Running
Martha Appleton
Grand Rapids,MI
Summary
Dynamic, experienced, tenacious, emotionally intelligent, discreet professional with many years of proven success in non-profit organizations and private aviation and customer service. Driven to enthusiastically represent an organization with personal connections, proactive skills in decision making, crisis management, and appreciating the importance of significant events.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Contract -Donor Relations -Affordable Housing
Good Samaritan-Ottawa County
05.2024 - Current
Donor Relations Manager
Feeding America West Michigan
08.2020 - 11.2024
- Conducted research on potential new donors to identify prospects for major gifts.
- Assisted in developing and implementing a capital campaign to raise over 6 million
- Created and maintained a database of donor information.
- Developed and implemented strategies to build relationships with donors.
- Identified opportunities for corporate matching programs or other ways companies can support the mission of the organization.
- Innovated new approaches to engage donors and increase funding.
- Organized events to foster relationships between donors and organization representatives.
Fund Development Coordinator
Ottagan Addictions Recovery (Reach For Recovery)
10.2019 - 03.2020
- Conducted market research and gathered data to identify potential donors.
- Developed and maintained database records, forms, reports, and queries.
- Prospecting
- Assisted with organizational rebranding
Major Gifts Officer
Mel Trotter Ministries
04.2017 - 06.2019
- Assisted in developing annual goals for major giving programs while monitoring progress against those goals.
- Maintained updated records of all donor contacts in the database system, including contact information, interests, and giving history.
- Developed strategies to cultivate relationships with foundations that have an interest in supporting the organization's mission.
- Cultivated relationships with existing and potential major gift donors, providing personalized stewardship activities.
- Prepared donor briefings, presentations, and other materials to support the solicitation of major gifts.
- Worked successfully with a diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Development Specialist
Guiding Light
04.2015 - 04.2017
- Implemented a Major Gifts Program within the organization.
- Cultivated and established 200+ new donors, including new engagement from major community-based corporations
- Successfully secured over 300K in gifts in the first 12 months of employment.
- Recognized for unparalleled commitment to donor interests
- Revised the "Meet The Mission" luncheon program, resulting in increased community engagement
Scheduler/Customer Liaison
Northern Jet Management
09.2006 - 03.2016
- Assigned flights to appropriate pilots based on their level and availability.
- Identified detailed requests to ensure customer satisfaction and safety
- Scheduled trips and
- Analyzed resource requirements for each flight and identified potential conflicts or delays.
- Ensured compliance with FAA regulations and procedures related to private aviation
Education
Social Work
Skills
- Proposal Development
- Fundraising expertise
- Donor Management
- Active Listening
- Leasing
- Proficient in Word and Excel
- Time Management
- Interpersonal Skills
- Excellent Communication
- Customer Relationship Management
Affiliations
Association of Fundraising Professionals
Interests
Timeline
Contract -Donor Relations -Affordable Housing - Good Samaritan-Ottawa County
05.2024 - Current
Donor Relations Manager - Feeding America West Michigan
08.2020 - 11.2024
Fund Development Coordinator - Ottagan Addictions Recovery (Reach For Recovery)
10.2019 - 03.2020
Major Gifts Officer - Mel Trotter Ministries
04.2017 - 06.2019
Development Specialist - Guiding Light
04.2015 - 04.2017
Scheduler/Customer Liaison - Northern Jet Management
09.2006 - 03.2016
Western Carolina University - , Social Work