Frequently Asked Questions about Bill

If you don’t find the answers you need below, please reach out and Bill will get back to you as soon as he can, usually within 24 hours.

What is the "CFRE" after your name?

CFRE is an acronym for Certified Fundraising Executive and is “the only internationally-recognised baseline professional credential for philanthropic fundraising executives” (www.cfre.org). Earning this credential required at least five years of experience as a fundraiser, completion and acceptance of an extensive application, and passing a rigorous test on fundraising practices and principles.  It then requires re-certification every three years.

What is the "bCRE-Pro" after your name?

bCRE is the acronym for Blackbaud Certified in Raiser’s Edge, Blackbaud’s certification program for Raiser’s Edge. I was one of the first in the country to be certified bCRE-Professional, the highest certification level currently available.

What is your relationship to Blackbaud?

I have no “official” relationship with Blackbaud. I am an independent consultant. I resigned from Blackbaud after 7 exciting and positive years as an employee and contractor in June 2005 on the best of terms. I continue a very good relationship with Blackbaud and its employees on behalf of my clients, perhaps best evidenced by Blackbaud’s support of my book, my continued presentations at Blackbaud’s annual conferences, and the 2021 Raiser’s Edge Security webinar series on which we partnered.

“Bill has been an incredible partner to our small fundraising team. We asked him to do an audit on our database, and he provided us with a very thorough review and a prioritized action list that would help us move towards a more high-functioning team. His knowledge of best-practice fundraising and his passion for demonstrating how data informs our strategies is such a gift to any fundraising team!

“Bill has helped us during two staff transitions and he has a genuine interest in helping everyone succeed, no matter their roles in the office! I especially admire his integrity; he is more than willing to share when a project might cost more if he’s involved, and perhaps recommend someone else who can respond in a way that can save the organization hard-earned revenue.

“I am so grateful we were given his name and I encourage everyone I know who uses RE to seek him out!

“P.S. He’s a delight to work with, a straight-shooter, and someone who is passionate about excellence in fundraising!”

Chief Philanthropy Officer
Organization Serving Older Adults in Virginia

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