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Christopher Stibbs
All Things Nonprofit - Relationship Builder - Planner of Experiences - Advocate for DV Survivors - Loud Human + Golden Girls Enthusiast
Professional Background
Christopher Stibbs, CFRE, has cultivated a robust career in the philanthropic sector, highlighting his unwavering dedication to advocacy and community impact. He currently serves as the Director of Philanthropic Engagement at Newhouse Shelter, the oldest domestic violence agency in Kansas City. Since joining Newhouse, Christopher has made significant strides in enhancing the organization's outreach and engagement by leveraging storytelling to unite donors, volunteers, and community members under a common mission. His blend of passion, creativity, and energy resonates deeply within the philanthropic community, showcasing his commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals affected by domestic violence.
Prior to his current role, Christopher served in various capacities at Newhouse, including Events and Donor Manager, where he gained invaluable experience in fundraising and event management, further refining his expertise in donor engagement strategies. Beyond Newhouse, he has held notable positions such as the Director of Development at Hope Haven of Cass County and the Mission Development Officer at Sertoma Inc. His extensive experience also extends to early roles like Development Intern at the PKD Foundation, Program Leader at the Girl Scouts of NE Kansas & NW Missouri, and Women's Advocate at Newhouse. Each of these positions has contributed to his profound understanding of nonprofit dynamics and community-building initiatives.
Education and Achievements
Christopher's academic background is strongly rooted in nonprofit management and psychology, having earned both a Master of Arts (MA) in Management with a concentration in Nonprofit Administration and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Rockhurst University. This dual expertise equips him with a unique perspective on human behavior and organizational leadership, making him an asset in the nonprofit sector.
His educational journey began at Creighton Preparatory School, where he completed his high school diploma in General Education, laying a strong foundation for his future academic pursuits. His commitment to learning and excellence in education reflects his drive to equip himself with the tools necessary for effecting positive change in society.
Christopher's work has not gone unnoticed in the philanthropic world. Achieving the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation is a testament to his commitment to professional ethics and excellence within fundraising. This certification not only signifies his dedication to the field but also confirms his capacity to lead fundraising initiatives and foster long-lasting donor relationships.
Achievements & Contributions
In his current role at Newhouse, Christopher employs the art of storytelling to bridge connections between the shelter's mission and the community, demonstrating a deep understanding of the emotional landscape surrounding domestic violence issues. His initiatives have significantly boosted donor engagement, resulting in increased funding and actionable support for vulnerable populations within Kansas City. His work not only contributes to immediate needs but also to broader societal awareness and empathy towards domestic violence survivors.
His past role as the Women's Advocate at Newhouse reflects his hands-on experience working directly with survivors, showcasing his compassionate approach to advocacy. Each position he has held, from development intern roles to leadership positions, emphasizes his commitment to building relationships, forging partnerships, and mobilizing community support.
In essence, Christopher Stibbs stands out not just for his professional endeavors but for his heartfelt commitment to creating positive change in the world. He believes deeply in the capacity of each individual to thrive and make the world a better place, aligning perfectly with his guiding quotes from Maya Angelou and Elsie de Wolfe. Christopher's story is one of passion, purpose, and a continuous journey towards leaving a lasting impact on the community at large.
Highlights
I've started this post at least a dozen times now and always seem to end up deleting it.
A wonderful friend, Noorah Nachbor, shared a vulnerable post a month ago about mental health that really struck a chord with me. (Thank you Noorah for being brave in sharing the heartbreaking truths that we face with our mental health).
Dealing with mental health issues can create loneliness, feelings of isolation, and sometimes make you feel a little crazy.
What really hit home was the fact that two weeks later we were sitting down at Red Door Grill having lunch, talking about it, and I snapped this selfie at the end of lunch. The irony was that this day of this picture was one of the worst days of May.
My mental health was in the insert garbage emoji that doesn't exist
The irony of May being Mental Health Awareness Month was that May was an awful month.
There were days I could barely answer an email. Many days where I cried multiple times. And possibly one brief moment where I thought about shaving my head again (Britney circa 2007/Chris circa December 2023).
And even though this #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth is coming a few days late, I think the message is still there.
Sometimes life is difficult.
Sometimes you feel like shit.
And often times it can feeling isolating and lonely.
Even as I type this, I feel a little embarrassed.
I shouldn't feel this way, right? Life is great? What do I have to worry about?
It's funny (not really) when it's your mental health making you feel bad about talking about your mental health.
I am wrapping my arms around each person who is right now battling their own internal fight that no one else sees.
You are not alone. 💜
You are worthy. 💜
Round two of the “Fan Girl” panel!
Tonight, our Rockhurst University class is discussing Private Foundations and their role in Kansas City philanthropy.
Shout out to these INCREDIBLE KC leaders:
✨ Davin Gordon | Hall Family Foundation ✨ Alicia Beck | UMB Financial Corp ✨ Jeremy Davis | Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
Grateful to call each of these individuals a friend and have their support in educating the students on philanthropy!
