President and Founder

Advancing the mission of community organizations has always been deeply gratifying work for me, and I’ve been so lucky to bring some remarkable professionals into our business who share my commitment to improving the world we live in, near and far. We bring decades of experience with northern New England groups, large and small, with a focus in our home state Vermont. We know that smart thinking, strategic planning and nimble troubleshooting behind the scenes can help our clients succeed and fund the work that changes lives for the best. We welcome your inquiry, and are happy to talk about your needs as you plan your next steps.

  • Consulting with a wide range of nonprofit clients in Northern New England, specializing in fundraising in Vermont and New Hampshire.

    • Capital Campaign Planning and Coaching, Fundraising Assessments, Planned Giving program development.

    Author of booklets on fundraising techniques and planning. (See “Publications”)

    Founder and Principal of CPG Enterprises, Inc. (CPGE)

    • Thinking About Planned Giving, 2024

    • Asking: A Hands-on Learner’s Guide to Gift Solicitation

    • Blueprint for a Capital Campaign

    • Keep the Money Coming: A Step-by-Step Guide to Annual Fundraising

    • Practice Makes Perfect, Facilitator's Guide

    • Raising Money for Local Land Projects, with the Vermont Land Trust

    • Starting With Staff: commissioned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation

    • Where the Heart Is: an allegory on philanthropy

    • Applying Yourself, a Primer for Grant Seeking and Writing

  • Antioch Graduate School, M. Ed. in Organization and Management, 1982.

    Bennington College, B.A. in Literature and Music 1969.

    Simmons College, 1965-67.

    Vermont Law School, Environmental Law Center, Course work in Mediation and Negotiation

  • Current Board Service:

    • The Fund for North Bennington

    • Preservation Trust of Vermont

    Previous Board Service: Sage City Symphony (co-founder and manager), Vermont Ethics Network, Sage City Syndicate, Vermont Youth Orchestra, Vermont Council on the Arts, United Counseling Service (Bennington), elected member of the Shaftsbury School Board, and many other boards.

    Memberships: Vermont Community Foundation, member since founding, Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP and AFO-NNE), NH/VT Charitable Gift Planners.

  • Vermont Institute for Science, Math and Technology: Director of Resource Development; 1993-98

    The Nature Conservancy, Vermont Chapter, Resource Director, 1988-93

    Governor's Institutes of Vermont: Founder/Executive Director, 1982-88

    Bennington College: Director of Development and College Relations, Founder of The July Program, The Bennington Writers Workshop, the Bennington Abroad Program and the Bennington MFAProgram,'76-82.

    Hoosac School: 1973-75, Director of Development.

    WBTN Radio: copywriter and education news reporter (1970-73)