Kathy Howrigan

Background

About Kathy Howrigan

Much of advancement work happens during moments of institutional transition, including preparing for a campaign, strengthening fundraising programs, navigating leadership change, or aligning teams around new priorities. When approached thoughtfully, these moments create opportunities to clarify direction, strengthen alignment, and make real progress. I work with advancement leaders to recognize and act on those opportunities, often working alongside leadership teams over time as priorities evolve and new challenges emerge.Over nearly 30 years in the nonprofit sector, I have worked across many parts of advancement, from annual giving and frontline fundraising to campaign planning, analytics, and organizational leadership. That experience allows me to connect strategy, structure, and insight across advancement so that decisions, priorities, and execution reinforce one another. Before founding Kathy Howrigan Consulting, I served as Vice President for Strategic Engagement at the University of Vermont Foundation, where I helped develop a data-driven, audience-focused approach to alumni, donor, and volunteer engagement and supported the launch of two campaigns. As a consultant, I have partnered with more than 100 nonprofit organizations on initiatives including: • Campaign strategy and readiness • Advancement strategy and organizational design • Annual giving strategy and growth • Data-informed engagement and reporting While I work independently, I stay closely connected to colleagues across the advancement field. If you’re thinking through a campaign, organizational change, or another complex advancement challenge, or want a thought partner as things evolve, I’d welcome a conversation.