Lisa Ver Hage Hancock
Greater Philadelphia
Summary
Development professional with 20 years of experience in institutional and individual fundraising. Strong track record with executing complex projects including fundraising campaigns, grant proposals, and strategic partnership initiatives that exceed financial goals. Relationship builder with outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to interface with all backgrounds and levels.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Institutional Giving
NATURAL LANDS
11.2019 - Current
- Direct all corporate and private foundation fundraising to advance Natural Lands land for life, nature for all conservation mission.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to set long-term objectives for Natural Lands. As the largest land preservation organization of its type in the Mid-Atlantic region and one of the largest in the U.S., Natural Lands has saved more than 135,000 acres, including 42 nature preserves and one public garden that spans two states. It’s an organizational accomplishment that enables five million people (and 80% of the Philadelphia metropolitan region) to live within five miles of protected open space.
- Develop casemaking, research prospects, and collaborate on proposals for $25 million Now, Forever, Together Campaign.
- Designed and launched year-long corporate partner sponsorship program in 2020 during COVID.
- Grew program from four sponsors in the inaugural year to 24 in 2024 (YTD), increasing operating funds received from corporate sources by 350%.
- Lead corporate sponsorship fundraising for Stardust a Summer Celebration attended by 300+ guests.
- In 2022, increased Stardust sponsorship funds raised by 58% over the previous year; in 2023, increased funds raised by 29%. Both years broke records for funds raised over previous years. (The gala originated in 2016.)
- Raise and manage $.5-$1.5 million in program grants annually.
- Member of Natural Lands' IDEA Team (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access).
Director of Development
RIVERBEND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER
Greater Philadelphia
06.2015 - 01.2019
- Directed all fundraising initiatives; grew donor relationships; managed all grants; worked closely with Riverbend's Board of Directors and Executive Director to expand access to life-changing environmental education programs.
- Institutional giving. Increased total private foundation, corporate, and government support through grant and sponsorship fundraising by more than 140% from 2015 to 2019.
- Increased number of unique corporate donors by 81% from 2015 to 2019.
- Collaborating with the team, secured multiple awards for organization including the PA Governor’s Award.
- Achieved 65% annual individual donor retention during tenure.
- Project management. Created content for annual reports and newsletters; directed launch of new website; designed solicitation slide decks.
- Managed two annual events: Shiverfest, hosting 700 guests, and Farm to Table, hosting 250 guests.
Director of Communications and Development
THE FUND FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS
Greater Philadelphia
01.2012 - 06.2015
- With board of directors, guided organization through leadership transition with focus on donor upgrade.
- Developed new engagement tools, built resources, and diversified support.
- Major gifts. Secured single, unrestricted gifts up to $300K; responsible for entire fundraising budget; regularly exceeded dashboard goals.
- Developed and managed all grant proposals.
- Drove success of Making a Difference Luncheon, a signature event attended by 300+ business professionals and community leaders.
- In 2015, acquired 20 new sponsors and raised $130K through sponsorships, ticket sales, silent auction and Mobile Cause donations by text.
- Raised 127% above budget projections in first year.
- Launched Young Professionals; Women Talk; Corporate Sponsor Preview Party.
- Produced annual report and engaged with media outlets to promote organizational goals and objectives.
Director of Membership and Communications
MONTGOMERY COUNTY LANDS TRUST
01.2003 - 01.2012
- Directed all membership and communications initiatives. (Coordinator role from 2003-2009.)
- Green Futures Workshops: Facilitated training workshops for municipal officials.
- Implemented adoption of SalesForce, transitioning team from Access Database.
- Coordinated Partners for Land Preservation: meetings and conservation projects across the county.
- Promoted successful passage of $1.5 Million Montgomery County Open Space Referendum.
In-House Editor and Project Director of Educational Resources
INSTRUCTIONAL FAIR/IDEAL, INC.
Grand Rapids, MI
01.1987 - 01.1989
- Developed editorial guidelines and standards to maintain quality control.
Adjunct Instructor
MONTGOMERY COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Blue Bell, PA
01.2009
- Taught writing composition within English department while maintaining full-time job.
Education
Master of Liberal Arts - DEI/Anthropology Focus
University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Arts - English
Calvin College
Pennsylvania Instructional I, Secondary Teaching Certification -
Immaculata University
Institute for Conservation Leadership 18-month Complete Fundraiser Program -
Skills
- Raiser’s Edge
- ResultsPlus CRM
- Salesforce
- Microsoft 365
Volunteer Experience
- Volunteer English Program 2023-Present
- Trellis for Tomorrow 2019-2023
- Colonial Theatre Fund Development Committee 2012-2019
- Orion Communities Advisory Board 2016-2017
- Diversity in Action, 2014-2016
- Conservation Editorial Advisory Board, PA Assn. of Land Trusts, 2011-2012
- CityLights Network, Philadelphia, 2012
- Schuylkill Twp. Citizens for Open Space 2006: Successful Passage of Open Space Referendum
- Valley Forge Audubon Society Board of Directors, 1996-2002
Affiliations
Avid sports and outdoors enthusiast. Activities include bicycling, tennis, Zumba, yoga, pilates, and hiking.
Timeline
Director of Institutional Giving
NATURAL LANDS
11.2019 - Current
Director of Development
RIVERBEND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER
06.2015 - 01.2019
Director of Communications and Development
THE FUND FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS
01.2012 - 06.2015
Adjunct Instructor
MONTGOMERY COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
01.2009
Director of Membership and Communications
MONTGOMERY COUNTY LANDS TRUST
01.2003 - 01.2012
In-House Editor and Project Director of Educational Resources
INSTRUCTIONAL FAIR/IDEAL, INC.
01.1987 - 01.1989
Master of Liberal Arts - DEI/Anthropology Focus
University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Arts - English
Calvin College
Pennsylvania Instructional I, Secondary Teaching Certification -
Immaculata University