Brad Carlson & Associates, Ltd.

About Us

Brad Carlson, CFRE has 23 years of experience in working at organizations with widely varying circumstances. Having this breadth and depth of background, Brad is better able to grasp the strengths and weaknesses that an organization may have and provide customized, tailored recommendations rather than adhering to rigid "cookie cutter" approaches.

"I have found Brad Carlson to be an exceptional development person. His knowledge of fund (and friend) raising and ability to work with prospects are well honed and an asset to any institution."
Dr. William J. Carroll, CEO
Benedictine University, Lisle, IL

"While working with Brad at the American Red Cross in Chicago it was clear to me, to our donors and to his colleagues that his personal and professional decisions were based on a strong framework of, and commitment to ethics and ethical behavior. Brad's work created some important new donor relationships for us."
William Braden, past CEO
American Red Cross, Greater Chicago Chapter

"Brad Carlson expanded our fundraising efforts considerably. I remain amazed at all that he accomplished for Hephzibah Children’s Association. We continue to build on his successful work."
Mary Anne Brown, Executive Director
Hephzibah Children’s Association, Oak Park, IL

"Brad’s counsel was vitally important during our strategic planning process. His sage advice and knowledge of nonprofit best practices helped propel us toward success."
Charles P. McLimans, Executive Director and CEO
Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry, Naperville, IL

"The impact that Brad's work had on Horizons Community Service's (Center on Halsted) fundraising was profound. He had a crucial role in beginning and expanding so many successful fundraising programs, which served as an important foundation for the organization."
Arch Boudros, Past Member, Board of Directors, Development Committee
Horizons Community Services (Center on Halsted), Chicago, IL

"Brad helped us create a development plan. Through the process, Brad showed himself to be a very knowledgeable fundraiser. Brad is firm, direct, yet personable. His recommendations are sound. He can be trusted to be frank. Brad is also an excellent listener and answers questions completely. He is very thorough and absolutely honest and ethical."
Miranda Barfuss, Development Director
TriCity Family Services, Geneva, IL

Brad Carlson, CFRE has made professional presentations on grant writing, direct mail, and planned giving programs at conferences for:

AFP - Association of Fundraising Professionals
Academy for Non-profit Excellence at the College of DuPage
CASE - Council for Advancement and Support of Education
Success in Non-Profit Careers
WSPN - West Suburban Philanthropic Network

Brad has numerous years of experience in development planning, major gifts, planned gifts, grant writing, direct mail, telemarketing, and special events, as well as experience with capital campaigns and strategic planning. Brad has worked in positions ranging from chief development officer with a staff of nine, to being the sole development employee on staff.

Brad Carlson earned the CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) credentials as a result of a combination of his experience and success in passing qualifying examinations. Brad Carlson's education includes a Master's degree in marketing and finance from Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University as well as a bachelor’s degree in economics from The College of William and Mary.

Brad’s professional work began in marketing management positions for brands of Nestle and Kraft Foods. He also worked in advertising and promotions for Allied Van Lines.

However, after eight years in consumer goods and services marketing, Brad was not satisfied with his life's work. Instead, he felt "inspired" to use his marketing talents to help not-for-profits expand their important missions.

Member of the following organizations:

Association of Fundraising Professionals

Chicago Council on Planned Giving

West Suburban Philanthropic Network