Local leaders get fundraising certificate

FINDLAY — The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation has announced that 15 local nonprofit leaders received their Certificate in Fund Raising Management through classes offered by the Foundation. As Hancock County faces a nationwide trend of nonprofit leadership transitions, preparing current and future leaders to ensure fundraising continuity is critical for these organizations. The Certificate of Fund Raising Management is offered through the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Participants attended in-person classes hosted by the Community Foundation over two years. Classes completed as part of the certificate program included Principles & Techniques of Fundraising, Developing Major Gifts, Developing Annual Sustainability, and Fundraising Campaigns. "Having additional local nonprofit leaders serve as experts in fundraising not only benefits the organizations but equips them to better support the generous donors in our community," said Brian Treece, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. "I am proud that each of these leaders invested the time into this work and that, because of the generosity of our donors, the Foundation is able to partner with the Lilly School to bring nationally recognized professional development programs for nonprofits to our community." Certificate recipients include: • Kimberly Bash, chief community engagement officer of the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation• Carla Benjamin, executive director of Welcome to a New Life• Lauren Etler, project co-coordinator of Arlington Heart & Soul• Dustin Fuller, Financial Opportunity Center manager of Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County• Lisa Houck, finance and communications associate of the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation• Tom James, volunteer and donations coordinator of Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County• Marc Kogan, Scout executive of Black Swamp Area Council, Scouting America• Amber Newlove, co-coordinator of Arlington Heart & Soul• Brooke Nissen, executive director of FOCUS Recovery and Wellness Community• Tammy Stahl, executive director of Christian Clearing House• Madelynn Strayer, director of annual giving of the University of Findlay• Roseanna Thornton, communications coordinator of Open Arms Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services• Cassie Turner, community engagement officer of the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation• Craig VanRenterghem, education director of Marathon Center for the Performing Arts• Randy Ward, finance director of Marathon Center for the Performing Arts The Community Foundation offered the certificate program as part of its Organizational Strengthening program, which is an annual curriculum of workshops, coaching and other professional development opportunities for nonprofit organizations to help them go from good to great. This certificate program was made possible by grants totaling $99,000 from the Community Foundation.