Ron Huddleston

The Huddleston Group
thehuddlestongroup.com

Scottsdale, Arizona 85262

ron@thehuddlestongroup.com
Services Provided: In-person, Online
Years of Experience: 40

About
Ron Huddleston brings more than 40 years of experience in fundraising management, serving both as a consultant and senior executive for a wide range of nonprofit organizations. Over the course of his career, he has developed, implemented, and managed philanthropic programs and nonprofit institutions across the United States and Western Europe, consistently guiding organizations toward greater sustainability and growth.

Ron has supervised or directed more than 100 major and endowment campaigns, raising close to a billion dollars for organizations spanning healthcare systems, hospitals, educational institutions, cultural organizations, animal welfare groups, human service agencies, and faith-based nonprofits. His expertise extends across leadership development, major gift solicitation, estate planning, board development, organizational strategy, marketing, branding, and capital campaign execution.

A recognized leader in the field, Ron is one of only 181 professionals worldwide to have earned the designation of FELLOW from the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy since its creation in 1967. He also holds the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential through the Association of Fundraising Professionals and is a longtime member of the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning.

Beyond his consulting work, Ron has been a frequent lecturer and author on philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and business strategy. His writings and presentations reflect his belief that successful fundraising is as much about authentic human connection as it is about strategy. That philosophy is at the heart of his book, Making Friends and Telling Stories: The Art & Science of Major Gifts, a comprehensive roadmap for nonprofit leaders seeking to transform their fundraising potential.

Ron continues to guide organizations in building philanthropic cultures, strengthening boards, and inspiring generosity that fuels missions and transforms communities.

Our Work
At The Huddleston Group, we partner with mission-driven organizations to elevate fundraising capacity, strengthen leadership, and drive lasting impact. With more than four decades of nonprofit consulting and management experience, our approach is both strategic and deeply collaborative.

We begin by listening — understanding your goals, challenges, and organizational culture — and then design a customized set of services to meet you where you are and propel you forward. Whether you aim to launch a capital campaign, revitalize your major gifts program, or sharpen board engagement, our consulting is tailored to your needs.

Our Core Services:
Campaign Planning & Feasibility Studies — Assessing readiness, testing donor support, and developing a roadmap for successful capital or endowment campaigns.

Capital Campaign Management — Guiding campaigns from case development and solicitation strategy to execution and reporting.

Philanthropic Program Assessments — Auditing development operations and systems to identify strengths and gaps, with practical recommendations for improvement.

Major & Planned Giving Counsel — Supporting organizations in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding transformational gifts.

Board & CEO Advancement Training — Equipping leadership and boards to embrace their roles in fundraising, governance, and accountability.

Interim Staffing & Specialized Services — Providing temporary leadership or targeted expertise in communications, marketing, case writing, video, and donor engagement strategies.

As a boutique firm, we limit the number of engagements we accept, ensuring each client receives senior-level attention, tailored strategy, and our full commitment.

When you engage The Huddleston Group, you gain more than a consultant — you gain a partner who shares your passion for mission, understands the realities of nonprofit leadership, and is dedicated to turning your vision into lasting philanthropic success.

Expertise: Board/Governance, Nonprofit Management, Fundraising, Strategic Planning, Marketing
Other Areas of Expertise: Major Gifts, Capital Campaigns, Campaign Planning Study's, Development Audits, Planned Giving & Interim Executive Staffing