More Generosity. Greater Impact.
There is more generosity in the world than we think.
My purpose is showing you how to unlock it.
At Locke Step Partners, we empower nonprofit leaders and generous families to achieve more than they ever thought possible.
Whether you’re building a stronger fundraising program, preparing for a major campaign, making meaningful giving decisions, or advising clients on their charitable goals, we bring the strategy, experience, and practical guidance to help you move forward with confidence.
For Nonprofits
Stop Scrambling. Start Raising More.
You have a bold vision. But turning that vision into sustainable funding takes more than another grant application or fundraising event.
We work alongside nonprofit leaders and their teams to strengthen donor relationships, diversify revenue, build organizational capacity, and create fundraising strategies that actually get implemented.
How We Help
Fundraising Strategy & Coaching
Move beyond reactive fundraising with a clear strategy, stronger donor relationships, and practical systems that support long-term growth. From major gifts to annual giving, we provide coaching and guidance that builds your team’s confidence and capacity.
Campaign Planning & Leadership
Big visions require thoughtful preparation. We guide organizations through campaign readiness assessments, feasibility studies, case development, donor strategy, and campaign planning. When you’re ready to launch, we can coach your leadership team or provide comprehensive campaign management.
Board Development
Your board should be one of your greatest assets—not another fundraising challenge. Through customized retreats, training, and coaching, we help board members understand their roles, build confidence, strengthen engagement, and become effective ambassadors for your mission.
Fundraising Operations & Capacity
Great fundraising requires more than good ideas. We help strengthen the systems behind your success, from donor databases and revenue planning to fundraising calendars, operational assessments, and implementation roadmaps.
Grant Services
Find the right opportunities and pursue them strategically. Our services include funding research, prospect identification, grant strategy, proposal development, contract grant writing, and grant tracking.
DIY Tools, Training & Resources
Practical fundraising education for organizations ready to take action. Explore workshops, downloadable tools, courses, and resources designed to help your team build skills and make progress at your own pace.
For Generous Families
Give with Purpose. Create a Legacy That Lasts.
Your generosity is personal. And as your giving grows, the decisions can become more complex.
A significant charitable gift. A family foundation. A business sale. Bringing children or grandchildren into the conversation.
We help individuals and families navigate these decisions with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.
How We Help
Charitable Giving Strategy
Clarify your philanthropic priorities and create a personalized approach to giving that reflects your values, interests, and goals.
Family Philanthropy
Navigate family dynamics, differing perspectives, and important conversations about wealth, generosity, and shared decision-making.
Legacy & Next-Generation Engagement
Explore what you want your generosity to accomplish across generations and find meaningful ways to engage children and grandchildren.
Nonprofit Discovery & Due Diligence
Identify organizations doing work you care about, evaluate opportunities, and make informed decisions about where your charitable dollars can make a difference.
Private Foundation Advisory
Establish or strengthen your foundation’s mission, governance, grantmaking processes, and family engagement with independent, personalized guidance.
Ongoing Philanthropic Partnership
Gain a trusted philanthropic advisor who can help you navigate decisions, evaluate opportunities, and adapt your giving as your goals evolve.
For Trusted Advisors
Give Your Clients More. Without Adding More to Your Plate.
Your clients trust you with important financial, legal, tax, and estate planning decisions. But when charitable giving becomes more complex, the questions often go beyond technical expertise.
That’s where we come in.
We partner with financial advisors, estate planning attorneys, CPAs, family offices, and other trusted professionals to help clients navigate the human side of philanthropy.
How We Help
Charitable Giving Conversations
Help clients explore their values, clarify charitable intentions, and connect their generosity to a meaningful purpose.
Family Facilitation
Navigate sensitive conversations, differing priorities, and shared decision-making so families can move forward together.
Next-Generation Engagement
Help clients engage children and grandchildren in meaningful conversations about wealth, generosity, and legacy.
Philanthropic Strategy & Legacy Planning
Translate charitable goals into actionable strategies that complement financial, legal, tax, and estate planning.
Nonprofit Research & Due Diligence
Provide independent research and evaluation to help clients make informed, confident charitable decisions.
Collaborative Advisory Support
Work alongside your team to ensure philanthropic priorities are reflected in the broader planning process.
You bring the technical expertise. We help navigate the human side. Together, we create a stronger experience for your clients.
The Locke Step Partners Difference
Experience. Perspective. Practical Solutions.
With more than 25 years of experience and over $50 million raised throughout her career, founder Danielle M. Locke, MPA, CAP®, brings a perspective shaped by working on both sides of generosity.
As a fundraising strategist, Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®, and 21/64 Certified Philanthropic Advisor, Danielle understands the needs of organizations seeking support and the individuals and families who want their giving to make a difference.
Let’s unlock what’s possible.
"Danielle presented on Donor Engagement for our annual nonprofit symposium. Her presentation was VERY well received and she got 5-star ratings from all of our attendees.
Her information was clear and concise, and it was obvious that she would be an excellent resource for nonprofits looking for assistance with development."
"Danielle at Locke Step Partners is a great ally for those of us at small non-profits. She has provided our organization with actionable steps towards reaching our fundraising goals that aren't overwhelming for an already thinly stretched staff. Definitely recommend!"
"I found Locke Step Partners' workshops incredibly useful for nonprofits. Danielle's expertise was outstanding, and her friendly teaching style made it easy to take away practical knowledge that could be implemented immediately."
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