“The world of fundraising can often seem daunting and inaccessible, especially for those without a nonprofit background or limited knowledge of the industry. My goal is to empower individuals who are new to fundraising or looking to expand their knowledge in the field, and to inspire a culture of giving that is inclusive, transparent, and community-driven. Everyone should have access to the knowledge and tools needed to make a positive impact on the causes they care about.”

Meet the Founder

Miah J. Davis

Miah J. Davis is a self-proclaimed “nonprofit wizard” based in Detroit, Michigan. With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, Miah specializes in nonprofit + development operations, maximizing donor satisfaction and retention, designing multichannel revenue generating strategies, and driving institutional change through organizational transparency and equity centered strategic planning.

She is dedicated to not only increasing donor awareness of the true needs of nonprofits and how to best serve communities in a holistic and transparent way, but also in creating truly equitable spaces for nonprofit employees to grow, thrive, and sustain their careers. Her professional practice focuses on addressing the lack of diversity within the fundraising profession and donor pipelines of cultural institutions, and she strives to make sure that people of color see themselves reflected in the leadership of the organizations they support. 

Outside of work, her hobbies include ornamental horticulture, obsessive research on new developments and trends in the fundraising profession, and sharing her love of North America’s only marsupial, the Virginia Opossum, with anyone who will listen.

History

  • Executive Director, August 2023 - Present

    Strategic executive directing the gallery’s vision, mission, operational efficiency, and resource development while fostering community partnerships, and ensuring the gallery's continued growth.

  • Engagement + Philanthropy Manager, May 2022 - August 2023

    Lead resource development initiatives for The BasBlue Foundation to secure $2M annual fundraising goal, including Development operations, donor cultivation and solicitation strategy, and Foundation program development. Managed a portfolio of six and seven figure corporate and foundation donors.

    Membership + Community Manager, August 2021 - April 2023

    Founding team member developing and executing membership strategy, serving as an organizational ambassador to members, guests, and the press; and advising on resource development.

  • Development Coordinator, July 2017 - August 2021

    Planned and implemented donor engagement strategies that contributed to $4M annual fundraising goal; Served in various leadership capacities across campus in addition to role in the Office of Institutional Advancement.

    Instructor, CCS First Year Experience, Student Affairs - August 2020 - August 2021

    Volunteer Leadership, September 2017 - August 2021

    Organizational Culture Committee, Chair

    Staff Assembly Executive Committee, Vice Chair

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Council, Leadership Team Member

    DEI Exhibitions Committee, Member

  • Store Manager, February 2015 - July 2017

    Visitor Services Associate, June 2014 - February 2015

    Gallery Attendant, August 2013 - June 2014

  • Association of Fundraising Professionals - Detroit Chapter, Board of Directors, VP for Marketing and Communications

    Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement, Member

    E. Warren Development Corp., Board of Directors, Treasurer

    Detroit Economic Club, Member

    Michigan Nonprofit Association, Member

    Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Former Member

  • Wayne State University, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Painting, 2013

    Arts and Culture Leaders of Color Fellowship, Americans for the Arts, 2020

    Marjorie S. Fisher Fellowship, Association of Fundraising Professionals - Greater Detroit Chapter, 2021