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Small Business Spotlight: Dandelion Consulting

Artist Thrive!_Art of Fundraising_Close Up - Brian Williams

Dandelion Consulting

Year founded:

2023

Tell us a little about your business:

Dandelion Consulting helps small and mid-size nonprofits—especially arts and LGBTQ+ organizations—build stronger fundraising, more engaged boards, and a solid foundation for a culture of philanthropy. I work with Executive Directors and Boards to level up their fund development efforts in ways that feel good, sustainable, and mission-aligned.

My approach is simple: I help teams build the confidence, clarity, and structure they need to fundraise well. Sometimes that looks like coaching board members on how to champion the mission, other times it’s designing fundraising strategies, creating donor-centered messaging, or supporting staff through major organizational shifts.

A core part of my work is helping organizations—especially those with limited staff and resources—build a culture of philanthropy that includes everyone: board members, volunteers, artists, and the wider circle of champions who make the mission possible. When everyone understands their role in relationship-building, fundraising becomes lighter, more authentic, and much more effective.

A big piece of what I do is helping organizations move from “we’re reacting to everything” to “we’re building something intentional.” That translates into stronger donor relationships, better internal alignment, and boards who enjoy being part of fundraising. I also design trainings and workshops focused on donor trust, building a culture of philanthropy and practical fundraising skills for small teams, boards and Champions of a nonprofit.

At the end of the day, I want the nonprofits I work with to feel more confident, more resourced, and more connected to their community. When organizations can fundraise from a place of clarity and authenticity, they can do the work they were meant to do—without burning out the people responsible for sustaining it.

What's a recent success story or milestone you're proud of?

I’ve been working with a small arts organization—run by a mighty team of one full-time and one part-time staff member—for nearly two and a half years, and they’ve achieved a remarkable 20% revenue increase by leaning into genuine donor relationships and engaging their champions to elevate both fundraising and community visibility.

Their growth hasn’t just shown up in the numbers—they’re experiencing deeper community engagement, more energized supporters, and a stronger sense of organizational confidence. Watching their team lean into a culture of philanthropy and see tangible results has been incredibly rewarding.

What do you love most about being part of this Chamber?

I love the sense of community. The Chamber does a great job creating truly welcoming spaces where LGBTQ+ professionals and allies can connect, collaborate, and support one another. It feels good to be part of a network that celebrates authenticity and lifts up local businesses and organizations doing meaningful work.

What would you like our Chamber members to know about your business which isn’t necessarily obvious?

Honestly, I like to have fun while we work. Fundraising can feel overwhelming, so I try to keep things light, laugh often, and celebrate every win—big, small, or “hey, at least no one cried this time.” Humor doesn’t replace the hard work, but it makes the journey a whole lot better for everyone.

I’m in the trenches with my clients. I coach teams through implementation, help troubleshoot real-time challenges, and make sure the strategies stick long after the kickoff meeting. I’m also the person leaders call when they need a sounding board, a reality check, or someone to talk them out of firing their whole board (kidding… mostly).

If you’re in the arts or LGBTQ+ space—or just a small nonprofit that needs support—I’m always up for a conversation, collaboration, or a little brainstorming to make your fundraising feel more doable and a lot less stressful.

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Contact Information

For all general and media inquiries, please contact the office of the Executive Director of the Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

tracey demarea 2025 web size

Tracey DeMarea
Executive Director

Email:   info@midamericalgbt.org
Call:   (816) 474-3558

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