Ben McCarthy / Founder
Ben is an arts leader, fundraising strategist, and creative producer based in the New York City Metropolitan Area who believes that great fundraising and audience engagement is really about great storytelling. With nearly 20 years of experience helping cultural organizations grow, connect, and thrive, he founded McArts + Co. to help the arts do what they do best—move people.
Ben has led development and producing efforts for respected arts organizations across the country, generating millions in contributed revenue and creating donor programs, campaigns, and experiences that inspire generosity and build lasting relationships. His work blends strategy and creativity—combining data and design thinking with a deep understanding of how people connect to the arts.
In addition to his consulting practice, Ben currently serves as Associate Director of Major Gifts at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ, the nation’s premier musical theater, where he leads annual and leadership giving strategy. Previously, he served as Vice President of Development at the Peace Center in Greenville, SC, guiding a record period of fundraising growth and helping launch its ambitious 2030 Vision expansion.
Ben holds an MFA in Arts Leadership from Seattle University and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). With a background in stage directing and arts management, he brings both artistic intuition and strategic insight to every project—helping clients build the trust, tools, and momentum to make their next act possible.
Summary of Work Experience
Associate Director of Major Gifts at Paper Mill Playhouse | Millburn, NJ | Current
Vice President of Development at the Peace Center for the Performing Arts | Greenville, SC
Vice President of Philanthropy at McColl Center for Art + Innovation | Charlotte, NC
Executive Director at Three Dollar Bill Cinema | Seattle Queer Film Festival | Seattle, WA
Director of Philanthropy at the Seattle International Film Festival | Seattle, WA
“Ben is a skilled connector, leader, and development professional. His investment in connecting community to organization is inspiring. Ben is a rare fundraising professional who understands the dynamics of membership as well as strategy for soliciting high-level donors. He’s a pleasure to work with and an asset to any organization.”
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Ben as a strategic partner - he is great at listening to our concerns and challenges and finding ways to address them. He has invested a lot of energy in our partnership and has become a trusted advisor and resource for us, enabling us to do more as an organization.”