About Us
True North Philanthropy exists to help nonprofits pursue transformational philanthropy with clarity, confidence, and actionable strategy.
We help nonprofit leaders and fundraisers define their vision, achieve internal alignment, build donor confidence, and chart a clear path toward major gifts and successful campaigns.
Fundraise with Clarity
At the heart of fundraising is one simple truth: philanthropy grows through relationships. The most successful campaigns and transformational gifts don’t happen because of perfect tactics. They happen when leaders, fundraisers, and donors share clarity, trust, and a sense of shared purpose.
Organizations with enormous potential struggle not because of a lack of passion or commitment, but because their relationships aren’t fully aligned and they don’t have strategic clarity.
Our ideal clients are organizations truly ready to grow. They have leadership buy-in, an engaged team, a willing and open board, a functioning CRM, and donors who care deeply about the mission. The foundation is in place—but they’ve reached the limits of events, annual appeals, and disconnected tactics. What they need now is direction: a partner who can turn potential into major gifts and campaign readiness.
Our work centers and strengthens critical relationships. We help teams step into the strategic leadership required for major gifts and campaigns, with clearer priorities, aligned messaging, confident asks, and authentic connections. Relationships drive philanthropy, and clarity strengthens relationships. That is the core of our approach.
True North Philanthropy is grounded in the belief that when leaders see the path forward, donors do too. Every organization has a “true north”: a point of purpose, vision, and possibility. Our role is to help you find that clarity, lead from it, and build relationship-centered fundraising that sustains the impact of your mission.
Our Approach
Clarity First
We take time to understand the full picture to understand YOUR pain points — donors, data, culture, capacity, and vision — before designing the path forward.
Collaborative Design
We build strategies with you, not for you. Leaders, fundraisers, and board members all play a role in shaping the plan.
Strategic Simplicity
We turn complexity into clear, doable steps that teams can follow with confidence.
Relationship-Led, Data-Informed.
Both matter. We bring donor values and organizational realities together to inform wise decisions.
Implementation Support
We guide teams through execution — donor meetings, stewardship, campaign phases, leadership engagement — so strategy becomes action.
Capacity Building
Your team leaves stronger, more confident, and better equipped to lead major gifts and campaigns.
Our Team
FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL
Renee Davis
Renee Davis is an experienced nonprofit consultant specializing in capital campaigns, major gift strategy, assessments, board development, and executive coaching, enabling organizations to achieve long-term financial stability and deepen their impact. She brings over 20 years of experience guiding nonprofits through both growth stages and critical transitions. As a Certified Fund Raising Executive and trusted advisor to nonprofit leaders, Renee has a proven track record in securing significant individual gifts, developing relationships to support capacity building, and fostering sustainable revenue streams through her counsel. She currently resides in the western suburbs of Chicago with her husband, three children, and a 75-lb boxer pup.
CONSULTANT
Jennifer Valentine
Jennifer is a nonprofit strategist and fundraising consultant with a decade of experience supporting nonprofit leaders. She specializes in grants management, having helped over 60 organizations secure millions in grant awards. She has also helped organizations build and train strong boards, deliver guided executive coaching, and lead organizations through fundraising assessments and capital campaigns. A former trial attorney, Jennifer brings a collaborative approach and deep understanding of nonprofit dynamics, guiding leaders through growth, stability, and sustainability. She lives in Michigan with her family, loves supporting her kids in their sports and performances, and spends her free time in tap dance classes or enjoying a great book.