Black Dog Philanthropic

06/12/2026

Loved welcoming leaders from across the state to see the amazing work we’re doing in Frederick County!

06/03/2026

It has been an absolute joy working with The Talent Machine Company to help hire their first-ever Executive Director… and what an AMAZING leader we found! So excited to see what’s next for this incredible organization with Kelly at the helm.

The Talent Machine Company, Central Maryland's children's theater company, named Kelly Balmaceda as its first Executive Director, bringing nearly two decades of nonprofit arts management experience to the role.

05/28/2026

Every single time I see Comptroller of Maryland Brooke Lierman, I like to remind her that my taxes are filed and my small business is compliant. (If you know me personally, you’re probably shaking your head, because this unhinged candor comes as absolutely no surprise.)

In all seriousness, did you know the Comptroller’s office does so much more than taxes? I’m absolutely delighted to be serving as a panel moderator at the upcoming Bridging Communities Conference on June 30! This conference is designed to help nonprofit leaders better understand how to work with state government, access available resources, and build stronger partnerships in service of Maryland communities.

Learn more and register here: https://marylandnonprofits.regfox.com/bridging-communities-conference-2026

05/20/2026

♥️ ♥️ ♥️

05/13/2026

I can’t believe it’s been four years since became official in the eyes of the state of Maryland… but the vision actually started on a Post-It note a few months prior.

Was it possible to offer bespoke consulting to small- and mid-size nonprofits in Maryland at a fair, sustainable price point? Could I spend the time to show them the way so they were empowered to take the reins once our engagement was complete? And was there any way I could do both of these things without compromising my integrity and staying true to myself? There was only one way to find out.

Like many consulting firms, Black Dog Philanthropic started as a side gig; within four months, I was full-time, and I’ve never looked back. So grateful to the hundreds of nonprofits and private foundations I’ve worked with over the last four years, whether through capital campaigns, strategic plans, cohort courses, trainings, grant writing, or capacity-building. I get to work with the best of humanity every day!

05/05/2026

An absolutely magical morning with representatives from our entire Federal delegation visiting the Hagerstown Aviation Museum! So grateful for our U.S. Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks, as well as Congresswoman April Delaney, for their commitment to Western Maryland.

Many people aren’t aware that Hagerstown has a regional airport that generates, conservatively, $136 million in economic revenue annually. Hagerstown is also a hub for aerospace and defense technology, and home to the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, a premier aviation mechanic school. (This is in addition, of course, to the exceptional museum!)

Amazing things are happening in Western Maryland and I’ll never stop advocating for our “little” corner of the state.

04/28/2026

Presenting brand-new, rapidly evolving content is always such a wild card… you never know exactly what experience levels are in the room! But I’m thrilled that our AI in fundraising session at the Lower Shore Nonprofit Summit landed so well. Already looking forward to next year with my Eastern Shore crew!

04/16/2026

I get to work with the best of humanity every day. So much fun with the Delaplaine Foundation, Inc. and many of its incredible grantee organizations!

04/14/2026

I'm always excited to lead workshops, but I'm especially looking forward to this one! The Delaplaine Foundation, Inc. is an extraordinary foundation based in Frederick and I can't wait to spend the day with their grantees!

04/13/2026

Happy 12th Gotcha Day (and 14th birthday) to my sweet Ruby, the logo and name inspiration behind Black Dog Philanthropic! Easily the best Boss™️ I’ve ever had!