Let us introduce you to David J. Fry, who is Owner, President and CEO of Effective Advancement Strategies located in Greensburg, IN since 2015. He has a Master’s Degree in Philanthropic Studies, a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and Communications.  He was a Certified Treasury Professional for more than 15 years and is a Certified DISC Trainer.  Fry was an adjunct faculty member for Indiana Wesleyan University’s School of Service and Leadership and he is a contributing writer for Inside Edge, a publication of Inside Indiana Business by Gerry Dick.  He is also a consulting partner for the Indiana Youth Institute.

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David has a passion for the work of nonprofits, public entities and smaller businesses and has been able to assist them by “advancing organizations & people,” while ultimately building the capacity of these valuable organizations.  In early 2018, the firm launched a National product, "Board Buzz."  It's a unique card deck that encourages boards to have more engaging and strategic conversations.

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Fry has been a successful grant writer and his firm has facilitated dozens of Board Retreats, Custom Workshops, Capital Campaigns, and Strategic Planning processes.  He offers motivational presentations and creates customized training for businesses and organizations, plus serves as a coach for others, on topics including communications, marketing, board governance, special events and fundraising.

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In addition to his expertise as a consultant, David’s experience within the not-for-profit and public fund sector has included more than 25 years in leadership positions.  He has founded three not-for-profit organizations and served on the Board’s and as Board President of countless others within Decatur County, regionally and Statewide. 

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In 2017, he was presented with the Don Horan Community Leader of the Year Award by the Greensburg-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce.  In 1995, Fry was presented with the Greensburg Area Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award and he was named Volunteer of the Year in 1996 by the Indiana Association of United Ways and the Decatur County United Fund.  His service also earned him recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow by the Greensburg Rotary Club.  In 2009, he was recognized with the “Spirit of Greensburg” Award as part of the Community’s Sesqui-Centennial Celebration.  Fry was inducted to the "Stephen Decatur Society" by the Decatur County Community Foundation in 2020, recognizing his efforts to promote philanthropy in Decatur County.

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Fry worked in the financial industry for more than 25 years and served as Vice President of Public Funds where he worked with Cities & Towns across Southern Indiana as well as other public and not-for-profit entities.  He spent nearly 10 years in the healthcare environment and led a Hospital Foundation for eight of those, where he ran a successful capital campaign raising over $1.4 million.  David’s firm has since worked with several successful capital campaigns raising millions of dollars and exceeding goals by more than 25%.  He has also facilitated community visioning processes, development plans and strategic advancement initiatives as well as long range planning and presented a series of nonprofit workshops.  In 2021, Fry authored his first book, "Purpose in the Darkness" detailing his personal journey through more than 30 impactful losses, with faith, hope, and sharing. In 2023, he released. "Build a Nonprofit Castle." his book that highlights "8 tools hidden in the sands" of nonprofits that with focus, can transform an organization.

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