Ovation Fundraising Counsel provides professional fundraising expertise to nonprofits throughout Maine. We have worked with a broad range of nonprofits including, educational institutions, arts organizations, healthcare and human service agencies, libraries, community associations, land trusts and environmental groups. We know Maine and we know Maine communities.

We are a small firm and pride ourselves on being responsive to our clients. We have the knowledge and experience to provide the fundraising help you need. We partner with colleagues and other consultants as necessary to provide a scope of services, beyond fundraising, that our clients may be looking for. Our professional relationships afford our clients access to services such as advice on fundraising software, board governance, strategic planning, and marketing and communications.

We have worked as nonprofit development professionals ourselves. We understand the stress of meeting annual fundraising goals. We have worked with Boards of Directors and countless volunteers to raise funds for organizations. We have been the chief fundraising staff member for a capital campaign and we know the challenges of multi-tasking. We also have a lot of passion for this work. We want you to enjoy fundraising as much as we do.

We know that no two organizations are alike. There are many internal and external factors that impact success in fundraising. We work closely with our clients to tailor services specifically for their needs in order to position them for long-term success.

How to begin? Contact us to discuss your fundraising needs. An initial consultation is free of charge.

Lisa Jepson Wahlstrom, CFRE

Lisa Jepson Wahlstrom, CFRE, has 30 years of expertise in fund development. A native of Maine and a graduate of Bates College, her professional experience includes annual fund programs; capital campaigns; development assessments; fundraising planning studies; donor stewardship; volunteer recruitment, training and management; community relations; special events; grant writing; and corporate sponsorships.

As a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), Lisa subscribes to the AFP Code of Ethical Principles and Standards of Professional Practice and to A Donor Bill of Rights. She is a frequent presenter at fundraising workshops, is a member of several professional organizations and is a community volunteer.

Memberships & Volunteerism

Association of Fundraising Professionals

• Past Board Member AFP-NNE
• AFP-NNE Conference Planning Committee

Maine Planned Giving Council

• Past President
• Past Chair of Leave a Legacy™

Good Samaritan Agency

• Board of Directors
• Chair, Fund Development Committee

Maine Philanthropy Center

Maine Association of Nonprofits
Rotary Club of Bangor Breakfast

• Past President
• Paul Harris Fellow

Bangor Symphony Orchestra

• Past President, Board of Directors
• Member of Development Committee

Redeemer Lutheran Church

• Stewardship Team