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Diana Newman

Fundraising and Philanthropic Consultant for Nonprofit Organizations

Professional Background

Diana Newman is a highly accomplished Executive Vice President at Benefactor Group, where she harnesses her vast knowledge and expertise in nonprofit management to drive strategic initiatives and enhance fundraising outcomes. With over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, Diana has dedicated her career to fostering sustainable growth and effective leadership in organizations dedicated to making a positive impact. Specializing in strategic planning, evaluation and assessment, board development, public speaking, and group facilitation, Diana has become a trusted advisor for many nonprofits seeking to enhance their impact through focused and innovative approach to fundraising services.

Diana founded her own consulting business, Philanthropic Resource Group, where she served as principal for 14 years, providing personalized consulting services that emphasized gift planning and endowment building. Her prior experience as the Vice President for Development at the Columbus Foundation further solidified her skills in development and philanthropy. Additionally, her role as the first Executive Director of the Ohio Historical Foundation showcased her leadership capabilities and deep commitment to preserving cultural heritage through effective fundraising and community engagement.

Education and Achievements

Diana’s academic foundation in Political Science and Government from Oberlin College has equipped her with critical thinking skills and a profound understanding of public policy and governance, essential for her work in the nonprofit sphere. Throughout her career, she has produced significant scholarly contributions, particularly in the field of nonprofit development. Diana is the author of two notable books: "Nonprofit Essentials: Endowment Building," published by John Wiley & Sons in 2005, which serves as a vital resource for nonprofits seeking to improve their long-term sustainability through endowment strategies, and "Opening Doors: Pathways to Diverse Donors," released in 2002 by Jossey-Bass, which won the prestigious 2003 AFP/Skystone Ryan Prize for Research, recognizing her innovative approaches to expanding donor demographics.

Moreover, Diana has played a pivotal role in the educational development of nonprofit professionals by creating curricula and serving as a faculty member for the Community Foundations Fundamentals course, a program sponsored by the Council on Foundations aimed at enhancing the foundational knowledge and skills of community foundation staff and board members.

Community Engagement and Leadership

As a co-founder of the original Leave A Legacy program in Columbus, Diana has made significant contributions to transforming the landscape of philanthropic giving in the community. This collaborative initiative encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to consider leaving planned gifts to charities close to their hearts. The program's success has inspired its growth into a national initiative supported by the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning, with participation from over 100 communities in the U.S. and Canada, further broadening the impact of her vision and commitment to philanthropic engagement.

Diana's outstanding contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2004, the Central Ohio Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals honored her with the title of Outstanding Fundraising Professional, recognizing her exemplary work in the field and her relentless efforts to elevate fundraising standards and practices. In addition to her professional accolades, Diana actively serves on the Board of Trustees of the National Committee on Planned Giving, now the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning, and has held prestigious positions such as president of the Central Ohio Planned Giving Council. Furthermore, her involvement with the International Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Research Council reflects her commitment to advancing knowledge and research in the fundraising profession.

Achievements

  • Authored two influential books: "Nonprofit Essentials: Endowment Building" and "Opening Doors: Pathways to Diverse Donors"
  • Winner of the 2003 AFP/Skystone Ryan Prize for Research
  • Co-founder of the Leave A Legacy program, facilitating planned giving initiatives in over 100 communities across North America
  • Recognized as the 2004 Outstanding Fundraising Professional by the Central Ohio Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals
  • Served on multiple prestigious boards and councils, enhancing the nonprofit sector through leadership and research

Related Questions

How did Diana Newman develop her expertise in strategic planning for nonprofit organizations?
What inspired Diana Newman to co-found the Leave A Legacy program and what impact has it had on philanthropy?
In which ways has Diana Newman contributed to the field of nonprofit education and research through her writing and teaching?
What are Diana Newman's key strategies for successful fundraising and board development in nonprofit organizations?
How has Diana Newman's work at Benefactor Group transformed nonprofit organizations' approaches to gift planning and endowment building?
Diana Newman
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Location

Columbus, Ohio