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Estee Pierce

prospect research + PHILANTHROPY strategy



Partnering with nonprofit organizations to help expand fundraising horizons.
Working with philanthropists for mission-aligned project guidance and grants management.
Practical capacity building through prospect research and wealth screening consultation.


Estee Pierce is an independent researcher and philanthropy consultant focused on arts, education, environment, and social change nonprofit organizations.

She has led prospect research and development operations at New York University and Friends of the High Line, and began her career as a research analyst in the development department of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Before entering the field of nonprofit prospect development, Estee was a financial reporter for Dow Jones. She holds a BA in English and art history from Vassar College and an MS in fundraising and grantmaking from NYU’s Heyman Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising. Estee is past president of the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement of Greater New York.


Estee is a trusted fundraising partner, helping us identify and cultivate a diverse network of donors. With her work, we've been able to target and connect with prospects to great results. And she is great to work with. Robert Hammond, Executive Director / Co-Founder, Friends of the High Line When I was developing my first feature film last year, Estee was an invaluable ally, offering real insight and practical advice on how to achieve my budget's goals. She met with me multiple times and not only brainstormed how to reach out to my network but encouraged me to try some out of the box thinking in terms of who could be helpful to me with this project. She's brilliant and she understands how to help artists navigate the fundraising world. I'm so glad I worked with her. Casimir Nozkowski, Filmmaker I was privileged to work with Estee for over ten years at NYU. Estee's strategic prospect research helped me navigate and succeed in connecting with international and US philanthropists, as well as with local New York donors. Estee has a keen mind, she is a creative thinker, and is innovative in her approach to prospect research. Estee was a wonderful partner, and a very responsible colleague. I always looked forward to working closely with Estee and attribute much of my success to her thorough methods in how she did her research. She left no stone unturned. Estee's work is insightful, comprehensive, and always shines a light. Debra A. LaMorte, Office of University Development and Alumni Relations New York University Estee Pierce is a rare creature in the donor development world: someone who is deeply curious and driven to understand both the hard data of one's stakeholder network and who also possesses the interpersonal skills to understand what might bring them closer to your organization. Gifted with an ability to actually be creative with data, Estee is interested in both major gifts and donors who give in smaller increments and who make up the bulk of many nonprofits' base. I highly recommend any nonprofit hire her to better understand their audience from an analytic point of view and stop leaving money on the table by converting prospects to donors through her help. Ken Chen, Former Executive Director Asian American Writers' Workshop Estee has an obvious "love of the game" — her passion for prospect research, and for philanthropy more generally, is obvious and infectious. She has a great nose for finding and analyzing prospect information to ensure research is timely, relevant, and actionable. She is a good resource for fundraisers and researchers alike who want to make sure they are focusing on the right prospects. If there is hidden gems in your database, Estee will find them. Troy Smith, Executive Director, Prospect Development & Campaign Analytics Office of University Development and Alumni Relations New York University



Services


Philanthropic GUIDANCE:
As a seasoned grants manager, I specialize in making philanthropic operations run smoothly, with a focus on private foundations. I am skilled in conducting issue-related research; recommending mission-aligned projects; grant vetting; due diligence; managing grants databases such as Fluxx; as well as liaising between grantees and board members.
Prospect Research:
With nearly two decades of experience in prospect development, I partner with nonprofits to translate data into effective fundraising strategies. From training in-house teams to providing comprehensive prospect dossiers, my focus is on understanding donor priorities, strategically connecting with potential donors, and helping prepare for crucial fundraising meetings.

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CONTACT


Reach out today to chat about new projects.
646-295-3477  |  esteepierce@gmail.com