Decolonize global philanthropy by developing future-proof digital-first fundraising programs worldwide.
What used to be called “developing countries” are now some of the world’s emerging economies and diasporas: India, Brazil, China, Indonesia, Nigeria, Mexico, Malaysia, etc. Local organizations and actors on the ground are juggling shoestring budgets and unique fundraising challenges: what are the best channels and platforms for reaching your target audiences? Are your ewallet data flows optimized for personalized marketing automation? Has anyone figured out how to utilize TikTok yet?
Meanwhile, legacy humanitarian organizations may struggle under the size of their own weight to develop the type of flexible infrastructure needed for successful audience centered fundraising. How does one launch culturally thoughtful marketing activities designed to connect and inspire action in a brand new market (and in a cost-effective manner)? How can the latest in tech and data-driven decision making better assist the business decision of which markets and diasporas to pilot – and then in building operations nimble enough to scale with the market and its potential?
Emerging Gifts aims to decolonize humanitarian philanthropy by empowering organizations and practitioners working in emerging economies, populations, and causes with the best practices and resources needed to develop innovative, creative, and self-sufficient digital-first fundraising ecosystems, including strategy, infrastructure and capacity building. By fostering strategic collaboration, innovation, and creativity, we strive to ensure that local actors and the vulnerable populations they serve achieve programmatic funding self-sufficiency, ultimately reducing their reliance on international organizations and funders – and freeing up said funding for other emerging situations and strategic needs.
Hey! I’m Shannon Miller (she/her), one of the most accomplished digital fundraisers in the world.* Emerging Gifts is my passion project.
Thanks to my varied experiences at political campaigns, tech companies, marketing agencies and nonprofits, I have accrued an extensive list of record-breaking successes for local, national, and international organizations. Known for my exceptional creative and strategic planning and technical acumen, I have steered digital and multichannel fundraising programs to outstanding results while improving infrastructure and cost-effectiveness. My collaborative approach has fostered innovation and consistent growth at organizations such as UNICEF, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières, Power to Decide, and SOS Children’s Villages, resulting in industry-recognized achievements and unprecedented KPIs.
I have been an intern, a one-person individual giving team with no budget, and the manager of a growing multichannel program managing budgets of millions and am a pro at utilizing technology to work smarter, not harder. And thanks to my collaborative spirit, I am part of a global network of experts and practitioners that keep me on top of the latest technological and fundraising trends, data and privacy regulations, and best-in-class service providers.
Born and raised in Chicago, United States of America, I have a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and History from the University of Rochester and a Masters of Arts in Diplomacy and International Relations from Seton Hall University in addition to several certificates from IDEOU. I met two future Nobel Peace Prize recipients way back when, went to the same high school as former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama, and will rep deep dish pizza with my dying breaths.
*According to my husband and the countless millions I’ve helped raise for nonprofits and political campaigns around the world.
