Natalie Cope Fritz

About Natalie Cope Fritz

I started in the arts, learning how live experiences bring people together and how generosity can shape entire communities.At Utah Symphony | Utah Opera, I turned concerts and festivals into donor partnerships that kept music alive for thousands.At Ballet West, I helped secure more than $6M in new gifts and $15M in campaign revenue, while building a team that believed in the mission as much as the art.I even launched my own events firm, proving I could build something from the ground up.At Red Butte Garden, I led a team of seven, growing contributed revenue by 5% year over year and deepening ties with donors, corporations, and foundations who shared a love of place and purpose.Now at Thanksgiving Point, I guide development strategy and expand the Curiosity Club. I’m also helping to launch our most ambitious vision yet—the Children’s Science & Technology Center, a hub where curiosity, STEM, and play will spark the next generation of discovery.What connects it all is simple. I believe philanthropy is about possibility. When people give, they shape futures and communities, and I’ve been lucky to help make that happen.

Experience

1. Vice President of Development Strategy

   Thanksgiving Point

   Apr 2025 — Present

   Strategic Leadership-Develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy to meet and exceed Thanksgiving Point\'s funding goals-Guide the organization to refine its mission and priorities to best align with community needs-Plan the fundraising and relationship strategies needed to fulfill Thanksgiving Point’s mission-Drive innovative approaches to donor engagement, sponsorships, and community partnership initiatives. Community Relationships-Build and nurture meaningful relationships with community stakeholders, including individual donors, corporations, foundations, and civic organizations. Grant Writing and Oversight-Direct the identification, writing, and submission of grants to secure funding from private foundations, government entities, and corporate sponsors. Curiosity Club and Member Engagement-Oversee the Curiosity Club, a key program that connects donors and members to Thanksgiving Point’s mission through unique and engaging experiences-Develop strategies to grow membership and increase member retention. Development Operations-Manage all aspects of the development department’s operations, including events, donor databases, stewardship activities, and annual giving campaigns-Optimize processes and systems to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness. Staff Leadership and Development-Inspire, mentor, and lead a high-performing development team. Financial Oversight and Reporting-Collaborate with the finance department to establish realistic fundraising budgets and goals. Annual Funding Growth-Identify new revenue opportunities and innovative methods for increasing annual funding levels-Build on existing campaigns while spearheading new initiatives to engage a broader donor base.

Education

• Pathway Associates

  Certificate, Major Gift Advancement

• Brigham Young University

  BM: Vocal Performance, Vocal Performance

  2003 — 2008

• Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy

  Certificate, Managing the Capital Campaign