Craige Gravestein

CFRE, FFIA, MFINZ

Recipient of Fundraising Institute Australia’s Arthur Venn Lifetime Achievement Award

Director, Chief Big Gifts

There are not many people who get the chance to help the homeless, find a cure, save the planet or feed and clothe millions of the world’s poorest people.

As ‘Chief Big Gifts’, I’ve spent the past 25 years facilitating and raising hundreds of millions of dollars in partnership with hundreds of not-for-profits. The success of that work has contributed to transformational changes in healthcare, education, animal welfare, religious and social services. Passing that experience on to others ensures it lives on.

Having the money empowers others to act. My passion is seeing high net worth individuals experience the joy of giving and the fruit of their hard work and generosity.

Brian Holmes

FFIA, M.Edplus

National Chair of Fundraising Institute Australia, 2012-14

Director, Philanthropologist

I love what I do. That’s the reason I’ve been doing it for more than 25 years.

I love that I’ve been able to help so many amazing people, organisations and causes raise millions of dollars. I love that I meet so many remarkable people with a spirit of generosity. I love that every day I get to help successful people become significant people by expanding their philanthropic experience.

The industry recognition of our success is valued but tomorrow morning I get another opportunity to make a significant difference by bringing big givers and wonderful causes together again. That’s what I love.

Roewen Wishart

CFRE, FFIA

Recipient of Fundraising Institute Australia’s Arthur Venn Lifetime Achievement Award

Director, High Value & Strategy

It feels personally rewarding to see the chemistry happen between great donors and great causes. I take pride in helping not-for-profits to building great fundraising teams, and great relationships between not-for-profits and significant donors. For over twenty years, I’ve helped to create the difference which transformational major gifts bring.

Smart planning, clear analysis, and committed leadership make all to the difference to an organisation’s growth. Our sector has a special place in the world to solve the hardest problems and meet the deepest needs. Passionate people, innovation and responsiveness – from the local to the global – make this possible. I enable organisations to get the resources to do this.

Dr Erica Myers-Davis

DBA, MBUS (Marketing), EFIA

Chief Provocateur

From small, local charities to large, international organisations, I use nearly two decades of fundraising and marketing expertise to find those nuggets of gold within, that help make the ordinary… extraordinary.

Like a bridge I bring together funders and visionaries together to make the world a better place for all of us.

Simone Plunkett

BComm, MFIA

Senior Consultant

Over the last 16 years I have been delighted to apply my strategic and contemporary stakeholder management, marketing and business skills in innovative ways to create state-wide and national campaigns which have generated millions of dollars in revenue for the Not for Profit organisations I have worked with.

It is work that has generated new and diverse income streams, established long term and multi-year philanthropic partnerships resulting in high value donor engagement. I thrive on developing and leading portfolios which have encompassed Capital and Capacity Campaigns, development of Major Gift Programs, Gift in Will, Trusts and Foundations, generating thousands of new supporters to take NFP brands and stakeholders to new heights.

Mat Fisher

BArts, MFIA

Senior Consultant

Bringing people together to help solve some of our society’s most complex problems is the wonderful opportunity I have each day. I consider myself so fortunate to be working with equally passionate changemakers from all walks of life.  

Having worked across both commercial business and Not for Profit organisations for over 30 years, I thoroughly enjoy seeing the convergence of both sectors. 

I am a firm believer in the power of storytelling to not only move, but also motivate an audience towards action – and that is when great things can happen.

Everyday I am reminded of how philanthropists are seeking out ways to be more intentional with their donations, and how the charities are responding to this ‘evolution of giving’ in Australia.

Lauren Shepherd

MFIA

Senior Consultant

Bringing 18 years of experience in the For Purpose sector, I am dedicated to championing impactful causes and generating meaningful outcomes.

My experience spans the intricacies of major gifts programs, philanthropic grants, campaign management, and the strategic administration of state based and national corporate and community fundraising initiatives, signature events and partnerships.

At the core of my capabilities lies a passion for cultivating enduring relationships and the development of programs that yield successful outcomes. Creating profound opportunities for philanthropists to deliver lasting impact in the areas that deeply resonate with them, is what I find most rewarding.

Caroline Hicks

BArts, MFIA

Senior associate

I’m so fortunate to have worked as a consultant and volunteer with a multitude of organisations including universities, hospitals and medical research institutes both in Australia and the UK.

Raising funds and awareness for world class institutions whilst having the privilege of meeting royalty, prime ministers, leading dignitaries, poet and nobel laureates, captains of industry, celebrities and high net worth individuals has been an absolute honour throughout my 25 year career in philanthropy.

Working with the talented team at Xponential over the years, I feel exhilarated helping not for profit organisations maximise their fundraising goals and I am confident in our combined passion for helping make transformational change. 

Corinne Hotchkin

BA (Comm/Journalism)

Case and Prospect Development

I’ve been privileged to see the life-changing work of not-for-profits from various perspectives during my career. Over 30 years, roles in youthwork, fundraising, journalism and lecturing have provided insights into the transformational opportunities many organisations offer.

Helping not-for-profits bring their inspiring stories to life is my passion. I love writing, and feel honoured to work alongside groups to raise awareness of their amazing missions and encourage philanthropy that enables them to make significant changes in the world.

Nina Singer

BA Asian Studies, GDip Journalism, MEd

Prospect Researcher

I am so happy to be on the team at Xponential. After spending many years abroad in education, lecturing and teaching in Japanese universities, I have found my place in a worthy organisation taking on a position I’m passionate about.

Playing a part in helping people come together and experience the overwhelming satisfaction giving can bring gives me great pleasure.Knowing that my research plays a small but important role in making a difference to so many people’s lives is gratifying for me.

Taking small steps towards big changes.

Andrea Lester

Office Manager

Being part of Xponential means being part of a team that enables great causes to have a greater impact.

My role is to ensure that as a professional firm we operate smoothly and efficiently. It helps our team stay focused on the best outcomes for our clients.

Systems,accounts, and compliance might not have ‘sex appeal’ but it’s all part of what makes Xponential Australia’s most successful fundraising consultancy team.