Eric R. Lane, Ed. D.

Eric is a seasoned fundraising consultant with over 15 years of experience in nonprofit development and philanthropic strategy. He has successfully led multi-million dollar fundraising initiatives across a range of sectors, including education, social justice, and environmental advocacy. His expertise spans individual giving, major gifts, institutional funding, corporate partnerships, and campaign design.

As a Consultant with CFA, Eric partners with organizations to build and refine comprehensive development strategies, with a focus on long-term sustainability and donor engagement. He has worked closely with executive teams and boards to lead campaign readiness assessments, donor pipeline development, fundraising planning, and organizational capacity building.

Eric’s consulting approach is grounded in relationship-based fundraising and storytelling, drawing from his background in leadership and research. He leverages his doctorate in Educational Leadership from California State University, Fresno to apply evidence-based practices, ensuring clients are equipped with strategies that are both effective and mission-aligned. Eric believes in building strong internal cultures of philanthropy and approaches each project with curiosity, clarity, and a commitment to results.

Throughout his career, Eric has directly secured millions in funding through major gifts, grants, and corporate sponsorships. He is known for his ability to cultivate deep donor relationships, articulate compelling cases for support, and close transformative gifts that elevate impact.

Before consulting, Eric served as a frontline fundraiser and development executive at several mission-driven organizations. He is also a public speaker, trainer, and mentor to emerging fundraisers, committed to growing the next generation of nonprofit leaders.

Outside of work, Eric enjoys spending quality time with his wife and four children, traveling, playing and watching sports, attending live concerts, and exploring new ways to merge creativity, community, and social impact. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from California State University, Fresno.