Dinetta Parrott
Summary
Seasoned executive with over 20 years of leadership in nonprofit fundraising, revenue generation, and strategic partnerships. Proven track record of developing and executing strategies that drive sustained growth. Expert in securing six to seven-figure philanthropic contributions, building strong relationships with foundations, corporations, and major donors, and managing successful special events. Experienced in leading high-performing teams, driving organizational change, and advancing mission-driven goals and objectives.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work History
Managing Director
Brookings Institution
09.2020 - 09.2025
- Lead fundraising for Brookings Metro, a 15 million program within the Brookings Institution, focused on advancing inclusive economic growth and prosperity in cities and metropolitan areas across the US.
- Designed and executed fundraising strategies, resulting in consistent year-over-year revenue growth and increased donor engagement across individual, foundation, and corporate giving streams.
- Led a high-performing team in developing grant proposals and impact reports, translating complex policy research into compelling cases for support that resonated with diverse audiences.
- Spearheaded high-profile fundraising events and thought leadership forums, elevating Brookings Metro’s national profile and cultivating strategic partnerships with influential stakeholders.
- Established clear frameworks to articulate program impact and ROI to funders, driving a 60% increase in restricted grant renewal rates.
- Led the launch of Brookings Metro’s 25th anniversary campaign, generating $5 million in net new revenue and expanding the organization’s donor base.
- Collaborated with executive leadership to launch innovative programming, aligning donor priorities with measurable policy outcomes to maximize philanthropic impact.
Director of Development
Washington Center for Equitable Growth
Washington, D.C
11.2017 - 09.2020
- Inaugural Head of Development for the Washington Center for Equitable Growth, leading a successful fundraising strategy that grew the Center’s budget from $5.5 million to over $10 million within three years.
- Designed and executed strategies to implement the 2019 Strategic Plan, prioritizing diversification of Equitable Growth’s donor base and expanding funding streams.
- Secured $5 million in general operating support, advancing both short- and long-term financial sustainability for the organization.
- Coordinated effectively across the organization to facilitate fundraising for the Equitable Growth’s six policy issue areas.
- Identified, engaged, and cultivated relationships with prospective donors and partner organizations, growing Equitable Growth's donor base from five to twelve.
- Collaborated with the President and senior leadership to design and implement high-level fundraising strategies that drove organizational growth.
- Managed and mentored Development Department staff, building a high-performing team culture to achieve fundraising goals.
Development Officer
Foundation for the National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD
09.2015 - 11.2017
- Directed a diverse portfolio of major corporations, foundations, and nonprofit advocacy partners, cultivating strategic alliances and high-impact collaborations.
- Partnered with NIH Institutes and Centers to secure multi-million-dollar partnerships and sponsorships advancing medical research.
- Successfully negotiated the largest in-kind medical drug donation in NIH history at the time, setting a new benchmark for partnership value.
- Secured six- and seven-figure gifts by strategically identifying, cultivating, and stewarding relationships with a portfolio of 200+ funders, including Fortune 500 corporations, foundations, and biomedical organizations.
- Served as primary FNIH liaison, building and sustaining relationships with C-suite executives and key stakeholders across industry, public sector, and nonprofit organizations.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with finance, scientific programming, events, and communications teams to design and implement effective funding strategies.
- Improved donor retention by 25% through better stewardship, storytelling, and communication of research impact.
- Secured $10M in new funding within one year to expand the Alzheimer’s Disease Portfolio.
Development Manager
American Forest Foundation
Washington, DC
08.2012 - 09.2015
- Strategically plan, manage, and lead initiatives to secure funding from foundations, corporations, and government sources.
- Successfully expanded the donor base by establishing key partnerships with businesses and corporations.
- Wrote and secured state and federal grant proposals that led to substantial awards and funding for the organization.
- Established new revenue streams by launching successful cause marketing partnerships with companies including One Hope Wines, Patagonia (One Percent for the Planet), and Whole Foods.
- Developed and launched an E-newsletter, enhancing donor and prospect engagement through targeted communications.
- Implemented workplace giving programs with corporate partners, driving increased support for conservation and environmental education initiatives.
- Oversaw development and execution of grants management systems, ensuring compliance, efficient tracking, and accurate reporting for all funding activities.
Grants & Contracts Manager
NCB Capital Impact
Arlington, VA
10.2011 - 08.2012
- Oversaw the full lifecycle of the grants process, including identifying funding sources, preparing and submitting high-quality grant proposals, and ensuring compliance with donor requirements.
- Coordinated communication between stakeholders and collaborated with internal teams to develop compelling proposals tailored to each prospect.
- In partnership with the Development Director, implemented fundraising strategies that increased donor engagement and revenue growth.
- Tracked proposal progress, responded to inquiries, and maintained accurate records to support reporting and stewardship activities.
- Researched, identified, and evaluated potential donor prospects to inform targeted fundraising efforts.
- Cultivated relationships with current and prospective donors, managed solicitation efforts, and ensured consistent stewardship to foster long-term support.
- Collaborated with the Development Director to educate and engage the Board of Directors on fundraising priorities, cultivating key relationships to support organizational goals.
Contract and Grants Manager
International Partnership for Microbicides
Silver Spring, MD
07.2005 - 10.2011
- Managed a diverse grant portfolio including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Ford Foundation, USAID, the European Commission, and the World Bank, with an emphasis on international and multilateral funding.
- Built and maintained relationships with global donors and agencies, ensuring compliance with international requirements and alignment with global priorities.
- Oversaw the full proposal development lifecycle, from conceptualization through submission, ensuring high-quality, competitive proposals for prospective funders.
- Cultivated and strengthened donor relationships through effective communication and ongoing engagement, keeping stakeholders informed of key achievements and impact.
- Collaborated with USAID, USG partners, bilateral and multilateral donors, foundations, universities, and NGOs to develop high-value proposals for international programs.
- Ensured strict compliance with donor policies, procurement regulations, and reporting requirements, while managing and tracking $40M donor budgets.
- Supervised, mentored, and developed a high-performing team of grants professionals, providing ongoing training, support, and leadership.
Education
BS - Business Administration
Potomac College
01-2004
Master of Science - Nonprofit Administration
Louisiana State University
Shreveport, LA 01.2025 - Current
Skills
- Ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities
- Proactive, resourceful, and innovative problem solver
- Exceptional interpersonal, negotiation, and persuasive communication skills
- Skilled in managing sensitive situations with the utmost tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality
- Proficient in relationship cultivation, brand development, high-impact fundraising strategy, and execution
- Effective public speaker and presenter for diverse audiences, including boards and donors
- Proven coach, visionary leader, and mentor dedicated to team and talent development
- Proficient in harnessing artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to optimize operational efficiency
Affiliations
- Strategic Thinking and Management Seminar- The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania - 2023
- Member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)- Active
- Board Member, Dress for Success- Present
- Board Chair of Volunteer Engagement, Arthritis Foundation, Maryland- Present
Timeline
Master of Science - Nonprofit Administration
Louisiana State University
01.2025 - Current
Managing Director
Brookings Institution
09.2020 - 09.2025
Director of Development
Washington Center for Equitable Growth
11.2017 - 09.2020
Development Officer
Foundation for the National Institutes of Health
09.2015 - 11.2017
Development Manager
American Forest Foundation
08.2012 - 09.2015
Grants & Contracts Manager
NCB Capital Impact
10.2011 - 08.2012
Contract and Grants Manager
International Partnership for Microbicides
07.2005 - 10.2011
BS - Business Administration
Potomac College