22: Essential Skills for Nonprofit Fundraising Success (Joanne Beam)

022: Essential Skills for Nonprofit Fundraising Success (Joanne Beam)

SUMMARY

Like many of us, Joanne O’Brien Beam did not aspire to nonprofit leadership following her undergraduate days, but the lure of her alma mater and the skills she developed in the for-profit sector combined to make her a very successful fundraiser and a highly sought-after consultant and coach. Joanne and I had a great conversation about the wonderfully practical advice she received during her journey along the leadership path, and the wisdom she now shares with her coaching clients.  We also discussed some of the important trends she sees within the sector, and how these trends affect the opportunities for new fundraising professionals as well as those aspiring to leadership positions.   

ABOUT JOANNE

Joanne is an experienced fundraiser and consultant, serving clients across the nonprofit sector. She is the President of Beam Outcomes, and specializes in effective fundraising strategies, coaching, board development, strategic planning, and leadership development. As a facilitator, Joanne uses the Technology of Participation Method to provide structured facilitation which helps groups think, talk, and work together.  She is on the board of the Institute of Philanthropic Leadership where she serves on the faculty for the Leadership Gift School and the New Development Professionals Program. She was also the founder and president of Capstone Advancement Partners (2003-2014), a consulting firm that served dozens of nonprofit organizations.  After Capstone, Joanne returned to work with her beloved alma mater Wake Forest University on initiatives ranging from launching the Nonprofit Essentials Certificate program and Summer Immersion Programs. A cum laude graduate of Wake, Joanne served as President of the Student Government. In 2013, the Charlotte Business Journal named her one of the Top 25 Women in Business, and in 2014, she was named one of the 50 Most Influential Women in Charlotte by the Mecklenburg Times. Joanne is an active athlete and avid golfer.  She’s married to Steve Beam and has one son. 

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Simone Joyaux’s blog
• Tom Ahern’s blog
• Penelope Burk’s book Donor Centered Fundraising
• Jerry Panas’ book Power Questions
• Adrian Sargeant and Jen Shang’s book Fundraising Principles and Practice