Fundraising is about so much more than asking donors for money. Building trusting relationships and connecting donors to the causes of the organizations they support is critical. That’s where I excel. As a fundraising and development executive, I drive the strategies and plans to diversify revenue streams, deeply engage donors, and provide organizations with the financial means to reach their goals. I never imagined that my passion for dance and the arts would transform into a long-term career in the nonprofit sector. During my time as a dancer, I honed a strong understanding of fundraising because most dance companies operate as a nonprofit. By chance, I discovered a development internship, leveraging and refining my technical writing, research, and interpersonal skills. Since then, I’ve advanced to executive leadership roles where I’ve helped organizations achieve sustainability and make a long-term impact on the communities they serve.There’s a lot of talk about how nonprofits should act more like businesses. While there’s truth to the notion, fulfilling a mission and making a lasting societal impact are equally as important.► HIGHLIGHTS✓ Entrusted to lead a 20-member team for organization that hosts world’s largest one-day philanthropic conference and offers high-level workshops and information networking opportunities to 9K+ nonprofits. ✓ Created individual giving program that leveraged organization’s volunteer base, increasing individual contributions 54% within first year of implementation.✓ Directed cultivation and stewardship efforts with employee resource groups at several corporations, garnering new funding from Fidelity and UBS. ✓ Designed YANY’s stewardship and cultivation calendar, managed relationships with major donors, secured 6-figure institutional gifts, and coordinated fundraising campaigns to advance organization’s vision. Connect with me (jenniferleagarda@yahoo.com)!► COMPETENCIESNonprofit Administration | Organizational Leadership | Program Design | Relationship Building | Fundraising | Donor Cultivation | Budget Planning | Grant Writing | Public Relations | Staff Management | Community Outreach