Services:
Dragonfly Nonprofit Consulting LLC
No platitudes, just deliverables.
Private or Corporate Foundations
Donations are not simply for tax-deductions. It is important to genuinely know your selected nonprofit(s). Dragonfly Nonprofit Consulting LLC can help to ensure that your name is associated with a solid organization. Explore Dragonfly's Suite of Services for foundations by clicking below.
Credentials:
Elaine L. Reed, MPA, is a nonprofit professional with over 35 years of experience. She has worked in large, international non-governmental capacities and with many reputable nonprofit organizations in Naples, Florida.
During her 18-year tenure at Florida-based Naples Historical Society, Elaine led the re-building and re-branding of the organization, which suffered initially from a tumultuous institutional history. What was once a volunteer-only organization with less than $20k in its checking account (and no other accounts), grew into a remarkably viable, respected, well-funded nonprofit organization that is solidly poised for the future.
Elaine Reed (2025).
See also the 35-second video in the "About" section.
She overhauled the Governing Board, created six major initiatives, 10 educational programs, many successful community events, hired nine paid staff, motivated over 100 volunteers, and managed a programming budget that grew to $1 million at the end of her tenure.
Elaine attracted formidable Board members and graciously encouraged generous philanthropists to build an endowment which, upon her retirement, was more than $13 million. She led capital campaigns to purchase two historic houses ($5 million in total) to serve the benevolent advancement of the organization. In all, revenues generated during her celebrated 18-year tenure total over $30 million. She never hired a Development Officer, nor a Membership Director. She made the most of a lean and professional staff who understood mutual respect and dignity in the workplace.
With influential leadership, palpable inspiration, demonstrable team recognition, and personal and professional accountability, she believes almost anything can be achieved in nonprofit organizations.
While overseas (Albania, Ukraine, Armenia, and Hungary), Elaine often worked to establish and develop a network of local team leaders who would eventually steer the ship after her departure (contracts overseas ran from three to 10 months). In these vast roles, her work ranged from preparing SWOT analyses leading to strategic marketing plans for Eastern European business entrepreneurs to preparing operating guidelines to achieve company goals. She wrote a book on marketing entitled, The Art of Marketing (published in Albanian), and taught the subject at the University level. She was involved in many other interesting international projects.
Elaine earned an MPA in Nonprofit Management and a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. She has volunteered on numerous important Boards over the years. Conversational in Italian and fluent in Albanian (she worked there for four years), she maintains her language skills with anyone willing to chat. Naples, Florida, has been her full-time home since 1999.
A FULL CURRICULUM VITAE IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
Testimonials:
“I have seldom had the privilege to work alongside someone so dedicated, creative, knowledgeable and inspiring. I served on the Naples Historical Society Board and witnessed Elaine's outstanding grasp of issues and her ability to problem solve.”
Denny Glass, Former Society Board Chairman
Denny Glass and Elaine Reed greeting guests at an annual fundraiser (2021).
“I had the pleasure of working closely with Elaine at the Naples Historical Society for nearly 15 years, including six years while I served as Board Vice Chair and Chairman. Elaine's passion, dedication, and admirable approach to her work were evident in everything she accomplished. Elaine's leadership as CEO was exceptional, and it was a privilege to collaborate with her.”
Richard Prebish, Naples Historical Society, Immediate Past Chairman
“I have had the privilege of working with Elaine Reed in her capacity as the CEO of Naples Historical Society for the past five years, and the experience has been nothing short of transformative. Her unwavering dedication, professionalism, and passion for making a positive impact on preserving history in the Naples community are truly inspiring. Elaine's vision, guidance, and support have been critical to driving the Society's success.
From the very beginning, it was clear that Elaine operates with a level of transparency and integrity that set her apart. Her strategic approach to addressing complex issues, coupled with her ability to mobilize resources and engage donors and volunteers alike have led to tangible and meaningful outcomes.
I am incredibly proud to be associated with the Society and to have witnessed firsthand the work Elaine has done to drive our mission to preserve history in Naples. Her work is a testament to the power of compassion, dedication, and effective nonprofit management.”
Ginny Veras, Treasurer of the Society's Board and
Retired Senior Partner with Ernest & Young
Community Volunteering, Certificates of Appreciation, Articles/Books/Publications
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Advertising Club of Cincinnati ADDY Program Co-chair, early career
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Center for Critical Thinking, Member of the Board of Directors
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Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Certificate of Award
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eBella Magazine, Preserving Our Past (front cover)
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Florida Bar 20th Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee B, Meritorious Public Service
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Gulf Coast High School Engineering Advisory Board
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Gulfshore Business Magazine, Power Women, Making a Difference on the Gulfshore
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Gulfshore Business Magazine, Women In Business Inspiring Women Business Leaders
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Healthcare Information Technology: Role of ROI in Decision-Making, Hodges University. Presented to POMS/Chicago in May 2005 (Production & Operations Mgmt. Society)
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Historical & Archeological Preservation Board of Collier County
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Junior Achievement School Presenter, many years
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Naples Chamber of Commerce Leadership Collier
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Naples Daily News, Editorial writings
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Old Naples Living Magazine
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Top Female Executives
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The Art of Marketing, Sole Author, written while consulting in Tirana, Albania. A book about marketing published by International Fertilizer Development Center, Muscle Shoals, Alabama
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The Immokalee Foundation, Take Stock in Children, Mentor
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The Manatee vs. The Local Economy, Hodges University, Case Study Supplemental Textbook (available on Amazon)
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United Arts Council Arts Forum Chair
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Women in Communications, Chair of Student Development Program, early career
Recognitions:
About Dragonfly:
Experience and Excellence
Dragonfly Nonprofit Consulting LLC is registered as a sole proprietorship with the State of Florida (sunbiz.org), and is recognized through a successful filing with FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) for the Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOIR).
Elaine L. Reed, MPA, is the Founder & CEO.
Dragonfly Nonprofit Consulting LLC brings extensive experience and a relentless commitment to excellence in supporting nonprofits and foundations.
Why "Dragonfly?" The dragonfly symbolizes vision, achievement, enlightenment. These three powerful words are critical elements of a successful project and organization. They facilitate measuring progress because, together, we choose to evaluate the baseline, plan how the organization is being strengthened, and reflect on successful outcomes. This is why my work is based on: No platitudes, just deliverables.
It would be my pleasure to hear from you. Thank you very much for exploring your options and next steps with
Dragonfly Nonprofit Consulting LLC.
Sincerely,
Elaine L. Reed, MPA
Founder & CEO
Dragonfly Nonprofit Consulting LLC
Phone: 239-465-9622
Email: Elaine@Dragonfly-NC.com
Contact Elaine:
Let’s Discuss What YOU Want to Achieve
Let's explore how Dragonfly Nonprofit Consulting LLC can support your organization and optimize your brand and reputation plus address your expected organizational governance, staff leadership, and/or operational efficacy.
Phone: 239-465-9622
Email: Elaine@Dragonfly-NC.com