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 systems. As the organization was short of capital, he personally learned to use a suite of development tools and wrote a program for the organization’s use and benefit. This program was used for more than 10 years by the US, Canadian, and Australian offices of this organization.

At that point, Steve entertained the concept of developing a completely new type of donor relations program that he could offer to the nonprofit industry. In late 2000, after securing the technology firm NCOL of Vancouver, he began scoping such a program. Initial development began in 2001and BETA testing lasted through 2002. During that time they won the Witango Most Outstanding Program of 2002 at an international XML developerÕs 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 Steve 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, Hurricane Katrina and other events.

Ultimately, Maestro’s strategy went from a sole donor management package to a suite of programs which enhance donor connectivity and loyalty.

Steve's background encompasses over 15 years of non-profit experience, especially in the areas of donor development, management, and continuity.