Joey Santore

Hi there.
I'm Joey.

I'm a Brooklyn-living, karate-coaching, playlist-making, murder mystery-writing, Sunday-saucing, social impact-ing twenty-something... with a website! Dive into my professional background, or keep scrolling to get in touch.

What's my story?

Growing up, I always knew exactly what I wanted to be. The only thing is, what I wanted to be changed all the time. I was without-a-doubt sure I'd be a chef. Then a vulcanologist (That's a volcano scientist. Dream big, kids.). Then a forensic scientist, a marine biologist, and a college counselor.

Where I actually ended up was unexpected. But boy, was it rewarding. Throughout my career, I've found myself surrounded by talented, passionate, interesting people who've taught me that with some elbow grease and know-how, we really can change the world.

So I've spent my time and energy in nonprofit work, tackling issues from surgical safety in low-resource settings to bringing clean water to the almost one billion people on earth who lack it.

So what do I do?

💸 Relational Fundraising

I've raised millions of dollars by understanding what motivates individual donors. My fundraising is sophisticated, white-glove, and deeply relational.

📝 Impact Storytelling

I translate complex work into compelling narratives. From public speaking to proposal crafting, I help people imagine what their generosity can make possible.

💭 Bringing Ideas to Life

On a project, I'm the best question-asker and the quickest self-starter. To me, no process is too sacred, no work is too daunting, and no idea is too crazy.

🖼️Connecting the Dots

I see the forest for the trees and think long-term. Integration takes us farther, faster – and is the key to delivering something truly excellent.

But I'm not just a fundraiser.

When I'm not at work at charity: water, I'm probably on campus at New York University, where I'm the assistant coach of the NYU Karate Club. Or I might be cooking a Sunday dinner for some friends. Or making a new playlist. Or trying to find NYC's best martini.

As a personal project, I'm also building Goldbeetle Games, a company making the best murder mystery party games – anywhere.

A few years ago, I wanted to host a muder mystery party with my friends, but I realized that games available online weren't the quality that I wanted them to be. Well, how hard could it be to write my own?

Hard, it turns out. But also very rewarding! Three full games later, and with plans for more, my family and friends have had a blast embodying interesting characters and engaging in good old-fashioned cloak-and-dagger. Goldbeetle Games isn't quite ready yet, but if you're interested in what we're building, I think you should check us out!

Let's get in touch?

I care about the work that I do and the people behind it. If that's your vibe, too, I'm down for a great conversation!