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Polestar (pōl'stär'). Polaris, or the north star. A guide or director.

GRANT READINESS

Are you launching a new organization?  Developing a new program?  We will work with you to ensure you have everything in place to maximize your appeal to potential funders.

GRANTWRITING

Whether you need support with a specific proposal or multiple applications and reports, we can help. Schedule your free, one-hour consultation today.

FUNDRAISING COMMUNICATIONS

You do great work - now tell your story. From seasonal appeals to year-long, multi-channel fundraising campaigns,  find out how we will collaborate to inspire donors to support your mission.

ABOUT

 

When it comes to funding your organization's mission, it can be challenging to find your way. If you are seeking strategic direction for your fundraising communications, you've come to the right place. PoleStar Communications can add capacity to your development team and free up staff time for program delivery. 

 

PoleStar Communications Founder and Principal Kate Neville has served as a fundraising professional at Puget Sound area non-profit organizations for nearly 20 years. Thanks to first-hand experience as a Development Director, Program Manager, Board Member and Volunteer, she understands the challenges non-profit professionals face every day.

 

Storytelling is our passion! Get in touch today and let's find out how we can collaborate.

TESTIMONIALS

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"As a consultant for many private foundations, I've always found Kate extremely easy to work with. She is readily responsive, consistently asks the right questions, provides the right information in a clear and timely way, and offers creative ways of learning about her organization. She's a natural!"

-Therese Ogle, Foundation Advisor, Northwest Grantmaking Resources

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"During her time at the Zoo, Kate raised $1-2 million each year through foundation proposals, including successful six-figure and multi-year proposals for operating and capital support. By articulating Woodland Park Zoo’s story in clear and compelling ways, Kate contributed significantly to the success of our More Wonder, More Wild campaign."

-Sarah Valentine, CFRE, Vice President of Development, Woodland Park Zoo

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Kate’s enthusiasm, smarts, and writing skills helped her succeed as Development Director for Washington Trails Association. In addition to leading a strong team, Kate developed compelling proposals to corporate and foundation funders, attracting new support for the organization’s youth and volunteer engagement programs. As WTA’s Finance Director, I appreciated that she was able to translate our internal budgets into a funder-friendly format that got results.

-Marjorie Kittle, Salix Advisors LLC

 

"Kate developed our orchestra's grant program from scratch. Years later we are still using the calendar and systems she developed."

-Nick Musser, Board President, Lake Union Civic Orchestra

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"Kate's organization and thoughtful approach to planning applications and reports made a significant positive impact for the theater."

-Jamie Herlich McIalwain, Director of Development, Seattle Rep

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