Steady counsel for lasting results.

Evolve Philanthropy is the independent practice of Karrie Zuccarello, advising nonprofit leaders on fundraising strategy, campaigns and development leadership.

A true partner.

Whether you're preparing for a campaign or steadying a development program, you get two decades of senior experience and someone who stays in the work with you, start to finish.

Campaign Success

Advice is easy to find. A fundraising partner is harder.

I've spent two decades inside campaigns, from multibillion dollar efforts at the University of Chicago and Indiana University to multimillion dollar campaigns for arts and cultural organizations. I don't hand you a plan and walk away. I work alongside your staff and board for the whole campaign.

  • Feasibility studies. Candid conversations with donors and community leaders, so you know what's possible before you launch.

  • Campaign counsel. Senior guidance for your team and board at every stage, from the quiet phase through campaign close.

  • Campaign management. Hands on leadership of the campaign itself: the plan, the timeline, prospects, volunteers and momentum.

Fractional Fundraising

Senior leadership, exactly when you need it.

With a depth of frontline fundraising experience and expertise, I know what it takes to activate and sustain a program.

Fractional work fits two moments:

  • You're not yet ready for a full time professional fundraising program, but you have donors and want to grow toward one.

  • Your current program needs some tweaks. Maybe you lost a development leader, need senior leadership to mentor a team, or need a senior partner for your Executive Director and Board.

I'll work with you to lay the foundation, partner with your staff and board, and get you there.

In their words

Karrie has been phenomenal in supporting ISC's major fundraising efforts, from securing early gifts for major fundraising events, to most recently leading our feasibility study with professionalism and care. Our donors consistently reported wonderful interactions with her, and she handled communication with foundations thoughtfully, professionally, and with great attention to relationship-building.

Jennifer Cooper, Executive Director, Indianapolis Symphonic Choir

Karrie and Evolve Philanthropy are a dream to work with! Karrie is a hands-on partner, not only helping map out our fundraising strategy, but also engaging with the day-to-day work to make that plan a reality. Karrie brings the knowledge, the personality, and the hard work with her every day.

Paul Daily, Executive Director, IF Theatre

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.

Cathy Ferree, President & CEO, Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites

I've worked with consultants over the past 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.

Steve Sturman, Director of Institutional Advancement, The Orchard School

Karrie worked with us for five years. Together, we moved away from a costly gala to a fundraising model that raises more and costs less. That work helped set the stage for the development team we have today.

Shannon Forsell, CEO & Artistic Director, The Cabaret

When donors feel connected to your mission, generosity follows.

Karrie Zuccarello

Karrie Zuccarello founded Evolve Philanthropy in 2017 to offer nonprofits steady, practical support during moments of growth and change. With 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 multibillion dollar fundraising efforts. She has also held leadership 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, and as Interim Chief Development Officer at the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites.

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 multimillion dollar campaigns, working closely with boards and leadership to keep strategy aligned and momentum sustained. She is also Senior Philanthropic Consultant with Norton Philanthropic Counsel.

Karrie's career began at the March of Dimes in Pennsylvania, where she worked in a small, grassroots office and experienced the reality of nonprofit life: recruiting volunteers, soliciting sponsors, managing communications and public relations, and planning events, often all at once. That hands on experience eventually led her to Chicago, where she led one of the largest walkathons in the country, bringing together 10,000 fundraising participants in the heart of the city.

Today, she focuses on campaign planning and execution, interim development leadership, and building sustainable fundraising systems. She is especially attuned to the needs of midsized organizations navigating change, and remains closely involved in every stage of the fundraising process.

For new engagements, write to me directly.

I take on a small number of clients at a time so each one gets my full attention. Send a note here, or email hello@evolvephilanthropy.com.