Fundraising is a journey.

Let us be your beacon.
Vision and direction

for nonprofit organizations.
[bee-kuhn]; noun: “A person or thing that illuminates or inspires.”

Experts in fundraising. Partners in nonprofit success.

Beacon serves as a light, guiding nonprofits to financial success. We develop long-lasting, deeply personal relationships with our clients, serving as a trusted advisor, guide and friend.

Lisa Lee, CFRE

lisa@beaconaustin.com

Lisa Lee brings more than 20 years of development experience in Austin’s nonprofit sector to Beacon, including deep knowledge and skill in the areas of capital campaign management, major gifts, corporate and foundation relations, event fundraising, annual giving, membership and more. Prior to joining Beacon in 2014, Lisa worked in development officer roles with large and mid-sized nonprofits, most recently completing a $17 million campaign to build the new Austin Children’s Museum, the Thinkery. Lisa earned her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential in 2004, and was named Outstanding Fundraising Professional by AFP in 2012. She served as president of the AFP Greater Austin Chapter in 2007. Connect on LinkedIn
Mollie O’Hara, CFRE, CFRM

mollie@beaconaustin.com

Mollie O’Hara offers over 25 years of hands-on experience in successful development programs, both as a consultant and professional fundraiser. She has worked with organizations of all kinds, from small, social service groups to major universities. With a desire to provide high-quality capital campaign consulting to the Austin nonprofit community, Mollie founded the company in December 2010 and continues to be recognized by her peers as an expert in fundraising. A member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals since 1996, Mollie was named Outstanding Fundraising Professional in 2004 and served as president of the Greater Austin Chapter in 2012. Additionally, Mollie earned the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) distinction in 2001 and a Certificate in Fund Raising Management from Indiana University in 2017. Connect on LinkedIn
Rachel Elder, CFRM

rachel@beaconaustin.com

Rachel Elder joined the Beacon team in 2016 and soon thereafter earned a Certificate in Fund Raising Management (CFRM) from Indiana University. She has extensive experience in university fundraising models, major gifts, capital campaigns, volunteer management, and grassroots fundraising on a local and national scope. Rachel gained her development experience in organizations including Rice University, St. Edward’s University, and the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research. Her commitment to volunteerism and resource development enhance her dedication to the community. Currently, Rachel serves on the board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Austin Chapter and is an active volunteer with the Austin Independent School District, Generation SERVE and Forklift Danceworks. Connect on LinkedIn

Mollie O’Hara offers over 25 years of hands-on experience in successful development programs, both as a consultant and professional fundraiser. She has worked with organizations of all kinds, from small, social service groups to major universities. With a desire to provide high-quality capital campaign consulting to the Austin nonprofit community, Mollie founded the company in December 2010 and continues to be recognized by her peers as an expert in fundraising. A member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals since 1996, Mollie was named Outstanding Fundraising Professional in 2004 and served as president of the Greater Austin Chapter in 2012. Additionally, Mollie earned the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) distinction in 2001 and a Certificate in Fund Raising Management from Indiana University in 2017. Connect on LinkedIn

Vision and direction for nonprofit organizations.

Beacon works with nonprofits to guide strategic direction, improve financial health and, in turn, fuel their missions. By imparting lasting skills and enabling clients to cultivate the generosity of our neighbors, Beacon brings clarity and direction in implementing fundraising strategies and campaigns.

Feasibility and Planning Studies

It’s a best practice for organizations to hire outside counsel to gain an objective perspective on how ready the community is to support a proposed capital or endowment project, and to set realistic fundraising goals. We guide organizations to develop the tools and tactical plans to raise funds for viable projects.
Capital Campaign Counsel

Fundraising success is the result of putting the strategy into action, and maintaining momentum to the finish line. Beacon’s experienced campaign professionals become an extension of your staff, helping to manage the implementation of the strategy, support volunteers with coaching and training, bring creative problem solving, and provide accountability to accelerate fundraising progress.
Board and Staff Coaching and Training

Whether you’ve identified a specific area for improvement or seek to broadly grow fundraising competency, Beacon will create a personalized learning experience to empower staff and volunteer leaders with strengthened fundraising knowledge and skills.

Strategic Planning

A solid strategic plan is the foundation of all sustainable fundraising programs. Beacon can lead your organization through a process that clarifies the unique value of your organization within our community, and the priority goals and objectives that can maximize the social impact of your programs and services.
Development Assessments

Is your development operation where it needs to be to maximize fundraising success? Is your greater organization helping or hindering the efforts of your development staff? Beacon will assess current operations, identify challenges, and recommend an actionable plan to improve your fundraising effectiveness.
Customized Services

Our team holds deep experience in all areas of fund development and nonprofit leadership. Contact us with your unique challenges and areas for improvement, and we’ll formulate a client-centered solution for your organization.

Guidance through transformational change.

The path forward is not always clear, but with creative problem solving and a client-centered approach, Beacon will work alongside your entire organization to guide you to success.

Recent Partnerships

Client-driven and success-driven.

Beacon is committed to bettering our community and our clients’ success is critical to that goal. You can rely on our team to be a pillar of strength and light at every step of the way.

All our experiences working with Beacon have been productive, informative and fun! Mollie and her team epitomize competent efficiency and organization. Their vast wealth of experience and professionalism has effected successful and effective partnerships with HCC time and time again for strategic planning, training and facilitation.
George Cofer CEO, Hill Country Conservancy

The team at Beacon demonstrates that their goals are our goals. They quickly engage staff and volunteers and develop meaningful relationships based in trust and expert counsel. They aren’t afraid to say the hard things and they are respected for that. I know I can always rely on Beacon to be there for our organization.
Mike Nellis CEO, Austin Community Foundation

Mollie’s approach to fundraising is totally refreshing and enjoyable. She demystifies the process and helps you see how fundraising is truly a win-win for everyone – donors and organizations alike.
Karen LaShelle Executive and Artistic Director, Creative Action

The Beacon Team gives so much back to the community in which they serve and work. They inspire us, as fundraisers, to aim higher for the nonprofits where we work and for ourselves, as professionals. Mollie, Lisa and Rachel inspire more people than they will ever know, because of the way they each lead. It is an honor to know and work alongside each of them.
Rachel Mallernee Director of Development, Literacy First
Former President, AFP Greater Austin Chapter

Let’s build community together.

You want to make our community a great place to live. So do we! Please use the form below to get connected with us.

Fundraising is a journey.

Let us be your beacon.

Vision and direction

for nonprofit organizations.

[bee-kuhn]; noun: “A person or thing that illuminates or inspires.”

Experts in fundraising. Partners in nonprofit success.

Lisa Lee, CFRE

Mollie O’Hara, CFRE, CFRM

Rachel Elder, CFRM

Vision and direction for nonprofit organizations.

Feasibility and Planning Studies

Capital Campaign Counsel

Board and Staff Coaching and Training

Strategic Planning

Development Assessments

Customized Services

Guidance through transformational change.

WAYA

KIPP Texas - Austin

Thinkery

Pease Park Conservancy

Austin Parks Foundation

Hill Country Conservancy

Recent Partnerships

Client-driven and success-driven.

Let’s build community together.

Thanks! We will be in touch soon.