1. Debra A. Lowe Email: debralowe59@yahoo.com
2324 Irlo Ct.
Kissimmee, FL 34741
(407) 791-5115
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Expert presenter, communicator, leader and businessperson able to
forge solid relationships with donors, colleagues and volunteers of all levels. Strong commitment to team
dynamics with the ability to contribute expertise, provide leadership and inspiration and follow directives
at appropriate times. Self-starter capable of producing exceptional results with minimum supervision.
February, 2009- Present – Major Gifts Officer, The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, Evanston, IL
o First gift officer hired by Organization to work from home office in assigned territory. (Georgia, Florida and the
Caribbean) Previously, gift officers were based at Rotary International Headquarters.
o Responsible for major gift solicitations of $50,000 or greater to both general and endowment funds with an annual
goal of $4 million. Provide stewardship to existing donors. Secured more than $7 million in outright gifts and
bequests during fiscal year 2013-2014. Secured $1Million outright gift in early 2015.
o Consistently exceed monthly benchmark goals for donor cultivation and solicitations.
o Plan and maintain a strategic travel schedule averaging 50% of time per month out of office within assigned
territory focusing on attendance at special events, planned cultivation functions and individual
cultivation/solicitation meetings.
o Work closely with volunteers, board members, trustees and colleagues forging effective relationships resulting in
significant outright and planned gifts in support of organization’s mission. Maintain a portfolio of 200 major gift
prospects and donors.
o Proficient in Raiser’s Edge software, Outlook, all Office applications
December, 2008 – February, 2009 - Bridges of Light Foundation-Contract Grant Writer/Consultant-Orlando, FL
o Developed annual operating budget and strategic plan for grass roots non-profit focused on providing
supplemental services to foster care children.
o Researched and submitted grant proposals resulting in first time corporate and foundation funding in excess of
$75,000.
July, 2005-November, 2008 – ORLANDO BALLET, Orlando, Florida-Director of Development
o Responsible for securing a minimum of $800,000 of a $4.5 million budget. Responsible for development and
management of Development department budget.
o Planned, organized and directed four annual campaigns. Under my direction, the United Arts Campaign grew by
more than 40% in three years; annual campaigns increased 40% and United Arts General Operating Support
funding increased by 26%.
o Obtained new Corporate and first time grant funding in excess of $200,000 annually.
o Secured individual Major Donor gifts ranging from $25,000 to more than $100,000 annually.
o Established relationships with area businesses to obtain in-kind contributions for goods and services, resulting in
annual contributions of more than $60,000.
o Identify and submit grants from wide range of sources, manage documentation, adhere to reporting schedules and
ensure proper stewardship of funds.
o Manage silent and live auction for Grande Masque, a collaborative fundraiser benefiting Orlando Ballet, Orlando
Opera and Orlando Philharmonic. Directed solicitation and procurement of donated goods and services,
coordination of event volunteers and staff, oversee close out procedures and post event follow-up. Grande
Masque was ranked by AOL on their Top 10 list of New Year’s Eve events in the nation.

2. o Managed database conversion and maintenance of a contact management system containing information on more
than 5,000 Ballet donors, prospects, and contacts.
October 2003-July, 2005 - CELEBRATION FOUNDATION Director of Development and Volunteer Services
o Managed more than 400 volunteers; established agency partnerships and ensured successful volunteer placement.
o Developed strong relationships with leading Not for Profit agencies throughout Orange and Osceola counties
providing volunteer support to more than 24 not for profit organizations. (The Foundation operated as an umbrella
organization)
o Served on Celebration Spring and Fall Art Festival committees. Responsible for development of budgets, strategic
planning and implementation, negotiated with vendors, served as artist liaison, and coordinated student exhibits.
o Developed and managed six new volunteer staffed programs providing new services to local agencies.
Researched and submitted grants to fund development and sustainability of future programs. Creation and
management of volunteer staffed Special Events committee; effectively reducing staff burden in planning and
facilitating community special events.
November 2000-October, 2003 - THE OSCEOLA CENTER FOR THE ARTS, Kissimmee, FL.
Director of Membership and Development
o Initiated and implemented Raising More Money Program resulting in 55% increase in new memberships over
18 month period. Recruited and managed team of 10 volunteers to assist in facilitation of program. Result:
$20,000 in new unrestricted gifts in fiscal year 2002-2003.
o Developed infrastructure for Capital Campaign to renovate and expand the 45-year old facility.
o Developed and marketed corporate sponsorship program resulting in significant increased donor support from
major corporations and local businesses.
o Grant research and writing for program development and funding. Successful at obtaining first time funding
from large corporations and small businesses with a presence in Osceola County.
o Partner with local business to obtain in kind donations of goods and services resulting in significant budget
savings.
o Director, Osceola Art Festival, 2000-2003.
September, 1981 – November, 2000: Walt Disney World Co. Product Development Sales and Marketing, Florist
o Develop and design new product in gift basket department resulting in a 200% increase of revenue during fiscal
years 1998-2000. Corporate client base increased by 75%. Liaison for VIP, convention, and special event
amenities.
o Negotiate new business with internal clients resulting in 50% increase of in-house profits.
Community Contributions and Recognition
o 2011-present-Board member-10,000 Villages Winter Park, FL. Non-profit Fair Trade retail store.
o Recipient of 2008 Association of Fundraising Professionals Chamberlain Scholarship
o Leadership Orlando, 2007 Alumni
o Chair, Central Florida AFP National Philanthropy Day, 2007 and 2008 (Also Chapter Board Member)
o Board Member and Public Relations Chair, Rotary Club of Kissimmee Bay (President, 2005-2006)
o Board Member, Osceola Center for the Arts (2005-2006)
o President, Central Florida Council of Volunteer Coordinators (2004-2006)
o Class of 2001 Leadership Osceola County.
EDUCATION
o Principles and Techniques of Fundraising-The Center of Philanthropy at Indiana University
o Rollins Philanthropy and Non-Profit Leadership Center-certificate in Non-Profit Management
o Volunteer Management: United Way of Central Florida (Certificate Course)
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3. o The Philanthropy Center at Rollins College-Finding Funding and Proposal Writing I-V (Certificate Course)
o Raising More Money, Donor Development-Nationally recognized strategic planning program
o County College of Morris, Randolph, New Jersey – Associate Degree Humanities/Art 1979
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