About Jean Block Consulting - Information and References

Information & References

I organized my first fundraising event in 1955 when I was thirteen years old and growing up in a little college town in Ohio. The event was a backyard carnival for C.A.R.E. and raised more than $500. Not bad for a kid's effort!

Since then, I have served as executive director of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of New Mexico...as campaign director for the United Way of Central New Mexico, as program and development director for a hospital...and as staff, volunteer, Board member and officer for numerous local, regional and national nonprofits.

I have taught fundraising skills to staff and volunteers of nonprofit agencies and organizations for more than 20 years, and have been responsible for raising more than $50 million.

In addition, I help nonprofits develop and strengthen their Boards and am often called upon as a motivational speaker on volunteering and service. I have been an adjunct professor at the University of New Mexico, teaching a certificate course on nonprofit management, and as faculty for the US Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management.

I work hard to establish a positive, high energy and creative atmosphere to allow people to think "out of the box", make a strong commitment to their organization and set realistic, achievable goals, both individually and as a team.

When you add it all up, I have more than 45 years of experience in management and administration, strategic planning, volunteer recruitment and retention, marketing, public relations and fundraising. My clients include local, regional and national businesses and nonprofits.

For a list of representative clients (by type of organization), please click here.

My mission is to strengthen the base of support for America's worthwhile nonprofit agencies and organizations, from school PTAs to multi-million dollar national and international agencies.

I'd like to help your agency reach its fullest potential. Please call me or e-mail me to discuss your specific needs.

C A N W E T A L K ?
Here's what our clients say!

"Jean Block is a powerhouse in the Non-Profit world. You don't move about these circles long before her name is prominent in the conversation. Her commitment to training, fundraising, motivating, and cultivation is unsurpassed. To say she is an influence is to miss the point. She gives new meaning to the word enthusiasm! You don't know Jean, you experience her! She is a force unlike any other I have ever met."

Randy Gleason
Randy Gleason Consulting, Inc.

"You are wonderful! I wish I could clone you and put you in every corner of this community. You are a hero for me. Your energy, your passion, your expertise inspire me. Thank you."

Diane Ogawa
PNM Foundation

"I attended the Corporate Sponsorship Workshop - WOW! You were amazing! What an OPPORTUNITY for me!

Your presentation style was EXCELLENT. By far the best workshop I've been to in a long time (content and style both!)."

Vicki Kopplin
Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota

"I attended your workshop in St. Louis and left there feeling so uplifted by your motivation. Your training - to make us all savvy marketers - has paid off. Even in this economy, our underwriting is up and our auction donations have blown away everyone in town! We simply feel empowered to ask anyone and everyone AND to tell them WHY we are their market. It's working! Thank you!"

Kirsten Wagmeister
Junior League of Evansville

"You are a dynamic speaker. I have been in fundraising for 2 years and suddenly you made me realize it really can be fun! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. I bought and have enjoyed reading your 'Fast Fundraising Facts' book."

Sheila Spriggs
Texarkana, Texas

"Thank you for the awesome training sessions...As someone (who) would normally walk over hot coals before asking for $, I was amazed by your session. I actually feel fired up at fundraising. I went right home and called two friends with ideas for their non-profits. I hope to give a presentation to my Board encouraging them to have you train us."

Heather Harden, Finance Council Director
Junior League of Champaign-Urbana

"I just have to tell you that you made such an incredible impact when you spoke to our Board. I can't begin to tell you how many times your words of wisdom have been brought up at our Executive, Board and Committee meetings. In fact, just today, in two different conversations I was having, your ideas were quoted by others. Thank you for inspiring us to think in a new direction."

Kim Erdel
Junior League of Springfield, Missouri

"Your reputation does not do your training or you justice! Your energy, passion and inspiration will carry us through. We are better because you came. We are stronger because you shared. We are ready because you inspired. You are a master."

Genny, Sue and the Junior League of St. Paul Leadership Council

"Jean Block is a highly skilled and well respected business consultant. Her nonprofit business experience, both from working in the nonprofit arena and in consulting to many nonprofit organizations, has given her the ability to identify needs of the organization and offer solid workable solutions. Jean has the ability to bring a group of people with diverse opinions into consensus by listening, laughing and cajoling. Working with Jean was a pleasure and provided the desired results. I recommend her highly."

Sandy Mann, Executive Director
Ronald McDonald House Charities

"I have had the pleasure of participating in a variety of trainings provided by Jean Block and they have all been exceptional. Jean's vast experience in a variety of roles in the nonprofit world provides a depth of understanding that is uncommon. Jean brings "real life" understanding of the nature of nonprofit agencies and the roles of both volunteers and staff. She asks the questions that keep a group grounded so the work is dynamic and continues after the training. Furthermore, Jean makes this hard work FUN!"

Eileen Maddock, Executive Director
Crime Stoppers, Inc.

"Jean conducted an extremely well organized and productive [Board] retreat, one that I can say with confidence that our members count as the finest ever conducted for us. Jean's follow-up report was in-depth and meaty, and both Board and staff have referred to it time and again. The knowledge of boardsmanship the members took with them has made a remarkable difference in their levels of commitment and support."

Eileen Cook, Executive Director
Casa Esperanza

"Jean provides our agency with superb board and management planning. Her energy level, enthusiasm and deep understanding of our mission are unsurpassed. We have received countless benefits from her expertise."

Elaine Solimon, Executive Director
Association for Retarded Citizens

"Jean has a great ability to help your group focus in on necessary objectives without wasting valuable time. Jean is very energetic, consistent and most knowledgeable in the area of not-for-profit management."

Charles Wilkinson, President
Board of Directors, Manzano Day School

"We recently retained Jean Block to perform an administrative audit of the Hospital Foundation. She was quickly able to identify strengths and weaknesses in the existing practices and procedures and make solid recommendations regarding how to affect the necessary changes. It is because of Jean's broad and diversified experience in working with nonprofits that she is able to provide precise, useful information to organizations of all sizes."

Kathy Sporing, Past President
Board of Directors, Carrie Tingley Hospital Foundation

"You are without a doubt my favorite inspirational speaker! You leave everyone in the room with the feeling that they can do anything. But more importantly, you make us all feel and know that what we are doing is so important. Thank you."

Julie Viorel
Springfield, Missouri

"Your seminar was a truly enlightening experience! I actually had more interests in Marketing than Fundraising when I attended, but of course, I learned about both in your seminar. You opened a lot of doors of understanding for me and others who attended"

Deb Davis
Junior League of Los Angeles

"I just wanted to let you know that I loved your training last week. You were fun, entertaining and full of vital information. At some points it was hard to control my laughter because you were so right!

Believe it or not, I read your entire book on Friday, and it's the first book I have read in a very long time since I have two small children. So I am a true convert!"

Robin Holcomb
Family Connections

"Thank you for the newsletter. You have no idea how very often I find myself quoting you. You are remarkable and talented beyond words. Corny as it may sound, you inspire me."

Ginny Favede
Junior League of Wheeling

"Your session at the Southwest Boys & Girls Club conference was excellent. I've been an executive director for thirty years and got some new ideas and information from you. I've enjoyed your fund raising book and am looking forward to your second book."

Beverly Campsey
Boys & Girls Club of Vernon

"Kudos for a superb board planning session. Great job - you did good in getting people to open up. You have a gift for getting a bunch of folks to distill their thoughts into something manageable and focused."

Stewart Shatz
Animal Humane Association

Jean Block Consulting, Inc.
7915 Cliff Road NW
Albuquerque NM 87120
phone 505-899-1520
fax 505-890-5285
e-mail