Kimberly Elliott

Dynamic nonprofit executive and development leader with a strong record of raising multimillion-dollar funds and cultivating donor relationships. Successfully led strategic initiatives including major events and grant strategies that advance organizational missions and enhance community impact.

Director Of Development & Operations - Petra Cares

(2025-01)

• Lead all fundraising, development, marketing, and donor engagement efforts for a rapidly growing nonprofit serving youth aging out of the foster care system.
• Planned and executed annual gala events raising $649,000 in 2025 and over $1,000,000 in 2026.
• Launched and directed the organization's first-ever golf tournament, hosting 175+ golfers and raising over $150,000.
• Managed grant strategy, writing, and submissions, securing foundational funding that supported program growth and expansion.
• Built and stewarded corporate and individual donor relationships, securing major gifts and establishing long-term partnerships.
• Oversaw marketing, social media, and website content, strengthening brand awareness and enhancing donor engagement.
• Implement policies, procedures, and systems to support organizational scaling and operational excellence.
• Support organizational growth strategy as Petra Cares expands to new cities.

Senior Leadership Team Director Of Development - St. Dominic Village

(2015-04 - 2024-04)

• Raised $1.5 million annually through grants, events, and individual giving, driving capacity of two-person development office.
• Secured over $600,000 annually in grant funding.
• Led annual giving campaigns and coordinated multiple fundraising events, enhancing overall fundraising effectiveness.
• Increased donor engagement by 30% through strategic relationship-building initiatives.
• Built and maintained strong relationships with donors, sponsors, and community stakeholders, fostering long-term support.
• Implemented a new donor database system, reducing costs by $22,000 annually.
• Developed and executed virtual and in-person fundraising events generating over $150,000.
• Secured over $100,000 in grant funding.
• Guided team through program pivots, ensuring continued support for children with severe illnesses.
• Led organizational operations and fundraising strategy to adapt to challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic.

Executive Director - Hunt with Heart

(2020-01 - 2021-01)

• Developed and executed virtual and in-person fundraising events generating over $150,000.
• Secured over $100,000 in grant funding.
• Guided team through program pivots, ensuring continued support for children with severe illnesses.
• Led organizational operations and fundraising strategy to adapt to challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic.

Program & Development Director - Candlelighters

(2013-02 - 2015-04)

• Surpassed fundraising goals across all events, including golf tournaments and new fundraising concepts.
• Planned and executed large-scale events and family programs that fostered community engagement and support.
• Coordinated volunteers and young professionals group to enhance fundraising efforts and community involvement.
• Directed program and fundraising initiatives that provided essential support to families of children with cancer.

BFA - Radio, Television and Film, Public Relations - Sam Houston State University (1993-01)