The Wild Side of Stewarding Members and Donors
Friday, September 19
1:15 - 2:15 PM

What can membership teach us about donor stewardship? How can you use your organization’s uniqueness to design stewardship that better connects with your major donors? The lifeblood of zoos and aquariums are their members’ the loyal people and families who come rain or shine and renew regularly. And while the member relationship is different than that of someone who simply donates with no expectations of tangible benefits, there are lessons to be learned from successful membership programs. The first half of the session will look at a few of the ways that Woodland Park Zoo engages and stewards its members through multiple channels, provides unique engagement opportunities, and keeps people coming back for more. The second half of the session will explore some of the unique touches San Diego Zoo Global uses to further connect and engage with major donors.

Audience Expertise Level: Suitable for all levels
Shop Size: Suitable for any size shop

Cynthia Tuomi

Cynthia Tuomi, Senior Prospect Research and Stewardship Manager, is deeply involved in San Diego’s nonprofit community. She spent a decade raising funds for the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, working with major donors, corporate partners, and overseeing special events and stewardship. Passionate about wildlife and conservation, she currently manages San Diego Zoo Global’s prospect research and stewardship teams.

Steve Sullivan

Steve Sullivan, Membership and Digital Sales Manager at Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo, is a fundraiser, direct marketer, and communicator who has raised money to protect the environment, provide affordable housing for low-income families, support sustainable agriculture, improve health care, and most recently, save wild animals and their habitats. At Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo he now is in charge of membership and digital sales and marketing.