Senior Strategic Advisor, DAF & Philanthropic Capital

Six-Month Fractional Consulting Engagement | Remote | NYC, Washington, DC or Chicago preferred

Across the United States, established small businesses create jobs and anchor communities—yet too many growthminded owners lack the guidance, networks and appropriate capital needed to scale. Founders First Community Development Corporation (FFCDC) exists to change that. We equip under-invested entrepreneurs with practical capacity building, funding readiness and connections that help their businesses grow toward the mid-market.

We have already raised approximately $5 million through donor-advised funds (DAFs). Now we are seeking a senior, wellconnected fundraising professional to expand that success—introducing donors to measurable economic mobility opportunities in the regions and among the types of business owners they care most about.

This is a relationship-development and major-gifts execution assignment. The successful advisor will generate dozens of qualified donor appointments and help turn strong philanthropic alignment into timely commitments—not simply deliver a fundraising plan.

Founded in 2015 in San Diego by serial entrepreneur Kim Folsom, FFCDC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and national economic mobility platform, originally launched as LIFT Development Enterprises. It has grown into one of the largest nonprofit accelerators serving under-invested, service-based small businesses in the United States. FFCDC focuses on established businesses—not startups—including those led by veterans, women and low‑to moderate‑income entrepreneurs, with revenues from $100,000 to $3 million or more and ambitions to scale toward the mid‑market.

Through the end of 2024, FFCDC served 3,686 companies across 20 states, supported the creation of 2,119 full‑time jobs (59% at premium wages of $50,000+ with benefits), and helped member companies secure $106 million in external capital. In 2024 alone, FFCDC served more than 1,650 companies across 18 states through 74 program cohorts.

Its programs include Passport to Funding, Passport Premium, Fast Path and Zebra Leadership, complemented by targeted grant programs such as the Kitty Fund and Stephen L. Tadlock Fund. The organization reports $1.85 million in grants and prizes distributed to date and substantial revenue growth among program participants. FFCDC operates alongside affiliated Founders First Capital Partners, which provides alternative financing to a similar small‑business market;

the nonprofit’s role centers on education, readiness, capacity building and grant‑supported economic mobility.

The advisor will help advance a $2 million DAF growth initiative within FFCDC’s broader fundraising effort, with an engagement‑level objective of sourcing and advancing $1 million or more in philanthropic commitments. This work will build on existing DAF donor enthusiasm while developing new relationships through Impact Assets, Fidelity Charitable and comparable donor/advisor ecosystems. Platform access alone is not the strategy: personal introductions, donor centered cultivation and trusted networks are essential.

The campaign will connect to the Economic Mobility Council—convened by Founders First—and to regional Capital Activation Experience (CAE) gatherings. Women Who Fund America (WWFA) provides a storytelling and relationship building platform to engage aligned capital allocators.

We especially welcome an established independent fundraising professional or senior boutique‑firm principal who is already leading active fundraising initiatives and has room to add this…