Susan Mancuso, CFRE, specializes in speaking to and training non-profit boards, volunteers and staff to convey "light-bulb" moments of inspiration and knowledge that motivate them to advance their organization's mission, vision and values.
Susan also offers career coaching services to help non-profit organizations hire and keep great people.
Susan brings the best practices from 27 years of fundraising experience with local and national non-profit organizations, including the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, the American Heart Association, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the University of New Orleans.
Current and past consulting clients include Jefferson Beautification; Jefferson Dollars for Scholars; Dress for Success; Raintree Children & Family Services; East Jefferson Hospital Foundation; University of New Orleans; Delgado Community College; Angel's Place; St. George's Episcopal School; Stuart Hall School for Boys; Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West; St. Tammany Hospital Foundation; The Diocese of Houma - Thibodaux; Jewish Family Services; Lakeview Shepherd Center; New Orleans Women and Children's Shelter, Audubon Institute; Dillard University; St. Paul's Episcopal School; The Times-Picayune Doll & Toy Fund; Bastion; Kingsley House; Covenant Care Hospice; Crimestoppers; Mercy Family Center; Woman's New Life Center; Jason's House and the Deutsches Haus.
Most popular presentation:
Making the Ask
Asking for money is crucial for every nonprofit organization's success, yet often the area where board members are the most resistant and staff members have the least amount of training. This interactive session includes an overview of why people give, how to build relationships that increase giving, breakout groups to role-play real-life ask scenarios, and tips to succeed in asking for gifts large and small.
Contact me to schedule this presentation, or request a presentation or training topic customized to your audience or organizational needs.
"As a facilitator at our recent board retreat, Susan challenged the meeting participants to really think outside of the box and consider various opportunities for making the agency a premier organization. Through her insightfulness and extensive background, retreat participants were challenged on ways to really impact the governance of the organization."
"As the volunteer executive director of JBI, I work closely with Susan and I highly recommend her for her outstanding fundraising and organizational skills. Susan has guided our organization to a new level of professionalism, has tripled our membership, and helped us to become the leading fundraising civic beautification group in the Greater New Orleans area."
"Susan has exceptional organizational skills and a "can do" attitude—both of which are critical to effective fundraising. Susan Mancuso also has a wealth of experience that was invaluable to the planning and staging of our signature event, which exceeded our financial goals."
"Working with Susan is so rewarding. She is upbeat, energetic and resourceful, plus she brings a wealth of knowledge about the fundraising process and how it can be successful for your organization. Through a board training workshop, our trustees gained the tools and confidence needed to jump start our capital campaign."
"Thank you again and again for being a great leader. Every promise you made including an event with great promise came true. You built the structure to support success and gave us the inspiration and guidance to make it happen. The Jewish Family Service will be forever grateful to you for making us look so good to the world and worthy of our donors’ confidence."
"I can pinpoint the exact moment when our big dreams began to be fulfilled: it was when Susan Mancuso completed our custom board training and presented our fund development plan. She provided the tools and encouragement we needed to turn our dreams into reality. Her enthusiasm, coupled with her knowledge and proven success in the fundraising arena, are unrivaled in the local area."
The CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) designation is held by candidates who must pass a written examination testing the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of a fundraising executive. Only 72 people in Louisiana hold this designation.
- 2016 Outstanding Professional Fundraiser, Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Greater New Orleans Chapter
- Board Member, AFP Greater New Orleans Chapter, 2018
- President, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater New Orleans Chapter, 2009
- Received Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation, 2006; Recertified 2009, 2012, 2015
- Executive Director of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Louisiana Chapter, received national award in 2002 for highest percent revenue increase among 60 chapters nationwide
- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society national award recipient for revenue growth 2001 and 2002
- Senior Regional Director of the American Heart Association’s Louisiana Affiliate, received Outstanding Revenue Generation Award 1997-1999
- University of New Orleans Alumni Board Member, 2001-2002
- President, New Orleans Chapter, International Association of Business Communicators, 1998
- President, New Orleans Chapter, International Association of Business Communicators, 1998
- Member, National Speakers Association, New Orleans Chapter