About DonorsShield

Our Mission

DonorsShield exists to restore trust, transparency, and fiduciary discipline to nonprofit construction projects.

We believe that every philanthropic dollar committed to a capital project deserves the same level of oversight and stewardship as endowment investments. Our mission is to protect donor capital, maximize mission impact, and ensure that construction spending serves the institution's long-term interests—not the short-term incentives of project delivery teams.

Why Donors Need a Shield

Incentive Conflicts in Project Delivery

General contractors are often compensated as a percentage of total project cost, creating a built-in incentive for scope creep and change orders. Architects may lack incentive to push back on expensive design choices. These conflicts can cost donors millions.

Lack of Technical Expertise

Most nonprofit boards, endowment committees, and individual donors lack deep expertise in construction finance, contract structures, and project delivery methods. This information asymmetry leaves donors vulnerable to cost overruns and inefficiency.

Scope Creep & Undisciplined Change Orders

Without rigorous oversight, small changes accumulate into major budget overruns. We commonly see projects finish 15-30% over initial budgets due to poorly controlled change order processes and scope drift.

Fuzzy Reporting

Many nonprofits provide sparse or overly technical updates to donors. Without clear, accessible reporting, donors cannot assess project health or hold teams accountable until it's too late.

Our Approach

Independence

We are hired by and report to donors and endowment committees—never the general contractor or architect. Our loyalty is to stewardship, not project teams.

Rigor

We apply forensic-level analysis to budgets, contracts, and change orders. Every line item is scrutinized, benchmarked, and validated against industry norms and comparable projects.

Discipline

We enforce project governance frameworks that prevent scope creep, validate work completion, and ensure spending aligns with approved budgets and contracts.

Transparency

Our Donor Confidence Reports provide clear, visual dashboards that any board member or donor can understand—no jargon, no obfuscation, just facts.

Confidentiality

We understand the sensitive nature of major gifts and institutional relationships. All engagements are conducted with appropriate discretion and confidentiality.

Leadership & Expertise

DonorsShield is led by professionals with deep experience in construction management, project finance, data analytics, and nonprofit governance.

Founder & Managing Partner

Construction Finance & Nonprofit Governance

15+ years advising institutional investors and nonprofits on complex capital projects. Former management consultant specializing in project finance and risk mitigation.

Director of Construction Analytics

Project Controls & Cost Engineering

Veteran construction manager with expertise in GMP contracts, change order analysis, and schedule optimization. Deep experience in educational and institutional facilities.

Head of Donor Advisory

Philanthropic Strategy & Endowment Oversight

Former university foundation executive and family office advisor. Specializes in major gift stewardship and endowment committee governance.