Fall 2008
Development Professionals:
A Glance at Four Faces in the Field
By Maya Petrovic
Key contributors to the success of community foundations, development professionals are responsible for, among other things, bringing in donor money. But just as important as how much is how donations are brought in. How do gifts transfer hands? What are the donors' hopes, dreams, goals and concerns? How does one turn simple transactions into instruments of kindness that change and enrich the lives of all
involved?
Development professionals see their philanthropic roles as much broader and more significant than simply accumulating capital and assets. They work with donors to formulate a shared vision of what a better world looks like. They care deeply about the communities they strive to improve, and they all get tremendous amounts of satisfaction and happiness from their work.
Here are some personal perspectives from four development professionals who are active Minnesota Council on Foundations members.
Jean Vukas Roberts
Vice President, Development, Minnesota Community Foundation and The Saint Paul Foundation
So what does she do? Jean Vukas Roberts says that development officers wear two hats: one role involves establishing new donor relationships and working with professional financial advisors to facilitate creation of charitable gift plans; the other role involves donor stewardship.
From a more personal, less tangible perspective, she adds, "Each and every day I have the opportunity to help someone do something important in this community — leaving it a little better place. I work with phenomenal families who want to make a difference."
She explains that the vast majority of donors use donor-advised funds, saying that they are popular in the United States and at The Saint Paul Foundation as well. "They have the fun of giving money away and we do the administrative part."
From 80 to 90 percent of living donors use donor-advised funds, mainly because they are easy to use, very flexible, and efficient. "Most people today want to have a little more control over where their money goes. They want to see impact," she explains.
Dan Berg
Senior Asset Development Officer, The Minneapolis Foundation
Dan Berg says that when he meets new clients his goal is to "fulfill their charitable intent. I take pride in that."
He has great respect for his donors' interests and passions, and he strives to understand the person behind the donation in order to better execute his or her wishes and vision.
He points out that the United States is in the middle of the largest transfer of wealth in history, so he enjoys helping families ensure a continuation of ideals and purpose, as well as smoothing the succession from one decision maker to the next. He happily facilitates dialogue between parents and children to ensure his clients' peace of mind and happiness.
In regard to competition from large financial corporations who are now handling their clients' philanthropic needs, Dan says: "We're bigger and stronger because of them. They did a great job turning donor-advised funds into a brand."
Barbara Carlson
Development Officer, Central Minnesota Community Foundation
Barbara Carlson says her approach to getting donations never involves asking for money. Instead, she thoroughly explains what a gift to her organization would mean to the community and what sorts of things can be accomplished.
She points out that community foundation agents should definitely form relationships with professional advisors, attorneys, and financial planners. "When someone sits down with a professional advisor they ask, 'How can we include charitable giving in these plans?'" she explains. Half of her clients come to her via referrals from these sources.
Curt Hanson
Vice President of Donor Services, Initiative Foundation
Curt Hanson admits that his line of work is often very, very emotional. He recalls happy stories — tales of success, achievement, and giving back. He also remembers many stories of tragedy, loss and honoring loved ones.
He remembers the man who set up a scholarship fund to honor his dear, departed wife. He remembers the young boy dying of cancer, the boy's parents and brother, the family's passion, and the new foundation that bears the boy's name.
Hanson describes his work as "humbling: It's sacred work to me."
© Copyright 2008 Minnesota Council on Foundations
Reproduction in any form without the written permission of the publisher
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