Kathi Sebastian Email and Phone Number

Established in 1981 by a group of Holocaust survivors under the leadership of John Klein z’l, Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) is a non-political, non-military organization that provides for the wellbeing of the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), veterans and family members. Recognizing the tremendous burden that IDF soldiers carry on behalf of Israel and the worldwide Jewish community, FIDF is committed to providing them and their families with love, support and care. Unique in its mission and activities, FIDF is the only organization representing the IDF in an official capacity as designated by Gadi Eisenkot, Chief of the IDF’s General Staff.Propelled by tremendous growth in Houston and across the state, FIDF is creating a Dallas office to focus on raising support in the DFW metroplex. As Development Director, I report directly to Maj. Gen. (Res). Meir Klifi-Amir, National Director and CEO, Friends of the IDF (FIDF), who is based at the National office in NYC. I am responsible for managing a significant portfolio of donors, including individual, corporate, and foundation prospects.

Planned, coordinated and assured implementation of strategies to develop donors and contributions to support Achieve’s mission to empower adults with disabilities to reach their highest level of independence and employment. Assured development and maintenance of appropriate systems to fund development. Systems included, but not limited to, volunteer and donor management, board recruitment, research and cultivation, gift processing and recognition. Maintained accountability and compliance standards for donors and funding sources. Developed and implemented all marketing and social media to promote the mission of Achieve, programs, events, and appeals to Achieve constituents.

To ensure the organization's stability and growth, including developing short and long-term growth strategies for the organization; identifying and addressing development issues; and evaluating internal operations procedures within the organization that support development. My strategy focused on events targeting major donors and annual giving becoming a recurring and organized effort for the organization.

Accomplished leader of a $10 million Annual Campaign with a team of 10 professionals. Campaign included 6,000 donors and over 200 volunteer solicitors. Successfully solicited a million dollar portfolio, directed day to day operations (ensuring that reporting systems were complete, timely, and efficient in Raisers Edge), supervised/coached staff team, and presided over a mission to Cuba with major donors

Productively structured the first 3-year, $10 million Strategic/Development Plan for the Board of Directors, targeting alumni, corporations, foundations, and students. Performed as a fundraising consultant, as well as a vigorous advisor to the primary student clubs on campus, in return for their assistance in the development and implementation of steadfast cause-related fundraising events for the college.

One-person fundraising shop committed to bringing vision and prosperity to the meetings and events industry. Responsible for creating, implementing and exceeding a multimillion dollar fundraising plan that targeted a 21,500 global membership base made up of 68 MPI chapters. Tactics included events, grant writing, and individual giving/corporate giving through face to face solicitation from a global list of hotels and convention and visitors bureaus.

Broadened the overall functioning of all activities in internal accounting, corporate operations, personnel management, recruiting, and benefits administration for the Realtime Group, a multi-million dollar product development company for industrial control and medical devices.

Sole person in charge of fundraising for a grass roots aftercare drug treatment program for African American adolescents, specifically focusing on grant writing and donor prospecting.

Mathews 25 was a 501c3 that provided grant writing resources to non-profit organizations with a Christian mission. Wrote over 50 corporate, foundation and government grants from $5K-$500K, with a 75% success rate.

Developed and executed a comprehensive fund-raising campaign concentrating on grant writing, direct mail, telemarketing, and special events.

1990-1993: Program Director, Substance Abuse Government Grant for At Risk TeensLed therapeutic, recreational ropes course family weekends at Camp Grady Spruce for foster families with youth 10-17 at risk or currently experiencing drug and alcohol addiction. Recruited and supervised volunteer lay leaders to lead 12-step groups and help supervise families. Created and led support group collaborations made up of DISD student peer leaders mainstreaming with at-risk teens from DFW emergency shelters.Peer leadership/at-risk youth collaborations morphed into a peer leadership group of teens and volunteers who performed 1 act plays for DISD schools.Plays focused on peer based intervention for students experiencing the consequences of drug and alcohol addiction. Responsible for government reports relative to the 3 year grant.Provided case for giving testimonials for YMCA Sustaining Campaign lay leaders.As a Program Director, continued sexual abuse counseling and support groups for YMCA staff in 20 YMCA branches. 1988-1990: Emergency Shelter Shift CoordinatorSupervised a staff team of 3 counselors for the 7am-3pm shift, provided direct care, support groups, life skills training and individual counseling for at-risk teens in a 30-day emergency shelter setting. Specialized in sexual abuse counseling and support groups for YMCA shelter teens as well as for the staff in 20 YMCA branches. Provided case for giving testimonials for YMCA Sustaining Campaign lay leaders. Completed YMCA Professional Leadership Development Training, which included coaching, career pathing, and a comprehensive leadership development and certification system that encouraged learning at all stages of your career. 1086-1988: Emergency Shelter Counselor/Recreation Coordinator Coordinated recreational programming and provided direct care, support groups, life skills training and individual counseling for at-risk teens in a 30-day emergency shelter setting.