Brief History
When Steve Cleary first began working in the nonprofit sector in 1990, his first organization had a very antiquated computer program for donor management. As their Marketing Director he knew that they needed access to better system. However, the organization was unwilling to spend any money, so he personally learned how to use Paradox and wrote his own program in the PAL operating system. This program was used for more than 10 years by the US, Canadian, and Australian offices of this organization.
At that point, he and his wife Ginny entertained the concept of developing a completely new type of donor relations program that they could offer to the nonprofit industry. In late 2000, after securing the technology firm NCOL of Vancouver, they began scoping such a program. Initial development began in 2001and BETA testing lasted through 2002. During that time they won the Wintago Most Outstanding Program of 2002 at an international XML developer’s conference in San Diego.
The BETA program was tested with a $3 million organization and a six user license. In 2003, Version 2 launched with a much larger sale to an organization with a 20 user license in California.
Throughout 2003 and 2004, the Clearys realized that nonprofits were in need of a broader range of tools, utilizing the Internet to acquire and maintain donors. Statistically, online donations have experienced growth of 50% or more annually, and especially with the significant jump in percentages of overall giving in the wake of the Asian Tsunami (and more recently, Hurricane Katrina).
Ultimately, Maestro’s strategy went from a sole donor management package to a suite of programs which enhance donor connectivity and loyalty.
Both Steve and Ginny's background encompass over 15 years of non-profit experience, especially in the areas of donor development, management, and continuity. They also jointly own two advertising companies as well as a consulting firm. The Clearys currently reside in Portland, Maine.
