Shelby Schmidt, The Cove Consulting LLC
Shelby Schmidt is a fundraising consultant with The Cove Consulting LLC. She partners with small to mid-sized nonprofits to design custom fundraising plans that align with their mission, capacity, and growth goals.
Who are you, who do you serve, and what are you focused on right now?
As a fundraising consultant, I partner with small to mid-sized nonprofits to design custom fundraising plans that align with their mission, capacity, and growth goals.
What led you into this work?
After spending several years in development roles, I noticed that many small and mid-sized nonprofits have incredible missions but don't always have the internal capacity to build strong fundraising systems. They often need strategic guidance or temporary support to build a strong foundation. Consulting allows me to bring my fundraising experience to multiple organizations, helping them build customized development plans, strengthen donor engagement, and create sustainable systems that fit their size and resources.
What was one of the hardest parts of building your career or business?
Fundraising often attracts people who give everything they have to the mission. I've always been one of those people, but over time I realized that constantly trying to operate at 100% and be available 24/7 can easily lead to burnout. A pivotal point in my career was investing in continued learning, coaching, and communities like Relatable Nonprofit, which helped me step back and reevaluate what success looks like for me. I learned to set boundaries and time-block my schedule so I can show up as the best version of myself for my clients, my family, and for me.
Today, I focus on helping organizations build sustainable development systems that strengthen their mission while reducing the burnout and turnover that so many nonprofits face. Because in fundraising, continuity in relationships matters.
What's a project you're proud of?
In a recent project, I supported a mid-sized organization in integrating donor-focused language into their communications and implementing an online giving platform. Together, these changes helped strengthen their fundraising infrastructure and gave the organization the tools they need to successfully grow their individual giving program.
What are you building right now?
Right now, I am refining tools to better equip boards and committees to become confident fundraisers for their mission. Many organizations focus on acquiring new donors, especially major gifts, but I believe investing in and empowering your internal team is a critical step in opening new doors and building sustainable fundraising success.
What belief about consulting or nonprofit work has changed for you?
Consulting, and joining the Relatable Nonprofit community, has introduced me to a global network of incredibly talented people who are passionate about partnering together to solve problems and strengthen nonprofit work. It's a reminder that none of us have to be a jack of all trades or wear "all the hats" perfectly. Instead, I've built relationships with skilled professionals who are excited to share their niche expertise and collaborate to help organizations move their missions forward. It's refreshing to not feel like I have to know everything, and exciting to continue growing as a professional by learning from others.
What advice would you give someone earlier in their journey?
Be bold. Imposter syndrome can feel like a huge barrier, but remember there are many people in your corner who genuinely want to see you succeed. And if you need more of those genuine people, join Relatable Nonprofit!