Championing Connection Through Strategic Growth

With over thirty years of executive-level experience in the nonprofit sector, Joanne Oppelt leads Feel The Vibe with a powerful blend of strategic insight, financial acumen, and deep compassion for people. As CEO, Joanne brings a results-driven approach to advancing FTV’s mission: ending social disconnectedness through deep listening and human connection.

Joanne is a nationally recognized leader in nonprofit development, capacity building, and sustainable fundraising. Throughout her career, she has helped organizations improve their financial health by integrating development efforts with operations, planning, marketing, and mission delivery — producing millions in new funding and significantly increasing impact.

A Proven Track Record of Transformative Impact

• $14.8 million raised at Community Access Unlimited — 42% of which was new funding
• $6.7 million in one year for HopeLink
• $2 million campaign success for Calvin Crest Conference Center
• $1.7 million in four months for Sound Start Foundation
• Tenfold asset increase and doubled revenue as Executive Director at Caring Contact

Her client portfolio includes more than two dozen nonprofit organizations across the United States in sectors ranging from child welfare to the arts, affordable housing, education, and healthcare.

Thought Leader and Author

Joanne is the author, coauthor, or editor of 24 books on nonprofit leadership and development, including the influential Major Gifts Ramp-Up: Money is Oxygen, Without It Charities Can’t Breathe. Her work is regularly published in leading nonprofit publications such as 501c3.Buzz, Advancing Philanthropy, Inside Charity, and Nonprofit World.

She has trained thousands of nonprofit professionals through organizations such as:

• National Association for Nonprofit Organizations & Executives (NANOE)
• National Development Institute
• Grants Professional Association
• Center for Nonprofit Success
• myCPE and CharityUniversity

Joanne has also taught university-level courses in fundraising and nonprofit management at Kean University.

A Lifetime of Leadership and Service

Joanne has been appointed to numerous state and county-level boards, including:

• New Jersey Behavioral Health Planning Council (Gubernatorial appointment)
• Union County Alliance Steering Subcommittee (President)
• Founding member, Union County Nonprofit Consortium
• Founder, New Jersey Parents As Teachers Collaborative

She has served as a grants reviewer for the U.S. Department of Education and Union County Department of Human Services, further demonstrating her credibility and dedication to public service.

Education and Personal Life

Joanne holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Bethany University (cum laude) and a master’s in health administration from Wilkes University (with distinction).

She lives on Florida’s Space Coast with her husband, a retired minister. Together, they enjoy traveling, visiting their three children and six grandchildren, and exploring the wonders of nearby national parks — especially Cape Canaveral National Seashore.

Why Funders Trust Joanne’s Leadership

Partners are drawn to Joanne’s:

• Strategic vision and disciplined execution
• Proven fundraising results and return on investment
• Deep understanding of nonprofit systems and sustainability
• Unwavering commitment to mission-driven impact

“Joanne doesn’t just talk about transformation — she builds it.“