Kay Sprinkel Grace, CFRE, MA
Kay Sprinkel Grace, FAFP, is passionate about philanthropy and has devoted the last 40 years to the nonprofit sector, providing seminal thought, habit-breaking strategies, inspiration to board and staff leaders, and reengineering the vocabulary of fundraising. Her books and frequent speaking engagements across the globe reflect her quest to improve the ability of organizations to serve their communities. She joined the faculty of The Fund Raising School in 1980 when it was still an independent organization.
A Stanford University graduate (BA, MA), she built on previous careers in journalism and education to create a business practice and reputation that draw from the best of both. She has been recognized by Stanford for her volunteer work with numerous awards, including the highest award for volunteer service, The Gold Spike.
Recent and current clients (2025-26) include public media (KQED, KALW), arts and culture (San Francisco Opera), human services (Elders Action Network), animal welfare (Santa Barbara Humane), youth and education (Kid Scoop News, Pasadena Educational Foundation), conservation (Center for Ecoliteracy, Wood River Land Trust) and others. She has advised on capital campaigns throughout the Bay Area including KQED, CA Academy of Sciences, Grace Cathedral, St. Boniface Church and others. From 2004-2007 she was Lead External Consultant to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for the successful development of major giving programs for 110 public television stations.
Þ In March 2020, she received the Fundraising Professional of the Year award from AFP Global at their International Conference in Baltimore.
Þ The Golden Gate Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals awarded Kay their Lifetime Achievement Award in November 2020.
Þ In 2016 she was in the first group of professionals to be named Distinguished Fellows by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (FAFP).
Þ In 2013, she received the Henry A. Rosso Medal for lifetime achievement in ethical fundraising from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University
Þ She is a founder, co-creator and facilitator of the Leaders of Tomorrow program in Central and Eastern Europe. The program has now expanded as LOTIN (Leaders of Tomorrow International) with programs in Germany and Canada with more to be added.
Kay is a Past President and current member of the Board of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale and a Trustee of Grace Cathedral. She lives in San Francisco and is passionate about travel, photography and life.
Kay has published seven books on a variety of topics related to leadership and fundraising, including “Beyond Fundraising,” “The Ultimate Board Member’s Book,” and “The AAA Way to Fundraising Success.” For a complete list of her books and other information about her work, visit www.kaygrace.org