When it comes to fundraising leadership and nonprofit transformation, few names resonate as strongly as Anna Barber, Founder and CEO of Ask A Fundraiser, Inc. and Barber & Associates. A 25-year veteran of the field, Barber is best known for her groundbreaking success as part of the Smithsonian Institution’s inaugural fundraising team for the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)—where her determination and strategy helped raise over $42 million in leadership and major gifts, including 22 individual million-dollar contributions from first-time Smithsonian donors.
Now, Barber brings that same expertise to Baltimore’s nonprofit community through a powerful new collaboration: The Ask A Fundraiser Fundraising & Sustainability Program, presented by Wells Fargo in partnership with Times Community Services, Inc.
From the Smithsonian to Sustainable Growth
Anna Barber’s approach to fundraising has always been rooted in a mix of bold relationship-building, strategic engagement, thoughtful research, and fearless execution. Her reputation as one of the nation’s most successful individual fundraisers was cemented when she built a new donor network from scratch for NMAAHC without prior connections or institutional leads on the West Coast, raising more than $40 million. Her work inspired gifts from cultural icons like Denzel and Pauletta Washington, LaTanya and Samuel L. Jackson, Magic and Cookie Johnson, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. It helped shape one of the most successful museum campaigns in modern philanthropy.
Today, as the leader of Barber & Associates and Ask A Fundraiser, Barber has turned her experience into a transformative educational and consulting model that helps nonprofits of all sizes master the art and infrastructure of sustainable fundraising.
Ask A Fundraiser: A Transformative Program for Nonprofit Leaders
Ask A Fundraiser Fundraising and Sustainability Program is an initiative designed to equip nonprofit organizations with the tools, strategies, and mindset needed to grow and sustain their missions. Developed by Barber and a team of veteran fundraising consultants with more than 50 years of combined experience, the program blends practical training with technology through the proprietary Ask A Fundraiser E-Tool©.
Participants are guided through a step-by-step process to build a comprehensive three-year fundraising plan, including:
- A compelling case for support
- A stewardship and donor recognition structure
- Budget development and financial projection tools
- A policy and procedures manual
- Templates and language to refine the organization’s funding pitch
The Program includes an in-person Introductory course and organizational assessment, three (3) virtual practice presentation sessions, a final in-person pitch session appropriate for funders, and a one-year subscription to the Ask A Fundraiser E-Tool©. This offers an opportunity to learn fundraising best practices through an innovative process, supported by an online platform that helps nonprofits create customized fundraising resources.
A Partnership for Progress: Wells Fargo and The Times Community Services
This first-of-its-kind cohort is made possible through the support of Wells Fargo, whose Small Business Growth and Financial Mobility initiatives align perfectly with the goals of Ask A Fundraiser. Wells Fargo’s commitment to building financially resilient communities and empowering small businesses is now extending to Baltimore’s nonprofit sector—helping leaders strengthen their organizations from within.
In collaboration with Times Community Services, Inc., a nonprofit arm of The Baltimore Times dedicated to advancing wellness, financial empowerment, and community development, this partnership underscores the importance of local investment in sustainable social impact.
Empowering Baltimore’s Nonprofit Future
Through this initiative, Barber is not just teaching fundraising—she’s cultivating a culture of sustainability and self-reliance among nonprofit leaders. Her journey from raising millions for the Smithsonian to mentoring the next generation of changemakers in Baltimore reflects her belief that every organization, no matter its size, can achieve transformative results when equipped with the right tools, strategy, and persistence.
Ask A Fundraiser will be hosting an exclusive Fundraising and Sustainability Program for Baltimore non-profit leaders. Supported by Wells Fargo’s dedication to nonprofit business growth, it marks more than the start of a program—it signals a movement to strengthen Baltimore’s community organizations, one leader at a time.
To sign up – fill out the interest form.
