When advancement is practiced well, bigger things happen: Increased revenue. Greater visibility. Galvanized community. Momentum.
Creating Momentum
Advancement isn’t easy. It’s rarely straightforward, resource-intensive, and always ongoing. Today’s nonprofit leaders face serious pressure to achieve aggressive financial targets while keeping their teams coordinated, their constituents engaged, and their unique identities intact. Raising money well is definitely a balancing act. And when it’s done right, it’s incredibly rewarding.
We believe the practice of advancement is about fundraising, and so much more. When an advancement program is carefully orchestrated and integrated, bigger things happen: Increased revenue. Tighter alignment. Rising confidence. Greater visibility. Galvanized community. Momentum. It’s the energy-producing process that powers an organization with every gift, donor, and act of service. And once that momentum gains traction, subsequent efforts become smoother and more effective over time.
Flywheel Advancement is dedicated to serving nonprofits and those who champion them. Our expertise helps organizations improve their advancement efforts, enhance their culture of philanthropy and stewardship, and create sustained momentum to their mission.
Chris Tobin
Chris Tobin founded Flywheel Advancement after twenty-five years of experience in advancement practice, leadership, and consulting. He has worked with non-profit clients in the education, museum, healthcare, and social services sectors.
From 2017 - 2021, Chris served as the Executive Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation at the College of Charleston. There, he directed a coordinated, campus-wide approach to development, alumni relations, stewardship, and advancement services. He also oversaw institutional fund management and grew the Foundation’s endowment, working closely with the President, executive team, and volunteer boards. Tobin joined the College of Charleston in 2009 as Vice President of Development, where he led BOUNDLESS, the College’s largest-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign. BOUNDLESS surpassed its $125 million goal, raising more than $138 million.
Before joining The College of Charleston, Chris worked at Tulane University, where he initially served as the Associate Dean for Alumni and Development at Tulane Law School, and later as Assistant Vice President for Development, directing the University’s major gifts department following the 2005 Hurricane Katrina disaster. During his tenure, Chris and his team rebuilt the frontline major gifts program, provided development leadership to twelve principal schools and units, and expanded the overall major gift prospect and donor pipeline. These efforts helped Tulane successfully complete a $700 million comprehensive campaign and secure an emergency $100 million drive for unrestricted hurricane recovery support.
Chris began his advancement career at Goizueta Business School at Emory University as a Senior Associate Director of Development and Director of Major Gifts.
Chris lives in Mount Pleasant, SC with his wife and family.