
about us
Background & Philosophy
“Organizations striving to achieve impact at scale are most successful when they leverage the strengths of all sectors - nonprofit, for-profit and government.” *

Meet Jill May
Trisector Consulting President & Senior Consultant
Jill is a lifelong nonprofit professional, with more than 20 years of experience as a leader in the nonprofit sector. Her skillset centers on managing relationships with individual donors and investors, foundations, corporations, and government funders.
Beyond her knowledge and expertise, it’s her individualized, boutique-style fundraising that sets her apart from the rest.
When it comes to fundraising, the traditional “one size fits all” approach is no longer effective to meet the varied needs of today’s dynamic and ever-evolving nonprofit sector.
Jill is here to bring each organization innovative new ways to achieve their long term goals.
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As Director of Development for The Right Place, Jill established a formal fund development program and accompanying operational infrastructure, and launched a $15 million campaign to fully fund the organization for five years.
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She also served as Director of Lending for Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW), Interim Executive Director of the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce; and as Fund Development Consultant for Venture North Funding & Development in Traverse City.
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Jill has held fund development positions at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, the American Cancer Society and Catholic Charities of West Michigan.
She has collectively raised millions of dollars for these organizations.
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Jill is also experienced in grant making, having served as a Program Officer for the Frey Foundation, and through her volunteer service on grant making committees for Impact 100 and the Grand Rapids Community Foundation.
Having served on both sides of the table has provided her with a well-rounded perspective into what funders are looking for when considering investing in an organization’s mission. If adaptable, specialized, cutting-edge consulting is what an organization needs, Jill is the one for the job.
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Experienced Nonprofit Leader
Jill earned a master’s degree in public and nonprofit administration from Grand Valley State University (GVSU) and a bachelor’s degree in journalism and communications from Olivet College.
She was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus by GVSU and has been nominated for the Young Athena Award and Young Nonprofit Professional of the Year Award.
Jill currently serves on the Board of Directors for Up North Pride and the Grand Rapids Artists Bureau, and on the Our LGBTQ+ Fund Advisory Committee at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. She has also served on the Ecosystem for Nonprofit Leadership Advisory Board at the Johnson Center for Philanthropy at GVSU.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION & BELONGING
Trisector Consulting is committed to providing an inclusive environment for our employees, clients, and communities alike. Organizations are more successful when they leverage the strengths of all sectors and all people– regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, identity or experience. Our promise is to champion diversity and do our part to create a community and world where everyone feels like they belong.