Bringing courage, clarity and connection to nonprofits.
Strategic support for organizations working to align fundraising, governance, and leadership.
You've been at this long enough to recognize the pattern — good people putting in real effort, but things stay stuck. Strong boards lose momentum. Fundraising teams burn out. Executive leaders carry increasing responsibility. Strategic plans gather dust.
The issue isn't effort. It's what happens when fundraising, governance, and leadership operate in silos instead of strengthening each other.
I work with nonprofit leaders to connect these pieces, providing practical systems that fit your capacity and context.
Sound familiar? Let’s talk it through.
Based in Ely, Minnesota | 35+ years leading nonprofits
Ways to work together:
I work with organizations holistically to connect fundraising, governance, and leadership, or to focus on a single area where support is needed most.
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Clarity and coherence when challenges span multiple areas of your organization.
Purpose and direction
Leadership clarity
Team alignment and accountability
Structure and systems
Culture in practice
Navigating change
Best for: Organizations where things feel stuck across multiple areas—and the challenges seem connected beneath the surface.
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Inviting generosity through clear direction, deeper relationships, and sustainable practices.
Major gifts strategy
Campaign strategy
Fundraising systems and pipelines
Development program assessment
Grant strategy and writing
Best for: Organizations where fundraising depends on a few people, feels increasingly unpredictable, or harder than it should.
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Building partnership between boards and leadership through clarity, trust, and alignment.
Board development and recruitment
Governance systems and policies
Board engagement in fundraising
Board retreats and facilitated conversations
Strategic planning
Best for: Boards and executives ready to get on the same page or strengthen how they already work together.
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Grounded leadership through space to think, honest reflection, and partnership for the work only you can do.
Executive and leadership coaching
Leadership transitions
Team and board dynamics
Interim leadership and transition support
Best for: Senior leaders navigating complexity, transition, or growth who need a thinking partner.
Learn More
I’ve sat in your seat.
For 35+ years, I’ve worked inside nonprofits as both staff and as a board partner spanning organizations from hands-on working boards to those entirely focused on governance.
I know what it's like to be where decisions aren't theoretical. The stakes are high, resources are limited, and expectations keep growing.
Choosing values-alignment takes courage. I know that feeling in your gut when you’re clear on what needs to change and you’re about to act. Clarity about mission and values also means letting some things go, which is challenging.
I’ve helped boards take those steps, and I’ve made them myself. I’m currently serving on the board of Tofte Lake Center and active with Ely for Ely, a Boundary Waters Connect initiative strengthening community capacity.
I live where time in the woods, on the water, foraging, and stewarding the land has deepened the focus I bring to my work — practical, attentive, and grounded in respect for what has come before.
If this approach appeals to you, let’s talk.
Here’s what guides my work.
At the heart of it, my role isn't to impose one-size-fits-all solutions. It's to help you see clearly, lead effectively, and build something that lasts. This work requires:
Honesty about what’s happening, not what we wish was happening.
Respect for the people who are already doing the work, as well as the context for this work.
Practical strategy that fits your capacity—not a report that sits on a shelf.
Follow through, because good ideas only matter if something changes.
What clients are saying:
“Kit has the uncanny ability to ask me questions from a point of view I had never previously seen.”
Ann W. (she/her)
Nonprofit Executive Director
“Kit is able to engage in tough conversations compassionately and gently. I'm able to express fears and share ideas with ease, knowing I won't be met with judgement. Kit is able to give advice I don't want to (but need to) hear in a way that I feel safe and seen.”
Jax S. (he/him)
Nonprofit Manager
“Kit Briem is one of the smartest, creative, and strategic professionals with whom I’ve worked. She is grounded in values of kindness, decency, fairness, and joy. Lastly, Kit is fun! Kit made me a better leader.”
Molly Greenman (she/her)
Former CEO of The Family Partnership
Let’s start a conversation.
Whether you’re facing a specific challenge, leading through complexity, or noticing something isn’t aligned, I’d welcome the chance to talk it through.
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