Katharine Keller, an experienced nonprofit fundraising professional, is joining Injustice Watch as its development director.
Keller joins Injustice Watch after three years as the senior manager of institutional partnerships at the Better Government Association and its Illinois Answers Project investigative newsroom, where she led foundation and corporate fundraising. There she doubled the organization’s grant fundraising revenue and helped grow signature events and sponsorships.
Previously, she served as director of advancement and strategic partnerships at Forefront, Illinois’ statewide network of nonprofit, philanthropic, and social impact leaders. She secured grants and sponsorships for key programs, including their Mission Sustainability Initiative, nonprofit capacity building programs, and Racial Equity Collective.
Prior to these roles, she spent 12 years developing and growing corporate, foundation, and government partnerships for Lions Clubs International Foundation’s grants and served as communication director at CCS Fundraising, leading volunteer and donor communications for LCIF’s $200 million global preventable blindness and eye health capacity campaign.
“I’m thrilled to join Injustice Watch and help lead the continued growth of its fundraising and partnership efforts,” Keller said. “Sustained and new support from donors and grant partners is critical to advancing Injustice Watch’s investigative reporting and community reach and impact. With more champions and donors supporting our work at all levels, we can continue to provide trusted information and new tools to hold our courts and justice system to account.”
Founded in 2015, Injustice Watch is an award-winning nonprofit journalism organization examining issues of equity and justice in the Cook County court system. Keller joins the team as Amanda Miley transitions out of the role after nine years leading Injustice Watch’s development and operations. Miley plans to support the transition as a senior advisor.
“We knew that whoever got the job would have big shoes to fill,” said Jason Schumer, Injustice Watch’s interim executive director. “But I couldn’t be more confident that Katharine is up for the task and has the experience to hit the ground running. I’m just excited to work with and learn from someone with as much fundraising experience as she brings to the table.”
Keller has a bachelor’s degree in English literature with a focus in journalism from Calvin University and has a certificate in Integrated Marketing Communications from DePaul University’s Kellstadt Center. She was raised in Cook County and now lives in the western suburbs.
Her first day at Injustice Watch is May 14.
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