Jennifer Toussaint

Strategic fundraising leader with a strong record of generating $1M+ annually through innovative major gift cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Proven success managing portfolios of 100+ donors, securing individual gifts up to $3 million, and aligning donor passions with mission-driven goals. Skilled in engaging high-capacity individuals, partnering with executive leaders and cross-functional teams, and building dynamic pipelines through data-informed strategies.

Adept at leading integrated development efforts across teams to exceed ambitious revenue targets.

Director of Individual Giving at Green Chimneys Children's Services (2017-09 – Present)

• Lead the strategy and growth of the major gift portfolio, designing and executing comprehensive fundraising plans that support programmatic and operational goals through gifts of $10,000+.
• Identify, qualify, and advance a pipeline of high-net-worth prospects, increasing the volume of new relationships and deepening engagement with existing donors through personalized cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Manage a portfolio of 125+ major donors and prospects, including multiple six-figure gifts—through disciplined outreach, strategic cultivation, and personalized solicitation.
• Directed a $7.5 million endowment campaign for the Sam and Myra Ross Farm & Wildlife Center, securing transformational gifts from individuals and foundations.
• Collaborate with key leaders and program staff to align donor interests with organizational priorities, introducing donors to in-house colleagues to strengthen engagement.
• Reinvigorated and expand a long-dormant Planned Giving program, re-engaging lapsed prospects and establishing a sustainable pipeline of legacy donors.

Major Gifts Officer at Canterbury School (2014-07 – 2017-07)

• Led strategic identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major and planned giving prospects, directly advancing Canterbury's philanthropic goals across multiple fundraising streams.
• Managed a robust national portfolio of 150+ major donors, consistently securing over $3 million annually through personalized engagement and tailored giving strategies.
• Secured six- and seven-figure gifts that contributed significantly to the success of the school's $75 million Centennial Capital Campaign.
• Partnered with the Director of Development to drive sustainable revenue growth by designing and implementing long- and short-term plans for expanding the Major Gifts and Planned Giving pipelines.
• Conducted high-impact donor visits across the country, deepening relationships and successfully soliciting leadership-level commitments in support of capital and programmatic priorities.
• Planned and executed targeted donor cultivation and stewardship events nationwide, reinforcing Canterbury's mission and strengthening relationships with high-capacity alumni, parents, and friends.

Director of Resource Development at United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut (2000-05 – 2012-09)

• Led the strategic direction for all development initiatives, including major gifts, planned giving, annual workplace campaigns, and special events.
• Oversaw 300+ annual workplace fundraising campaigns, consistently meeting or exceeding goals and generating over $5 million annually.
• Developed and launched United Way's first Major Gifts and Planned Giving programs, securing individual commitments ranging from $10,000 to over $1 million, and establishing a foundation for long-term philanthropic growth.
• Established a systematic five-year Major Gifts strategy—new to United Way's traditional workplace giving model—including protocols for identifying, vetting, cultivating, and soliciting high-net-worth individuals.
• Launched a Planned Giving program and secured 20 founding legacy donors, building a sustainable philanthropic pipeline.
• Recruited and managed two volunteer campaign cabinets composed of 20+ community leaders, professionals, and senior-level corporate executives.
• Supervised a team of four full-time development staff and four seasonal campaign coordinators.
• Spearheaded corporate giving initiatives with a strong emphasis on relationship-building and long-term cultivation of business and foundation partners.
• Directed all special events, including Guy in the Sky, a 21-day, 24-hour fundraiser and publicity campaign, and Day of Caring, a large-scale volunteer event engaging 600+ community members in service projects across the region.

Bachelor of Arts in Communications/Public Relations and Journalism – Central Connecticut State University