Valerie M. Jones

Val brings her intelligence, determination, and spirit to the nonprofit world. Drawing on more than 25 years’ experience, she counsels clients on board development, capital campaigns, strategic planning, grantswriting, prospect research, development audits and plans, and major gifts. Ms. Jones, creator of her signature Nonprofit Hero asking method (previously known as the Golden Ask), has taught hundreds of volunteers and thousands of professionals to ask for gifts in ways that are authentic, inspired and successful. Prior to founding her own firm, Jones led programs that increased giving 50%-100% for her employers: Freedom Theatre, The Philadelphia Zoo, People’s Light & Theatre Company, the Chester County Historical Society and Swarthmore College.

VMJA corporate clients include a major theme park, movie studio and an insurance company. She designs systems that generate significant philanthropy at little cost to the bottom line; one such system has generated more than $11 million for wildlife conservation.

Jones has raised more than $150 million for arts, cultural and environmental organizations. She helped one client win federal funding at five times the rate of peer applicants. She secured a breakthrough sponsorship for the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and brought the Scott Arboretum through its first ever capital campaign. Long time clients applaud her skill, experience, creativity and the confidence she inspires in their boards.