January 2018 Member Spotlight

Name: Brandis Blodgett
Institution: YMCA of Middle Tennessee 
Position: Director or Stewardship
ADRP member for six months

How long have you worked in donor relations/stewardship and how did you get involved in this profession?

After I graduated from college, I held part-time jobs as I explored what I wanted to do with my life. In this time, my friend repeatedly asked me to join his team as a full-time event planner for a grant he managed. I politely declined until the market crashed and I needed secure employment. Thankfully, he hired me on! I jumped right in putting on 8-12 summits a year on behalf of the grantor, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Foundation representatives, political and project leaders came together to discuss the opportunities and limitations of their grant.  Projects included building mobile computer labs for Texans, so that victims of hurricanes could get access to relief quickly, and building broadband to remote villages in Alaska, so people could have access to online education and health specialists. Needless to say, I had quite an adventure over the next three years! The Foundation required excellence in everything and they taught me how to be a good steward of grant dollars, resources, and relationships. When the grant ended, I started my career with the YMCA. I left briefly to work for Vanderbilt University before returning to the Y. Altogether, I’ve been in a donor relations role for 8 years. 

Could you tell us something about the organization you work for?

At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

At the YMCA of Middle Tennessee, we’re eliminating health disparities by offering 1 in 5 of our members financial assistance, we’re delivering life-saving swim lessons to 6,800 youth, giving 17,000 teenagers a safe place to engage with their peers and do school work, and encouraging physical activity and teamwork among 11,300 youth sports participants. We’re teaching kids resilience and building strong families. 

What do you like most about being a member of the ADRP?


I’ve been a member for less than a year, but I enjoyed attending the conference and meeting with other professionals. I was able to walk away with ideas that could be easily implemented into my department’s strategic plans.

What is your greatest donor relations/stewardship achievement?


I asked 10 year-old Cyana, “What is your favorite part about YMCA Summer Adventure Camp? Is it the field trips?  Playing with friends? The pool?” She responded with enthusiasm, “I get to eat three times a day!” Her response broke my heart, but it also filled my spirit with joy. Cyana was grateful for meals provided by our funders. I captured her expression of gratefulness on film and showed it to my board. My greatest achievements happen when the joyful giver meets the grateful recipient and both are equally impacted. 

What is the most important professional goal you are currently pursuing, i.e., attaining a degree, preparing to give a presentation, launching an initiative at work or in your community, etc.?


My goal, with the help of my team, is to raise our donor retention rate from 42% to 50% in 2018 through a robust stewardship campaign. 

How big a role does the use of social media play in your work?

My marketing department does a fantastic job of putting member stories on social media. In my role, I reuse the content they generate and share our social presence with donors. 

Is there a resource, i.e., book, blog, website, etc., that you would recommend to other ADRP members?



Besides following researchers like Penelope Burk and Lynne Wester, I enjoy reading books based on true stories of people who benefited from being thankful in their lives. Books like Same Kind of Different as Me and The Simple Act of Gratitude, inspire me to live out gratefulness in my personal and professional lives. 

What is the best piece of professional advice you have ever received?


You can’t grow, if you don’t risk. I’m a yes girl! Because I’ve said yes to opportunities that scared me and challenged me, I’m right where I want to be today.

Are there any particular stories, insights, etc., from your experiences in donor relations and stewardship that you would like to share with our colleagues?

Have intentional conversations with staff on the front the lines. Their stories will impress your donors!  

I arrived at a site tour early and had a great conversation with the program coordinator, Raymond. He told me about his experience as a military police officer. When I introduced Raymond to our donors, I celebrated his story. The donors were thrilled to have such an admirable, resilient and generous individual delivering services to our community. They enjoyed connecting with Raymond just as much as they enjoyed visiting with the children on the site tour.  

If you would be interested in being featured in this column or have someone you would like to suggest, please contact Dianne Dyslin, Member Spotlight editor.