What We Offer at Passing Lane Consulting

Empowering Nonprofits Through Strategic Excellence

  • At the core of our service is the commitment to deepen donor connections. Our programs emphasize the cultivation of authentic relationships, ensuring that every interaction contributes to long-term sustainability.

  • Our Strategic Pathways program is meticulously designed to forge lasting relationships. Tailored strategies and personalized approaches enable our clients to build and maintain strong connections, driving enduring success.

  • We empower nonprofits with the skills to implement effective Asset-Based Fundraising. Through comprehensive training that covers the fundamentals and advanced tactics of fundraising, we prepare organizations to thrive. Our approach ensures that nonprofits can leverage their existing assets in the most productive ways.

  • Engage with us through a detailed 22-Point Feasibility Study at no initial cost. This thorough assessment of your fundraising capabilities sets the stage for a tailored strategy that meets the unique needs of your organization.

  • Our team is composed of highly experienced professionals who bring deep expertise in the nonprofit sector. We understand the nuances of NPO management and are equipped to handle the most complex challenges with strategic foresight and innovative solutions.

Real Impact, Real Stories:
Mother Spencer's Testimonial on Our Services

“I have come to Love and respect Michael Elias and his team, they have been such a great blessing to us here at Community Light Voice of the Voiceless.” Dennese “Mother” Spencer

  • Founder / CEO
    Michael started his career as a financial advisor and enjoyed the different clients he was able to assist in reaching their financial goals . . .  and in 2002.  Michael changed careers by accepting a position at the Omaha Home for Boys wherein he built their planned giving program and legacy society. 

     Michael has raised over $70M in major and planned gifts and over $150M in Legacy gifts.  His career in the healthcare industry, social services and higher education has been successful and rewarding as he has been able to be instrumental in moving the needle in a positive direction by using strategic and relationship fundraising. 

     Michael founded Passing Lane Consulting in 2023 with the intent of gathering a team of Executives who brought marketing, legal, grant writing, direct fundraising and training.  All the Executives bring unique skills to order to provide clients with tailored programing to identify and reach the NPO’s opportunities while addressing and overcoming the obstacles in a changing industry.

  • Direct Marketing

    Mark has contributed to the success of over 1,000 direct response fundraising campaigns for nearly 150 nonprofits nationwide.

    His expertise includes strategic planning, creative development (concept creation, copywriting, and design for digital and print), and advanced analytics. He also excels in program management, donor stewardship, and integrating direct response with major and planned giving efforts.

    Mark has worked with a variety of clients across sectors such as healthcare, social services, environmental, cultural, educational, and religious organizations.

  • Legal & Grants

    Mariette Brodeur is a philanthropy consultant with over 25 years of experience in charitable planning, asset management, and nonprofit advisory services.

    Her past roles include Vice President and Trust Officer for Cypress Bank & Trust, Gift Planning Officer for The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, and policy advisor for the City of Jacksonville and the Governor of Iowa.

    She holds a bachelor's in political science, a master's in psychology, and a J.D. from Saint Louis University, and is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®).

    Mariette actively volunteers on several boards and committees, including the Planned Giving Council of Northeast Florida and BEAM.

  • Digital Marketing

    Spencer is a seasoned digital marketing executive with 14 years of experience delivering outstanding results for clients.

    He excels in using technology to drive conversions and profits, blending strategic marketing with operational expertise. Prior to his digital marketing career,

    His experience running YMCAs for 13 years and leading community-based Annual Support Campaigns involved hundreds of volunteers and donors, significantly impacting the local community.

    In digital marketing, he has built successful account-based marketing programs and led projects resulting in tens of millions in increased profits.

  • Grants & Programs

    Demika has secured over $100 million in grant funding. With expertise in nonprofit, community, and military program development, she leverages her background in leadership and organizational development to help clients achieve sustainable funding.

    Her strategic approach to grant writing and deep understanding of project management significantly enhance our clients' success.

  • Relationship Management

    Rafael is a results-driven consultant with over 10 years of sales experience and 6 years in finance, specializing in high-value transactions.

    His expertise spans home loan lending, commercial and residential property sales, and related software solutions. Rafael is committed to helping nonprofits achieve their financial potential.

    Licenses and Certifications:

    • Mortgage Loan Originator

    • Real Estate Salesperson

    • Notary Public

    • Title Insurance Producer

    • Salesforce Administrator

  • Project Management

    Greg has 10 years of experience managing economic development projects in both the private and public sectors.

    He started his career in Washington D.C. with the Obama Administration at the Department of the Treasury and later worked as a political consultant in Southern California. In 2020, he managed Pasadena's COVID-19 recovery plan for the restaurant industry.

    Most recently, as the Economic Development Manager for the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, he focused on business retention and attracting new industries.

    Greg holds degrees in Political Science and Business Administration from USC and a master’s in public policy from California Lutheran University.

  • Creative Marketing

    Joseph Disberger is the Creative Marketing Strategist at Passing Lane, blending his expertise in design, animation, puppetry, and storytelling to enhance brand engagement.

    With over five years of experience, he transforms complex ideas into captivating content that resonates with diverse audiences.

    Known for his innovation, Joseph consistently creates impactful and memorable campaigns.

  • Operations & Training

    With over 16 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Kimberly Govan specializes in organizational and fund development, nonprofit strategy, leadership development, and capacity building.

    She enhances mission delivery for organizations through training, strategic planning, and process implementation. Kimberly spent most of her career as Senior Director at the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida (2007-2023).

    She holds a degree in Early Childhood Development and Family Consumer Sciences Business from South Carolina State University and has served on multiple boards.