What we do
Our Experience
Our team has over 30 years of combined fundraising, philanthropic and civic engagement experience. We know nonprofits. We create public-private partnerships and we maximize the impact of philanthropic dollars.
Our Approach
We are a hands-on partner for all of our clients. We facilitate meetings, coordinate events, recruit board members, raise money, vet nonprofits, and do much more to help fill your specific needs. Unlike the other guys, we want to work with you.
Our Services
We listen to the problems faced by nonprofits and philanthropy-based organizations and work to solve them. Here's how:
- Fundraising and grant management
- Donor stewardship
- Event planning
- Executive-level coaching and development
- Business management
- and more
Who We are
Melanie Ulle, Founder and CEO
Visionary and Founder of Philanthropy Expert, Melanie views philanthropy as a true vocation. She previously worked as Senior Development Director at one of the largest foundations in the country. Her many years of professional experience include philanthropic development, political fundraising and nonprofit management. Throughout her career she has raised tens of millions of dollars, resulting in a significant impact for a broad range of candidates and organizations.
She currently mentors mid-level development professionals through a university-led leadership program, the Institute for Leadership in Development. She has been featured on the Today Show, Fox News, the Associated Press, the Denver Post, the Wall Street Journal, Martha Stewart, and dozens of other national and international news outlets. Melanie received her Bachelor of Art in international political economy from Colorado College.
Erin Flores, President
Erin brings a diverse international background to the company, and since its founding has since shifted her emphasis to primarily local and state-wide issues. Since the start of her fundraising career, she has run numerous successful fundraising campaigns primarily at the local level raising $500,000 - $3 million. Her work with nonprofits has been primarily focused on women’s issues, education and work force development. Her professional experience includes working for the State Department at the United Nations, providing district office support for a U.S. Congressman, hands-on work with development organizations in Peru, and many years of service industry experience.
Erin graduated from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts in international affairs, with an emphasis in Latin American studies and international development. She has worked at Philanthropy Expert since its inception in January 2012. She has participated in the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Impact Denver program and is the current Board Chair of the Chanda Plan Foundation.
Liz Mueller, Vice President of Client Services
In her role at Philanthropy Expert, Liz advises and supports clients through event planning and implementation, grant writing and management, research on corporate, foundation and individual prospects, recruitment of development professionals, and creation and implementation of strategic development plans. Drawing on her leadership and communication skills, she has raised millions of dollars in support of various local non-profit organizations and higher education institutions.
In her role as Assistant Director of Development for one of the largest universities in Colorado, she strategized with faculty partners to implement strategic fundraising goals for designated programs; managed a portfolio of major gift donors; and facilitated productive relationships between constituent groups. Her prior experience includes successful event planning, board development and management, and strategic planning as program staff at a research institute for women’s health. Liz’s passion for people and community is her motivation in providing clients with creative ways they can make a lasting impact in their local communities.
Kirby Lind, Director of Client Services
Kirby brings her passion for non-profit fundraising and extensive background in event management to the Philanthropy Expert team. Throughout her career working in the non-profit industry, she has gained a unique insight into donor relations, business development, budget management and community outreach. Her role at Philanthropy Expert includes event planning, donor research and analysis, and political fundraising. As a Denver Native, Kirby enjoys being able to give back to the community she was born and raised in. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree in psychology from the University of Colorado.
Elizabeth Way, Senior Consultant
Elizabeth brings more than ten years of nonprofit development and community engagement to Philanthropy Expert. Since the start of her career, she has run numerous successful fundraising events and campaigns for nonprofits devoted to human services and education. Her professional experience includes providing federal grant and program support for the Massachusetts State Commission on Service and Volunteering, recruiting and managing volunteers for nonprofits, and two terms of AmeriCorps service.
Passionate about volunteerism and supporting the community through innovative strategies, Elizabeth completed her Master of Public Administration degree with Northeastern University and her Bachelor of Arts in history and international studies with Nazareth College. She joined Philanthropy Expert in April 2019.