Testimonials

Julia brought us a wealth of knowledge in the realm of fundraising as well as non-profit operational expertise. Her background in the arts made her a perfect fit for our new theatre production company as she helped us set up our young nonprofit for success. Julia helped us craft our Board by-laws, select Board members, and educated us on how to work with our board of directors. She also mentored us on the donor cycle process from identification through stewardship and helped us identify and organize a donor database (picking a CRM). We felt fully supported during our launch as Julia made it clear she would be available for any questions at any point in the process. Both personable and professional, she’s followed up and followed through. Chalk Circle could not have made it this far without the help and guidance we got from Foster Innovation.

Michael Cusimano, Co-Founder

CHALK CIRCLE COLLECTIVE

Julia Foster is wonderful to work with and Foster Innovation Group lives up to its namesake — warm, encouraging, insightful and pragmatic. Her responses and feedback are immediate and to the point. She has consistently checked in and followed up with us like a genuine collaborator. Julia's experience and wisdom have been a source of knowledge and guidance that we were keenly seeking.

Francis Gercke, Artistic Director
BACKYARD RENAISSANCE THEATRE COMPANY

Julia is an absolute pro at building meaningful and long-lasting relationships with donors. She understands the most effective structures and engagement tools needed to grow fundraising programs and how to leverage these assets towards the successful closing of gifts. In addition to her donor relations expertise, she has deep knowledge in board development and event planning. Julia understands how to effectively turn board and event participation towards advancing the strategic goals of the organization. Her warmth and vibrant personality make her someone staff and donors gravitate towards—an asset to any team or project!

Sara Fousekis

Associate Dean of Advancement
USC SCHOOL OF DRAMATIC ARTS

Julia demonstrates remarkable skill in building relationships in many capacities and is the go-to counsel for working with board members, volunteers and individual giving staff. In leading a committee to create new donor levels, she ably guided us volunteers to take appropriate actions that successfully grew the program. And Julia guided me in my own philanthropy toward a significant capital gift...a legacy my whole family will always cherish. She displays great patience as she works with a donor to resolve their concerns and questions and has an intuitive sensitivity to develop a trusting relationship with even a hesitant potential donor. She knows this business from the ground up!

Eileen Cirillo

SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Patron, Education Volunteer

During my first year as a board member at La Jolla Playhouse, Julia was instrumental in providing me with her in-depth knowledge of how a nonprofit theatre operates. She was readily available to pick up the phone or provide me with a quick email response whenever I had a pressing question or need. She has a wealth of talent and and a well-developed platform of expertise in the sector of best-practices fundraising and event planning. Julia goes the extra mile in adding value with her warm personality and attention to both the larger and smaller details that make her so effective.