For many nonprofits, donor stewardship is an afterthought. In the world of for-profit sales, there's a saying that "your best customers are your current customers." If someone buys from you once, it's far more likely that they will buy from you again--but, they offer something tangible. In our not-for-profit world, we offer intangibles. We know that it takes fewer resources (time, money and effort) to renew or upgrade a current donor than it does to find, cultivate and ask a new prospect. This makes our work in stewarding donors even more critical. But when staff time and resources are limited, donor stewardship can seem daunting.
Join us as we hear from a panel of experts about how they have developed donor stewardship programs and made them effective tools for their organizations. Monica Grant will moderate our panel, which includes:
Wendy Lewis, CEO
ECHO Homeless Shelter, Atascadero
Wendy became ECHO's CEO in February, 2018. She has been working in development and operations at non-profits in SLO County for 13 years, including serving as the former COO of the Foodbank. In its 18th year, ECHO serves all of SLO County offering a safe home for 50 men, women and children each night. Wendy grew up in Lompoc and moved to SLO in 1986 to attend Cal Poly. While at Cal Poly, she met her husband Joe Lewis. They moved to Atascadero in 1998 where they raised their sons Jacob and Jeremy.
Michael Kaplan, Community Engagement Director
Transitions-Mental Health Association
Michael was a freelance grant writer for 11 y ears, often working as an emergency stop-gap until all you fine people were recruited by your current organizations. For the last five years he has been on staff at Transitions-Mental Health Association. He was hired as the Development Manager, promoted to Development Director, renamed Community Engagement Director, and hopes to have at least eight more title changes before he leaves! Most recently, he oversaw the capital campaign for Bishop Street Studios. In his spare time, Michael writes musicals and plays for the local theater scene.
Rosey Parks, Manager of Philanthropy
French Hospital Medical Center Foundation
Rosey joined French Hospital Foundation in 2013. Prior to that time, he career was in higher education in the areas of counseling, academic advising, continuing education administration, business development, alumni relations and fundraising. Rosey worked in fundraising at Cal Poly for the Kennedy Library, in a regional role representing the entire University, and for the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. Rosey is a frequent soloist with the SLO Vocal Arts Ensemble and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.
Monica Grant, CFRE, Chief Executive Officer
San Luis Obispo County YMCA
Monica has over 30 years of experience as a nonprofit and development professional, including YMCA's in Honolulu, San Francisco and East Bay; UC Santa Cruz and The Nature Conservancy. She ran her own consulting practice, with a focus on nonprofit capacity building and sustainability. Monica has a Master's in Organizational Leadership. She serves on the boards for the SLO Chamber of Commerce and Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center, and is the past President of the AFP, SLO County Chapter.