Kate Okeefe

About Kate Okeefe

After 15+ years in the nonprofit space, I launched Step-In Fundraising to provide the kind of hands-on, real-world fundraising support that small and mid-sized nonprofits need to grow and thrive. I offer:1. Fractional Development Leadership 2. Fundraising Strategy & Toolkits 3. Event Planning and Support4. Recruiting and OnboardingMy path here is rooted in people and purpose. As Vice President of Advancement at Family Promise of West Michigan, I helped families and children find stability and a place to call home, combining my background as a social worker, fundraiser, and executive leader. Later, as an executive recruiter, I connected people to opportunities — and if we were lucky, to their passion.Now, through Step-In Fundraising, I get to do all of that: connect, problem-solve, and create impact with people who care deeply about making a difference.Let’s chat! 61••••••57 K•••@stepinfundraising.com

Experience

1. Fractional Leader Fundraising Consultant

   Step-In Fundraising

   Jun 2025 — Present · Grand Rapids, MI, US

   With 15+ years of hands-on experience in nonprofit fundraising, I partner with organizations as a consultant to help them grow their impact. My expertise includes:Major gifts & capital campaigns, donor stewardship, in-kind giving, foundation and grant management, volunteer & board engagement, event planning, fundraising strategy, team leadership & interim/fractional development support, recruiting talent and building teams.I’m known for rolling up my sleeves and getting things done! Whether that means designing a development plan, reenergizing a lapsed donor, planning a signature event, or coaching a new team through their first campaign.At the heart of my work is a belief that fundraising is about connections that bring change; connecting people to a purpose, strategy, mission or action. I bring experience, a collaborative and strategic mindset, and a sense of humor to my work.

Education

• Kuyper College

  Bachelor in Social Work and Theology, Minor in Communications, Social Work

  2011 — 2013

• Kuyper College

  Associates in Communications, Communications