About Me
Carolyn Bess (she/her)
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With over two decades of experience in nonprofit development from New York City to Boston and beyond, I've guided more than 50 organizations in maximizing their philanthropic impact. My expertise spans organizations with annual budgets of $1M to $30M, with a focus on education, youth development, social justice, energy, and progressive human service initiatives. ​​
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​My approach combines strategic fundraising with donor education — ​I believe that empowering nonprofit
leaders to effectively engage with donors creates lasting social change. By fostering meaningful connections between organizations and their supporters, I help clients build sustainable funding relationships - and fundraising programs - with individual donors and institutional funders.
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​The transformative power of giving drives my work. I've seen firsthand how philanthropy not only strengthens communities but also enriches the lives of donors themselves. This perspective shapes my collaborative approach with clients, helping them develop both the skills and confidence to advance their missions.
Beyond my professional life, I'm an avid outdoor enthusiast who has hiked both the John Muir Trail and the Appalachian Trail. When not working with nonprofits, you'll find me cheering at my kid's baseball and soccer games, swim meets, or exploring New England's trails and waterways with my family. I share my Boston home with my husband and three children, while my step-children pursue their own adventures on the west coast and Vermont.