When I launched Erdle Consulting Group in 2006, I set out to tackle the persistent challenges I’d witnessed in the nonprofit fundraising world. Drawing on more than a decade of hands-on experience, I wanted to reimagine how donors, nonprofits, and communities could work together for greater good.
My time at Davidson College—though brief—was transformative. There, I saw firsthand what truly effective fundraising and fund development could look like. Later, as I raised corporate funds across Latin America, I kept returning to a simple question: How can we create solutions that work for both donors, nonprofits and beneficiaries?

Whether I was helping launch a new academic building at Davidson or supporting childcare for entrepreneurial women in Colombia, one thing remained constant: authentic, mission-driven conversations. By focusing on core values, desired impact, and real solutions, we built strategies that advanced the goals of both donors and the communities about which they cared.
One of my personal core values – family.
Today, these same principles guide our work in philanthropy. Every partnership begins with a deep dive into your core values, philanthropic identity, and vision for impact. We assess who’s involved, clarify your “why,” and then map out a path to operational excellence and meaningful results. Together, we craft a plan that lets you grow, prioritize, and lead with purpose—while keeping the process refreshingly simple.
As we continue to build connections and drive change, we hold ourselves to the same standards we encourage in our clients. Here are the five core values that shape everything we do at Erdle Consulting Group:
Core Values of Erdle Consulting Group
1. Strategic Impact Through Planning and Execution
Real impact doesn’t happen by accident—it starts with a thoughtful plan and evolves into a lifelong practice. We work side-by-side with clients to transform ideas into action, ensuring every strategy delivers measurable results and lasting value for donors, foundations, and nonprofits.
2. Simple, Client-Focused Solutions
Philanthropy should be accessible, not overwhelming. Our four core modules simplify planning and grantmaking, making it easy to get started while honoring what makes each client unique. We blend best practices with flexibility, so every solution fits your needs and advances your mission.
3. Thought Leadership and Continuous Learning
Staying ahead means staying curious. We connect you with the latest insights and proven practices from across the sector, helping you build dynamic plans that reflect your values. Our commitment to lifelong learning ensures you’re always prepared for what’s next.
4. Collaborative and Relational Philanthropy
Great philanthropy is built on trust and relationships. We help clients move beyond transactions to create genuine partnerships—with individuals, foundations, nonprofits, and communities. Together, we foster open dialogue and co-create solutions that drive lasting, community-led impact.
5. Operational Excellence and Systems Thinking
Success is sustainable when it’s rooted in strong systems. We help clients align their values, streamline their operations, and measure what matters. By embracing systems thinking and decisive leadership, we guide you toward the joy and fulfillment of a well-executed, values-driven plan.
These values are more than words—they’re the foundation of every client relationship and every project we take on. At Erdle Consulting Group, we believe that when you lead with purpose and clarity, you set yourself—and your philanthropy—up for lasting success.
Here are some questions you might ask as you think about your Core Values:
- What are the most meaningful moments in my life, and what made them significant to me?
- When did I feel most proud of myself? What values were present in those moments?
- Who inspires me, and what qualities or values do they embody that I admire?
- What are the top three things I want to be remembered for?
- When have I felt most fulfilled or truly alive? What was happening, and what values were being honored?
- How do I want these to show up in my community and through my giving?
- What is our foundation’s purpose or mission, and why do we exist as “One” foundation? How can we build concensus around our shared values?
- What behaviors and practices already exist that positively contribute to our success?
- How do we want to be perceived by our clients, partners, and community?
- What are the “non-negotiables” in how we operate or make decisions?
- When have we faced tough decisions, and what principles guided us through?
- How might we differentiate between our individual values and our shared values?
- How do our core values influence our approach to our engagement beyond our board, to our partners, and our community?