Driven by a desire to go beyond fundraising and gain a deeper understanding of philanthropy, Amy Curtis, M.A ’19, turned to the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. While working full-time, Curtis began pursuing  her M.A. in philanthropic studies part-time in 2016.

“I wanted to better understand giving, engagement, philanthropy, and community growth through a more holistic lens,” Curtis said. “That education helped create a fuller picture for me. It deepened my thinking about philanthropy, leadership, and the role organizations play in strengthening communities.”

Her career has always centered around fundraising and helping organizations, communities, and causes secure the resources they need to grow. As her career evolved, she found her passion in economic development, specifically investor relations, where fundraising, engagement, strategy, and community impact intersect. By the time she graduated, Curtis was serving as the Director of Investor Relations on the Indy Chamber’s regional economic development team. Her background also includes senior roles at Resource Development Group, and Etica Group.

Curtis now operates her own firm, Curtis Concepts, that she co-founded with husband Kiel. She says starting the firm was a leap of faith. “I started Curtis Concepts to help communities and mission-driven organizations move from ideas to execution,” Curtis said. “Much of my work focuses on strengthening investor relationships, building sustainable funding strategies, coaching staff and leaders, clarifying funding opportunities, and helping organizations communicate their value in a way that leads to action.”

She primarily works with economic development organizations, nonprofits, municipalities, and mission-driven organizations on fundraising, investor relations, strategic planning, and organizational capacity. She says no two engagements are exactly alike, but they all center around helping organizations and communities grow and grow smart by becoming more strategic and more sustainable. “Fundraising is only one part of the work. The larger goal is to help organizations build the systems, relationships, and strategy needed to sustain growth over time.”

Read the full article about using philanthropy to strengthen communities by Jennifer Donovan at Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.