TAKE THE MSG
ASSESSMENT

Take one of the assessments on the right to see if MSG is for you.

TAKE THE MSG
ASSESSMENT

Take one of the assessments to see if MSG is for you.

EMPLOYEE
ENGAGEMENT
ASSESSMENT

CLICK HERE

FUNDRAISING &
STRATEGIC PLANNING
ASSESSMENT

CLICK HERE

GOVERNMENT
RELATIONS
ASSESSMENT

CLICK HERE

STRATEGICALLY GROW YOUR ORGANIZATION'S CAPACITY IN A WAY THAT SAVES YOU
TIME, MONEY, AND STRESS

OUR PURPOSE

OUR EXPERIENCED TEAM PREPARES OUR CLIENTS FOR FORWARD PROGRESS

OUR PROVEN PROCESSES INCREASES FUNDRAISING CAPACITY, EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT, AND STRATEGIC PLAN SUCCESS FOR NONPROFITS, SCHOOLS, AND GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS

OUR CORE VALUES

IMPACTFUL - OBJECTIVE - PERSONABLE - AFFORDABLE

OUR

SERVICES

FEASIBILITY STUDIES AND CAPITAL CAMPAIGN CONSULTING

Curious how successful your Capital Campaign or project may be? Before you start fundraising, let us help. Our ability to connect your mission with the community can be a huge difference maker before you take that major step.

ANNUAL GIVING STUDY AND CONSULTATION PACKAGE

Looking to increase your Annual Giving Campaign but staff and board members are nervous about making "asks"? Our proven process has helped organizations connect with NEW potential donors.

Our team will first bring you qualified leads. Then we will provide consultation on how to connect with them.

PLANNED GIVING STUDY AND CONSULTATION PACKAGE

Has your organization been wanting to start a Planned Giving program but don't know how to engage the community for support? We can help propel you forward.

Our team will first help you identify potential planned giving donors. Then we will provide consultation on how to implement a planned giving program.

GRANT WRITING

With grant writing becoming more complex, organizations have been forced to either add more to their already full plates or add a staff member to their budget.

MSG can help bring relief by offering grant writing services. Not only does our team have decades of experience but the cost of outsourcing to us is often more cost efficient than adding a staff member to your budget.

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND STRATEGY SESSIONS

Using an affordable third party to lead your board and staff strategy sessions can create objective, mind opening, difference making ideas. Our variety of sessions include board development, programming planning, future planning, and strategic planning are just a few ways we can be of service to your organization. Our unique process holds you accountable to help ensure your plan is living, breathing, and impactful . . . and not just a pile of papers that sit at the corner of your desk for 3 years.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Does your voice need to be amplified across the State? MSG can help State Alliances/501(c)(4) organizations by providing a full menu of options. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE about how MSG can be of service to you.

ABOUT US/
OUR TEAM

Our Certified Fundraising Executives (CFRE) are former Nonprofit CEOs and Government Leaders who have one mission: To prepare our clients for forward progress. We advise, direct and confirm areas whereby organizations can feel confident in the direction they decide to go. We offer unbiased transparency in these processes for maximum information for organizations to decide your next steps.

For years organizations have relied upon outside counsel to determine if they are ready for next steps of growth in capacity. With over 100 years of combined leadership in government, nonprofit industry, and small business ownership, they have provided guidance for government projects, meetings and savings plans; feasibility studies, capital campaigns, leadership workshops and trainings for hundreds of individuals.

When you select MSG for your next project you are not just getting experienced consultants who were nonprofit leaders themselves. You are also getting a team of personable and humble people who are able to connect with just about anyone. The ability to establish positive relationships with YOUR team and community is equally is a priority for us.

Chuck Rowe chuck(at)midweststudiesgroup.com

(MSG President) With over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit world, Chuck has spent time in administrating, fundraising, and programming with two of the largest and most respected nonprofit organizations in the country (Boys and Girls Club & The Salvation Army). His hands-on experience in the day-to-day operations and activities inform his decisions, and make Chuck a credible source for any nonprofit looking for guidance. His decades of experience and ability to connect with others, will be an asset when talking with your donors.

Kelley Tetzlaff kelley(at)midweststudiesgroup.com

(Planned Giving Consultant of Counsel) Kelley has a deep background in financial planning, with over 20 years of nonprofit planned giving experience and sixteen years experience in the financial services field in banking, investments and insurance. In that time, he has served as the gift planner, gift officer and executive director of a regional religious foundation as well as the regional gift planning officer for the Arthritis Foundation, American Red Cross and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

He served in the charitable world on the front line as a fundraiser, and as a trainer, coach and consultant training a broad spectrum of RD staff as well as board members and volunteers around philanthropy. Kelley worked and consulted on the benefits of major gifts and charitable gift planning as well as helping organizations establish their own major gift, planned gift and endowment programs.

Kelley has been a member of the Planned Giving Round Table of Arizona since 2002 and served on the Board of Directors and is a past president. He is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, a member of the Kingdom Financial Advisor’s as well as the Advisors in Philanthropy and a speaker for charitable giving conferences.

Kelley’s most important accomplishments are that he is a husband, a father of four and a grandparent to eleven grandchildren!

Stephen Taylor

(Senior Consultant) Stephen has over 40 years of nonprofit experience, He has background knowledge in executive leadership, fundraising, and grant writing. Stephen has boasted the accreditation of “Certified Fund-Raising Executive” from CFRE International continuously since 1999. One of his greatest strengths is being part of numerous feasibility studies and capital campaign projects.

He has been CFRE continuously certified and recertified since 1999, and was President of the AFP Chapter for Greenville-Spartanburg plus President of Fox West Philanthropic Network for Kane County, Illinois.

Gary Kroeger gary(at)midweststudiesgroup.com

(Emcee, Guest Speaker, and Presenter) Since returning to his hometown in Iowa in 2003, Gary has been active in community work including the building of RD capacity for several non-profit organizations. “The communication of, and implementation of, creative ideas is my expertise. Show business taught me a lot about teamwork and making things happen, some times out of thin air. That lends itself well to helping not-for-profit and non-profit organizations discover and reach their goals .”

Gary has spent the last 18 years as a creative director for a Midwest advertising agency and as the CEO of his own consulting business, specializing in customer service.

20 years previous to that, Gary was an actor, writer and producer with credits ranging from being a member of the Saturday Night Live ensemble to his own television series, including hosting nationally syndicated games shows.

Below are ways in which Gary can be of service to you:

PUBLIC SPEAKING COACHING

Do you or your employees avoid presentations because of fear of embarrassment? It has been said that the two things people fear the most are death and public speaking (not taxes!). True or not, public speaking is undeniably an area where many people are uncomfortable and try to avoid at all costs. This can be the hurdle between success and failure, because it is a person's ability to get in front of others to inspire, educate and motivate that closes deals and creates new and better relationships. Oral communication skills are key to success. Gary provides instruction on how to prepare, present and pace your public appearance.

IMPROV TO IMPROVE - PRESENTATION CONFIDENCE WORKSHOPS

This course was developed by Gary from his experiences as an improvisational performer in Los Angeles and Chicago, taking classes at Second City and being a part of "Saturday Night Live." Improvisation is a technique that gives the student in this (or series of) seminar a more confident approach to presenting before live audiences, whether meeting presentations or large groups. The group learns basic rules of improvisation and various games to stimulate listening skills and to develop trust in one's own spontaneous ability. The result is greater trust in oneself and more confidence in front of groups of people.

EMCEE AND MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER

Gary uses 40 years of professional experience as an actor, writer, producer, advertising executive and even as nationally recognized game show host to emcee your event or to be a presentation speaker. His message of motivation, inspiration, and maintaining values in the pursuit of your passions has been a popular keynote and after dinner presentation.

Eric Bonley

(VP of State and Local Government Affairs) Eric’s ability to launch effective advocacy strategies have secured millions of dollars in public funding for local organizations. He has built public-private partnerships to strengthen communities across the country. His unique experience leading membership-based associations helped Eric become a valuable resource to responsibly navigate such entities, including 501(c)4 “alliances.” He also has an extensive background soliciting and managing federal, state, and local government grants.

His 20+ years of nonprofit experience includes working for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America's National Office, as Director of Government Relations, as well as an additional 11 years with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, in roles such as Government Relations Director and Capital Campaign Coordinator.

OUR PARTNERS

Midwest Studies Group is partners with some of the most trusted firms in the field when it comes to services such as mail appeal, accounting, tax work, websites, video and media work, and more.

Professional Office Services Stacey Christensen

Director of Brand Strategy, Professional Office Services

Professional Office Services is an official partner of MSG. Stacey has more than 25 years of experience in communications including public relations, media relations, community relations and marketing in both the public and private sectors. She helps customers create strategic messaging and marketing plans to solve their toughest communication challenges. Her expertise includes strategy and creating marketing and communications plans.

POS acquired Palmer Non-Profit Communications in 2019. Their brand “Before they open their hearts, they have to open the envelope,” is Stacey’s latest passion and work.

She and her team provide strategy, creative, data expertise, print and direct mail for successful donor appeal mailings. To learn more about donor appeal mailings and non-profit work contact us today!!!

BerganKDV - Brian

BerganKDV provides comprehensive business, financial and technology solutions including: business planning and consulting, tax, assurance and accounting, technology, workforce management, wealth management, and turnaround management services.

Brian is responsible for the overall quality of work performed and the timeliness of services provided. He spends a great deal of time talking with clients about their needs and how his team can address them. Brian specializes in reviews and audits for manufacturers, distributors and nonprofit agencies.

Brian received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Northern Iowa. He is actively involved in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Iowa Society of CPAs, Allen Foundation Board of Directors, Waterloo Rotary Club of Directors, Cedar Valley United Way Emerging Leaders and Main Street Waterloo Volunteers.

BerganKDV - Michael

BerganKDV provides comprehensive business, financial and technology solutions including: business planning and consulting, tax, assurance and accounting, technology, workforce management, wealth management, and turnaround management services.

Mike serves clients in the government sector, including cities, counties, traditional and charter school systems. He is responsible for growing the client base in the government market by building relationships with potential clients and working with them to help solve pain points they are experiencing in their business operations.

Mike earned his bachelor’s degree in organizational communication and sociology and is involved with Northern Voices, a nationally recognized school for deaf and hard of hearing children and Crescent Cove Respite & Hospice Home for Kids.

IFC Studios - Tony

IFC Studios - Tony IFC Studios builds fresh, clean, and modern websites and produces high-quality video and photography to tell the story of your brand. They design logos and build brands that establish connections. They craft content and messaging that connects with your audience. With hundreds of active clients nationwide, Tony's focus has now turned to fostering a workplace culture that reduces burnout and inspires creativity, while producing meaningful work that gives back to the community. He has an amazing wife and two kids who make every day worth living and inspire him to work hard. He also loves cycling, whiskey, chip clips, Sour Patch Kids, and a good concert. Tony's true passion is design, taking an idea and creating something beautiful from it.

PAST

PROJECTS

Members of our team have worked on a variety of projects and capital campaigns.

Here are just a few:

Boy Scouts of America - Multiple times for varied projects, camps, offices, and campaigns

DeKalb Public Library in Dekalb, IL

St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Elgin, IL

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley in Waterloo, IA

Shalam Ministries in St Charles, IL

Sanborn Western Camps in Colorado

St. Procopius Abbey in Naperville, IL,

Northwest Suburban Council BSA in Mount Prospect, IL

City of Cedar Falls, IA
Main Street Waterloo, IA

Guiding Star

Cedar Valley Sports Commission

Friends of the Family of Northeast Iowa

Americans for Independent Living

Bremer County, IA

Waterloo Christian School

Waterloo Community Playhouse

Goodwill Industries of Northeast Iowa

Young Parents Network (YPN)

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley

Waterloo Community School District

Granite Rock Camp

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Black Hills

Great River Children's Museum

And currently working with many others . . .

TESTIMONIALS

OUR CORE
VALUES

Impactful - MSG takes the bigness out of front-line solutions for small to midsized cities, schools, and organizations, to help those become more effective and efficient. We navigate the political pressures of difficult decisions by assisting these entities with methodical approaches for the best long-term solutions. Our proven process will give you support that will make a difference at your organization.

Objective - Ever find it questionable that the group offering capital campaign consultant help, happens to be the same group who provides the feasibility study? That's why our contracts don't obligate clients to do both with us. We think that's like asking a fence company to come to your house, and then asking them if they think you need a fence.

Whether we are assisting with a feasibility study, finding you new annual donors, or seeing who might be interested in making you a planned gift . . . we believe it's only fair to you, your councils, boards, and committees, and your supporters that you are provided an objective and transparent report.

Personable - Being former Nonprofit CEO's and Government Leaders, we just don't give advice, we have also walked in your shoes. At MSG we are always a phone call or email away. Clients will never be lost in a sea of bureaucracy or passed to other associates or Jr Associates midway through a project. Those we interview during our studies, enjoy their conversations with us, making for a great experience for all. In fact 100% of those we interview say they had a positive experience with us.

Affordable - We believe that any sort of study or analysis should be affordable to organizations and schools for two main reasons: 1) It provides an opportunity for all organizations to learn about themselves, without the need to “break the bank” or needing to be a multi-million dollar organization. 2) Less money spent on studies means more money that can be used for your mission.

FUN

FACTS

100+

YEARS

OF COMBINED

NONPROFIT/GOV'T

EXPERIENCE

THE NUMBER ONE REASON INTERVIEWEES ENJOY TALKING WITH MSG? HAVING THE CHANCE TO BE EDUCATED ABOUT THE NONPROFIT WE ARE REPRESENTING

15-20x

THE AVERAGE POTENTIAL DOLLARS WE FIND FOR NONPROFITS COMPARED TO WHAT WE CHARGE. TALK ABOUT GREAT RETURN ON INVESTMENT!!!

100%

THE NUMBER OF INTERVIEWEES WHO ENJOY THE PROCESS OF CONVERSING WITH US

GET IN

TOUCH

PHONE - 319.830.4774

131 Tower Park Drive, Box 305 Waterloo Iowa 50701.

*Although we are open to providing feasibility studies for capital campaigns, anywhere, our focus is on Iowa (Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Ames, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, etc), Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, Indiana, and other Midwest States.

TAKE THE MSG ASSESSMENT

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT ASSESSMENT

FUNDRAISING & STRATEGIC PLANNING ASSESSMENT

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS ASSESSMENT

TAKE THE MSG ASSESSMENT

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT ASSESSMENT

FUNDRAISING & STRATEGIC PLANNING ASSESSMENT

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS ASSESSMENT

STRATEGICALLY GROW YOUR ORGANIZATION'S CAPACITY IN A WAY THAT SAVES YOU TIME, MONEY, AND STRESS

OUR PURPOSE

OUR

SERVICES

FEASIBILITY STUDIES AND CAPITAL CAMPAIGN CONSULTING Curious how successful your Capital Campaign or project may be? Before you start fundraising, let us help. Our ability to connect your mission with the community can be a huge difference maker before you take that major step.

GRANT WRITING

​

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

ABOUT US/ OUR TEAM

OUR PARTNERS

PAST

PROJECTS

TESTIMONIALS

OUR CORE VALUES

FUN

FACTS

GET IN

TOUCH

TAKE THE MSG
ASSESSMENT

EMPLOYEE
ENGAGEMENT
ASSESSMENT

FUNDRAISING &
STRATEGIC PLANNING
ASSESSMENT

GOVERNMENT
RELATIONS
ASSESSMENT

TAKE THE MSG
ASSESSMENT

EMPLOYEE
ENGAGEMENT
ASSESSMENT

FUNDRAISING &
STRATEGIC PLANNING
ASSESSMENT

GOVERNMENT
RELATIONS
ASSESSMENT

STRATEGICALLY GROW YOUR ORGANIZATION'S CAPACITY IN A WAY THAT SAVES YOU
TIME, MONEY, AND STRESS

FEASIBILITY STUDIES AND CAPITAL CAMPAIGN CONSULTING

Curious how successful your Capital Campaign or project may be? Before you start fundraising, let us help. Our ability to connect your mission with the community can be a huge difference maker before you take that major step.

ABOUT US/
OUR TEAM

OUR CORE
VALUES