Vander Hook & Associates

Christine Vander Hook, Principal

Vander Hook and Associates

Fundraising expertise tailored to where you are—and where you want to go.

Services

  • Principal and Major Gifts Counsel

    Guidance for organizations ready to take their major gifts programs to the next level, including help building the portfolio strategies, internal infrastructure, database, systems, processes, KPIs, and more to support long-term fundraising success and pipeline development.

  • Interim Development Leadership and Support

    Interim development and major gifts leadership during periods of transition, keeping donor relationships strong, the team supported, and revenue on track. I can also step in as a flexible, experienced pinch hitter when additional fundraising staffing is needed.

  • Major Gifts Coaching

    Coaching for executives, major gift officers, and development teams focused on portfolio strategy, donor cultivation, solicitation planning, stewardship, and developing an authentic, personal approach to making the ask.

  • Fundraising Strategy and Planning

    Multi-year fundraising strategies aligned with your organization's vision and long-term goals, with realistic plans your team can actually execute. Depending on your needs, this may include major gift or grant portfolio refinement, donor communications, events, executive and board engagement and system/process improvement.

  • Board and Volunteer Engagement

    Activating boards and volunteer leaders as real fundraising partners, with engagement strategy, training, and accountability that strengthen the culture of philanthropy.

  • Other Development Services

    Looking for support with grants, events, copywriting, or something else? I can connect you with a trusted associate whose expertise and work I know firsthand. Building community is what drew me to a career in fundraising, and it brings me joy to help you strengthen yours.

About me

I am a fundraising consultant with more than 20 years of experience helping nonprofits strengthen philanthropy, deepen donor relationships, and build sustainable fundraising programs. I partner with nonprofit executives, boards, and development teams on fundraising strategy and planning, major gift coaching, interim development leadership, board activation, and the systems and processes that support long-term growth.

Before launching Vander Hook & Associates in 2026, I served as Vice President of Development at MacPhail Center for Music, the largest community music school in the country, where I led a comprehensive fundraising program generating $5.5 million annually. Previously, as Director of Philanthropy for UNICEF USA, I led major gift fundraising across the Midwest and contributed to a national team that raised a record-breaking $1 billion. My earlier frontline fundraising experience includes roles with Southern California Public Radio, part of American Public Media, and the University of Minnesota Foundation.

I help clients turn ambitious goals into focused strategies and meaningful action. I am especially passionate about helping others develop an authentic, personal approach to fundraising and helping nonprofits navigate growth by building the systems, processes, and efficiencies that will serve them well into the future.

After spending several years in Los Angeles, I am glad to be back in my home state of Minnesota. I live in Bloomington with my husband and twin daughters. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, live music, hiking, and exploring the Twin Cities’ vibrant arts and cultural scene.

Let's connect

Let’s chat about your or your organization’s needs and fundraising goals, and explore how I may be able to help.