About Debra T. Day

Founder & President

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I partner with nonprofit leadership teams to bring structure, discipline, and strategic clarity to major gift fundraising.

Over a 16-year career in higher education advancement, I served as Vice President of Advancement and Senior Director of Development for Major Gifts, helping raise more than $40 million in philanthropic support. My work has spanned institutions ranging from small community-based organizations to a large regional public university. Across those settings, one principle remained constant: sustainable fundraising requires disciplined systems, leadership alignment, and clear authority.

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Raised in New York City, I witnessed early on how nonprofit organizations serve as anchors in communities. I saw the difference that organized, mission-driven leadership can make in the lives of families who depend on opportunity, access, and advocacy. That foundation shaped my professional path and continues to inform my belief that fundraising is not transactional—it is structured stewardship on behalf of causes worthy of public support.

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I am an Army veteran and served as a commissioned officer, where cohesion, accountability, and clarity of mission were non-negotiable. The discipline and structural thinking formed during that period continue to guide how I help organizations move from event-driven fundraising to sustainable major gift strategy.

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Academically, I earned an Associate degree from Georgia Military College, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Georgia Southern University, and—through the GI Bill—a Master’s degree in Counseling from Long Island University, CW Post, at its satellite campus at the United States Military Academy. My training in psychology and counseling, combined with executive fundraising leadership, allows me to navigate both the systems and the human dynamics that influence philanthropic success.

Throughout my career, I have presented nationally on major gift best practices. At the CASE Conference, I delivered a session on recognizing both individuals within a couple when engaging major gift prospects. The presentation received outstanding reviews and earned the distinction of “Star Faculty.”

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Most recently, as President of the Bridgemill Sixes Service League, I helped the organization organize its fundraising efforts beyond events and into a more structured approach. During my tenure, the organization raised more funds than at any time in its 25-year history, strengthening its impact on local charities.

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In my consulting work, I am known for providing strategic and practical guidance that helps nonprofit leaders:

• Organize boards and advisory councils with clarity and purpose
• Recognize their authority to engage the public on behalf of their mission
• Approach vision not as abstraction, but as disciplined, actionable leadership

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I am particularly energized when organizations move from fragmented efforts to cohesive systems. There is a distinct shift that occurs when structure replaces uncertainty—when leaders gain clarity around their role, their authority, and their fundraising priorities. That progress is measurable, and it matters.

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The most effective partnerships begin with transparency. When nonprofit leaders are candid about where they need help, it creates the conditions for meaningful progress. That openness allows me to prepare thoroughly and provide the very best guidance I can offer. I am deeply committed to tangible results and measurable forward movement, and I find the greatest satisfaction in seeing leaders step confidently into structured, sustainable growth.

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My faith continues to shape how I view service, stewardship, and responsibility. I believe nonprofit leaders carry significant obligations—not only to their missions, but to the communities and donors who entrust them with resources. Fundraising, when structured thoughtfully, becomes a disciplined expression of that trust.

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I work with a limited number of organizations at a time to ensure preparation, focus, and measurable progress. My role is not to replace leadership, but to strengthen it—so that major gift systems are aligned, campaigns are prepared, and growth is sustainable.

In addition to advisory work, I continue to educate nonprofit professionals globally through my YouTube channel, where I share practical fundraising systems and leadership insights for organizations seeking clarity and growth.

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Structured fundraising is not accidental. It is built—with intention, discipline, and courage.