Nick Gould is the first Deaf Executive Director of Institutional Advancement at Gallaudet University. He is actively growing his team on fundraising momentum that he started several years ago when he was a development officer. Three years ago, he was the only person to go after planned giving, drafting a plan for a campaign and running it by himself. Dubbed the “Macfadden Legacy Challenge” after Board of Trustees members Jim and Holly Macfadden, Gould successfully raised $5,918,082—a significant feat, considering the university’s average of raising $3 to $5 million a year. Today, the university benefits from the ongoing impact of Gould’s leadership. In FY2020, the university collected the second highest total in new gifts and payments on former pledges, totaling nearly $12 million.
From the Judges
Thoughtful approach and builds upon distinctive characteristics of Gallaudet to appeal to donors most capable and connected to make a legacy impact. We like that this is outside of the box and demonstrates the creative impact one staff person can have on overall fundraising goals.
