In part 1 of 3 in her series, Jana Cobb, Stelter Client Strategist, shares insights from our nonprofit client panel hosted in January 2024.
At an all-company meeting earlier this year, we were thrilled to host a panel discussion with some of our nonprofit clients. Having the opportunity to hear directly from the partners we serve is always a high point for our staff, providing inspiration and enlightenment to our Stelter employees each year.
We asked our panelists to share an inspiring story or experience. They did not disappoint!
Can you relate to these?
Trust Is a Must
Cause Sector
Sharon Bean, CFRE
Senior Director, Planned Giving,
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
“As planned giving fundraisers we have the opportunity to be more non-transactional in our approach. It really is about trust building,” Sharon said. She shared a heartwarming story about a donor who resettled from Cuba to the US in the 1960s during the Castro dictatorship. The donor told Sharon that their conversation that day was the first time she had opened up to anyone about her personal experiences in such detail—from her challenges in Cuba before coming to the US to her positive experience resettling with help from the IRC.
The donor’s firsthand experience with IRC’s mission, coupled with her personal connection with Sharon, helped build trust. The donor had also received planned giving newsletters with IRC impact stories through the years, creating a strong foundation of connection and trust as well. The donor has arranged to leave nearly her entire estate to the IRC. This donor found meaning by giving back to an organization that played a critical role in transforming her life for the better.
Tears of Joy
Education Sector
Adam Lewis, CFRE, CAP ®
Executive Director, Planned Giving
The George Washington University
Adam had a moving experience working with a non-traditional alumna donor who wanted to give back to support medical students. Through the conversation, the donor told Adam she was looking for a second opportunity to help students like herself, who were coming to the US from South America. Adam identified a specific way for her to create another gift at GW to honor her journey from Argentina to the US and, to make the gift even more meaningful for the donor, to make the gift in memory of her late mother. As the final paperwork was being signed, the donor became emotional, and tears flowed as she shared with Adam how proud her mother would have been to have a scholarship created in her name. The gift left an indelible imprint on Adam’s heart because it brought such profound joy to the donor. “It’s not the biggest gift I’ve worked on by far, but it’s definitely the most meaningful because I saw just how personally significant it was to the donor,” said Adam.
At Stelter, through Philanthropic Psychology methodologies, we are working to “grow love.” These two stories illustrate how personal connections, relationships and philanthropic opportunities allow us to grow love and make the world a better place. They also demonstrate that much of our job is helping donors fulfill their goals—helping them accomplish something important to them.
Share Your Story
After hearing Sharon and Adam’s stories, I’m guessing you started remembering similar experiences that you’ve had. We would love to hear about them! Using the form below, tell us about an experience with a donor you’ll never forget. We will gather all the stories we receive and do a follow-up blog to share more of the love with everyone.
And don’t miss part 2 of my series, where I’ll share more from the panel. Up next—challenges and opportunities as they started the new year.
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