Nate Groonwald is a fundraising professional with over a decade of experience driving donor engagement, cultivating major gifts, and leading successful development initiatives for prominent cultural institutions. With a background in both performing arts and philanthropy, Nate brings a uniquely strategic and empathetic approach to relationship-building, donor stewardship, and institutional advancement.
Currently, Nate serves as a Senior Fundraising Consultant at Campbell & Company, where he partners with nonprofit organizations to develop and execute strategic fundraising solutions that support long-term growth and mission alignment. Prior to this role, he served as a Philanthropy Officer at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, managing a high-value portfolio of major donors and prospects. His expertise spans annual giving, major gifts, capital campaign strategy, planned giving, and young professionals’ engagement.
Nate has held leadership roles across major arts organizations, including the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Studio Theatre in Washington D.C., and Milwaukee Repertory Theater. He has consistently secured substantial funding from individual, corporate, and institutional donors, while overseeing special events, gala planning, and board engagement efforts.
Beyond his professional work, Nate serves as Chair of the Porchlight Young Professionals Associate Board, sits on the Board of Directors at Porchlight Music Theatre, and is an active member of the Development & Engagement Committee at Porchlight Music Theatre in Chicago. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from Roosevelt University and is passionate about connecting communities to the arts and supporting mission-driven organizations that create cultural impact.
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