V. Cushman Consulting

About Val

Valerie Cushman, Ph.D. in higher education, Sr. Director of Alumni Engagement & Inclusion Initiatives at W&M and proud member of the Women’s Philanthropy Alliance, has proven success growing women’s philanthropy.

With over 30 years of experience in public and private institutions, having served on the cabinet of two universities, she brings a depth of knowledge and experience in fundraising practices that convert high-capacity women into impactful donors. At W&M, she founded the creation and leads the sustained efforts of the Society of 1918, a collective of women philanthropists who contributed 55% of the donated funds to the $1 billion For the Bold campaign and raised a $5.2 million endowment that will forever support the growth of women’s engagement, leadership and philanthropy at W&M. As a consultant, using proven principles and practices she facilitates university advancement teams, inclusive of leadership, development officers and alumnae, as they together discover practices that grow women’s volunteer engagement and leadership that quickly drive growth in philanthropy.

 

Certified Member, Women’s Philanthropy Alliance

I am proud to be a member of the Women’s Philanthropy Alliance.  This exceptional group of eight individuals are certified by Kathleen Loehr, author, Gender Matters in Philanthropy on the principles and proven practices that reliably and successfully grow women’s support. The goal of the Women’s Philanthropy Alliance is to collectively help scale inclusive women’s philanthropy across our sector. The members of the WPA bring unique talents, perspectives, lived experiences and passion for this work will guide you step by step and have demonstrated experience developing a comprehensive approach that will bring your organization more support from women than you could imagine. 

Accolades

  • Keynote Speaker - National Capital Gift Planning Council, 2022
  • CASE Region 3 Silver District Award Recipient, 2021
  • Conference Lead, Academic Impressions, one of three facilitators for 2-day conference, "Strategies to Engage the Giving Power of Women," 2019
  • Women's Philanthropy Institute Symposium, "Leading for Organizational Change" Co-presentation with W&M Vice President of Advancement, Matthew Lambert, 2015
  • Best Consulting, Services, Henrico County, 2015

Get In Touch

Valerie J. Cushman, Ph.D.

Pricinpal
VCushman Consulting

linkedin.com/in/vcushman

[email protected]

(540) 462-7778

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“Val has built a model at William & Mary resulting in incredible growth in women’s engagement, leadership and philanthropy. This has led to growth in leadership as women now represent over half of our board leadership roles and gave 55.1% of the support to our successful $1 billion campaign.”
Matthew LambertV.P. University Advancement / CEO, W&M Foundation
Matthew Lambert
“Val is a vital strategic thought partner for any organization intent on growing women’s philanthropy. For over two decades she has focused on the power of those who identify as women, successfully creating multiple initiatives that surpassed goals and maintained sustainability for years. Partnering with Val is a guarantee for success.”
Kathleen L. LoehrAuthor, Gender Matters in Philanthropy
Kathleen L. Loehr
"Val Cushman takes big ideas and turns them into reality, engaging stakeholders, building consensus, and igniting energy and enthusiasm. She is a big thinker and bold innovator."
Andrea PactorFormer Director, Women's Philanthropy Institute
Andrea Pactor
“Val has built a model at William & Mary resulting in incredible growth in women’s engagement, leadership and philanthropy. This has led to growth in leadership as women now represent over half of our board leadership roles and gave 55.1% of the support to our successful $1 billion campaign.”
Matthew LambertV.P. University Advancement / CEO, W&M Foundation
Matthew Lambert
“Val is a vital strategic thought partner for any organization intent on growing women’s philanthropy. For over two decades she has focused on the power of those who identify as women, successfully creating multiple initiatives that surpassed goals and maintained sustainability for years. Partnering with Val is a guarantee for success.”
Kathleen L. LoehrAuthor, Gender Matters in Philanthropy
Kathleen L. Loehr
"Val Cushman takes big ideas and turns them into reality, engaging stakeholders, building consensus, and igniting energy and enthusiasm. She is a big thinker and bold innovator."
Andrea PactorFormer Director, Women's Philanthropy Institute
Andrea Pactor