ABOUT US
We don't just consult. We get in the work with you.
Philanthropic Fundraising is a female-owned, boutique consultancy based in Frederick, Maryland. We work hands-on alongside nonprofit leaders across Washington, DC and Maryland - and beyond - to help them secure the transformational gifts their missions deserve.
We believe the best fundraising is built on genuine relationships. Our tailored approach meets each organization where they are, whether you're deepening connections with longtime donors or building a major gifts program from the ground up. The result: ambitious goals met with clarity, confidence, and a strategy that's yours alone.
15+ Seven-figure gifts secured | $300M+Raised for nonprofits | 40+Years combined experience
MEET THE TEAM
Gudrun Hofmeister, Founder & Principle
Gudrun Hofmeister founded Philanthropic Fundraising in 2016 after serving as Assistant Vice President at CCS, one of the country's leading fundraising consulting firms, where she managed diverse campaigns for nonprofits across the country. Since launching Philanthropic Fundraising, Gudrun has raised more than $50 million in capital campaign funds - including a $22 million campaign for an independent school and a campaign that closed at $14 million against a $10 million goal.
Gudrun holds a B.A. in Sociology from San Diego State University and an M.A. in Public Administration (International) from London Metropolitan University. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Western Maryland Chapter.
$22M
Single campaign for an independent school
2016
Founded Philanthropic Fundraising
140%
Of goal achieved on a university campaign
8+ yrs
At CCS prior to founding PF
AFP Board Member | Capital Campaigns | Major Gifts | Female-Owned | Frederick, MD
Farrah Ferriell - Executive Director
Farrah Ferriell, our Executive Director, is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Certified Professional Coach (CPC), and Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner (ELI-MP). With more than 22 years dedicated to nonprofit administration and a deep concentration in philanthropy and revenue development, Farrah has personally raised - and led teams that have raised - more than $300 million for mission-driven organizations.
Farrah has worked with globally recognized organizations including Volunteers of America, Louisville Ballet, and National Council for Jewish Women, as well as many regional and locally-based nonprofits. Her coaching approach transforms how development staff and board members think about, and ask for, major gifts - building confidence and capability that lasts long after the campaign ends.
$300M+
Raised across her career
CFRE
Certified Fund Raising Executive
22+ yrs
In nonprofit administration & philanthropy
CPC
Certified Professional Coach
CFRE Certified | CPC Coach | ELI-MP | Major Gifts | Leadership Coaching
The values that shape every engagement.
01
Relationships first
Every transformational gift begins with a relationship built over time. We help your organization cultivate genuine connections with donors - not transactions. The ask comes last, not first.
02
Honesty over comfort
A feasibility study that tells you what you want to hear isn't a feasibility study - it's a disservice. We give you the honest picture, even when it means adjusting your timeline or goal. That's how campaigns succeed.
03
Hands-on partnership
We don't hand you a binder and wish you luck. We work alongside your team through every stage - from the first donor conversation to the closing celebration. Your success is our success.
04
Mission matters
We only take on campaigns we believe in. The organizations we work with are making real differences in their communities - and we bring that same conviction to every donor meeting and every ask.
05
Build for the future
A campaign shouldn't end with just a check. It should leave your organization with stronger donor relationships, a more confident team, and the systems to sustain major gift fundraising for years to come.
06
Proven, not theoretical
Everything we recommend is rooted in real campaigns with real results. Over $50 million raised, 15+ seven-figure gifts closed, and 40+ years of combined experience - not frameworks from a textbook.
Why Choose Us
What sets us apart.
01 Boutique - by design
We stay small so every client gets Gudrun or Farrah - not a junior associate. You're not a number in a portfolio. You're a partner.
02 Deep DC & Maryland expertise
We know the philanthropic landscape here - the donors, the networks, the giving culture. That local knowledge shortens the runway to major gifts.
03 Campaigns that exceed their goals
We've closed a $14M campaign on a $10M goal. We don't just help you hit your target - we help you set the right target in the first place.
04 We build your team's capacity
Our coaching doesn't just run the campaign - it leaves your staff and board more capable and confident than when we started.
05 Female-owned, values-driven
Founded and led by women, with a commitment to equity and justice that extends to the missions we choose to support.
"Gudrun Hofmeister is the best fundraising professional I have ever worked with. She enthusiastically kept the volunteers on task and is an absolute expert at raising money."
— Blackie Bowen · Chair, Empowering Lives Campaign
100% of our campaigns have met or exceeded their goal.
CFRE Certified
Farrah holds the Certified Fund Raising Executive credential - the gold standard in nonprofit fundraising.
AFP Board Member
Gudrun serves on the Board of Directors of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Western Maryland Chapter.
CPC & ELI-MP
Farrah is a Certified Professional Coach and Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner - bringing coaching depth to every engagement.
Female-Owned
Founded and led by women since 2016 with a commitment to equity woven into everything we do.
Not ready to reach out yet? That is okay.
Let's get your nonprofit its largest gift ever.
READY TO START?
Book a free 30-minute strategy call. We'll talk through where you are, where you want to go, and whether we're the right fit to get you there.