Basim Sobeih
Philanthropy Officer - Corporate Giving
Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation
AFP member since 2022
“If I have the skills to convince a buyer on a multi-million-dollar property, why not convince them to give 1% of their wealth? They will feel good supporting a good cause, the recipients will be grateful for the generosity, and I will have a sense of satisfaction that I played a role in making it happen. That’s philanthropy in action!”
In this member spotlight we interviewed Basim Sobeih about his journey to becoming a fundraiser, his recommendations for those who have just begun their career, and what changes he hopes to bring to the industry through his involvement in AFP as both a board member, and IDEA committee member.
A persuasive individual with a fluid ability to interact effectively with diverse populations, Basim has and continues to advocate for utilizing individuals to serve a purpose. He spent most of his career building relationships, networking, and currently works for the Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation with Corporate Giving under his portfolio. Basim’s transition into fundraising, like many, wasn’t initially intended. And like many, he realized that he has the skills to be able to make a difference.
Q: How did you get into fundraising?
A: To be honest, sales has been a key skill throughout my career. I never really thought of fundraising. I was exposed to fundraising when my late father was diagnosed with cancer years ago. And that’s how I started learning a little bit more about the industry. Fast forward to 2015 during the Syrian Refugee Crisis, just like everyone else, I wanted to play a role to assist families escaping the crisis in Syria and help refugees come to Canada. I co-founded a non-for-profit in the efforts to raise money sponsoring families in Nova Scotia. Our fundraiser was held at Dalhousie University, and in that one evening, we raised over $200,000. It was incredible. Through that I got the opportunity to work with the United Nations Association in Canada (UNAC) on some projects during Canada’s 150th Anniversary. I was exposed to work with other international organizations, which eventually led me to a job offer in Ontario. And for the past few years, I joined the Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation working alongside an incredible team supporting the healthcare sector which I hold most dear in my life.
Q: What did you find in fundraising that you didn’t experience in your other careers?
A: The satisfaction of your impact and achievements. At Dartmouth General, we fundraise to bring the very best innovative state-of-the-art healthcare to our community. We act as a “living lab” for Nova Scotia Health – testing, trying, and proving new technology, procedures, and programs before they are rolled out broadly. The feeling you get knowing you contributed in advancing healthcare and saving people’s lives is a feeling that is priceless. My late father was a surgeon, his legacy not only included his career and lives he saved – but also his good deeds. He used his skills and his network to give back however way he could, starting with his family. And I thought to myself ‘Well I’ve been doing sales, I do build connections, I do build relationships…what kind of legacy do I want to leave behind? If I have the skills to convince a buyer to purchase a multi-million-dollar property, why not convince them to give %1 of their wealth? They will feel good supporting a good cause, the recipients will be grateful for the generosity, and I will have a sense of satisfaction that I played a role in making it happen. That’s philanthropy in action!
And for those who are interested in making a career transition to fundraising, Basim recommends acquiring a mentor, and joining AFP, to help guide both newcomers and those who are already established in their careers, and to network with similar professions
Q: What advice would you have for those looking to start their career in fundraising?
A: Mentor, mentor, mentor! Always have a mentor. Focus on your strengths and where your passion takes you. Subconsciously you will thrive to success. Most successful fundraisers have at least one thing in common – a mentor. They all had a mentor or several mentors throughout their career to help guide you through a successful career. One of the main elements of success is that there is someone there whom you can lean back on for guidance. You need to do what’s fair, and make sure that when the day is over, within reason; you are happy and satisfied. It is not about how smart you are, or how clever you are or even what college degrees you have, it’s about whether people like you and trust you. Approach your craft as a profession and invest in yourself. I have been blessed to have had a mentor who I can lean on throughout my career, but if anyone is looking for a mentor, AFP is a great tool to get that support you are looking for. The lessons work, but only if you work the lessons.
Q: What would you say to those who are unsure of joining AFP?
A: AFP is an opportunity in every meaning of the definition. In essence, it is a comprehensive and beneficial way to create a situation that may enhance the possibility for success if taken advantage of. When I returned to Nova Scotia, I knew no one, but when I was introduced to AFP, my career shifted gears. I was given an opportunity to voice my opinion, share my thoughts, and be part of a change. I was able to network, meet peers in my industry, and learn from other professionals’ tips and advice that may help with my current role. It is there to assist with job opportunities, educational courses which would help with career growth, educational knowledge and certifications. AFP is there for you, and that’s the whole point. It’s there for you and for your career advancement. Everyone should join AFP.
Now with over a decade of experience, Basim looks to advocate for change both in AFP and throughout the fundraising profession.
Q: Why did you join AFP?
A: I became a member of AFP because I wanted to be a voice and effectively participate and drive change. As a man of colour, as a man who is categorized as a minority, and someone who is confident with his skills and abilities; I was faced with a lot of challenges and unfortunate circumstances, and I felt that I needed to address and support others that may go through the same experience. But I also believe joined AFP to take advantage of the courses, seminars, and sessions that are offered to better educate myself and add value under my resume. Fighting inequality with having the backing to say this person is a legitimate candidate who is capable and certainly has the skills and knowledge to succeed in his role. I joined AFP so I can have a voice, and I joined the IDEA committee to advocate fair change. I was honored to be nominated as President-Elect, which is a huge achievement. And ironically the reason why I joined was not for me, but what I can do for others, and I only have AFP to thank.
Q: What do you think is the biggest challenge facing fundraising today?
A: Diversity. We need to have inclusivity and diversity as we are shifting into a multinational market. We need to be able to tap into every group and build that relationship and have the comfort of knowing that is the right thing to do. Like I always say, diversity is not only about demand, it goes both ways. It benefits the industry, because the more you can reach a bigger group, the more you can increase your chances of building new relations, finding new donors and creating strategic partnerships. Diversity is a natural characteristic of every society. It is a source of strength, and we should take full advantage of it to become more innovative, creative, dynamic, resilient and prosperous.
Basim is currently President-elect for AFP Nova Scotia and AFP NS IDEA Committee Chair.