| WiP makes generating resources a goal By Lori O'Brien, Correspondent With hundreds of nonprofit organizations stretched across Western Massachusetts and competing for local funds, professionals involved in fund-raising must stay on top of the latest trends and continuously make connections to remain viable. A local professional organization for women, Women in Philanthropy (WiP), makes it its mission to support the advancement of its members whose primary responsibilities include generating resources. Once a month, breakfast meetings provide an opportunity to explore professional, and sometimes personal, issues specifically designed for women in philanthropy. For WiP President Holly Martineau, she joined the organization more than 10 years ago because of its welcoming members, connections at monthly meetings, and inspiring workshops. "WiP is very important to Western Massachusetts," said Martineau during an interview with Reminder Publications. "In the Pioneer Valley, where we have hundreds of nonprofit organizations, all of which need to raise money for their daily work and mission, and the percentage of women in these positions is so high, an organization like this is necessary." Martineau cited consistent WiP educational opportunities that allow professionals to keep their skills at peak and stay with the trends that can make the fund-raiser's job easier. "Finding this locally and affordably is important as many non-profits would not have the means for this type of professional development, thus affecting their ability to raise money," she added. Martineau has laid out her goals for 2007 which includes continuing to bring quality presenters and programming to development professionals in the area. "It's our goal to bring the women in the development arena who are at the top of their field to us for all who would like to hear and learn from them," she said. "We also have a goal to provide a broad range of programming for the year, something for everyone." Martineau added that there are many types of development, so WiP members strive to address all aspects of fund-raising each year. WiP also has plans to launch a mentoring program which will link a seasoned WiP professional with a WiP mentee, according to Sarah Tanner, who serves as the WiP mentor coordinator. "The idea is that we could all use a helping hand in getting started," said Tanner during an interview with Reminder Publications, adding "we want to market the wealth of information and talent the women in Western Massachusetts can provide each other." Tanner joined WiP four years ago and noted she enjoys the chance to network with other women across the area in a very noncompetitive environment. "The atmosphere at WiP is to help us all succeed," said Tanner. Tanner added that WiP provides the necessary skill building, networking, and industry exposure that fund-raising professionals seek, and also provides a support network of women who are dedicated to their fields within philanthropy. "It is very helpful to be surrounded by other women juggling the same plates, at the same time," added Tanner, noting that women also tend to be balancing the roles within their families. Upcoming programs include a corporate giving panel discussing "Corporate Giving Strategies and Ways to Approach Corporations" on Dec. 12 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, and "Performance Metrics: Pitfalls and Possibilities" by Kristina Lentz, Harvard Medical School, on Jan. 9 at the Delaney House in Holyoke. Martineau said that at any table at a WiP meeting, there will be professionals with 20-plus years of experience, as well as women new to the field and volunteers who help non-profits raise money. "Some of the greatest opportunities at a WiP meeting happen in the networking time before the presentation begins," added Martineau. For women interested in becoming a member, visit www.wipwm.com for more information or contact Mary Ramsay at (413) 775-7176 or via e-mail at mramsay@historic-deerfield.org. |
