Many fundraisers have inherited the philosophy and practices of donor-centric fundraising. Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF) challenges us to reexamine traditional models of fundraising.

Carlos García León draws on their past experience at Cincinnati Opera to describe how CCF is transforming the company’s fundraising practices. Cincinnati Opera is adopting a community-centered lens. This affects everything from the language used in direct mail to how donor events are planned and executed. These changes have helped their fundraisers feel more empowered. Furthermore, both the number of donors and annual giving amounts have increased.

Tessitura's DEAI learning series aims to elevate ambitious ideas and effective initiatives. We hope to inspire you to advance diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in your own institutions and in the arts and culture sector.

This series of virtual events is co-curated by the Community subcommittee of Tessitura's internal DEAI Committee, along with the Community DEAI Advisory Committee, comprised of 12 global members employed by an organization using Tessitura.

Presenter:

• Carlos García León - Individual Giving Manager, Chicago Shakespeare Theater

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Additional links:

• Community-Centric Fundraising
• Common arguments used against Community-Centric Fundraising, and why they don’t hold water
• Fundamentally Changing Philanthropy’s Relationship With Black-Led Organizations
• 3 in 4 fundraisers have experienced sexual harassment on the job
• Tessitura's DEAI Forum

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