CDE Strategies

CDE Strategies is a three-woman owned consulting firm offering a wide variety of fundraising services for political campaigns, political organizations, political action committees, and nonprofits. With over 45 years of combined experience, we have built a reputation of delivering results with professional execution. We believe that fundraising is not a one-size-fits-all industry and prioritize integrating fully into each campaign or organization to act as a partner in success. All work is done by three senior partners and not junior staff.

We′d love to work with you

Please email us: info@cdestrat.com

Our Services

East Coast Fundraising Services

For campaigns, political organizations, political action committees, and nonprofits looking to increase their major donor fundraising.

Campaign Launch Services

For candidates looking to kick-off their campaigns.

Interim Finance Director and Senior Fundraising Advisor Services

For campaigns, political organizations and nonprofits looking to establish a top tier fundraising shop.

Political Advising and Philanthropy

For individuals, families, and foundations looking to maximize their impact.

Previous and Current Work

  • Democratic Attorneys General Association

  • EMILY′s List

  • Senator Jon Ossoff

  • Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel Powell

  • Lucas Kunce

  • Congresswoman Cindy Axne

  • School Board Member Liz Whitmer Gereghty

  • State Senator Jen Jordan

  • Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer

  • Judge Lina Hidalgo

  • Secretary John King

  • Attorney General Jeff Jackson

Who We Are

Diana Fassbender

With over 2 decades of experience as a fundraiser, political strategist, and donor advisor, Diana has worked with first time candidates and incumbent elected officials up and down the ballot, start-up and establishment political organizations, political philanthropists, and progressive nonprofits.

Emily Ison Hawkins

Emily has been primarily focused on in-house US Senate fundraising for over ten years. She has served as finance director or interim finance director on seven races of varying sizes since 2017. In the 2024 cycle, she ran the major donor experience at the Chicago convention for the presidential ticket.

Caroline Saudek

With 15 years of experience, Caroline has helped raise hundreds of millions of dollars for major cultural institutions, start-up nonprofits, and record-breaking political campaigns.