Founder & lead consultant

Nate Warren

Understanding before advising. Sixteen years of nonprofit development across prestigious institutions taught me that successful fundraising isn't about templates. It's about relationships, and tailoring strategy to each organization's culture and needs.

I live in Boston with my wife, Megan, and our dog, Riley (Head of Security and Chief Happiness Officer).

Nate Warren, founder of Ask the Turtle
Results that matter

A track record of transformational growth.

Across diverse institutions, the strategies build lasting donor relationships and momentum that keep generating results long after implementation.

$10.3M → $17.2M
Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston · Individual giving
67% increase

Individual giving grew 67% over two years through donor-centric strategy and transformational gift cultivation, with a leadership role in a $200M campaign launch.

$150M+
Raised, career

Through personal donor portfolios and teams under supervision.

$5.2M→$10.9M
Boston College athletics

110% growth in annual giving, a record despite pandemic disruption.

129%
Donor growth

Over 5,000 new donors added to Boston College athletics giving.

$50M+
Capital campaigns

Louisiana Tech facility renovations and improvements directed.

Experience

Sixteen years across leading institutions.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston

2023 to 2025
Senior Director of Individual Giving
  • Grew revenue from $10.3M to $17.2M
  • Secured multiple eight-figure gifts
  • Leadership role in $200M campaign launch

Harvard University

2023
Senior Associate Director
  • Oversaw all athletic development strategy
  • Integrated 26 sport-specific volunteer boards
  • Title IX 50th anniversary leadership

Boston College

2019 to 2022
Assistant Director of Athletics
  • Record growth: $5.2M to $10.9M
  • 129% increase in donor participation
  • Launched "Support Your Sport" ($3M annually)

University of Tennessee

2016 to 2019
Director of Annual Giving
  • Managed a $28M annual fund
  • Secured first seven-figure gift from an underrepresented donor
  • 200+ donor meetings annually

Louisiana Tech University

2014 to 2016
Assistant Athletics Director
  • Two most successful fundraising years in school history
  • $50M+ in facility renovations
  • $20M+ in capital gifts secured

Kansas State University

2009 to 2014
Assistant Director & Graduate Assistant
  • Record-breaking athletics giving
  • Leadership annual giving programs
  • Ahearn Fund rebranding
How I work

Four commitments, every engagement.

Respect staff time

Accessibility

Learn by doing

Transparency

A simple belief

Anyone can be a fundraiser. The best strategy comes from your own wisdom, not someone else's playbook.

Walk the path with us