1. Erica Jacobs has over 24 years of experience in fundraising and community development, securing donations ranging from $25,000 to $8 million for various nonprofit organizations.
2. She has a proven track record of developing strategic fundraising plans and increasing donations, such as growing annual donations for the Sumner Community Residents Association from $100,000 to over $1 million.
3. Erica has extensive leadership experience managing the fundraising operations and budgets of multiple organizations, including growing annual revenues from $2 million to over $7 million as Development Manager for the Woodside Sanctuary.
Program Design and Implementation Strategic Planning Volunteer Coordination Staff Training
Governance and Operations Coalition Building Fiscal Management Peer to Peer Fundraising
Organization Name Nature Discovery CenterAddress 7112 Newcas.docxvannagoforth
Organization Name: Nature Discovery Center
Address: 7112 Newcastle, Bellaire, TX 77401
Website: https://naturediscoverycenter.org/
Mission: To ignite life-long curiosity, understanding, and respect for nature through education.Organization Overview
History
The Nature Discovery Center (NDC) consists of a four-acre nature park and the historic Henshaw House which serves as a nature center located in Russ Pitman Park. The NDC was first established in 1979 as what was then called Friends of Bellaire Park. In 1981, the four-acre Henshaw Estate in Bellaire was advertised for sale. Despite an astounding $1.4M sale price, a volunteer group led by Hana Ginzbarg undertook a fundraising campaign to buy the property in phases with the help of the Trust for Public Land. Through canvassing efforts, the park was purchased and turned over to the City of Bellaire. Russ Pitman made a generous contribution to complete the park purchase and became the namesake of the park. Renovations to the house and land were led by the local community volunteers.
All programs are hosted at Russ Pitman Park and the historic Henshaw House. The park is equipped with multiple learning environments including a Critter Classroom, Pecan Grove, Deciduous Woodland, Prairie Wetland, Shady Glade, Western Woods, Pocket Prairie, Thrush Hollow, and Cypress Pond. There are two Discovery Rooms inside the Henshaw House that allow children to take a hands-on approach to nature and science exploration.
The NDC is currently a leader in the Nature Play Movement in Houston, which focuses on allowing children to have free and unstructured play in nature. The goal is to expand children’s creativity, confidence, and social skills by giving them the ability to manipulate their play environment.
We Strive to:
· Spark interest in nature and science, nourish the inquiring mind, stimulate a desire to explore, discover, and learn; and keep a sense of wonder alive.
· Develop students’ critical thinking, problem solving, and reasoning skills needed in all walks of life, and give them the tools to explore, discover, and learn.
· Enrich and enhance educational opportunities for children, particularly those under-served, to improve their chances of success in school and in life.
· Improve the teaching of science in the elementary grades by example, teacher training, and publications.
· Advance general understanding of how nature affects our lives, and of the ecological systems that keep the earth in balance.
· Foster love and respect for nature that inspires people to become responsible caretakers of the earth.
Program Services
· The NDC offers a multitude of nature education programs for children, adults, families, and educators. Some of our most popular programs include Summer Science Camp, Family Nature Night, Outreach Presentations, and Senior Bird Trips.
· The NDC serves 40,000+ people each year. Our main market is currently children ages 3-12.
Key Fundraising Events
· Pumpkin Patch: A two-day fe ...
I am a development professional specializing in nonprofit board management and governance; and organizational development. My strengths include strategic planning, board management, fundraising oversight, constituent relations, campaign planning and marketing/communications. I have achieved recognition from board members and community leaders for foundation management, and have helped transform nonprofit programs into energized, active and productive foundations. I am excited to join a thriving organization in my next role.
USAID's Dianna Lightfoot explores examples of successful faith-based organization partnerships with USAID and shares resources to help organizations partner with USAID.
Objective
Raise awareness of Rebuilding Together Dutchess County’s mission in the Dutchess County.
• Strengthen and help to rebuild lives, homes and communities.
• Respect the integrity, worth and dignity of every person, especially the low-income, the elderly
and those with disabilities and are committed to helping them and the communities in which
they live.
Strategy
Host a charity golf tournament to raise awareness about RTDC and resources for ongoing community
projects.
Program Design and Implementation Strategic Planning Volunteer Coordination Staff Training
Governance and Operations Coalition Building Fiscal Management Peer to Peer Fundraising
Organization Name Nature Discovery CenterAddress 7112 Newcas.docxvannagoforth
Organization Name: Nature Discovery Center
Address: 7112 Newcastle, Bellaire, TX 77401
Website: https://naturediscoverycenter.org/
Mission: To ignite life-long curiosity, understanding, and respect for nature through education.Organization Overview
History
The Nature Discovery Center (NDC) consists of a four-acre nature park and the historic Henshaw House which serves as a nature center located in Russ Pitman Park. The NDC was first established in 1979 as what was then called Friends of Bellaire Park. In 1981, the four-acre Henshaw Estate in Bellaire was advertised for sale. Despite an astounding $1.4M sale price, a volunteer group led by Hana Ginzbarg undertook a fundraising campaign to buy the property in phases with the help of the Trust for Public Land. Through canvassing efforts, the park was purchased and turned over to the City of Bellaire. Russ Pitman made a generous contribution to complete the park purchase and became the namesake of the park. Renovations to the house and land were led by the local community volunteers.
All programs are hosted at Russ Pitman Park and the historic Henshaw House. The park is equipped with multiple learning environments including a Critter Classroom, Pecan Grove, Deciduous Woodland, Prairie Wetland, Shady Glade, Western Woods, Pocket Prairie, Thrush Hollow, and Cypress Pond. There are two Discovery Rooms inside the Henshaw House that allow children to take a hands-on approach to nature and science exploration.
The NDC is currently a leader in the Nature Play Movement in Houston, which focuses on allowing children to have free and unstructured play in nature. The goal is to expand children’s creativity, confidence, and social skills by giving them the ability to manipulate their play environment.
We Strive to:
· Spark interest in nature and science, nourish the inquiring mind, stimulate a desire to explore, discover, and learn; and keep a sense of wonder alive.
· Develop students’ critical thinking, problem solving, and reasoning skills needed in all walks of life, and give them the tools to explore, discover, and learn.
· Enrich and enhance educational opportunities for children, particularly those under-served, to improve their chances of success in school and in life.
· Improve the teaching of science in the elementary grades by example, teacher training, and publications.
· Advance general understanding of how nature affects our lives, and of the ecological systems that keep the earth in balance.
· Foster love and respect for nature that inspires people to become responsible caretakers of the earth.
Program Services
· The NDC offers a multitude of nature education programs for children, adults, families, and educators. Some of our most popular programs include Summer Science Camp, Family Nature Night, Outreach Presentations, and Senior Bird Trips.
· The NDC serves 40,000+ people each year. Our main market is currently children ages 3-12.
Key Fundraising Events
· Pumpkin Patch: A two-day fe ...
I am a development professional specializing in nonprofit board management and governance; and organizational development. My strengths include strategic planning, board management, fundraising oversight, constituent relations, campaign planning and marketing/communications. I have achieved recognition from board members and community leaders for foundation management, and have helped transform nonprofit programs into energized, active and productive foundations. I am excited to join a thriving organization in my next role.
USAID's Dianna Lightfoot explores examples of successful faith-based organization partnerships with USAID and shares resources to help organizations partner with USAID.
Objective
Raise awareness of Rebuilding Together Dutchess County’s mission in the Dutchess County.
• Strengthen and help to rebuild lives, homes and communities.
• Respect the integrity, worth and dignity of every person, especially the low-income, the elderly
and those with disabilities and are committed to helping them and the communities in which
they live.
Strategy
Host a charity golf tournament to raise awareness about RTDC and resources for ongoing community
projects.
1. 1
ERICA JACOBS
Unit 4/9 Rodney Street, New Brighton, Christchurch* Email: ericaframe35@gmail.com
Mobile:021 227 5368
FUNDRAISING MANAGEMENT
Senior level and track record of success in achieving Fundraising Goals and Stewardship
objectives, securing Operating and Capital/Institutional Gifts Range from $25,000 to $8 million for
Not-for-Profit Foundations. All round professional fundraiser, manager with a strategic approach.
Building and maintaining relationships with funders, staff in local and central government, and
with counterparts of other charitable organisations. Twenty-four years of experience in the field
of community development and grass roots projects. Extensive experience in Marketing,
fundraising and sponsorship management. Worked on projects for community development in
Christchurch, International fundraising for neonatal units, disability, sustainable organic home
gardens, and community projects.
FUNDRAISING LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Sumner Community Residents Association 2015 to 2016
Self-Employed Contractor.
*Sponsorship: Devised a plan of action for donor acquisition and calendar for grants and
deadlines. Secured sponsors for calendar.
*Co-ordinated and Managed a Muliti-Media Photographic Competition for Sumner
Calendar
*Completed accountabilities on time
*Strengthened donor and prospect lists.
*Prepared Fundraising plans, targets, clear status reports for the board, development
staff, and key fundraising participants.
*Preparation of grants to key donors.
* Tracked progress towards funding goals
*Managed Financial operations, kept track of grant spending, manage daily operations.
*Liaise with Christchurch City Council Funding streams and apply for grants 100%
successful
Administration: managed Xero – invoices payable and receivable, reconciliation of bank
statements. Co-ordinated Community Van and payments received.
Communication: Email distributed to community and residents key areas such as
hazards, council decisions.
2. 2
Public Relations: helped manned the Hub and kept public informed.
OUTCOME:Developed a strong understanding of fundraising with donors linking current
funding sources and strategic direction by obtaining 100% success for grant matching and
grant writing to secure $100,000 income for the SCRA.
*Business Development Manager -Miracle Babies Foundation 2013 to 2014
Miracle Babies Foundation is Australia’s leading organisation supporting premature and
sick newborns, their families and the hospitals that care for them. Miracle Babies
Foundation’s Head Office is based in Sydney’s South West; Programs, Events and
services run in each state of Australia. Worked as national Business Development
Manager to raise funds for parent support programmes on a national basis. Prepare
fundraising strategy, budget, targets and timelines. Prepared fundraising proposals,
reports, researched prospects and cultivated relationships with public, government,
corporate, trusts and foundations. Increased database of prospective donors.
OUTCOME:Increased Grants and Foundation donations by $500,000 for training in newborn
care and support for mothers and families.
Trust Manager-Newborns Groote Schuur Trust - December 2007 to 2012
Recruited by Head of Department of Paediatrics and Neonatology and an International Trust to
provide leadership and drive growth for the Development of a new non-for-profit for the Neonatal
Unit. Helped to start up Newborns and remain a Trustee. Managed a $1Million Annual Operating
Budget with approximately $4 Million as a fundraising target including $500,000 for training in
newborn care. Directed and implemented all fundraising, marketing and other communications as
well as managed the main objectives and activities of Newborns. Grew the brand to a household
name through campaigns in 50 retail stores, 10 Newspapers and 5 Radio Stations.
Expanded targets to deliver funding for innovative projects and the provision for training in
paediatric emergency care with focus on the immediate needs of the premature infant. Developed
and implemented a strategic plan to achieve the mission and objectives of Newborns.
Collaborated with the HOD and Executive Board members to develop solicitation plans for
government foundations and corporate grants that would help fund the organisations top-priority
programs. Created and managed marketing strategies including fact sheets, brochures, website
and marketing campaigns. Managed the Trusts Operations including fundraising office, database
and developed and coached the Board of Directors. Managed the organization as a small
business including day-to-day operations such as recruitment of full-time, part-time and freelance
employees.
3. 3
Impact: Orchestrated a turnaround grants program by 100% of organisations revenue from 0 in
the bank for start-up-capital. Secured $2Million+ in capital funding spanning from year 2007 to
year 2012 successfully grew the annual budget campaign from $100,000 to $800,000.
Recognised as key figure in the development of special projects for medical and health causes,
disability and sustainable agricultural development. Managed $500,000 annual operating budget
with approximately $3Million as fundraising target and $1Million for Capital Campaign Drive for
Essential Life Saving Equipment. Created and produced high-impact multimedia presentations to
communicate value and benefit of corporate sponsorship for premature infants. Raised capital for
200 Drager Incubators, 100 Phototherapy Lights, 100 CPAP Machines and funds for training of
nurses and doctors in newborn care.
*Produced/funded award winning campaign for essential life saving equipment for premature
infants in liaison with marketing and creative team. The campaign ran successfully for 4 years.
*Generated 4x increase in individual donor base with multi-media campaign through corporate
sponsorship, successful radio, press and TV coverage. Conceived/launched high end “Paediatric
Council” donor program and grew “Young Registrar Membership” donor program. Raised the
profile of at risk premature infants.
*Formed partnership between corporate community, medical school and government
departments to help meet fundraising and marketing objectives.
*Planned and implemented individual, direct mail, phone and personal solicitation program.
*Produced approved proposals from major donors, individuals and general public ($5000-
$2Million) for sponsorships, in-kind gifts, and financial donations.
Campaigns: 2012 – LINC/UNICEF Outreach “Help our Babies breathe”
Refurbishment capital campaign “Help us Grow”
2011-2012- Incubator Campaign “Help give a gift of life”
Development, marketing and sponsorship Manager Woodside Sanctuary-Centre Based
Respite Services November June 2003- November 2007
Recruited to execute leadership and identify business development strategies, re-developed the
board, grew partnerships with organisations to deliver programs that elevated performance of at
risk careworkers. Managed $2Million annual operating budget, with approximated $7Million as
fundraising target for operational costs to run Foundation/Sanctuary. Directed development of all
fundraising, marketing and other communications. Created direct mail and Internet marketing
campaigns to promote and solicit participants and sponsors. Tracked marketing campaigns and
compiled quarterly board reports and monthly reports. Prepared proposals with clear objectives to
match mission. Managed the database, thank you letters. Designed and compiled quarterly
4. 4
Newsletter updated website. Worked closely with CEO, Executive Board Directors and major
contributors.
Impact: Secured $800,000 to $7Million+ for operational costs, capital funding and training
spanning 2003 to 2007, successfully grew annual golf day, benefit dinners from $300,000 to
$900,000 within 1 year. Developed and implemented strategic plan to achieve disability-funding
requirements. Locked corporate donors into 10 year operational funding to continue to run the
Sanctuary.
Assistant Executive Director of Development - Food Gardens Foundation April 1997 to
May 2003
Food Gardens Foundation was started in 1997 as a result of the 1976 riots in Soweto,
South Africa as a socio-economic project to teach people to help themselves by growing
essential food, thus improving their health and quality of life.
Promoted and solicited major gifts, value-added partnerships, managed events, staff and
developed strategic fundraising and cultivated events for Board Executive, major donors, staff,
employee giving program and contributors. Expanded support base by 50% raised operational
costs for staff support and projects as well as capital campaigns from $2Million to $7Million.
Designed and executed 70 special events, including golf tournaments, dinner galas and golf days
utilizing over 500 volunteers. Identified and initiated business development strategies and
technology vehicles instrumental in developing corporate partnerships and volunteer incentives.
Impact: Tracked city funding grants and discretionary funds from local leaders, presented
requests before Council Members in written proposal forms and through networked solicitation
meetings.
*Assisted the CEO in managing the direction of the Foundation
*Marketed the Foundation at International European Organic Agricultural Convention held in
Switzerland
*Oversaw a direct mail campaign of more than $4Million and a budget of $2Million
Additional Experience
Computer: Microsoft word, email, PowerPoint, web update, database, social media
Master Class in Fundraising
Diploma in Fundraising through the South African Fundraising Institute
Fundraising Institute Chair and member of Executive Committee 1997-2012
Business Women’s Association 2007-2012
Presentation of International Paper at International Fundraising Convention – “How to run a
successful capital campaign” 2011
5. 5
National Team member with UNICEF for development and
Fundraising 2007-2012
Trainer and Presenter of Fundraising and Development of
Fundraisers workshops 2007-2012
Corporate Sponsorship training 2009
How to write successful grants 2010
Profession Affiliations
Association of Fundraising Professionals Women in Development
Direct Marketing Association Non-profit Prof Network
National Association of Female Executives
International recognition as a Professional Fundraiser
Education and on going development
*Native speaker of English and fluent in a region-specific experience in writing grants that have
attracted funding support knowledge and understanding of health care issues, developmental
issues. Ability to manage people, oversee finances and material resources to assist in general
planning, management and administration of a functional organisation.
*Certificate in Resource Mobilisation and Fundraising Development
*Masters in Professional Fundraising-International Training
*Masters in Bequest Solicitation-International Training
*Strategic Planning-International Training
*Basic Newborn Care and KMC Training (Prof Dave Woods Medical School Cape Town)
*Direct Marketing for non-profits-International Training
*Leadership Training and Public Speaking Seminars/Workshops-Toast Masters
Conclusion
The effort to attract major gifts requires patience, investment, persistence, commitment,
dedication, and determination. It requires a long view and takes time to produce results. The
effort and the wait will be worth it for those organisations that stay the course. The future belongs
to the visionary, to the bold. Be visionary, Be bold.
Proven track record:
*Devise and refine grantmaking strategies to make the best use of available resources by
adopting a more strategic approach that is aligned with the funder's mission
*Decision-Making tools: Using important tools, resources and inputs to make decisions (i.e.
outside technical assistance, in-house data, staff input, client input, a written strategic plan)
6. 6
Impact: mentored team to level of professional fundraising and financial reporting to donors.
Worked with team to improve creative innovations towards lifting their brand and increasing
income.
Proven track record in developing and implementing strategies of Achievements:
*Launching proposals and managing grants, including drafting grant announcements, creating
grants agreements, processing grant checks, and drafting grant summaries
*Implementing programs and strengthening grantee relationships by providing ongoing
services to liaise regularly with grantees, including: managing grantmaking and program budgets,
updating key internal and external stakeholders, and coordinate other program partners, such as
capacity-building consultants, event-planning teams, and evaluators.
*Proposals-Skilled in building relationships and securing grants within a broad range of fields,
including health care, education, sustainable agricultural projects and human services fields.
*Experienced in mentorship, training and development of volunteers and Board Members.
Co-ordinated approach to marketing a brand through multi-media channels and major
campaigns. Researched new and existing prospects. Leading and coaching teams.