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Fundraising, Management Issues/Expert Profile

Barbara Bellissimo

U.S.

Available

Expertise

I have over ten years experience in fundraising, and have helped organizations raise millions of dollars. My passion is to help small organizations tackle the big job of setting up and maintaining a fundraising and development structure that gets big results. Having lived and worked on the island of Martha's Vineyard, I have a unique perspective on those organizations facing the special challenges of fundraising in a seasonal community. I can answer questions about annual campaigns, major donors, institutional fundraising, development planning, strategic planning and board training.

Experience in the area

I have raised over $25M from individuals, foundations and corporations, in all types of economic environments. I have worked as a consultant, a part-time employee and a full-time employee in nonprofit fundraising.

Organizations

Association for Fundraising Professionals, Silicon Valley Chapter.

Publications

"Become Your Own Great and Powerful: A Woman's Guide to Leading Your Real, Big Life", iUniverse, Inc., April 2005. iUniverse Editor's Choice and Amazon Bestseller.

Education/Credentials

BS in Economics from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. The Fund Raising School, The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University: Principles of Fundraising, Creating an Effective Planned Giving Program, Developing Major Gifts.

Past/Present Clients

Homestretch Internship Program Junior League of San Francisco Leadership Midpeninsula Palo Alto Community Fund People Acting in Community Together African American Heritage Trail AIDS Alliance of Martha's Vineyard Bridge Housing The Drum Workshop FARM Institute Habitat for Humanity of Martha's Vineyard Hospice of Martha's Vineyard Island Affordable Housing Fund Island Children's School Martha's Vineyard Donors Collaborative Martha's Vineyard Chamber Music Society Martha's Vineyard Commission Nathan Mayhew Seminars Polly Hill Arboretum Vineyard House Vineyard Nursing Association Vineyard Playhouse West Tisbury Public Library Women Empowered The Yard YMCA of Martha's Vineyard

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

User	Date	K	C	P	Comments
Linda	05/18/10	10	10	10
Julia Snyder	03/25/10	10	10	10	Very helpfull and prompt response on a .....
Loreen	03/17/10	10	10	10	Thank you for providing me with so .....
Martin	02/27/10	9	9	10	I felt Barbara's response was crystal clear .....
Ellen	12/14/09	10	10	10

Recent Answers from Barbara Bellissimo

2012-01-30 Donated funds:

Wow, Jennifer...this is a tough one. I'm sorry that your donor, after 8 years, has asked for his or her funds back. Your president or board chair should, indeed, have a conversation with this donor

2011-11-29 starting a fund at a bank.:

Hi Rosella, Thanks for your question. I'm sorry to hear about your family member. Yes, you will need a tax ID number. And in order for donations to be tax-deductible, it must be for a 501(c)(3) corporation

2011-11-05 fundraising, selling items:

Hi Dee, Thanks for your question. You (and your financial secretary) may find IRS Publication 1771 useful here. It's called "Charitable Contributions: Substantiation and Disclosure Requirements" and

2011-07-30 Starting non profit organization:

Hi Dana, Thanks for your question, and congratulations on your good work! Let me preface my answer by saying you should check everything out with an accountant and/or an attorney. You can get pro

2011-02-04 Fundraising but we're not a non-profit:

Hi Steve, Funny...you're the second person to ask me this in the last few days! First, let me say that I am not an attorney, so you shouldn't consider this response as valid legal opinion. I think

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