About Compass Consulting
Compass Consulting is a philanthropic advisory firm dedicated to helping individuals, families, businesses, and foundations create lasting impact. We are committed to empowering and inspiring givers with the knowledge and resources they need to become engaged, informed, and enthusiastic partners in supporting causes and initiatives that drive positive change.
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We create tailored solutions and opportunities for addressing our world's most intractable issues through connection, collaboration, and service. Our goal is to help our clients align their intentions with meaningful action that produces a better community, and world, for all.
Marisa Ogles, Founder & Principal
For the past two decades, Marisa Ogles (rhymes with moguls) has served in various philanthropic and nonprofit roles. Having worked as both a fundraiser and funder, she has developed a nuanced understanding of how to channel resources in ways that create connection, build community and drive change.
Whether it is philanthropic advising, multi-generational work, meeting facilitation, grantmaking and due-diligence, donor education and engagement, coaching or administrative support, Marisa is energized and grateful for the unique opportunity to assist in the flow of resources and creation of partnerships needed to actuate long-term, sustainable change.
With her Master's in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management (University of Georgia) and extensive training as a 21/64 certified advisor, she appreciates the role our lived experiences and environments play in shaping our values and creating our own unique vision for the future. Previously, Marisa spent nearly 8 years at the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga serving as Sr. Director of Donor Engagement and Services. To date, Marisa has helped support over 40 individual donors and 9 multi-generational families in their efforts to allocate more than $6 million in grants to nonprofit organizations. She's volunteered or served on the Board of Directors for more than 15 different nonprofits in the Southeast and helped build a nearly $1M endowment to assist those in their fight against cancer. ​Oh, and did we mention... she's also run 2 half marathons, taught at both the high school and college level, and has never met a book she hasn't bought (which means she has a lot of reading to do before she dies)!
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In launching Compass Consulting, Marisa's vision is to walk alongside generous donors and nonprofit partners to navigate for impact, together.
What We Believe...
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Wealth is not measured by decimals but rather by relationships—with ourselves, with others, and with our community. The power of money is derived from the intention we give it and the integrity with which we direct it into the world.
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The solutions to our world’s most intractable problems can be realized via collaboration and connection with each other. Giving together strengthens the ties that bind us, builds empathy, fosters community, and helps us create the future we desire for ourselves and our communities.
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We all have the capacity to be agents of change. Giving takes multiple forms, be it time, talent, treasure or ties. Everyone has something they can uniquely contribute to creating a better future for all. Within each of us exists the capacity and unique skillset necessary for advancing change.
Acting with integrity involves listening to understand and responding in alignment with our deepest held values and beliefs. All of us possess an intrinsically unique perspective that is shaped by a combination of our lived experiences and values, which should be reflected in our philanthropy.
Who We Serve
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At Compass Consulting, we partner with a diverse range of individuals, families, foundations, and businesses. Our goal is to support our clients in fulfilling their giving goals and making a positive impact in their communities.
How We Work
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Our approach is collaborative, results-oriented, and customized to the needs of each client. We are experts in crafting practical solutions that drive sustainable change—helping generous people and institutions enhance their ability to fulfill their purpose.
Why Compass Consulting
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When you choose Compass Consulting, you gain a trusted partner dedicated to your success. With over 18 years of experience, we offer innovative ideas, actionable insights, and a deep commitment to our clients' objectives. Together, we can create lasting, positive change.