Overwhelmed by Fundraising?
You’re Not Alone — And You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone Either.
Volunteer in your Community
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Click the pain point that matches your current situation, and I’ll show you the fastest way to move forward.
(If any of these sound like you, you're in the right place. )
I don’t know what I’m doing wrong.
We keep trying things — emails, events, appeals —but nothing seems to move the needle. I’m not sure what’s broken, and I don’t have time to figure it out on my own.
I need a real plan—but I don’t have time to make one.
I’m stuck in reactive mode all the time and never get ahead. I know we’re missing opportunities, but I don’t know what to focus on or how to fix it.
I don’t have time to build this —and I can’t afford to get it wrong.
We have a campaign deadline coming up and no one has the bandwidth to write, design, or plan it. I need someone I trust to just take it off my plate and do it right.
I can’t do this alone anymore.
Every decision falls on me—and I second-guess half of them. I need a strategic partner who actually understands fundraising and can help me make confident, effective choices.
We need a fundraising team—but we can’t hire one
Our organization is growing fast, but we’re still acting like a scrappy startup. I need someone who can think strategically, build things, and help us grow—without adding another full-time salary.
Need help choosing?
Not sure where to start?
Let’s figure it out together.
Real Results. Real Relief.
Fundraising doesn’t have to feel like shouting into the void. Here’s what happens when donor relationships come first.
“We came in with scattered ideas and left with a complete plan. The Sprint gave us clarity, focus, and real next steps we could actually implement. We used to feel behind all the time—now we know exactly what to do each week.”
Development Director
Mid-Sized Youth Organization
“Our year-end appeal used to be a last-minute scramble. Ellena took it off our plate and built a campaign that felt true to us and actually brought in results. Donors responded, we raised more, and we didn’t burn out doing it.”
Executive Director
Community Health Nonprofit
“Having Ellena as part of our team changed everything. She brought structure, executed what we couldn’t get to, and helped us stop spinning. We’re seeing more donor retention, better communication, and real traction for the first time.”
Board Chair
Food Access Organization
The money’s out there. The change is ready. Your job is to connect the two—and stop apologizing for it.
Ellena Fortner Newsom, Your Fundraising BFF
Let’s Fix What’s Not Working
Whether you're stuck, behind, or just plain over it.
There’s a Bestie-level solution for that.
Pick the kind of support that fits your goals (and your bandwidth).
Find the Right Fit
The Bestie Score
A quick diagnostic for fundraisers who don’t know what’s broken—or where to start.
If your donor retention feels stuck or your tech is a mess, this is the fastest way to figure out why. You’ll get a full scorecard, a tech audit, and three quick wins.
Fix-Your-Fundraising Plan
A strategy sprint for when you’re too busy to figure it out alone.
You bring your goals and donor data—I’ll build you a plan you can actually implement. Includes a custom calendar, 90-min call, and follow-up support.
Campaign in a Box
Your campaign, professionally written and built—without the scramble.
If you’ve got a match, event, or donor goal coming up, I’ll write your email series, landing page, and social posts so you can launch with confidence.
Co-Pilot Coaching
Strategic support and accountability so you’re not doing this alone.
Monthly calls, material reviews, and ongoing support without hiring a full-time team.
Embedded Bestie
Your fundraising brain + execution partner—on demand.
For growing orgs that need both strategic thinking and hands-on help. I’m in your Slack, reviewing everything, and helping you move forward every week.
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