Jason Gilmore, CFRE, was inspired to work in the social services sector largely because of his uncle, who lived out the value of service above self in everything he did, consistently putting others first. Watching the way he gave his time, energy, and compassion to people in need made a deep impression on Jason, setting the example he tries to follow in his own career. Working in this sector allows him to carry forward his uncle’s legacy, turning those lessons into action, creating the same kind of hope and stability for families in need.
At the start of his fundraising career, Jason supported philanthropic efforts for social services organizations that addressed substance abuse recovery, homelessness, and improving access for people with disabilities. For the past 10 years, he’s worked for the University of Michigan and now serves as Senior Regional Director of Advancement. He earned the CFRE in 2024 to gain new skills and improve his fundraising “chops,” proving to donors and colleagues that he takes his role in philanthropy seriously.
We talked with Jason about his journey and learned more about how earning the CFRE has impacted his career and the accomplishments he’s achieved for his community …
A Compelling Case Makes for Transformative Impact
By applying the knowledge and strategies I gained through CFRE certification, I was able to secure a transformative gift for a local nonprofit dedicated to helping families experiencing homelessness by addressing both immediate needs and long-term stability. The organization provides emergency shelter and meals, but its impact goes much deeper—it offers wraparound services like childcare, workforce readiness, housing support, and case management, all designed to help families regain independence.
The case for support for this campaign focused on how expanded facilities would allow the organization to serve significantly more families with essential services like food, housing, and educational programs. I created a structured cultivation plan that included regular, transparent communication about the organization’s mission, values, and financial practices. We organized private tours of the expanded facilities and arranged small gatherings with staff and families to ensure donors always understood both the need and the impact of their support.
I secured a seven-figure contribution, representing nearly 25% of the overall campaign goal. It was a true game-changer, giving the campaign early momentum and inspiring other donors to step forward with confidence. This campaign allowed the nonprofit to expand its facilities, which means more families now have access to critical services, from food assistance to after-school programs.
With the expanded facilities funded through the campaign, the nonprofit is now able to serve more families at once, ensuring children have a safe place to grow and parents have the tools and resources to build lasting stability. This holistic, family-centered approach has multiplied the organization’s impact in the community. Ultimately, the gift created a ripple effect that will strengthen the community for years to come.
Relationships are the Foundation of Philanthropy
Holding the CFRE helped me build trust and strengthen relationships with our donors to meet these goals. I always try to focus on making donors feel like integral partners in the work and highlight their role in advancing the organization’s vision for the future. I want them to feel heard and valued beyond just the gifts they make. Each donor should be acknowledged in ways that align with the organization’s mission and culture, whether through personal notes, impact stories, or recognition events. Many of them express feeling a deeper trust in the organization, with several noting that their involvement gave them a stronger sense of belonging to our community.
My CFRE preparation reminded me of the importance of engaging stakeholders in shaping our case. I work closely with program staff, board members, and clients to articulate the mission’s impact in their own words. This kind of collaboration not only strengthens the rationale for support but also makes the case more authentic and compelling. Several donors have remarked that hearing perspectives from multiple voices made them feel even more confident that their investment would create lasting change in the community. Building this trust with donors allows me to make a positive impact on the lives of those in my community.