Jonathan Meagher-Zayas, MSW, MPA, CFRE, CDP
Consultant
Jonathan Meagher-Zayas (He/Him) is a Queer Latinx Millennial nonprofit strategist dedicated to addressing equity issues, building capacity, engaging the community, motivating impact leaders, and getting stuff done. A fundraiser for over 15 years, he has raised over $14 million and specializes in grant writing, grant strategy, foundation relations, program development, and government writing. He has effectively researched, submitted, and been awarded dozens of proposals for program support, capital needs, organizational expansions, and operating funds. In addition, he has experience working for funders and has created grant applications, reviewed proposals, developed evaluation rubrics, and monitored grant outcomes. He has been a natural problem solver, trustworthy relationship builder, and resourceful team player for several nonprofits, including the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, Easter Seals, Habitat for Humanity, and Villa of Hope, as well as LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS agencies and other human services agencies.
In addition to his fundraising and communications experience, Jonathan wears many professional hats, including Nonprofit Capacity Building Educator, Community Engagement Strategist, Adjunct Social Work Professor, Diversity Equity & Inclusion Consultant, Leadership Development Trainer, Award-Winning Fundraiser/Resource Mobilizer, Impact Sector Coach & Facilitator, Learning and Social Contexts Doctoral Candidate, and Social Justice Champion.
Jonathan is an active volunteer leader and strives to be an impactful philanthropist. He is currently a global board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), leading projects and working on belonging and governance. He formerly served as Chair of its Emerging Leaders Committee and a member of its Governance Committee. He also serves on the AFP Genesee Valley Chapter's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access Committee; is a former board co-chair of 540WMain; is a member of the Greater Rochester Latinx Leadership Roundtable; is a United Way of the Rochester and Finger Lakes Pride Development Leadership Program graduate; and is a volunteer leader of Rochester Area Community Foundation's LGBT Giving Circle. He previously served as board chair for Mission Accomplished Transition Services and led its governance, fundraising, and program development committees. Jonathan was an active University of Rochester alum and volunteered his time on the Meliora Collective Mentor Program, Rochester Network Leadership Council, and the LGBTQ+ & Latinx Alumni Networks. Lastly, completed Leadership Rochester’s signature program in 2023.
Over his career, Jonathan has received several accolades, including two years on the Rochester Business Journal’s Power List of LGBTQ+ Leaders, a 2021 honoree on the Hispanic Executive NextGen Collective Inaugural 30 Under 30 Latinx Leaders List, 2022 Greater Rochester Chamber IGNITE Award Nominee, 2019 Association of Fundraising Professionals Global Outstanding Young Professional, and 2018 Association of Fundraising NY, Hudson-Mohawk Chapter Outstanding Young Professional Fundraiser.
Jonathan earned his Master of Social Work and Master of Public Administration degrees at the University at Albany, SUNY, and his bachelor’s degree in Religion, Linguistics, and Gender Studies from the University of Rochester. In November 2021, Jonathan obtained his Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential. In January 2023, he earned his credential as a Certified Diversity Professional (CDP). He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Learning and Social Contexts at the University at Buffalo, SUNY,
where he studies critical pedagogy and transformative learning in nonprofit leadership and human services management education.
He currently resides in Brighton, NY, with his husband, dog, and two cats (all tuxedo animals). He loves spending quality time with his friends and family, traveling, and listening to music and audiobooks.