by Ashley Hart
Development Assistant
This
February, the Elks National Foundation welcomed me to their team as a Development
Assistant. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to start my nonprofit career
with the Elks family—a community known for their volunteerism, generosity and
charitable work throughout the United States. As a DePaul graduate student
studying nonprofit management, my decision to join the ENF stemmed from my
passion for volunteer work, fundraising and nonprofit development. After my
first week, I was delighted to discover the humility and devotion displayed by
the ENF staff and volunteers. Never before have I worked for an organization as
friendly and accommodating as the ENF. Their hard work and positive
organizational culture mimics the passion and care demonstrated by the Elks.
It
seems I joined the ENF at a prime time. After a week of pleasantries, we
entered the month of March full speed ahead. As a new hire, I quickly
understood the stress that accompanies the last month of the ENF’s fiscal year.
On the front lines, the donor services team processed the year’s final
donations, and properly credited donors and their Lodge’s per-member-giving
total. Meanwhile, our Youth Programs Associate Billy Donnelly dived into
planning a successful 2018 Hoop Shoot National Finals here in Chicago. The
CIPsters were busy approving record amounts of Anniversary and Beacon Grant
applications while the scholarships department focused on Most Valuable Student
judging and hosting the Elks Scholars Spring Service Trip in Asheville, NC. It
was all hands on deck at the ENF.
Witnessing
the ENF at its peak operations helped put my position into perspective. Along
with serving our volunteers and donors, my responsibilities include coordinating
the outreach efforts for the Fidelity Club—the ENF’s recurring gift program. As
I became familiar with the meticulous and time-consuming nature of processing
mailed donations, the need for expanding our Fidelity Club membership became
clear: recurring support throughout the year would allow us to spend more time
and resources on our charitable mission and less on administrative duties, like
donation processing.
Did
you know the ENF offers a secure, convenient and economically feasible way to donate?
By joining the Fidelity Club, you can budget your monthly gift to fit your
financial capabilities rather than donating a lump sum to the ENF once a year. Donating
on a recurring basis is the best way to directly support ENF programs year-round.
Rather than waiting for the ENF to process donations sent through your Lodge Chair,
your gift can have an immediate impact by taking just five minutes to set up an
automatic, recurring donation on our website (enf.elks.org/recurring) through your debit or credit card.
These donations can be made monthly ($5 minimum) or quarterly ($15 minimum) and
designated to your favorite ENF program. Fidelity Club members receive special
benefits and recognition items—such as a Fidelity Club sticker and pin set—as they
continue to give month after month. To learn more about the Fidelity Club, click here or contact me at AshleyH@elks.org or 773/755-4858.
As
I continue to grow with the Elks family and in my position at the ENF, my hope
is to shape a donor-centric giving program based on the needs and interests of
our most loyal supporters. Each day, I’m astounded by the Elks’ generosity and
collaboration through their charitable support and volunteer projects. Thank
you to everyone who contributes to the ENF, for you are why I’m excited to come
to work every day and help Elks build stronger communities.
Comments
Post a Comment