Who we are 
Baker Development Strategies was founded as a nonprofit development consultancy in 2016 after more than 15 years in the nonprofit sector.  There was an identifiable service gap for small and midsize organizations starting, building, and growing to their potential.  We help organizations address the five major factors effecting nonprofits:

   1.  Limited Funding
   2. Resource Constraints (staff/marketing)
   3. Visibility and Outreach
   4. Technology (limited/outdated)
   5. Staff Burnout and Retention

It's no secret that the turnover rate at nonprofit orgs is high (and we mean crazy high!)  We can help with this too.  While you are looking for the right fit for your org, my team and I  jump in and seamlessly carry on your event, write your grants, or support your fundraising and scheduled projects until you find the person you need with our unique Virtual Development Director services. We have a skilled and creative grant writers with expertise that ensures your grants receive top consideration from foundations and grant makers.  You can count on us to have integrity and experience to do the job for you when you need it with corporate sponsorships, event planning and logistics, board development, or marketing and mailing campaigns. 

How we can help 
We work with nonprofit organizations, board of directors, volunteer groups, businesses, corporations, grant makers, foundations, community coalitions, and individuals as an advocate for social change and empowerment.   We can provide short-term or long-term project and planning support in any area that your organization needs growth or stabilization.  We provide "Gig" support too!  This is a temporary support service that many consulting companies don't provide in the nonprofit sector and is the core of our service offering.  We bring the experience and expertise to stand in the gap while you are hiring the staff you need to support your annual programs or budget. 

About our founder
For more than 20 years, I  have helped raise more than $10M for arts, community, and faith based organizations across the United States.  My experience as a development director and private consultant includes large national organizations, as well as, small startups.  The founding principle of Baker Development Strategies is “YOUR Mission is OUR Mission" taking on each client’s organizational mission as my personal mandate to make the world a better place. 

I am a proud native Philadelphian, the “City of Brotherly Love” and a place of many culturally diverse neighborhoods.  Growing up in a passionate community, with amazing food, and beautiful diversity, provided a foundation that continues to inspire me to listen to the needs of individuals, advocate for racial and socioeconomic diversity, and help create funding strategies that result in transformative work in service to those in need. 

I raised three amazing kiddos in the Midwest for 12 years before returning to the Philadelphia area in 2017.  I understand that different regions of the country have different needs, cultures and communication styles.  I bring this to all of my clients nationally and want to advocate for you in a way that resonates and feels authentic.

In 2023 I fulfilled a personal dream and professional goal and became a CTA Certified Coach!  I now offer individual, leadership and organizational coaching, helping people discover their most authentic and powerful self.

Call (267) 225-7161 today and let's move your mission forward! I can't wait to hear from you to make your mission part of our mission too!

With gratitude,

Coeli
CEO, Baker Development Strategies