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Kim Collinsworth

Assistant Vice President of Donor Relations and Advancement Services

Professional Background

Kim Wendt Collinsworth is a highly accomplished and seasoned development professional specializing in higher education fundraising, with nearly three decades of experience in fostering donor relations and institutional advancement. As the current Assistant Vice President of Donor Relations and Advancement Services at the University of North Texas, Kim manages a talented team of over twenty dedicated staff members across various functions including donor relations, special events, annual giving, leadership annual giving, phonathon, and prospect development and research. Her extensive knowledge and experience have positioned her as an integral member of the Executive Leadership Team under the Vice President for University Advancement.

Throughout her impressive career at the University of North Texas, Kim has successfully initiated numerous programs aimed at enhancing fundraising efforts and building robust relationships with donors. Among her notable achievements is the creation of a comprehensive infrastructure for university-wide endowment reporting established in 2011, a significant move that has enhanced transparency and trust within the donor community. Kim also took the initiative to enhance major donor recognition societies, acknowledgement processes, and gift receipts, ensuring that every donor feels valued and appreciated for their contributions.

Education and Achievements

Kim’s educational background has significantly contributed to her professional accomplishments. She earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Non-Profit Management from the University of North Texas, equipping her with the essential skills and knowledge needed for effective fundraising in a non-profit environment. Additionally, her Associate of Applied Science degree in Marketing-Management from North Central Texas College laid a strong foundation for her abilities in strategic communication and outreach.

In 2015, Kim launched and branded the Annual Fund at the University of North Texas, significantly increasing alumni engagement and financial contributions. This strategic, multi-channel approach not only raised substantial dollars but also fostered a sense of community among past graduates. Kim further demonstrated her innovative spirit with the introduction of the Loyal Eagles loyalty society in 2015, which encourages long-term commitment from donors, as well as the Diamond Eagles leadership annual giving program in 2016. Her leadership did not stop there; in 2020, she officially launched the Leadership Annual Giving program, further exemplifying her commitment to elevating donor engagement.

Kim leads a talented team responsible for revitalizing fundraising and donor recognition events. Under her guidance, these events have transformed into sophisticated, donor-centric gatherings that not only celebrate contributions but also strengthen the bond between the university and its supporters.

Her expertise also extends to the realm of prospect development, where she has developed a robust and efficient team that effectively meets the growing needs of the university's fundraising efforts. This initiative underscores her commitment to utilizing data for strategic decision-making and cultivating a major gift pipeline that maximizes philanthropic support.

Professional Affiliations

Kim Wendt Collinsworth is deeply committed to staying at the forefront of the fundraising profession. She is an active and professional member of esteemed organizations such as the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA), the Association of Advancement Services Professionals (AASP), and the Association of Donor Relations Professionals (ADRP). These affiliations reflect her dedication to professional development and continuous learning, as well as her commitment to maintaining high standards within the fundraising sector.

Achievements

In summary, Kim's career is marked by a multitude of achievements that reveal her expertise in donor stewardship, cultivation, and relationship management. Her innovative approach to developing processes that provide impactful and personalized stewardship demonstrates her knack for strategic thinking. Kim has a proven record of increasing annual fund participation and fostering alumni engagement through the evaluation and re-engineering of processes to boost productivity.

Through her comprehensive understanding of university policy, CASE recommendations, and IRS regulations related to fundraising and donor relations, Kim ensures all practices are reliable and ethical, encouraging trust from both donors and stakeholders.

In the dynamic field of higher education fundraising, Kim Wendt Collinsworth stands out as a leader and visionary. With her continuous pursuit of excellence, she is dedicated to enhancing the impact of philanthropic endeavors and reinforcing the significant role that donor contributions play in the broader mission of the University of North Texas. Her commitment to creating meaningful connections between donors and the institution is a testament to her passion for strategic advancement and community building.

Related Questions

How did Kim Wendt Collinsworth develop her expertise in higher education fundraising?
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In what ways has Kim Wendt Collinsworth contributed to increasing alumni engagement at the University of North Texas?
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Kim Collinsworth
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Location

Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex