Engage Your Experts in Philanthropic Work and Watch the Magic Happen!
Session 4A

Session Description: 

From faculty to physicians, artists to museum directors—our “experts” play a critical role in philanthropy. But are they always willing partners? Do they know what they’re doing when it comes to fundraising or donor relations? How about fund management and compliance?

Participants will hear examples and strategies for how we’ve deepened relationships with our “experts”, bridged the gap between “us and them”, and opened the gates for stronger collaboration and greater impact resulting in better stewardship of UC Davis’ donors. Attendees should come ready to share their own challenges and successes so that participants from all sectors will leave better prepared to build partnerships with their own experts.

Shop Size
Suitable for any size shop

Experience Level
Suitable for all levels

Sectors
Private College/University
Public College/University

Categories
Acknowledgments
Endowment
Gift Management Policies and Process
Relationship-Building
Reporting

About the Speakers:

Mark Foncannon
Director, Development Services
University of California, Davis

Mark Foncannon is director of development services for the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at University of California Davis and has held this role for six years. As his title suggests, his job is very broad—covering the processing of all gifts to the university, endowment impact reporting, fund compliance, donor relations, and engagement. He was just awarded the "Behind the Scenes Impact Award" from the UC Davis Division of Development and Alumni Relations, and his stewardship program won a CASE VII Gold Award in 2015. Prior to this position, Mark managed the Scholarship Office at UC Davis and coordinated outreach and recruitment efforts for Undergraduate Admissions. He earned a bachelor's in psychology from UC Davis in 1996 and a master's in organizational development from Alliant University in 1999.

Christine Schmidt
Assistant Dean, Advancement and External Relations
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, UC Davis

Christine Schmidt, CFRE/CSPG, has been with the College for 15 years, working up through the fundraising ranks to Assistant Dean. She serves as a frontline gift officer and manages a team of six fundraisers, a four-person donor relations and stewardship team, and an events staff of two. Through her leadership, the College is the top fundraising unit at UC Davis, and a magnet for talented advancement professionals.

Christine’s leadership in philanthropy extends far beyond UC Davis, however. Her passion for wildlife and habitat conservation led her to support the creation and development of Paso Pacifico, a nonprofit organization in Nicaragua that aims to restore and protect wildlife and coastal habitats. She currently serves on the Board of Directors. Christine received her BA in International Relations from UC Davis and her MA in nonprofit management from the University of San Francisco.