Welcome…
Cunningham Consulting is a specialized firm that provides experience-based strategic guidance on fundraising and related fields to universities, non-profits, and leading philanthropists.
Over 35 Years of Experience
Led by Michael G. Cunningham, the former Executive Director of the University of Oxford’s North American Office in New York, Cunningham Consulting provides hands-on, practical advice and counsel gleaned from more than thirty-five years of experience and success.
People give to people
Informed by the simple principle that people give to people, we advise clients on how to create sophisticated programs that reflect their institution's mission while producing meaningful and enduring philanthropic partnerships.
Through innovative strategies that engage stakeholders across their communities, we work with clients to rally towards a common purpose and help them achieve ambitious goals.
Services
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Fundraising guidance and strategic planning
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Leadership and major gift expertise
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Capital campaign design and implementation
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International development programs
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Board of Directors development and guidance
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Alumni engagement and event strategies
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Annual and planned giving initiatives
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Coaching and training for all staffing levels
Meet Michael Cunningham
Before forming Cunningham Consulting,
Michael served as the Executive Director of the University of Oxford’s North American Office, overseeing the University’s highly-successful fundraising and alumni relations programs across the USA and Canada.
His expertise focuses on advising colleges, universities, and nonprofits on the creation of enduring philanthropic partnerships that produce transformational gifts. He has designed and deployed highly successful alumni relations and events strategies, institutional giving programs, staff training and coaching protocols, and ambitious capital campaigns. His work on behalf of Oxford helped to secure over $1.7 billion in funding from sources in the United States, which included four gifts of over $100 million. He also planned and implemented the North American portions of Oxford’s two historic multibillion-dollar capital campaigns.
Prior to joining Oxford’s office in New York, Michael held fundraising roles at New York University (NYU) and Fordham University and worked in the marketing department of HBO. He received his BA from Fordham University, where he was a member of the speech and debate team that placed sixth in the nation. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of University Community Social Services and has volunteered at its soup kitchen since 1987. He and his wife have two adult children and divide their time between homes in Manhattan and Columbia County, NY.
Career highlights
Clients
Led a highly efficient development program that raised over $1.7 billion during his tenure with the University of Oxford.
Played a key role in securing four gifts of over $100 million.
Designed and implemented the North American portions of two historic multibillion-dollar capital campaigns.
Worked with colleagues to create a vibrant alumni relations and events program that was interwoven into Oxford’s fundraising efforts in North America.
Collaborated with the Board of Directors of the 501(c)(3) organization Americans for Oxford, Inc. to coordinate its gift acceptance system's financial and legal underpinnings.
Recruited, supervised, and mentored a diverse staff of accomplished professionals who worked cooperatively and collaboratively to achieve outstanding results.
Michael’s clients have included:
Central Park Conservancy
Rhodes Trust
Oxford Union Foundation
Gilder Lehrman Institute for American History
Solar One
Webb Institute
The Hastings Center for Bioethics
SUNY Maritime College
Sarah Lawrence College