FUNDRAISING · STRATEGY · LEADERSHIP
Helping nonprofit, faith-based, and mission-driven organizations thrive and reach their next level.
For 15 years I have led organizations through growth. Now, as a fractional development leader, I help nonprofit, faith-based, and mission-driven organizations build sustainable fundraising strategies, strengthen donor relationships, and secure the resources to advance their missions. I go beyond recommendations: I build and implement the strategy with your team, so it delivers results.
Watson Jones III, Ph.D. · Founder, Doctor Watson Speaks, LLC · Chicago
A RECORD OF RAISING AND STEWARDING RESOURCES
Mission grows when giving grows. I have built that growth from the ground up.
$500K+
raised in year one to launch a new organization in Philadelphia
+75%
individual giving growth, from $400K to $700K
$15M
three-year capital campaign I helped structure and launch
20+
staff led across five departments and three campuses
THE STORY BEHIND THE NUMBERS
Three organizations, three stages of growth
I have led organizations through every stage of growth: starting from nothing, rebuilding, and scaling.
Building from zero
Restoration Church of Philadelphia · 2014–2017
I started Restoration with four people and a three-year budget forecast. I set the vision, mission, and fundraising strategy, then built the relationships that grew into a funding pipeline. Within the first year we had 70 members and the funding to sustain it.
$500K+ raised in year one, anchored by institutional gifts of $200K, $125K, and $75K
Cultivated an institutional partner who later helped secure mortgage financing for our building
Recruited a 15-member leadership team, formed the founding board, and planned a leadership transition
Rebuilding the donor base
Compassion Baptist Church · Chicago · 2018–2023
As the organization’s top leader, I grew individual giving and led it into citywide partnerships during the COVID-19 crisis, when neighbors needed help most.
Individual giving grew from $400K to $700K over five years
Co-led Chicago Delivers and co-built the fundraising strategy that raised $500K for its Instacart food-access initiative during COVID-19, housed at The Chicago Partnership, a nonprofit where I serve on the board
Scaling with systems
Salem Baptist Church of Chicago · 2023–2026
I ran the operation of a three-campus institution and built the structures behind its largest fundraising effort.
Helped structure and launch a $15M three-year capital campaign: set the target with the executive team, built the campaign team, and ran donor tracking and communications
HOW I CAN HELP YOU
What you receive
Fundraising baseline report
A review of your giving history, donor retention, and major-donor base, with your top priority gaps named.
12–18 month fundraising plan
A goal, case for support, gift plan, and calendar your team can carry out.
Capital campaign structure
Campaign team, goal setting, donor tracking, and communications for a building or growth initiative.
Board giving expectations
Clear giving and getting roles for your board, plus governance and recruitment support.
Donor dashboard and pipeline
A simple dashboard and a major-gift pipeline your staff owns after I step away.
Leadership coaching
Coaching for executive directors and senior leaders through first asks, growth, and transitions.
CONTACT
Ready for your next level? Let's talk.
Share your contact details in the form below and I will reach out within two business days to learn about your organization and where you want to go.
watson@drwatsonspeaks.com
LinkedIn: watson-jones-iii