Hartsook Companies Fundraising

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Brett W. Blackwelder, MHSA
Senior Consultant

Innovative, energetic and results oriented, Brett Blackwelder is a strong fundraiser. He enjoys uncovering and capitalizing on opportunity - for capital, relationships and organizational enhancement. His talents and successes are varied; he is especially skilled in annual-fund development.

As the son of a fundraiser, Brett learned by example from one of the best. And even though fundraising is in his blood, Brett has walked his own path to find life's calling and that calling is fundraising. Brett is a Senior Consultant for Hartsook Companies, Inc., and serves clients throughout the Midwest.

"Opportunity always presents itself," Brett says. "The challenge is presenting that opportunity to the right people at the right time. That's why it's important to never underestimate anyone. But that means listening, not just speaking. There are many people out there with money to give away but they are looking for that special place to give ... where they can make a difference. The job of a fundraiser is to make that connection."

Before joining Hartsook Companies, he served as Annual and Athletic Giving Coordinator at Park University in Parkville, Mo. There, he restructured the university's annual-fund program and gave it an identity. The result was a 31-percent increase in gifts to the Park Fund. When put in charge of the phone-a-thon, Brett was able to increase gifts by 42 percent.

Through putting a strategic plan in place, Brett was able to increase gifts to Park University's annual fund by 41 percent. He also created the "Five-Year Graduate Club" that, in 2004, enjoyed a 64-percent increase in total dollars and a 27-percent increase in gifts from young alumni.

Brett earned a Master of Health Services Administration with an emphasis on Outcomes Measurement from the University of Kansas and a Bachelor of Science in Community and Regional Planning from Iowa State University.

As an active member of the Council on Philanthropy, Brett serves on the Information and Technology Committee. He also belongs to the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and Rotary International.