Meet Ari Giles, Advancement Manager

The Aim Higher Foundation is excited to announce Ari Giles as the new Advancement Manager.

In this role, Giles will oversee fundraising appeals, donor data management, grant coordination, reporting, and stewardship. Her position will ensure every donor interaction reflects our gratitude, professionalism, and deep respect for the dignity of each person.

“Ari brings a rare combination of operational excellence, creativity, and heart for our mission,” said Claire Buethe, Senior Director of Advancement, “Her ability to build systems while also fostering meaningful relationships will strengthen our advancement efforts and deepen the way we engage our supporters.”

Giles brings a dynamic background shaped by both nonprofit and corporate experience. Most recently, she served in the Legal Department at Wells Fargo, where she managed complex projects, supported senior leadership, and coordinated large-scale initiatives with precision and care.

“A child raised in a community that takes account of their needs is a child that is better able to do the same for the generations after them.”

Her earlier work spans organizations such as Random Acts of Flowers and the Hennepin History Museum, where she developed strong skills in community engagement, operations, and storytelling. Across each role, Giles has demonstrated a unique ability to balance organization, creativity, and thoughtful communication.

In her new role, she hopes to use her creativity to create tailored experiences and engagement for donors and partners across all levels: “All participation is important, and I want to honor everyone that takes part in our mission in ways that make them feel appreciated.”

Giles was drawn to Aim Higher through her belief in the power of community to shape lives and open doors.

“The best communities are ones that are not maintained alone; if we can center love within ourselves, it becomes easy to reach out a hand to others,” she shared. “I am excited to aid Aim Higher’s mission in making these communities accessible to those that otherwise wouldn’t be able to access them.”

About the Aim Higher Foundation
The Aim Higher Foundation provides renewable tuition-assistance scholarships up to $1,500 per student so that more children in the twelve-county Twin Cities metro area can experience the life-changing benefits of a Catholic education. Since 2012, the foundation has awarded 19,000 scholarships worth nearly $18M to children to attend Catholic schools serving K-8 students in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.