Donor Engagement Grant Writing

ANTHONY G. PADGETT, CFRE

Fundraising Professional

Hillside, Illinois • ***************@*****.*** • 708-***-**** • https://www.linkedin.com/In/anthonypadgett/

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Dynamic and results-driven fundraising executive with extensive non-profit expertise, specializing in major gift acquisition, donor-centric relationship management, grant writing, and data analysis. A strategic leader with a proven track record of securing transformational gifts, driving record-breaking campaigns, and cultivating high-impact donor partnerships. Adept at inspiring philanthropic investment through visionary fundraising strategies, compelling grant proposals, and engaging board leadership. Passionate about leveraging philanthropy to fuel mission-driven initiatives and create lasting donor engagement.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENTJan 2023 – Jan 2025

Western Governors UniversitySalt Lake City, Utah

Managed all facets of fundraising, including grant writing, donor engagement, and strategic partnerships with government, private, and corporate philanthropies across a nine-state Midwest region.

•Secured $2.5 million in foundation funding, strengthening regional programs and initiatives.

•Established the Midwest Region’s first Distinguished Alumni Committee, enhancing donor engagement and alumni contributions.

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPYJan 2022 - Dec 2022

LuMind IDSCBurlington, MA

Led comprehensive major gifts initiatives, driving fundraising success through strategic donor research and corporate philanthropy partnerships.

•Developed and launched a board-driven outreach program to cultivate mid-level donors and increase the pipeline of major gifts.

MANAGER OF MAJOR GIFTSMay 2019 - Jan 2022

College of DuPageGlen Ellyn, IL

Orchestrate and control all aspects of major gifts and planned giving activities. Supervise the Development Coordinator.

• Successfully raised $240k in donations and received individual and foundation gifts by steering new COD Succeeds initiative.

DIRECTOR OF MAJOR GIFTS & PLANNED GIVINGAug 2018 - May 2019

Greater Chicago Food DepositoryChicago, IL

Managed $5.3M budget while guiding 2 director reports during coordination of key gifts and planned giving activities.

•Surpassed fundraising goal by $300K, driving increased donor engagement and revenue.

•Designed, launched, and refined an innovative, long-term planned giving program, strengthening donor commitment and future giving resulting in a $1million endowed gift

SENIOR FOUNDATION OFFICERJan 2018 - Aug 2018

Regions Hospital FoundationSt. Paul, MN

Directed all fundraising efforts for Regions Hospital Neuroscience Department, driving major gifts, annual funds, special events, and physician philanthropy partnerships.

•Successfully led the fundraising program for the new Neuroscience Center, securing $85K in donations.

•Spearheaded initiatives that increased grateful patient visits by 70%, strengthening donor engagement and philanthropy impact.

REGIONAL MAJOR GIFTS OFFICERNov 2014 - Jan 2018

Presence Health FoundationChicago, IL

Directed comprehensive fundraising programs, driving annual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and special events for two hospitals..

•Secured $190K in donations to establish a new Cardio Rehabilitation Center, leading to a 300% increase in post-cardiac patient participation.

•Strategically cultivated major gift prospects through high-impact engagement events, resulting in over $105K in contributions.

INTERIM ASSISTANT DEAN OF ADVANCEMENTJan 2014 - Jun 2014

University of Illinois at Chicago College of BusinessChicago, IL

Provided strategic oversight for a portfolio of 60 Major Gift prospects, leading and mentoring the Associate Director of Development, Assistant Director of Development, and Associate Director of Alumni Relations to maximize donor engagement and philanthropic impact.

•Spearheaded high impact fundraising initiatives, securing a $75K grant for the Accounting Department, a $250K grant for the Finance Department, and over $150K in scholarship funding.

•Successfully closed $1.4M worth of donations.

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENTJan 2007 - Nov 2014

University of Illinois at Chicago College of BusinessChicago, IL

Sourced, assessed, and regularly engaged donors and grantors for prospective programs. Played key role in hiring and development of 68 members of the Business Advisory Council made up of corporate leaders and entrepreneurs.

•Yielded donations worth $3.5M and acquired $480k in major gifts.

•Entrusted with devising and implementing leadership, outreach, and business development strategies to streamline the revamping of board structures.

EDUCATION

M.SC. IN NON-PROFIT LEADERSHIP

New England CollegeHenniker, NH

B.A IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Augustana CollegeRock Island, IL

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Fund-Raising Executive Credential

CFRE International

SKILLS

Major Gifts Acquisition, Grant Writing, Event Planning, Board Development, Budget Management, Program Planning, Team Leadership, Donor Relations, Strategic Planning.

VOLUNTEERISM

•Member – Zoning Board of Hillside, IL

•Chair – Community Relations Commission of Hillside, IL

•Board Member – Housing Forward

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