What We Do
My Mission
My Approach
My Approach
To support philanthropic advisors and nonprofit professionals in cultivating donor relationships rooted in presence, values, and meaningful conversation so generosity is experienced as personal, thoughtful, and human.
My Approach
My Approach
My Approach
I thrive on building meaningful relationships through honest and vulnerable conversations, helping individuals and teams unlock their full potential. Whether it’s in the workplace or in life, my goal is to foster trust and create a supportive environment where others can succeed and grow.
A huge part of my success has been due to my abil
I thrive on building meaningful relationships through honest and vulnerable conversations, helping individuals and teams unlock their full potential. Whether it’s in the workplace or in life, my goal is to foster trust and create a supportive environment where others can succeed and grow.
A huge part of my success has been due to my ability to relate to people, my warmth, my authenticity, and my ability to provide a sense of connectedness.
I believe in using values as a starting point of guiding the conversation.
My Services
My Approach
My Services
I work with philanthropic advisors through coaching and thought partnership, and I partner with nonprofit organizations through speaking, coaching, and training engagements designed to strengthen donor relationships and development practice.
- Coaching & thought partnership for philanthropic advisors
- Speaking engagements for nonprofit or
I work with philanthropic advisors through coaching and thought partnership, and I partner with nonprofit organizations through speaking, coaching, and training engagements designed to strengthen donor relationships and development practice.
- Coaching & thought partnership for philanthropic advisors
- Speaking engagements for nonprofit organizations
- Coaching and training for development teams
As a 21/64 Certified Advisor, I utilize their philanthropic tools to enhance the dialogue.
About Diane
Diane Higginbotham is a seasoned philanthropy professional, coach, and thought partner who supports philanthropic advisors seeking to deepen donor relationships through presence, values, and meaningful conversation.
With over two decades of experience in the nonprofit and philanthropic sector, Diane has worked across community foundations, advisory practices, and national consulting organizations. Her work centers on helping advisors and development professionals slow the pace, listen more deeply, and navigate complex donor conversations involving purpose, legacy, and values.
Through her practice, Dialogue with Diane, she works with philanthropic advisors through coaching and thought partnership, and partners with nonprofit organizations through speaking, coaching, and training engagements designed to strengthen donor relationships and development practice.
Diane is a 21/64 Certified Advisor and previously served as a Senior Consultant at 21/64, where she supported advisors, donors, and philanthropic families using values-based tools and frameworks to deepen engagement and impact. Her career also includes leadership roles at the Greater Houston Community Foundation and The Columbus Foundation, where she managed donor relationships, scholarship programs, and philanthropic initiatives.
Grounded in a counseling background, Diane brings a relational, reflective, and human-centered approach to her work. She is known for creating spaces where people feel heard, respected, and supported—believing that generosity, at its best, is personal, relational, and rooted in trust.
Education and Affiliations
- M.S. Ed. in Counseling, University of Dayton
- B.S. in Organizational Management, Wilberforce University
- 21/64 Certified Advisor
HERE'S WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT DIANE...
" Diane is a consummate professional who has excelled over decades as a leader in the community foundation arena and then adapted her insights and counseling skills to the family philanthropy space. Lucky for us she is now training professionals across the country with her combination of authenticity and experience. She is the rare professional who marries a depth of wisdom with the breadth of experience. I have learned a great deal from partnering with Diane over the years. Plus, her calm is contagious. "
Sharna Goldseker, Founder & Vice President, 21/64
" I have worked with Diane in several capacities over the years…as a colleague, a collaborator and a trainer. She continues to prove that she is a content expert in this space. Because of her past work at two well respected community foundations, she has the background to translate value based generational wealth conversations and scholarship management practices to a variety of demographics and environments." Steven Moore, Chief of Staff, The Columbus Foundation
"Diane is a dynamic speaker who captivates audiences with her warm, engaging approach and ability to connect on a deeply human level. By sharing personal stories that resonate universally, she brings authenticity and clarity to complex topics, making her an invaluable voice in any philanthropic setting."
Chris Gabriel, Founder and President, WISEgenerosity and Senior Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor, The Gabriel Group