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My Fundraising Mentor

My Fundraising MentorMy Fundraising MentorMy Fundraising Mentor

Pam Simmon's Blog

Throughout my fundraising journey, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring and being mentored by many incredible individuals. While fundraising is a vital entry point for personal growth and skill development, it encompasses so much more. 

I value your feedback, so please share your comments and suggestions on the blog article. I’m also eager to hear about any challenges you face in your fundraising efforts. Together, we can learn and grow. Thank you for joining me on this journey!

Testimonials

I needed a mentor because I was entering a new fundraising position as a grant writer. I had lots of knowledge about our charity but needed to figure out how to do this work. Also, with my disability, being blind, I needed someone who could work with lots of inaccessibility issues and pitfalls. I needed someone with experience, someone I could work with, trust, and grow with. Pam could direct me, strategically build me up, and move slowly through the grant writing process, the critical points, and the focus to ensure that the grant was heading in the correct direction. Her understanding and patience, as well as her extensive background, made it very easy to learn. During this time, I learned to be more organized, work on the task, and focus on what was being asked. I stay connected with Pam, bounce ideas off her, and still learn from her. I look forward to any opportunity to work with her again.

I needed a mentor because I was entering a new fundraising position as a grant writer. I had lots of knowledge about our charity but needed to figure out how to do this work. Also, with my disability, being blind, I needed someone who could work with lots of inaccessibility issues and pitfalls. I needed someone with experience, someone I could work with, trust, and grow with. Pam could direct me, strategically build me up, and move slowly through the grant writing process, the critical points, and the focus to ensure that the grant was heading in the correct direction. Her understanding and patience, as well as her extensive background, made it very easy to learn. During this time, I learned to be more organized, work on the task, and focus on what was being asked. I stay connected with Pam, bounce ideas off her, and still learn from her. I look forward to any opportunity to work with her again.

I needed a mentor because I was entering a new fundraising position as a grant writer. I had lots of knowledge about our charity but needed to figure out how to do this work. Also, with my disability, being blind, I needed someone who could work with lots of inaccessibility issues and pitfalls. I needed someone with experience, someone I could work with, trust, and grow with. Pam could direct me, strategically build me up, and move slowly through the grant writing process, the critical points, and the focus to ensure that the grant was heading in the correct direction. Her understanding and patience, as well as her extensive background, made it very easy to learn. During this time, I learned to be more organized, work on the task, and focus on what was being asked. I stay connected with Pam, bounce ideas off her, and still learn from her. I look forward to any opportunity to work with her again.

Tracy Garbutt (He/Him)

Lead Client and Stakeholder Relations, Ambassador Dogs, CNIB Guide Dogs and Marion 

A mentor is like the need for light in the darkness. It is akin to someone who needs to up their game in a profession, hence the need to learn under a master. A mentor leads, guides, instructs, and counsels. With a mentor, a mentee will not miss their way. Pam has been a great mentor—guiding, leading, patiently listening to my questions and concerns, showing me the ropes, and telling me the areas to be careful about. She came to speak to my church board and enlighten them on ways to up their game and support my initiatives. Pam also encouraged and shared insights on identifying in-house resources to leverage in our fundraising efforts. She guided us collectively and effectively.

I needed a mentor because I was entering a new fundraising position as a grant writer. I had lots of knowledge about our charity but needed to figure out how to do this work. Also, with my disability, being blind, I needed someone who could work with lots of inaccessibility issues and pitfalls. I needed someone with experience, someone I could work with, trust, and grow with. Pam could direct me, strategically build me up, and move slowly through the grant writing process, the critical points, and the focus to ensure that the grant was heading in the correct direction. Her understanding and patience, as well as her extensive background, made it very easy to learn. During this time, I learned to be more organized, work on the task, and focus on what was being asked. I stay connected with Pam, bounce ideas off her, and still learn from her. I look forward to any opportunity to work with her again.

I needed a mentor because I was entering a new fundraising position as a grant writer. I had lots of knowledge about our charity but needed to figure out how to do this work. Also, with my disability, being blind, I needed someone who could work with lots of inaccessibility issues and pitfalls. I needed someone with experience, someone I could work with, trust, and grow with. Pam could direct me, strategically build me up, and move slowly through the grant writing process, the critical points, and the focus to ensure that the grant was heading in the correct direction. Her understanding and patience, as well as her extensive background, made it very easy to learn. During this time, I learned to be more organized, work on the task, and focus on what was being asked. I stay connected with Pam, bounce ideas off her, and still learn from her. I look forward to any opportunity to work with her again.

Sunday Akin Olukoju, PhD, CFRE  - Director of External Relations Booth University College 

When I started my new job at the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, a mentorship opportunity was already in place, and even though I had been fundraising for over 20 years, I was very appreciative of the support during my first year. Pam boosted my confidence and provided some practical advice on how to impact fundraising at the WSO. Pam shared years of experience with me. I particularly enjoyed exercises that encouraged me to identify my values and work with my strengths. The WSO used every available channel to raise money: annual, mid-level, and major giving, raffles, galas, special events, and sponsorships. Pam was knowledgeable about everything and gave excellent advice about each program. Pam’s wisdom and experience make her an excellent mentor and coach. Whether you are just starting or have years under your belt, I highly recommend her services.

I needed a mentor because I was entering a new fundraising position as a grant writer. I had lots of knowledge about our charity but needed to figure out how to do this work. Also, with my disability, being blind, I needed someone who could work with lots of inaccessibility issues and pitfalls. I needed someone with experience, someone I could work with, trust, and grow with. Pam could direct me, strategically build me up, and move slowly through the grant writing process, the critical points, and the focus to ensure that the grant was heading in the correct direction. Her understanding and patience, as well as her extensive background, made it very easy to learn. During this time, I learned to be more organized, work on the task, and focus on what was being asked. I stay connected with Pam, bounce ideas off her, and still learn from her. I look forward to any opportunity to work with her again.

When I started my new job at the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, a mentorship opportunity was already in place, and even though I had been fundraising for over 20 years, I was very appreciative of the support during my first year. Pam boosted my confidence and provided some practical advice on how to impact fundraising at the WSO. Pam shared years of experience with me. I particularly enjoyed exercises that encouraged me to identify my values and work with my strengths. The WSO used every available channel to raise money: annual, mid-level, and major giving, raffles, galas, special events, and sponsorships. Pam was knowledgeable about everything and gave excellent advice about each program. Pam’s wisdom and experience make her an excellent mentor and coach. Whether you are just starting or have years under your belt, I highly recommend her services.

Beth Proven BA, CIM, CFRE  - Advancement Officer, Major Gifts Assiniboine College 

Pam has been a guest speaker in my class and a judge or “dragon” for final fundraising projects for the past three years. She shared her vast knowledge and experience of fund development with the students and provided excellent feedback on their event plans. Pam shows patience in answering questions, creativity in giving ideas or solutions, candour in sharing stories, and kindness in providing positive and supportive feedback. The students and I appreciated her generosity in sharing her knowledge and experience.

As the Chair of Development for our Art Gallery's Volunteer Committee, I was new to fundraising, but Pam's guidance was invaluable. She supported me at every step, from selecting our fundraising project to recruiting volunteers and executing a successful raffle. Her ability to engage volunteers and create a fun atmosphere was instrumental, and we still use the templates she developed, including the Project Development Plan and budget process. Pam taught me the importance of timely appreciation for our supporters and volunteers. Her calm, positive manner for all issues was a huge confidence builder. She led by example and attended to all last-minute issues that inevitably occur with knowledge and expertise. Her overall guidance was always present, and we all felt thoroughly supported!

When I started my new job at the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, a mentorship opportunity was already in place, and even though I had been fundraising for over 20 years, I was very appreciative of the support during my first year. Pam boosted my confidence and provided some practical advice on how to impact fundraising at the WSO. Pam shared years of experience with me. I particularly enjoyed exercises that encouraged me to identify my values and work with my strengths. The WSO used every available channel to raise money: annual, mid-level, and major giving, raffles, galas, special events, and sponsorships. Pam was knowledgeable about everything and gave excellent advice about each program. Pam’s wisdom and experience make her an excellent mentor and coach. Whether you are just starting or have years under your belt, I highly recommend her services.

Genny Sacco-Bak, Instructor, University of Winnipeg PACE 

As the Chair of Development for our Art Gallery's Volunteer Committee, I was new to fundraising, but Pam's guidance was invaluable. She supported me at every step, from selecting our fundraising project to recruiting volunteers and executing a successful raffle. Her ability to engage volunteers and create a fun atmosphere was instrumental, and we still use the templates she developed, including the Project Development Plan and budget process. Pam taught me the importance of timely appreciation for our supporters and volunteers. Her calm, positive manner for all issues was a huge confidence builder. She led by example and attended to all last-minute issues that inevitably occur with knowledge and expertise. Her overall guidance was always present, and we all felt thoroughly supported!

As the Chair of Development for our Art Gallery's Volunteer Committee, I was new to fundraising, but Pam's guidance was invaluable. She supported me at every step, from selecting our fundraising project to recruiting volunteers and executing a successful raffle. Her ability to engage volunteers and create a fun atmosphere was instrumental, and we still use the templates she developed, including the Project Development Plan and budget process. Pam taught me the importance of timely appreciation for our supporters and volunteers. Her calm, positive manner for all issues was a huge confidence builder. She led by example and attended to all last-minute issues that inevitably occur with knowledge and expertise. Her overall guidance was always present, and we all felt thoroughly supported!

As the Chair of Development for our Art Gallery's Volunteer Committee, I was new to fundraising, but Pam's guidance was invaluable. She supported me at every step, from selecting our fundraising project to recruiting volunteers and executing a successful raffle. Her ability to engage volunteers and create a fun atmosphere was instrumental, and we still use the templates she developed, including the Project Development Plan and budget process. Pam taught me the importance of timely appreciation for our supporters and volunteers. Her calm, positive manner for all issues was a huge confidence builder. She led by example and attended to all last-minute issues that inevitably occur with knowledge and expertise. Her overall guidance was always present, and we all felt thoroughly supported!

Sherry Glanville  - Volunteer, Executive Committee  The Associates of the Winnipeg Art Gallery 

As a one-person home-based business, I knew that the profession was passing me by with all the new software and fundraising techniques that were missing by working on my own. I needed to brush up on my skills. I received my CFRE in the late ’90s, but fundraising has not been a high priority these past few years. Pam exposed me to new fundraising software and the language of the profession. She also steered me to organizations that were giving fundraising classes. In these classes, I could network with my peers and get ideas on targeting organizations for donations. Pam is easy to talk to, has a great sense of humour, and is kind. I continued my fundraising business with renewed confidence that what I did would lead to success.

As the Chair of Development for our Art Gallery's Volunteer Committee, I was new to fundraising, but Pam's guidance was invaluable. She supported me at every step, from selecting our fundraising project to recruiting volunteers and executing a successful raffle. Her ability to engage volunteers and create a fun atmosphere was instrumental, and we still use the templates she developed, including the Project Development Plan and budget process. Pam taught me the importance of timely appreciation for our supporters and volunteers. Her calm, positive manner for all issues was a huge confidence builder. She led by example and attended to all last-minute issues that inevitably occur with knowledge and expertise. Her overall guidance was always present, and we all felt thoroughly supported!

As the Chair of Development for our Art Gallery's Volunteer Committee, I was new to fundraising, but Pam's guidance was invaluable. She supported me at every step, from selecting our fundraising project to recruiting volunteers and executing a successful raffle. Her ability to engage volunteers and create a fun atmosphere was instrumental, and we still use the templates she developed, including the Project Development Plan and budget process. Pam taught me the importance of timely appreciation for our supporters and volunteers. Her calm, positive manner for all issues was a huge confidence builder. She led by example and attended to all last-minute issues that inevitably occur with knowledge and expertise. Her overall guidance was always present, and we all felt thoroughly supported!

Carolyn Rickey, APR, CAVR, CFRE, Cedar Communications (retired) Public Relations and Fundraising 


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