Niki Kinkade

Niki Kinkade has over eighteen years of experience in leadership roles within nonprofit organizations, with a particular focus on securing resources to support innovative and transformative missions. She is deeply committed to the nonprofit sector's ability to enrich individuals and communities and has a strong understanding of the importance of best practices and relationship-building in driving successful philanthropic initiatives. Niki's expertise spans all areas of nonprofit management, with a particular emphasis on fundraising from individual donors, capital campaigns, federal and regional grants, corporate sponsorships, planned giving, fundraising events, and annual fund programs. Throughout her career, she has raised over $15 million, driving organizational growth and long-term sustainability for the nonprofits she has led.

Most recently, Niki was the Executive Director of the Art Center of the Bluegrass, where she led a transformative rebranding and restructuring initiative, bringing the Art Center regional, state, and national recognition. Under her leadership, the organization tripled its budget and launched a successful $4 million capital campaign. During her time at the Art Center, she crafted a comprehensive fundraising strategy that encompassed an annual fund, planned giving, the creation of an endowment, grants, and corporate sponsorships. Niki built strong partnerships with local and state governments, schools, and national and regional corporations. She also spearheaded the renovation and restoration of a second historic building and was instrumental in the creation of the Glass National Art Museum, transforming the organization from a community art center into a nationally recognized institution.