Invictus Strategies

At the core of Invictus is a team of talented fundraisers who love our country and spend their days helping conservative organizations succeed. Today, let’s get to know Invictus project coordinator John Hernick. 1?? What experience in life made you realize the value of conservative principles? My family and upbringing instilled in me the values of conservatism from a young age. Among these are hard work, trustworthiness, integrity, dependability, discipline, and, above all, the importance of placing faith and trust in God. These values determined my political beliefs, and my parents and grandparents in particular have shown me the importance of living them out in both personal and professional endeavors. 2?? What inspired you to join Invictus? America needs to be preserved and defended, and Invictus’ mission and experienced team led me to join the firm. Invictus clients are on the front lines of important areas across the conservative movement, and the opportunity to join the team servicing these timely and critical missions was one I was eager to accept! 3?? What’s a piece of career advice that you live by? Work as if unto the Lord. Grow where you’re planted and ask the right questions. There is always something to learn, and getting involved by making oneself available to others and admitting what you don’t know are great ways to learn, grow, and push the bounds of what you thought was attainable. 4?? What are your most rewarding hobbies outside of work? Running, hiking, and playing golf and tennis are some of my favorite hobbies outside of work. I enjoy reading (particularly presidential biographies) and talking politics with family and friends. Growing up in South Jersey, a short distance from Philadelphia, I’m an ardent fan of all things Philadelphia sports. Additionally, attending Bible study and finding ways to get involved and serve in church and community are some of my most rewarding pastimes.

At the core of Invictus is a team of talented fundraisers who love our country and spend their days helping conservative organizations succeed. Today, let’s get to know Mary Katherine LaCroix. 1?? What experience in life made you realize the value of conservative principles? It would be my upbringing as the youngest of eight children in a Catholic, conservative household. Religion, family, and community, all shaped who I am today. Even after spending time at a somewhat liberal college questioning my faith and worldview, I became even more committed to the traditional values that I had been taught when I was young. 2?? What inspired you to join Invictus? ? I was excited to see how Invictus partner organizations were making such incredible progress on the issues that matter most for the future of our country. These groups need to stay small and nimble, so I help manage their infrastructure by identifying potential supporters, managing data, and monitoring philanthropic trends. That way, they can focus solely on achieving impact. Having been in fundraising for 25+ years, I have seen firsthand how important it is to have efficient processes in place in order to actually achieve the change you want to. 3?? What’s a piece of career advice that you live by? ? Listen to and learn from those around you. My first job out of college was at a big university. I was the youngest person in the whole department and a bit intimidated at first. I took every chance to learn from those around me and take on projects outside of my scope. As a result, I grew tremendously. I have continued to follow that approach. It not only helps you personally grow but also benefits your organization and the advancement of its mission. I firmly believe that God has a plan for each of us, so I focus on taking time to listen to and learn from those He has put on my path to gain guidance on this journey. 4?? What are your most rewarding hobbies outside of work? I most enjoy my time with my husband, two children, and large extended family. I also volunteer at my children’s schools, our church, and as a fundraising resource for small nonprofit organizations focused on helping those with special needs. I love reading, listening to music, and baking as well.

At the core of Invictus is a team of talented fundraisers who love our country and spend their days helping conservative organizations succeed. Today, let’s get to know Invictus vice president Mitchell Porwoll. 1?? What experience in life made you realize the value of conservative principles? My family’s story is one of realizing the American Dream. In the 1940s, they moved from the Dust Bowl to farm in California’s Central Valley. Growing up in an agricultural community as the grandson of a farmer, the conservative values of hard work, faith, and family were instilled in me at a young age and strengthened over the years. 2?? What inspired you to join Invictus Strategies? Invictus clients are high-impact nonprofits working to achieve specific policy victories, uphold the rule of law, and expose the Left’s dark-money network. It’s extremely rewarding to use my experience to build strategic fundraising plans, long-term donor pipelines, and retention-focused digital programs that raise money for their missions. 3?? What’s a piece of career advice that you live by? Always be willing to help the team, even if it’s outside the scope of your job. You never know what you’ll learn and what doors will open for you by lending a hand. While I started my career in finance, a series of projects gave me opportunities in marketing and fundraising, which moved my career forward faster than if I had stayed on my original path. 4?? What are your most rewarding hobbies outside of work? I’m constantly trying to tweak my golf game and cook new recipes, but my most important role outside work is being a new dad. People always tell you it’s the most rewarding experience, and I can 100% confirm that now!

At the core of Invictus is a team of talented fundraisers who love our country and spend their days helping conservative organizations succeed. Today, let’s get to know Invictus chief of staff Calvin Blaylock. ?? 1?? What experience in life first made you realize the value of conservative principles? When I was a kid, my dad took me to the National Mall in DC to sell things like glowsticks to tourists on Independence Day. Each time we went, I tracked our expenses, sales, and my share of the profit. Childhood experiences like that gave me a spirit of entrepreneurialism and appreciation for the free market. 2?? What inspired you to join Invictus Strategies? Joining Invictus at its launch has been the opportunity of a lifetime. I admire Invictus’ sophisticated approach to retaking the philanthropic lead for conservatives in America. The Left often uses savvy funding tactics to outmaneuver conservatives. Invictus deploys those innovative tactics for conservative victories instead. For example, harnessing creative giving vehicles that combine c3 giving, c4 giving, and private investment to supercharge what our conservative clients can accomplish. ? Additionally, I love Invictus’ stewardship mentality. We believe donors should take their giving portfolio as seriously as their investing. It’s rewarding to partner with philanthropists and help them craft a giving strategy that’s aligned with their values and will deliver the ROI they’re aiming for. ?? 3?? What’s a piece of career advice that you live by? ? If you want to go fast in life, go alone. If you want to go far in life, go together. Find a group of loyal, devoted friends who constantly challenge you to grow you in virtue and never let them go. 4?? What are your most rewarding hobbies outside of work? ?? I’m involved in my community as the deacon of children’s ministry at my church, a Board member for my local Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and a volunteer at my local pregnancy center. I’ve participated in many conservative fellowship programs with groups like the Forge Leadership Network, State Policy Network, and Alliance Defending Freedom. And I enjoy spending my free time playing volleyball, acoustic guitar, and chess.

At the core of Invictus is a team of talented fundraisers who love our country and spend their days helping conservative organizations succeed. Today, let’s get to know Invictus founder and CEO Andrew McIndoe. 1?? What inspired you to launch Invictus Strategies? From my time leading a large team of fundraisers at a major nonprofit, I learned a lot about how conservative philanthropy currently works – and grew convicted about the ways we need to reimagine our approach. I launched Invictus as a place where donors could turn for advice on how to direct their philanthropic dollars to the highest and best use. I’m confident that by helping investors be strategic and results-oriented, the organizations in our movement will become more forward-thinking, dynamic, and fiercely driven to win. We are connecting the most generous philanthropists with proven winners and seeing tremendous ROI. ? That’s my main vision for Invictus. To see conservative donors set clear objectives, be highly targeted, and be highly leveraged. And to see the recipients of their giving respond by putting lead on target and achieving measurable outcomes for the good of our country. 2?? What’s a piece of career advice that you live by? ? My advice would be to “bloom where you’re planted.” Rather than try to replicate the success of other people, leverage your own personality and skills. If you have a strong work ethic and eagerly take on any task that comes your way, that’ll take you a long way in life.?Whatever role or position you find yourself in, do your absolute best work every day and good managers will take note and advance you. 3?? What experience in life first made you realize the value of conservative principles? ? Looking at my first paycheck and wondering who “FICA” was! 4?? What are your most rewarding hobbies outside of work? ? Outside of work, I enjoy playing golf,?cooking (usually with a glass of wine in-hand), and travelling. I’m involved in my church and serve as a trustee of my alma mater, Grove City College. And, of course, I love spending quality time with my lovely wife and three young kids.

How can you find new sources of funding for your organization? This week, we’re sharing 8 tips for identifying new donors to invest in your cause #8 – Venture Capital from Established Conservative Groups ? Many established conservative groups give generous grants to fill strategic gaps in the movement ? Take a look at The Heritage Foundation’s Innovation Prize, Atlas Network’s Templeton Freedom Award, or Stand Together’s grants toward issue areas like free speech. Your organization may have a compelling case to apply ? Additionally, rather than launch a new organization by yourself, consider joining forces with an existing group as an independent subsidiary. Like how Talent Market is under the umbrella of America’s Future but operates independently with its own branding and culture

How can you find new sources of funding for your organization? This week, we’re sharing 8 tips for identifying new donors to invest in your cause #7 – Rent a List of Potential Direct Marketing Donors The conservative movement has a universe of ~2 million direct marketing donors that have been identified. If you’re struggling to expand your donor base, consider using a list broker to access a larger pool of prospects List brokers facilitate the exchange of donor names between organizations. They can help you identify your target audience, rent a list of donor names from a like-minded organization, and create the most effective mailing to reach out to those prospects

How can you find new sources of funding for your organization? This week, we’re sharing 8 tips for identifying new donors to invest in your cause #6 – Apply for Foundation Grants There are more than 125,000 private foundations in the US. Some support local community development, while others take an interest in education, healthcare, arts and culture, etc. Many tools exist to search for foundations that are inclined to give to groups like yours. Such as Foundation Directory (from Candid), GrantStation (included in a subscription to the Chronicle of Philanthropy), or Grant Finder (Inside Philanthropy) Remember that you’ll increase your likelihood of receiving a gift if you first cultivate a relationship with the foundation’s directors and program officers

How can you find new sources of funding for your organization? This week, we’re sharing 8 tips for identifying new donors to invest in your cause #5 – Wealth Screening Tools Let’s say you’ve successfully built a solid base of grassroots support. Now you wonder which supporters are most likely to upgrade to major gifts Consider purchasing a wealth screening tool like DonorSearch, WealthEngine, or iWave. These tools compile information on net worth, home ownership, business affiliations, charitable donations, and more Effective use of wealth screening data can help focus your prospecting on the best potential opportunities. And help you come to prospect meetings aware of a donor’s philanthropic capacity and interests, which you can use to guide the conversation toward common goals

How can you find new sources of funding for your organization? This week, we’re sharing 8 tips for identifying new donors to invest in your cause? ? #4 – Conservative Movement Events Make a list of all the key conservative movement events that your potential supporters are likely to attend For example, as a fundraiser for a new pro-life group you might prioritize attending the March for Life and the Pro-Life Summit this week Before you attend, strategize who you’d like to connect with. Sort through any attendee lists that are available, then consider messaging prospects beforehand to set up coffee meetings Also, if you know the event organizer, ask if they’re willing to seat you next to a certain donor during one of the sessions