Our Story

Customized solutions to your fundraising challenges and opportunities

Custom Development Solutions, Inc. (CDS) was established in 1996 with the goal of providing a custom-tailored fundraising solution as a more intimate option than the "cookie-cutter" fundraising consultancies in the marketplace. Our initial reason for being 22 years ago is still the same today: to offer non-profit organizations and their Boards a more customized and intimate process and relationship as they navigate from capital campaign feasibility studies through to the execution of a successful capital campaign.

We build successful campaigns for organizations large and small, in urban, suburban, and rural settings. To date, we have raised over $2.5 billion for healthcare, the arts, independent and higher education, civic and social organizations, international humanitarian relief, market-led development, religious institutions, and community services. Discover what our clients think about us here.

Customized: tried and true techniques and processes

We apply the most effective and efficient fundraising techniques to your situation - tailoring a program to fit your organization's culture while ensuring you realize your financial goals. We also make sure our clients learn as much as possible throughout our journey together, leaving them with the ability to "fish" in the form of a healthy development practice and established donor network to continue their path forward long after we have completed our project.
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Onsite: a steady, caring and experienced presence

We are one of the few consulting firms in the United States to place a full-time Campaign Director on-site with a client where appropriate. The steady presence of our Campaign Directors enable them to truly become part of the fabric of our client's organization and community, allowing for a much deeper appreciation for needs, opportunities and challenges that may arise on the journey towards reaching a fundraising goal.

Today, we are a national network of seasoned fundraising consultants with impressive leadership and fundraising accomplishments, as well as a core team of professionals with expertise in graphic design, social media marketing, grant writing, sales, marketing, communications, public relations, leadership training, budget, business plans, and project management. Meet  our team and discover our company culture.

CDS Team
CDS Team

Client Testimonials