The Book of the Women and other artist booksOld Ladies in Public Placeshttps://www.alexandrasamiosnelson.com/

Xanku: https://xanhaiku.wordpress.com/Tea: https://alexandrasamiosnelson.wordpress.com/

Common sense consulting on grants, fundraising, management, planning and start up support for small and mid-sized non-profits.Current clients are the Arts & Business Council of Chicago, West Point School of Music/Epic Steel, The WasteShed, Chicago Metamorphosis Orchestra Project and Music Theater Works; past clients have included The Oriana Singers, Black Ensemble Theater, Chicago Arts Orchestra, Midwest New Musicals, Woodstock Mozart Festival, Encore Music Academy, and Chicago Opera Theater.This says it all: my name starts with an X, my hair is pink, and I curse like a sailor. I started life as an artist, until I realized that the world needs people to help artists be businesspeople as much as it needs another artist. So that’s what I do—I help artists and others save the world. If you need me to help you save the world, or your little corner of it, with common sense advice on non-profit fundraising and management, email me: xan@junoconsulting.net

At this venerable company I lead development efforts in conjunction with a team of inspired professionals, working on all institutional fundraising activities and donor relations. In addition to the money I was able to raise for the company, I am most proud for creating and growing the innovative and unique CommunityREACH and YouthREACH programs to inspire and engage everyone in the magic that is musical theater.

Private skating school "Xanboni" was a US Figure Skating Basic Skills registered program run by nationally-rated coach Xan Nelson (PSA Senior Group Rating).The program specialized in beginners, preschool age, and special needs students. I was a staff coach at Robert Crown Center in Evanston, Northbrook Ice Arena, Highland Park Centennial Ice Arena, Winnetka Ice Arena. In addition, I developed and ran a specialized class for special needs students through the North Suburban Special Recreation Association, which was the best gig I ever had.

Co-founder and Executive Director of professional a cappella ensemble; creator of The Oriana Collection, a collaboration of vocal ensembles.

Responsibilities: as Grants Manager, directed all grantsmanship from corporate, foundation, and government sources, including prospect research, cultivation and stewardship, proposal writing and preparation, administration of grants received, and coordination with Program and Marketing Departments. When promoted to Director of Development, directed all aspects of $500,000 fundraising program, including grantsmanship, annual fund, major gifts, and external communications. Member of the Senior Staff, managing implementation of institutional goals and annual objectives. Responsible for annual development plan, strategic planning, and board liaison. Supervised 1 1/2 FTE positions, including Recital Coordinator and Development Coordinator, also in charge of freelance graphic designer, two interns, and two regular consultants. As Director of Development and Communications responsible for all aspects of fundraising plus public communications including public relations, direct mail, two quarterly newsletters, press relations, and volunteer program. Accomplishments: More than tripled development income over 3 1/2 years, including securing $400,000 in new gifts, identified and received funding from 15 new foundation or corporate sources; increased Annual Fund giving from 75 donors to more than 500 in a single year, designed and implemented the institution's first strategic external communications plan including business reply, 2 newsletters, press relations, concert and recital management and special events. Total funds raised during tenure: $2,100,000. Position reported directly to the Executive Director