Consultant and Strategist
The Donor Relations Group
matthew@donorrelations.com
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Areas of Expertise
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Campaign Strategy, Communications and Events
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Communications
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Donor Communications
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Executive Communications
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Marketing/Communications Strategy
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Donor Recognition & Engagement
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Event Strategy, Production, and Evaluation
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Experience Design
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Integrated Donor Engagement Strategy
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Program Ideation and Innovation
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Student Philanthropy Program Development
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Team Leadership, Training and Development
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Top Donor Engagement
Matthew S. Helmer, Consultant and Strategist, is committed to elevating the way donors experience mission-driven organizations. With an extensive background in experience design, constituent engagement, fundraising strategy, and team development, Matthew partners with people to help them dream big – and then acquire the tools to achieve those aspirations.
Known as The Unicorn, Matthew joined the DRG Group as a founding member in 2015. With decades of experience as a donor relations practitioner and organizational leader, Matthew brings a unique perspective to each project – ever ready to challenge the status quo and inspire teams to strive for excellence in every pursuit. His philosophy is driven by a belief that our most successful donor relations efforts are rooted in a meaningful, well-articulated purpose and that our work can – and should – be guided by data-informed strategy.
Recognized as a talented and creative storyteller, Matthew has led teams in the production of award-winning events, communications, and donor engagement efforts, and his unwavering commitment to continuous improvement has sparked innovative initiatives that have garnered attention throughout the industry. His ability to think different has led to successful realignment and integration of multiple teams in complex nonprofit environments – always centering the work on its impact to the donor experience.
As a trainer, consultant and frequent speaker for nonprofit organizations and industry associations, Matthew utilizes an artful blend of humor and authentic joy for the fundraising profession in his work with others. His writing has been featured in CASE Currents magazine and other national and regional publications.
A Louisiana native, Matthew is a proud alumnus of the University of Arkansas and remains an avid Razorbacks fan. Matthew and his family live in Colorado, where he served Colorado State University for 22 years, most recently as Assistant Vice President and Chief Communications Officer for University Advancement.
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Top 5 Strengthsfinder Themes:
Input • Significance • Strategic • Communication • Ideation