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About Us

Gauge Strategy is led by seasoned professionals with extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, strategic planning, and fundraising. With backgrounds spanning associations, advocacy organizations, philanthropic initiatives, and political affairs, these experts bring a wealth of knowledge in guiding mission-driven organizations through transformational change.

The expertise at Gauge Strategy includes developing leadership programs, designing effective training curricula, and crafting strategies that drive organizational growth. This leadership has held executive roles in membership engagement, public policy, and external relations, influencing major philanthropic initiatives and shaping the future of nonprofit advocacy.


Over time, Gauge Strategy has launched national leadership institutes, built donor networks, and advised organizations on sustainable fundraising models. A deep understanding of nonprofit governance, civic engagement, and organizational development allows for tailored solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term impact.


Through training, coaching, and strategic advising, Gauge Strategy strengthens leadership, refines operations, and deepens mission-driven work for nonprofit and philanthropic entities.

Services

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Organizational Assessment

In-depth evaluations that provide a clear picture of an organization’s structure, operations, and effectiveness, helping leaders identify opportunities for growth and strategic alignment.

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Strategy

Holistic, mission-driven planning that ensures programs, revenue models, and membership engagement efforts align with organizational goals, fostering sustainability and long-term impact.

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Program & Leadership Development

Customized initiatives that strengthen organizational impact, enhance leadership capacity, and build effective programs that drive mission success.

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Trainings & Workshops

Engaging, hands-on learning experiences designed to equip teams with practical skills, leadership insights, and strategic frameworks for lasting success. Webinars, workshops, bespoke trainings.

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Coaching

Personalized guidance for professionals and teams, helping them navigate challenges, refine leadership skills, and unlock their full potential.

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Advocacy

We support organizations in navigating legislative landscapes, building cross-sector collaborations, and crafting impactful policy initiatives that advance your mission.

Our Team

Team Member
HOLLY M. DAVIS, CAE

Principal and Co-Founder

Team Member
ANN SIMONS

Partner

Client Testimonial

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Holly is a gifted facilitator and presenter. She carefully curated incredible presenters and content for the Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Program. The result was a transformative personal and professional learning experience for myself and 22 fellow cohort members. Holly is a skilled philanthropic leader and consultant. I highly recommend her in any capacity.

Shannon Walker

Experienced Grant Writer/Consultant

2023 Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute Graduate

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I highly recommend Holly Davis for her outstanding contributions to the philanthropy industry and her exceptional leadership as the facilitator of the Mutz Philanthropy Institute at the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance. Holly's energy and dedication were instrumental in creating a dynamic educational and informative program for participants, like myself.

Under Holly's leadership, the Mutz program saw remarkable growth in knowledge and engagement, thanks to the involvement of 72 knowledgeable speakers/presenters from diverse backgrounds. Her commitment to providing thorough training and fostering meaningful interactions with legislators, as exemplified by my experience at Foundations on the Hill (FOTH) in Washington DC, demonstrates her passion for advancing philanthropy.

Holly's impact on our group and the broader philanthropy industry is truly commendable. Her dedication to education and advocacy has undoubtedly enriched our understanding of philanthropy and its significance to the broader community. She is an invaluable asset to the field, and I wholeheartedly endorse her contributions and leadership.

Tina Patton

Vice President/Director of Nonprofit & Foundation Engagement

Indiana Trust Wealth Management

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Holly is an experienced campaign professional who has created a sophisticated and customized program for people who are contemplating a run for elected office. She draws on her extensive professional network of bipartisan campaign experts to teach class participants how/when to run for office including: how to develop a campaign plan, the role of consultants, the nuts-and-bolts of fundraising and campaign finance reporting requirements, creating a campaign issue platform, practice in message development and public speaking, and more. Holly has a deep knowledge of and passion for the electoral process and the importance of recruiting and coaching informed, articulate, caring, compassionate candidates to run for public office – especially women.

Patricia Akiyama

External Relations Manager

Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties

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Holly M. Davis was a guest instructor for the Leadership Institute Future Candidate School, which I attended. Her market research presentation and expertise was/is valuable information for anyone considering or seeking elected office. Holly's vast experiences in all facets of a political campaign shed light on the process and enables potential or current candidates to evaluate their positions and create effective outreach efforts. Holly's expertise and her up-beat and lively personality make her a "go-to-must-have-her-in-the-budget" first hire. I definitely recommend Holly for your political future.

Chuck paris

Recruiter - Cleared Personnel (Human Capital Division)

Stillwater Human Captial LLC

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I met Holly when I applied to the Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute, a program of her own design. The program has changed my professional life in a myriad of ways, some of which have not yet fully been realized. This is in full credit to Holly, who uses her personal and professional network to expose us to the top talent in every field- the innovators, disruptors, leaders, and change makers.

A thought leader in policy and advocacy, Holly encourages others to engage with elected officials to educate them on local concerns and sector trends. I never considered the importance of staying current on policies which impact my community until I met Holly. She’s completely altered the way I view my role as a philanthropic leader and how I can support the communities in which I live. Thank you, Holly, for the greatest year of my professional career, and for pouring so much of yourself into the work you do and the people you support. On the list of women I hope to be like when I grow up, you are at the top.

Emerald Blankenship

Senior Vice President

Community Foundation of Howard, Clinton, & Carroll Counties

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Holly was the sole reason the Indiana Leadership Forum became a formidable non-profit and organization for the development of leaders in politics. She was proactive and focused on doing the right thing for the organization. She is very organized, thorough, and thoughtful. I saw the work she did when I was part of the program, as a supporter of the program, and then as a board member of the program.

Julie (Booth) Phillips

Owner and CEO

aFit

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Holly brings an unusual combination of intelligence, pragmatism, and vision into every leadership role she inhabits - and it's all enlivened by a generous, positive energy that attracts communities and networks to whatever table she is setting. I was part of a cohort experience for philanthropic leaders that she designed and led during this past year, and the quality and depth of the speakers she engaged, the attentive learning design, and the ways in which our agency and experience were elicited for the sake of peer learning all combined to make this a powerful experience and an excellent investment in leadership for the sake of the common good.

Elise Barrett

Learning Consultant

Leadership Education at Duke Divinity

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Holly sets herself apart by the rare combination of thinking outside the box but then executing such. Rarely have I run into so much enthusiasm, energy and passion to assist and focus on leadership. Genuine, trustworthy and hard working are the elements I had come to know of Holly. Excellence is an expectation of hers not a goal.

Jon Ford

Executive Director, Indiana Office of Energy Development

Former Indiana State Senator

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Holly presented Case@Campus to Holy Family University Deans and other leaders and was a pleasure to work with! She brought great, relevant content and presented it in a relatable way. All of the attendees of the session were very engaged and inspired to start working with the advancement office to bring money funding to their departments to benefit more students. I highly recommend the program and Holly!

Helen Baczkowski

Assistant Vice President for University Advancement

Holy Family University

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Holly and I first met when she welcomed me into the Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute. As the convenor of this philanthropic “think tank,” I was thoroughly impressed with her ability to bring a wide and diverse variety of thought-leaders to the table. Under Holly’s leadership, I have been able to access a network of philanthropic leaders that I would not normally have had the opportunity to engage.

Not only is Holly adept at facilitating the building of networks, but she is also a phenomenal advocate for the philanthropic sector. I had the opportunity to observe her work during Foundations On The Hill (“FOTH”) where nonprofit leaders had the opportunity to meet with federal lawmakers to share the good news of our sector and make recommendations on how to best support our work. Holly was clearly in her element – she illustrated what it truly means to have a voice in our democracy and how to best advocate for ideas and initiatives that truly impact the lives of the people in our respective communities.

Without hesitation, I highly recommend that you connect with Holly. She is a go-getter, connector, and advocate. I am deeply honored to be a part of her circle!

Leann Wright, MBA, CFRE

Executive Director

Community Foundation of Pulaski County

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I had the pleasure of collaborating with Holly during a daylong presentation at Holy Family University as part of the CASE on Campus program. I was thoroughly impressed by her exceptional presentation skills and her ability to craft a presentation specifically tailored to the needs of Holy Family University. Holly is a highly skilled professional with a genuine passion for philanthropy.

Fardin Sanai

Vice President of University Advancement

University of Albany

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I worked directly with Holly through the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance Mutz Leadership Institute. I was a member of the second cohort, and Holly was the mastermind behind putting together the overall program, recruiting speakers, and developing the curriculum. She led her team to organize ten all-day in-person sessions for twenty-three cohort members and over four dozen dynamic speakers. Each session had a strategic theme that challenged participants to reflect on how they do their work and introduced us to best practices in the industry. She has run other fellowships in the past, which showed throughout our ten-month program. She also loves connecting people and is a great resource and thought partner.

Juan Galeano, MPA

Program Officer

The Clowes Fund, Inc.

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Holly is an excellent speaker, teacher and mentor. She organized an incredible week of curriculum for the Center for Women and Democracy's Leadership Institute, and I learned so much from her and the other high caliber panelists Holly is incredibly organized, engaging, and intelligent. Her expertise in politics, leadership, and campaign planning was quite apparent and enlightening for all of us.

Pamela Rich

Account Executive

Second Nature

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Holly is such an experienced and passionate visionary. I have been continuously impressed with her servant heart and leadership that empowers others in our sector to grow and flourish. Her passion for philanthropy, government and a thriving society as a whole is evident and contagious. I have been personally and professionally enriched by efforts and programs that Holly designed and successfully implemented!

Danka Klein

Director of Development and Marketing

CFLeads

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I had a chance to work with Holly on a startup initiative to create a candidate training program and found her to be incredibly driven and focused. Her experience and prior successes brought together a group of like-minded organizations to create the program from scratch. Holly understands politics and how to build connections, and I would definitely recommend her as someone who can make things happen.

Sean Martin

Chief Executive Officer

Tacoma-Pierce County of Association of Realtors

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Holly is an excellent speaker, teacher and mentor. She organized an incredible week of curriculum for the Center for Women and Democracy's Leadership Institute, and I learned so much from her and the other high caliber panelists Holly is incredibly organized, engaging, and intelligent. Her expertise in politics, leadership, and campaign planning was quite apparent and enlightening for all of us.

Nina Boe

Learning & Development Mananger

Out & Equal

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