As Chief Development Officer at Homeless Solutions, Stephanie Cicale has spent over 13 years leading the organization’s development efforts with strategic vision and a deep commitment to its mission. Since Day 1, her work has been instrumental in building a sustainable fundraising model, allowing the organization to better address the growing needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Morris County.
“I will never forget, when the opportunity came up [13 years ago], I felt like working at Homeless Solutions was the right thing to do,” Ms. Cicale said. “I walked into the shelter, three weeks into the job, and I was giving a tour with some bankers we were trying to recruit to our Corporate Advisory Council. There was a mom and her two little kids coming up the ramp by the shelter with a shopping cart full of all their stuff. It was a Friday morning in September and all I could think was that these kids should be in school, not coming to the shelter worried about where they’re going to sleep at night. That’s when I knew I was in the right place.”
Ms. Cicale’s career in nonprofit development has been characterized by creating and executing long-term strategies that drive results. In recent years, she has narrowed the organization’s focus on reducing reliance on government funding, ensuring that the organization maintains flexibility and independence. Her efforts have consistently increased philanthropic support, enabling the team to expand services and invest in innovative programs.
One key initiative under her leadership has been the development of a major gifts program, complemented by a mid-level donor strategy set to launch in 2025. These efforts reflect her data-driven approach to identifying opportunities and strengthening donor relationships.
“Data analytics in any field is really so important and even more so for us,” Ms. Cicale said. “We really look at what the data is telling us. We have a lot of events, and you get a lot of new donors through those events, but do they stay? We take a look at donor retention and where we lose folks.”
Ms. Cicale’s leadership extends beyond fundraising. She has cultivated a talented team and built meaningful partnerships within the Morristown community, where she grew up and established her professional roots. Her focus on collaboration has elevated both the development team and the board of trustees, many of whom she helped recruit, fostering a culture of shared responsibility and purpose.
“Our Board’s level of expectation — of professionalism, of deliverables, of analysis, of strategy — has all really amped up,” Ms. Cicale said. “It’s top level. Folks on the Board have a high expectation of the staff, and us from them, about the partnership. That’s been really wonderful to watch the Board evolve and grow.”
What sets Ms. Cicale apart is her unwavering commitment to Homeless Solutions’ mission. She draws inspiration from the individuals and families who benefit from the organization’s work, finding purpose in their stories and resilience. This focus on mission informs every aspect of her leadership, ensuring that fundraising efforts align with the organization’s goals and values.
“We’re really proud of the reputation we have as an organization that gets things done, an organization that commits to something and follows through,” Ms. Cicale said. “We treat our guests with respect at all times and provide the best environment that we can, physically in the housing where our guests live and that we build, but also in the way that they’re supported.
Ms. Cicale’s contributions have positioned Homeless Solutions for continued growth and innovation. Her work exemplifies how thoughtful strategy and strong relationships can create lasting change, providing hope and stability for those in need.