Jessica Cloud

About Jessica Cloud

I’m Jessica Cloud, CFRE, and I’ve spent my entire career helping nonprofits grow their fundraising with clarity, confidence, and real results. My work is rooted in practical strategies that actually move the needle, and I’m passionate about equipping teams to raise more money, build stronger donor relationships, and step into their power as fundraisers.My track record reflects that. At Starr King School for the Ministry, I led a decade of growth that more than doubled total giving (up 134%) and increased unrestricted giving by over 140%. Before that, at The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation, I helped grow total dollars raised by over 300% in a single year. Over three years, we increased first-time donors by 285% and tripled the number of annual donors—from around to over I also launched the university’s first faculty-staff giving campaign and saw participation jump from 10% to 32% in just three months.As the founder of Real Deal Fundraising, I bring a practical, high-energy approach to every engagement. I’m known for helping advancement teams cut through the clutter, get organized, and take focused action that leads to better outcomes. I show up with candor, clarity, and a deep understanding of what it takes to thrive in this field.I hold a master’s degree in English Literature and I’m a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). I speak and train fundraisers across the country, sharing what I’ve learned with humor, honesty, and tools that actually work. When I’m not working with fundraisers, I’m probably writing poetry, watching documentaries, or traveling with my husband and our two kids.

Experience

1. Consultant, Trainer, and Founder

   Real Deal Fundraising With Jessica Cloud, Cfre

   Apr 2025 — Present

   At Real Deal Fundraising, I help nonprofit teams grow their confidence, clarity, and fundraising results. I create resources that simplify complex topics: like how to make the ask, build smart projections, or explain endowments. All so fundraisers can take action with less stress and more success.My work includes:• Consulting for institutions and advancement teams• Speaking at conferences and events• Leading live and virtual trainings• Sharing bite-sized lessons and fundraising truths on TikTok• Hosting webinars (both live and on-demand)• Creating online courses and digital products• Writing a weekly newsletter packed with practical tipsMy client list includes: University of Alabama Annual Giving and National Alumni Association, Samford University, Child and Family Resource Foundation, Hartsville, SC, Byerly Foundation, Hartsville, SC, and hundreds of other nonprofit staff and individual fundraisers through my work with organizations like Academic Impressions and Nonprofit Learning Lab

Education

• The University of Southern Mississippi

  B.A.

  1999 — 2003

• The University of Southern Mississippi

  Master of Arts (M.A.)

  2012 — 2018