Melanie J. Norton is the founder and CEO of Norton Philanthropic Counsel (NPC), a full-service fundraising consulting firm in Indianapolis, Ind.  Melanie’s unique and broad-based background in business and fundraising allows NPC to specialize in a variety of strategic, campaign, and advancement consulting services.  

Melanie has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing institutions of higher education.  Before the launch of NPC, she was the vice president for development and alumni engagement at DePauw University, leading the University to more than $320 million of a successful $383 million comprehensive campaign that surpassed its original goal some 2 ½ years in advance of the campaign’s end.   Her career has included leadership positions in higher education administration and fundraising, fundraising consulting, and banking (trust and retail).  NPC’s work with clients ranges from strategic planning to fundraising prioritization, campaign counsel, high-level prospect strategies, board management, and more.  

Melanie is a Certified Fundraising Executive and a proud member of the Association of Philanthropic Counsel and the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, where she was formerly the national chair of the board in 2016.  She is Chair of the Board for The Cabaret Theatre in Indianapolis and has served in several board leadership and volunteer roles for various nonprofit organizations.  Melanie regularly speaks across the nation on various topics involving philanthropic work and planning.  

Founded in 2017, Norton Philanthropic Counsel customizes solutions that honor the unique opportunities available to every client.  NPC is dedicated to its mission of blending the art and science of philanthropy to provide solutions that focus on client success.