Lauren Nelson, MNM, CFRE
Major Gifts Officer at Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Credentials
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Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE)
CFRE InternationalMar, 2017- Sep, 2024
Experience
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Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida
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United States
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Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
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1 - 100 Employee
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Major Gifts Officer
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Feb 2021 - Present
My role as the Major Gifts & Grants Officer is to actively support the short and long-term philanthropic efforts for the Holocaust Center’s programs, exhibits and operations; as well as the multi-million dollar capital campaign for the new Holocaust Museum for Hope & Humanity in downtown Orlando.
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University of Central Florida
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United States
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Adjunct Faculty
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Jan 2015 - Present
UCF College of Innovation and Education adjunct faculty teaching Resource Development for Nonprofits and Volunteerism (undergraduate and graduate). Responsible for adapting and creating on-line curriculum (undergrad/graduate). Consistently ranks above the median scores for both the college and university on the student perception survey results. Provide opportunities for students’ professional engagement and service learning through strategically designed curriculum.
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Nemours
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United States
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Hospitals and Health Care
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700 & Above Employee
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Philanthropy Associate
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May 2015 - Nov 2020
Actively involved in the strategic oversight and development efforts within Central Florida to grow the hospital’s philanthropic revenue and brand awareness. Led the major gift efforts for Nemours Children’s Hospital including campaign and policy creation, developing cases for support, creating impact reports and marketing materials promoting Foundation mission, investment, and impact. Senior member of development team engaged in philanthropic efforts that resulted in 75% growth over the last three years. Partnered with Walt Disney Company and provided internal leadership and foundation oversight for Disney Children’s Hospital Program for $1 million+ project. Collaborated with executive leadership, Board of Managers/Directors, and Trustees to advance and share the Nemours mission and vision in the business and philanthropic communities. Created campaign structure and policies for $3 million campaign for Nemours Graduate Medical Education & Pediatric Residency Secured and managed $1M+ annually in major and transformational gifts for programs and hospital priorities. Solicited and stewarded corporate and foundation major gifts ($10k+) to support Nemours signature events. Researched and authored grants and provided administrative oversight for budget creation, outcome reporting, and stewardship.
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Orlando Science Center
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United States
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Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
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100 - 200 Employee
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Director of Development, Individual Giving
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Oct 2012 - Apr 2015
Established an individual giving program consisting of annual, mid-level, and major gifts, including the creation of short & long-term strategies for increasing revenue by cultivating and stewarding relationships. Active member of development team engaged in fundraising efforts for a $30 million comprehensive campaign. Secured lead $500K gift for the comprehensive campaign; the largest, single contribution by a private donor (non-board). Expanded individual giving revenue by 15%, workplace giving by 20%, and year-end giving by 70%. Increased new donors by 27%, retained donors by 26%, and active donors by 15%. Implemented CRM migration to cloud-based donor management, enhanced prospect research/wealth screening, and established new methods for online giving.
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Best Buddies International
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United States
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Non-profit Organization Management
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300 - 400 Employee
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Area Director
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Feb 2011 - Sep 2012
Directed day-to-day operations and provided program oversight, leadership development, and training for staff, Advisory Board, and school-based participants throughout the six-county region. Accountable for strategic planning, marketing/PR, human resources, finance, fundraising, and community relations. Successfully implemented new online event fundraising tools with average of 65% of event funds generated online. Established inaugural 5k fundraising walk hitting goal and achieved 37% growth the following year. Increased revenue for golf tournament by 55% and monthly networking events by 40%. Expanded Advisory Board by 60% and achieved 100% board giving.
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Orlando Repertory Theatre
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United States
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Performing Arts
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1 - 100 Employee
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Development Director
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Feb 2008 - Feb 2011
Established and nurtured mutually beneficial relationships to develop and expand programs and services. Accountable for fund development through individual giving, corporate sponsorships, grant writing, and special initiatives and events. Authored and managed major grant applications representing $400k+ in annual operations and capital funding. Exceeded annual direct mail campaign goals representing a 30% overall growth. Created new corporate promotions and partnerships that resulted in 50% increase in audience attendance, including national partner Target Corporation and local partner Sonny’s BBQ. Branded existing programs to maximize funding potential and achieved new program funding of $80k+ annually.
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American Cancer Society
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United States
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Non-profit Organizations
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700 & Above Employee
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Sr. Community Representative
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Nov 2004 - Dec 2007
Represented ACS in Central Florida and increased public knowledge of available programs and services, generated program and service referrals, and implemented successful fund development activities. Accountable for major events, community and corporate relationships, program implementation, marketing, resource development, and staff and volunteer recruiting and training. Generated $700,000+ in annual revenue through five community-based Relay For Life events. Raised more than $1.5 million through the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5k walk (2005-2007). Led first Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Florida Division to net $500K (2006), repeat success (2007 & 2008 ($550k+), and achieved highest online fundraising dollars in Florida Division from 2005-2008. Served as spokesperson and secured network media coverage in the Orlando Metro market for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Great American Weigh-In, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, and Relay For Life. (CBS, NBC & FOX affiliates). Liaison for the regional Board of Directors and responsible for Board interaction and integration into regional activities. Designated representative for Celebration on the Hill, supporting cancer survivors and key leadership in meetings with legislators.
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Colleges Program Manager - Florida
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Oct 2003 - Nov 2004
Implemented and managed Best Buddies programs at 26 colleges throughout Florida. Engaged in hands-on recruitment, training, and management of college student volunteers, faculty/staff, and community coordinators. Named Best Buddies International Employee of the Month (July 2004). Recognized with three Top 10 Outstanding College Chapter award recipients at annual Best Buddies International Student Leadership Conference (July 2004). Supplemented state funding through special events and fundraisers, including the most successful Business Buddies networking/fundraising events in the state that generated $5K/month in unrestricted revenue. Best Buddies International Workshop Presenter: Bridging the Gap Between Normal & Special Needs (2004).
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Education
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1999 - 2003
Elon University
Bachelors, Corporate Communications -
2008 - 2010
University of Central Florida
Masters, Nonprofit Management
Community
