How we think.
We believe good fundraising is built on clarity, cadence, and structure.
Quick wins matter — but lasting results come from focused systems, honest conversations, and practical leadership.
Our approach is strategic, but not distant. We work closely with internal teams, helping them move with purpose, not just urgency.
What to expect.
Most of our work begins quietly — a conversation, a referral, a project in motion.
We embed where needed, listen first, and move at the speed of your organization.
Engagements are typically structured as:
Fractional leadership (retainer-based, part-time)
Campaign planning and execution
Short-term strategic projects
We take on a small number of clients each year, and most stay on for the long term.
— about us
background
Karrie Zuccarello founded Evolve Philanthropy in 2017 to offer nonprofits steady, practical support during moments of growth and change. With nearly two decades of experience in the field, she brings a hands-on, collaborative approach to her work — stepping in as a partner, not just an advisor.
Her background spans institutions of all sizes. In higher education, she built her capital campaign expertise at the University of Chicago and Indiana University, contributing to multi-billion-dollar fundraising efforts. She’s also held senior roles in arts and cultural organizations, including serving as Chief Development Officer and Vice President at Conner Prairie, where she led development during a period of organizational transition.
As a consultant, Karrie has served as interim senior leadership for several organizations, guiding teams through staff transitions while maintaining fundraising continuity. She has led clients through multi-million dollar campaigns, working closely with boards and leadership to keep strategy aligned and momentum sustained.
Her career began with the March of Dimes in Pennsylvania and Chicago, managing events from concept to execution — an early lesson in the value of doing a bit of everything.
Her current work focuses on campaign planning and execution, interim development leadership, and building sustainable fundraising systems. She’s especially attuned to the needs of small to mid-sized organizations navigating change, and remains closely involved in every stage of the fundraising process.
Testimonials
I have worked with 5 consultants over the last 20 years and Karrie has been the best. She is organized, professional, and thoughtful. We could not have achieved our goals (over budget and ahead of schedule!) without her help.
Karrie partnered with our organization during a period of leadership transition. She coached our staff, identified measurable outcomes to keep us on track, and helped me to feel confident that our team was supported and our momentum was building.
Karrie is an accomplished advancement professional and consultant, and I am thrilled to engage her as an NPC colleague. Her thoughtful, top-notch work and kind demeanor combine to create a powerful partnership for clients in the successful pursuit of their goals. She is outstanding!
“Her depth of experience in navigating all aspects of fundraising - both the joyous and taxing, make her uniquely qualified to support any nonprofit organization in achieving their goals, and ultimately their mission promise.”
Amy Wickstrom, Executive Director, LEAP Adventures