Sheila Gibbons, JD is the Founder and CEO of The 501 Pros, where she helps nonprofit organizations build strong, sustainable organizations through strategic planning, governance, compliance, and operational excellence.
With more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership and management experience, Sheila has worked with organizations across the country at every stage of development, from startup formation to multi-state operations, federal grant compliance, organizational growth, and long-term sustainability. Her expertise includes nonprofit formation and IRS tax-exempt applications, board governance, risk management, regulatory compliance, financial and operational systems, strategic planning, fundraising strategy, and organizational capacity building.
In addition to leading The 501 Pros, Sheila serves as the Executive Director of a $12 million grantmaking foundation bringing current executive leadership experience to every client engagement. She also serves as a nonprofit course instructor and Board Treasurer.
Prior to founding The 501 Pros, Sheila held executive leadership positions with nonprofit organizations, including a Chamber of Commerce. She is known for translating complex nonprofit regulations into practical, actionable guidance that helps organizations reduce risk, strengthen governance, and build the systems needed for long-term mission impact.
Specialties:
Nonprofit Formation & Tax Exemption
Governance & Board Development
Compliance & Risk Management
Strategic Planning
Operational Systems & Budgets
Federal Grant Compliance
Grantmaking
Executive Coaching
Harry J. Vande Velde III is Co-Founder and Senior Consultant with The 501 Pros, bringing more than 40 years of executive leadership experience in nonprofit management, philanthropy, fundraising, communications, and organizational strategy.
Throughout his career, Harry has served in executive leadership roles with community foundations, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations, leading transformational initiatives that have strengthened communities and advanced mission-driven organizations. He has successfully raised more than $75 million through annual giving, major gifts, capital campaigns, planned giving, foundation grants, corporate partnerships, and public funding initiatives. His expertise spans fundraising strategy, donor engagement, board development, strategic planning, organizational leadership, communications, marketing, and nonprofit capacity building.
In addition to his consulting work, Harry is an experienced educator, facilitator, and speaker who has taught nonprofit leadership and fundraising for entrepreneurs and nonprofit professionals. He is widely recognized for his collaborative leadership style and his ability to help organizations identify opportunities, build meaningful partnerships, and create sustainable funding strategies.
At The 501 Pros, Harry partners with nonprofit leaders and boards to strengthen fundraising programs, engage donors, develop strategic initiatives, and position organizations for long-term growth and community impact.
Specialties:
Fundraising Strategy
Major Gifts & Capital Campaigns
Foundation Relations & Grants
Strategic Planning
Donor Stewardship
Strategic Partnerships
Executive Coaching & Board Development
You’re invited to schedule a complimentary 15-minute introductory conversation so we can learn about your organization and explore the most helpful next step.
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