When advancement is done well, bigger things happen. Increased revenue. Greater visibility. Galvanized community. Momentum.
Creating Momentum
Advancement isn’t easy. It is rarely straightforward, requires significant resources, and is always ongoing. Today’s nonprofit leaders are under serious pressure to achieve aggressive financial targets while also keeping their teams coordinated, constituents bought in, and unique identities intact. Raising money well is definitely a balancing act. And when it’s done right, it’s also 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, the subsequent efforts become smoother and more impactful over time.
Flywheel Advancement is dedicated to serving nonprofits - and those who champion them – build their momentum. Our expertise helps improve advancement efforts, enhance a culture of philanthropy and stewardship, and create sustained momentum to their mission.
Chris Tobin
Chris Tobin founded Flywheel Advancement in 2024 after nearly twenty-five years’ experience in advancement practice, leadership, and consulting. He has worked with non-profit clients in the education, museum, healthcare, and social services areas.
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. Chris was also responsible for overseeing institutional funds management and growing the endowment held by the College of Charleston Foundation, working in close partnership with the President, executive team, and volunteer boards. Tobin joined the College of Charleston in November 2009 as Vice President of Development, where he led BOUNDLESS, the College’s largest-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign. BOUNDLESS surpassed its $125 million goal by raising more than $138 million.
Prior to The College of Charleston, Chris worked at Tulane University, where he served as the Associate Dean for Alumni and Development at Tulane Law School, and as Assistant Vice President for Development, directing the University’s major gifts department after the 2005 Hurricane Katrina disaster. During his tenure, Chris and his team rebuilt the frontline major gifts program, provided development leadership to 12 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.