Lila Gracey, President | A dynamic speaker and author with a passion for working with her clients to capitalize on their strengths, Ms. Gracey formed Grace Concepts to empower organizations with the tools they need for long-term success.

She has an unyielding commitment to help build strong communities through partnerships among government, nonprofits, philanthropists and the private sector.Ms. Gracey propels nonprofit organizations forward with innovative, creative ideas designed to give them lasting, sustainable success.

Among her specialties are fundraising, board development, strategic planning and leadership. Ms. Gracey’s book, “Secrets of Successful House Parties: Effectively Raise Money / Awareness, or Mobilize for Action,” written in an easy-to-use workbook format, was released in 2007.

Ms. Gracey combines her knowledge of fundraising techniques and leadership tactics to help organizations host house parties with the prowess of professional fundraisers. She has worked with numerous organizations across the country, including a two-year contract with the Democratic National Committee (DNC). As Director of the Gay and Lesbian Leadership Council, Ms. Gracey headed the most successful fundraising council at the DNC

Before starting Grace Concepts, Ms. Gracey served as director of donor resources for the Gill Foundation, guiding philanthropy education programs for independent major donors nationwide.

She also served as programs director for The Women’s Foundation of Colorado. Here she established grant-application and grant-review procedures, identified programs for funding and worked to establish more equal partnerships between the foundation and nonprofit organizations.

From 1993 to 1995, Ms. Gracey was chief of staff to Swanee Hunt, U. S. Ambassador to Austria. Ms. Gracey also served Hunt in the United States for several years as the chief of staff for Hunt’s political and business activities. Ms. Gracey oversaw a professionally diverse staff and guided grant making initiatives in mental health, housing and homelessness, the expansion of reproductive options for women and poverty programs.

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