Laura P. Donnelly — Nonprofit Strategist

You don't
need a
pitch.
You need a
partner.

30+ years building social enterprises that outlast the moment. I help founders, leaders, and organizations move faster, think bigger, and fund with integrity — without losing their soul.

Work with me → Learn more
The Radical Consultant logo
$10M+
Raised from the ground up
43K+
Girls, parents & grandparents served
30+
Years of networked relationships
2+
Continents of impact
Nonprofit StrategySTEAM EducationFundraising DevelopmentCommunity-Centric FundingSocial EntrepreneurshipPublic RelationsExecutive CoachingProgram DevelopmentEquity in PhilanthropyNonprofit StrategySTEAM EducationFundraising DevelopmentCommunity-Centric FundingSocial EntrepreneurshipPublic RelationsExecutive CoachingProgram DevelopmentEquity in Philanthropy

Built from scratch.
Proven
at scale.

Laura P. Donnelly
Laura P. Donnelly Nonprofit Strategist & Founder

I am a nonprofit founder, publisher, social entrepreneur, and thought leader who built one of the most culturally literate and reflective STEAM education programs — from an idea to a multi-million dollar, multi-continent enterprise.

Before foundership, I spent a decade in public relations and publishing — as a journalist, television producer, and documentary filmmaker. My work has been featured at SXSW and international film festivals.

The skills it takes to run a successful nonprofit are the same ones that run great businesses — and then some. Founders and nonprofit leaders are simultaneously the CEO, the communications director, the HR department, the fundraiser, and sometimes the janitor.

I can help if you are starting something new — or if you are taking a program, organization, or project into any new phase.

01
Nonprofit Founder & PublisherBuilt a STEAM education program serving 43,000+ girls and families across multiple continents from the ground up.
02
Social Entrepreneur & Thought LeaderRaised $10M+ through traditional and non-traditional revenue pathways across 30+ years of networked relationships.
03
Journalist, Producer & FilmmakerA decade in public relations, television, and documentary film — including SXSW and international festival selection.
04
Community-Centric Funding ExpertVersed in standard nonprofit trends — and in what's coming down the pipeline in equitable, community-driven philanthropy.

Expert help
at every
stage.

01 —
Strategic Fundraising & Development
Grant strategy, major donor cultivation, corporate partnership development, and community-centric funding pathways — both traditional and what's coming next.
02 —
Program Design & Launch
From concept to implementation. Programs that are culturally reflective, educationally rigorous, and built to survive and scale.
03 —
Organizational Growth & Transition
Starting up, scaling up, or pivoting — I help you navigate the inflection points that make or break organizations.
04 —
Communications & Public Relations
Messaging, media strategy, storytelling, and brand positioning rooted in 30+ years of journalism and PR. Your story, told powerfully.
05 —
Equity in Philanthropy Toolkits
For corporate and philanthropic agencies: the frameworks and guidance needed to fund with equity — not just intention.
06 —
Executive & Founder Coaching
Leadership development that only comes from having been in the room — and having built the room from scratch. Practical, honest, transformative.
How I Work

I don't pitch.
I partner.

Expertise before explanation

I don't spend time convincing you I'm qualified. My track record speaks. If you're here, you already know what's at stake — let's get to work.

Speed and creativity over caution

I move fast and I move creatively. I help you overcome challenges — but I need partners who are open to change. If you're not, I'm probably not your person.

Radical honesty, radical results

I tell you what I see, not what you want to hear. That kind of honesty is what produces real transformation — in programs, in organizations, in leaders.

Community at the center

Every strategy I develop puts the people you serve at the center. Not as an afterthought. Not as a talking point. As the entire reason we're here.

Who I Serve

Open to
change?
Let's talk.

Nonprofit Founders & Leaders

You've built something real. Now you need to grow it, fund it sustainably, and lead it without burning out. I've been exactly where you are — and I know the way forward.

Corporate & Philanthropic Agencies

You want to fund with purpose and equity, not just visibility. I provide the toolkits, frameworks, and guidance to do philanthropic work that actually works.

Social Entrepreneurs in Any Phase

Starting something new, or moving into a new chapter? I specialize in transitions — the messy, exciting, high-stakes moments when organizations become what they were meant to be.

What leaders
say.

From executive directors to chief development officers — here's what happens when organizations work with someone who's actually done it.

Laura's 20+ years of experience in the nonprofit sector is an asset to help any organization or leader become successful. She is an ally that leads through equity values and her experience with grassroots nonprofits is essential for sustainable development.

Paulina Artieda
Founder, The New Philanthropists

Working with Laura Donnelly is a wise investment in the future of your business or organization. Her comprehensive expertise, combined with her empathetic and systematic approach, provides the traction needed to plan, pursue, and exceed strategic goals. She doesn't just offer solutions; she empowers organizations to adapt and thrive.

Larissa Davila
Executive Director, Economic Growth Business Incubator

Laura guided Cine Las Americas' staff and key stakeholders through a comprehensive assessment of the organization, identifying not only existing paths for success, but discovering abilities to achieve new heights. What resulted was a forward moving and action oriented strategic plan with achievable timelines. Her proven history, combined with her enthusiasm for everyone's success, creates an inclusive and engaging environment that promotes sincere and honest dialogue.

Gabriel Ornelas
Executive Director, Cine Las Americas International Film Festival

Laura brought her 20+ years of experience leading Latinitas and a myriad of community organizations to the table whenever we met. She shared best practices, made connections, helped us stay innovative and continued to keep the passion for our mission top of mind. Her focus on cultural inclusion was key in ensuring we engaged the community with an eye on belonging.

Missy Strittmatter
Chief Development Officer, United Way Austin

Radical
thinking,
in writing.

All Posts →
Leadership
You're not a nonprofit founder. You're a CEO.
The language we use to describe our work shapes how others value it — and how we value ourselves.
April 20264 min read
Read →
Philanthropy
What community-centric funding actually means
Everyone's talking about it. Here's what it looks like when it's real — and how to tell when it isn't.
March 20265 min read
Read →
STEAM
Why girls' education is the most radical act
What 30 years of building culturally reflective programs taught me about what girls actually need — and what the system refuses to give them.
Feb 20267 min read
Read →
Strategy
The $10M lesson nobody talks about
Raising money is a skill. Keeping it — and deploying it in a way that actually serves your mission — is a different skill entirely.
Jan 20265 min read
Read →
Equity
Funders: stop asking for what you don't understand
Grant applications built around donor comfort rather than community need are a structural problem. Here's how to break the cycle.
Dec 20256 min read
Read →

Ready to
stop pitching?
Reach out.

Bring me a real challenge. I'll bring 30 years of hard-won strategy, an honest perspective, and a genuine commitment to your mission. No pitch required.

Based inUnited States — serving clients globally
FocusNonprofits, Social Enterprises, Philanthropic Agencies
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