For this month’s Member Spotlight, we spoke with Alissa Clouse, Director of Donor Engagement at YWCA Columbus. During her interview, she told us a bit about herself and her experience with AFP.
Q: How did you find your way into the world of fundraising? Was it the plan, or did you stumble into it along the way?
Like so many, I stumbled into the world of fundraising. My first professional job as a grant writer led to a meaningful career in philanthropy… and I never looked back!
Q: Tell us a little about the organization you work with—its mission, who it serves, and what excites you most about the work.
I am proud to work with YWCA Columbus, activating philanthropists to support our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. We serve our community through housing services, education, and social justice work. What excites me most about this mission and philanthropic work is that I am making an impact that aligns with my values every day by advocating for those I serve and serving those I advocate for.
Q: How long have you been part of AFP, and what do you value most about your membership?
As an AFP member since 2014, I find the most valuable membership benefit is the opportunity to connect with other fundraising professionals.
Q: What’s a moment in your career that made you think, “This is why I do this work”?
While there are many achievements in my career worth celebrating, the reason I do this work is for the impact moments. It’s the resident who tells me she feels safe, even during times when funding for basic needs is threatened, because we are in her corner. It’s the child who shows off their donated toy – a moment of joy while their family is navigating the challenges of homelessness. It’s intentional advocacy and knowing I am positively impacting someone’s life through systemic change. It’s the feeling I get when I’m with the other “do gooders” I’m blessed to work alongside. These are the moments that remind me why I do this work, because we must celebrate the small milestones that lead to the big impact.
Q: What’s one lesson fundraising has taught you about people?
People are inherently good, and when good people come together, we can make a HUGE impact!
Q: What’s a piece of fundraising advice you’ve heard that has always stuck with you?
“We aren’t conducting brain surgery.” This advice wasn’t given to belittle the very important work that we as fundraisers do, but to remember to take time when we need it. While our work is important, we need to care for ourselves before we can fully care for others. Balance is everything!
Q: Do you have a favorite book, blog, podcast, or resource that has been helpful in your career that you’d recommend?
While I don’t have a favorite, I’ve found leadership trainings to be an incredibly helpful resource in my career.
Q: What do you enjoy most about living or working in Central Ohio? Any favorite spots?
I love our Central Ohio community and our diversity- both in population and activities. Having worked for a national nonprofit in my former role, I feel like I’m relearning our community and enjoying a wide variety of local activities.
Q: Outside of work, what’s something you enjoy doing in your free time?
I simply can’t get enough of nature! I spend a lot of my free time hiking, horseback riding, and exploring the parks.
Q: If someone handed you a ticket for your dream vacation tomorrow, where would you go?
Ireland has been on my list for a while, and I welcome sponsors for the ticket to this dream vacation!
Q: If fundraising had a mascot animal, what would it be and why?
The mascot would be a dog! Like philanthropy, dogs are loyal, relationship-oriented, support wellbeing, and unapologetically cheerlead for the situation at hand.