor for new members seeking non-profit status.
• Represented theorganization to government and community leaders and stakeholders
• Grew revenue by 150 percent.

Website design and management

Created and managed websites for business and non-profit organizations.

• Boosted website traffic through search engine optimization and content creation.
• Devised content strategy to effectively engage target audiences.
• Improved website visibility through development and implementation of SEO strategies.

Direct Mail & email Marketing

• Created effective direct mail content
• Optimized conversion rates with targeted email marketing campaigns and landing page optimizations.
• Created and managed social media campaigns to increase brand engagement.
• Increased response rates by implementing targeted direct mail campaigns and optimizing mailing lists.
• Achieved higher open rates by segmenting target audiences based on demographics, psychographics, or previous purchasing behavior.
• Implemented A/B testing methodologies for various design elements, copy variations, and offers to identify top-performing strategies in real-time.
• Integrated direct mail into cross-channel campaigns.

Townspeople is A Community Housing Development Organization providing affordable and supportive housing for select populations including people living with HIV/AIDS and veterans.

My responsibilities included:

• Developing strong relationships with external partners, fostering collaboration for mutual growth and success.
• Planning and executing capital campaigns for theacquisition and rehab of housing projects.
• Managing corporate, foundations and government grants and contract programs.
• Creating and executing annual donor giving programs and stewardship of major donor programs.
• Managing the Housing Information and Referral program.
• Creating and maintaining a complete list of food services and resources for the metro area.
• Managing the organization's website.
• Supervising AmeriCorps and volunteer programs.

Significant achievements:

• Tripled revenue within 3 years.
• Awarded the contract for the sole provider of the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing program for the city of San Diego.
• Consistently ranked first or second in the highly competitive Community Development Block Grant Program.

Recruited by this Internet startup company to help design and develop the first online platform for peer-to-peer fundraising for special events like walks and runs. My past experience managing large-scale events was key in the development.

I designed the back-end analysis and statistics reporting function.

On launch, I became the national account manager responsible for training and onboarding of new organizations which included The American Heart Association, The American Cancer Association and other national nonprofits and their local chapters.

• Implemented user-friendly interfaces, improving overall user experience and satisfaction rates.
• Developed custom solutions for clients based on their unique business requirements and objectives.
• Maintained up-to-date technical knowledge, staying informed on industry trends and best practices for application development.
• Provided excellent customer support, addressing client concerns and resolving issues promptly.
• Contributed to the successful completion of numerous projects, meeting deadlines and adhering to budget constraints.

My dual role as National Director of Development and Communications made me responsible for individual fundraising of more than $35 million. Successfully used direct mail, telemarketing, a door to door canvas and in person meetings.

Two key initiatives I created and implemented was one of the first monthly giving programs.

1. Converted 10 percent of the 1 million annual donors to monthly sustaining donors increasing both the average gift and overall revenue.

2. Developed a database allowing for donor engagement and communication based on donor program interest.

• Improved overall organization performance by developing and implementing strategic initiatives that led to increased revenue and market share.
• Managed cross-functional teams for the successful completion of high-profile projects, resulting in enhanced efficiency and cost savings.
• Strengthened relationships with key stakeholders, facilitating collaboration and fostering a productive work environment.
• Developed comprehensive budget plans, ensuring accurate financial forecasting and responsible resource allocation.

My responsibilities included identifying, writing, manage and provide required reports for corporate and foundation grants and government contracts and grants.

Secured funding for the annual National HIV/AIDS conference for organizations providing services for minority populations.

• Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
• Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
• Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors for reduced costs and improved service quality.

Whitman Walker Clinic was the first full service Gay and Lesbian health organization in the nation. Services included medical, dental, vision, mental health and addiction recovery services, It was also one of first 5 first responding organizations to address the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

My responsibility was creating a full scale development department including individual giving, major donor and planned giving strategies and programs, corporate and foundation grants, capital campaigns, workplace giving campaigns and special events. Our premiere event was AIDSWALK Washington.

AIDSWALK Washington's participation increased from 6,000 walkers and $350,000 to 18,000 walkers and $700,000 in one year. Second year results increased to $25,000 raising $1 million.

Three successful capital campaigns built a day care center, a new medical facility (named after Elizabeth Taylor who made a lead contribution) and a satellite clinic in Northern Virginia.

• Expanded the organization''s network of supporters through targeted outreach, events, and partnership development.
• Increased fundraising revenue by implementing innovative donor engagement strategies and targeted campaigns.
• Streamlined grant application processes for improved efficiency and higher success rates in securing funds.

MPT is a statewide network of PBS member television stations and a national program producer.

My responsibilities included:

• Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, to promote collaboration and long-term success.
• Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams.
• Managing a staff of 15
• Creating and executing membership and donor programs including direct mail and TV pledge drives
• Stewardship of Major gifts of $1000+ . Including Planned Giving programs, Donor Advised Funds
• Developing and stewardship of national corporate and foundation program underwriters.
• Managing media and press relations, maintaining historic photo library.
• Collaborated with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals.
• Established performance goals for department and outlined processes for achievement.

My responsibility was to provide training, consulting and support to member stations to improve their local results.

• Increased client satisfaction by providing tailored consulting services and effective problem-solving strategies.
• Provided expert guidance on change management initiatives, leading to successful organizational transformations.

• Increased donor engagement by implementing strategic fundraising initiatives and campaigns.
• Developed and executed annual fundraising plans, resulting in consistent revenue growth yearoveryear.

My focus was growing the membership base through direct mail and on-air pledge drive