RHODI Conversations are free, peer-to-peer workshops, presentations, and social events for those currently in the history, heritage, and cultural sectors in Rhode Island or who hope to be in the future.

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RHODI Conversations: Growing Support From Individual Donors
Presentation and workshop with Danielle Kemsley of Clark University (formerly of the Providence Athenaeum)
at Arnold House, a Historic New England Property  (487 Great Road, Lincoln, RI 02865)
10AM-12PM

Join us for a lively presentation about using a donor-centered, relationship-based approach to fundraising and how it can help to increase the amount that your organization raises from individual donors as well as the number of donors. Danielle Kemsley will focus on anecdotes and examples from her seven years spent working as Director of Membership & Development at the Providence Athenaeum (where the amount contributed by individuals increased by 94% and the number of donors by 77% during her time there) and how she and the staff always aimed to exceed donors’ expectations. Topics she will discuss include: the power of handwritten notes; questions to ask at coffees and lunches to deepen relationships; tailoring cultivation efforts to donors’ interests; using a portfolio/relationship manager system; the importance of donor-centered communications and collaboration with Marketing & Communications colleagues; creating a welcoming atmosphere at events; and the involvement of volunteers and front-facing/program staff in fundraising efforts. Participants should come away energized, with multiple ideas to put into practice in their own organizations.  

Danielle Kemsley currently works as Associate Director of the Clark Fund at Clark University in Worcester, MA. She serves on a team responsible for raising almost $3 million dollars annually in unrestricted gifts from individuals, works as a frontline fundraiser managing a portfolio of 150 donors, and oversees the engagement and giving of alumni who graduated 40+ years ago. She hails from London, England, and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Warwick and worked for the Warwick Arts Centre, the BBC, and the British Film Institute before emigrating to the US. During her time at Trinity Rep Danielle worked in General Management and Administration (as assistant to Oskar Eustis, Curt Columbus and others), then in Development and External Relations, where she managed a portfolio of mid-level donors, led the Community Ambassador volunteer program and coordinated cultivation events. Danielle then served as the Director of Membership & Development for the Providence Athenaeum library for seven years, where she directed all fundraising efforts for the organization and focused on broadening and deepening the base of individual donors, improving stewardship practices and launching a legacy giving society. In 2018 she received a Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from Tufts University/The Institute for Nonprofit Practice. Danielle lives in Smithfield with her husband and two young sons.

Parking for Arnold House is located at Gateway Park, next door to the property. An optional tour of Arnold House will be available after the program ends.


Please register to attend below.
*please have every person who plans to attend complete their own registration*