Best Practice Fundraising Services
About Best Practice FS
Who We Are
With more than 20 years of leadership-level experience in major gift fundraising, Dr. Charles (Chad) Vogel, sole owner and operator of Best Practice FS, has held prominent positions such as Athletic Director at his alma mater, Dakota Wesleyan University, and later served as Associate Dean of Advancement at the University of Illinois. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated success in managing capital campaigns within higher education and healthcare sectors. Dr. Vogel is also a certified grant writer with a mastery in federal guidance principles. Currently, he is leveraging his extensive fundraising background to consult clients on fundraising and submit state & federal grant proposals. Best Practice FS is dedicated to top-notch service and success.
What We Do
Major Gift Fundraising Strategies
Best Practice FS specializes in helping nonprofits unlock their potential to secure transformative gifts that drive their missions forward. With a comprehensive approach, the firm empowers organizations to build sustainable donor relationships and achieve impactful results. With deep expertise and a commitment to nonprofit success, Best Practice FS helps organizations secure the resources they need to make a lasting impact.
Capital Campaigns
Best Practice FS employs a phased approach to capital campaign management, guiding nonprofits through every stage for a successful outcome. The process begins with a feasibility study to assess readiness, followed by comprehensive campaign planning to set goals, strategies, and leadership structures. During the quiet phase, the focus is on cultivating major gifts and building momentum, typically securing 50-70% of the goal before transitioning to the public phase, which engages the broader community through events and outreach. The campaign concludes with robust stewardship, ensuring donors are acknowledged and relationships are strengthened for future engagement. This structured methodology ensures organizations achieve their goals while fostering lasting donor connections.
State and Federal Grants
Best Practice FS offers expert state and federal grant services led by a Certified Grant Writer and a professional certified in Federal Uniform Guidance Principles under 2 CFR 200. With a proven track record, Best Practice FS helps nonprofits, businesses, and organizations secure competitive funding for transformative projects. Services include identifying grant opportunities, strategic planning, crafting compelling proposals, budget preparation, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. From application to post-award reporting, Best Practice FS provides the expertise and guidance needed to navigate complex grant processes and achieve successful outcomes.
Why It Matters
Best Practice FS Can Help Change the World
Best Practice FS matters because it offers a unique, client-centered approach to fundraising and grant consulting that prioritizes long-term success and sustainable outcomes. By focusing on delivering high-quality service through limited to no obligation contractual arrangements, Best Practice FS creates trusted partnerships with clients, allowing them to feel secure in the process without the pressure of binding commitments. With Dr. Charles (Chad) Vogel's extensive experience in major gift fundraising, capital campaigns, and federal grant guidance, Best Practice FS provides specialized expertise that helps organizations thrive, empowering them to reach their financial goals while strengthening their mission. This approach not only drives immediate impact but also ensures that clients are equipped for continued growth and success. Additionally, clients will never be greeted by another representative of Best Practice FS because the company believes the client/consultant relationship is best when it builds over time.
What People Say About Best Practice FS
Jennifer Simmelink
Jennifer Simmelink
Jennifer Simmelink
Our organization contracted with Chad to help prepare a grant application. It had a tight timeline which Chad navigated us through very efficiently, keeping each week's tasks manageable while also allowing for an early application submittal. He took the rough framework and budget for our proposed project and built out a complete narrativ
Our organization contracted with Chad to help prepare a grant application. It had a tight timeline which Chad navigated us through very efficiently, keeping each week's tasks manageable while also allowing for an early application submittal. He took the rough framework and budget for our proposed project and built out a complete narrative, objectives, and budget. Chad was knowledgeable, professional, and easy to work with.
Amy Sue Alesch
Jennifer Simmelink
Jennifer Simmelink
I have worked with Chad for over five years in the non-profit and grants world. I continue to be impressed with his development in this field. I have learned quite a bit from his strategic thinking regarding the grant process required for Federal and State grants. Chad understands what needs to be done, who needs to be included, and has
I have worked with Chad for over five years in the non-profit and grants world. I continue to be impressed with his development in this field. I have learned quite a bit from his strategic thinking regarding the grant process required for Federal and State grants. Chad understands what needs to be done, who needs to be included, and has the skill set to bring this process to a successful conclusion. I have been in the grants field for over 20 years and Chad is one of the people I enjoy working with the most because of his authenticity, efficiency, willingness to learn, and passion for each project he works on.
Jason Geiken
Jennifer Simmelink
Jason Geiken
Dr. Vogel is an accomplished fundraiser under both the individual major gift model as well and the government grant writing model. He has been very successful in funding projects for agricultural projects, including vital research and conservation efforts. He’s a great communicator in both spoken and written formats and is an expert at b
Dr. Vogel is an accomplished fundraiser under both the individual major gift model as well and the government grant writing model. He has been very successful in funding projects for agricultural projects, including vital research and conservation efforts. He’s a great communicator in both spoken and written formats and is an expert at building a compelling narrative. He’s been a valued colleague to whom I’ve admired and respected for more than ten years.