T. Clay Buck, CFRE is the founder and principal of Next River Fundraising Strategies, where he partners with nonprofits of all sizes and missions to create individual giving fundraising strategies from acquisition to major gifts. Clay has been a fundraiser for over 30 years and has held nearly every position from development associate and database administrator to chief development officer.  He is also the creator of The Fundraiser’s Planner.

​

Clay holds a BA from the University of Georgia and a Masters in Fine Arts from Michigan State University. He is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a certified Master Trainer and Coach, and earned a Certificate in Philanthropic Psychology – with distinction – from the Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy. He serves on the faculty at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where he teaches fundraising, strategic planning, and storytelling and was recognized with the Outstanding Faculty Award.

Clay makes his home in Las Vegas, Nevada with his husband and two poorly-trained golden retrievers who have mastered the art of the ask, especially at dinner time.  He was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the AFP Las Vegas chapter.