Sarah Schmall

Sarah Schmall has been with CCS for overeight years and in the fundraising space for more than a decade. Having spent nearly her entire professional career in fundraising, Sarah continues to be drawn to philanthropy, believing that this field has the power to solve some of the most complex challenges and questions in the world. She feels privileged that her profession enables her to help find these solutions and give back to the world in such a meaningful, productive way.

Sarah begins any engagement by first immersing herself in the organization– its people, goals, past fundraising activities, and more – to become an expert and in turn, provide the most value to each of her client partners. She is a lifelong learner and constantly reflects on her current and previous engagements to ensure the latest insights are carried from one partnership to the next.

As Senior Vice President, Sarah leads a variety of partnerships across the Central U.S. In her time at CCS, she has executed campaign planning studies, facilitated multi-million-dollar campaigns, directed development assessments and trainings, and coached development staff and volunteers through securing transformational gifts. With an expertise in case development and major donor strategy, Sarah is committed to crafting stories that marry resource development with each organization’s mission, financial needs, near-term goals, and long-term strategic vision.

As part of her continued commitment to philanthropy, Sarah regularly presents at various industry events, including with the North American YMCA Development Organization, International Catholic Stewardship Council (ICSC) and at the National Catholic Development Conference (NCDC). Sarah is also a frequent speaker at CCS’s firmwide, sector-, and region- specific webinars.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Science in Fundraising Management from Columbia University. A Chicago resident, Sarah enjoys spending her free time rooting for all things Fighting Irish, attempting to cook, and participating in the occasional 5k fun run.