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Elise Burgess

Writer and Consultant

Whether it’s for a single individual or a broad market, Elise is skilled at crafting messages that inspire philanthropy. She specializes in distilling complex concepts into compelling language that resonates with donors. At Benefactor Group, Elise supports clients with cases for support and donor-facing communications. Her depth of experience in fundraising also makes her a key team member on studies and campaign planning engagements.

Elise has been a fundraising professional for over a decade, managing teams, timelines, and processes in support of record-setting campaigns in the arts, higher education, health and medicine, and social service sector. Her previous experience includes leadership roles at The Ohio State University and Children’s Hunger Alliance.

Elise’s interest in the nonprofit sector was sparked by a volunteer stint at a center for homeless children in Cairo. Since then, she has done volunteer work in Nepal, Thailand, and Uganda. Closer to home, she has served as a board and committee member for the Central Ohio chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and has volunteered with numerous community organizations. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University.

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