Meet Helen B. Arnold, CFRE—the unstoppable force behind Arnold Olson Associates, where she helps nonprofits “do good well.” Helen also serves as the nonprofit advisor for Clearly Compliant, Inc., guiding organizations through the maze of third-party state registration with ease. With a remarkable 65+ years of experience, both volunteer and professional, Helen has left her mark on 68 nonprofit boards (and counting!).
Helen is the ultimate nonprofit guru, tackling everything from fundraising to organizational excellence with clients across the nation. Her passion for philanthropy extends beyond strategy—she’s an inspiring speaker, an AFP Certified Facilitator, a CFRE Ambassador, and holds a Certificate of Nonprofit Management from Iowa State University.
A proud member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Grant Professionals Association, the Eastern Iowa Planned Giving Council, and the National Association for Charitable Gift Planners, Helen’s accolades are as numerous as her accomplishments. She’s been honored with awards like the AFP Eastern Iowa Outstanding Professional Fundraiser Award as well as Lifetime Achievement Awards from both the AFP Eastern Iowa and AFP Las Vegas chapters.
Leadership is second nature to Helen. She’s a past president of both the AFP Eastern Iowa and AFP Las Vegas chapters, has served on several AFP Global committees, and is currently a board member for the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy. As a successful grant professional, Helen is a past treasurer of the Grant Professionals Foundation. She’s also made waves in her community as the past president of the Rotary Club of Las Vegas Spring Mountains, past president of Variety the Children’s Charity of Southern Nevada and now serves on the Board of Trustees for The History Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Advisory Board of Barrington Dance Ensemble in Illinois, and the Crafty Granny Project, Las Vegas.
Beyond her leadership roles, Helen shares her expertise in print. She’s the author of Volunteering for the GENIUS and a contributing author to YOU and Your Nonprofit and The Nonprofit Consulting Playbook.
Whether she’s mentoring, fundraising, or writing, Helen approaches every endeavor with a contagious enthusiasm, leaving nonprofits stronger and communities brighter in her wake.
Maximizing growth through strategic solutions.
Decades of proven expertise for your organization.
Delivering tailored solutions to meet your missions needs.
Leading the way with unmatched expertise.
Each nonprofit organization has its own strengths, challenges, and circumstances. Based on that belief, our process begins with an in-depth discussion — listening, evaluating, and working with you to create a program that meets your individual needs. Arnold Olson Associates will then help you develop and implement the systems and skills to meet your goals today as well as take you to the next step into the future.
Arnold Olson Associates also calls upon the expertise of other team members through established relationships with a network of professionals. From strategic planning to market research, when specific needs arise these seasoned professionals will bring their expertise to your organization.
