Jessica Cloud

Background

About Jessica Cloud

I’m Jessica Cloud, CFRE, and I’ve spent my entire career helping nonprofits grow their fundraising with clarity, confidence, and real results. My work is rooted in practical strategies that actually move the needle, and I’m passionate about equipping teams to raise more money, build stronger donor relationships, and step into their power as fundraisers. My track record reflects that. At Starr King School for the Ministry, I led a decade of growth that more than doubled total giving (up 134%) and increased unrestricted giving by over 140%. Before that, at The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation, I helped grow total dollars raised by over 300% in a single year. Over three years, we increased first-time donors by 285% and tripled the number of annual donors—from around to over I also launched the university’s first faculty-staff giving campaign and saw participation jump from 10% to 32% in just three months. As the founder of Real Deal Fundraising, I bring a practical, high-energy approach to every engagement. I’m known for helping advancement teams cut through the clutter, get organized, and take focused action that leads to better outcomes. I show up with candor, clarity, and a deep understanding of what it takes to thrive in this field. I hold a master’s degree in English Literature and I’m a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). I speak and train fundraisers across the country, sharing what I’ve learned with humor, honesty, and tools that actually work. When I’m not working with fundraisers, I’m probably writing poetry, watching documentaries, or traveling with my husband and our two kids.