Under the Sun: Sandy Drew, volunteer and professional fundraiser
On National Philanthropy Day, November 15, Sandy Drew was honored as the Outstanding Fundraising Professional in the Bay area. The Sun’s Anna Pier sat down with Sandy to learn about her and her professional and volunteer work.
When you accepted the award you observed, “No one’s dream as a child is to grow up to be a director of development.” How did you end up in this career?
After college, while I was working for IBM in Denver as a systems analyst, I joined the board of the League of Women Voters. I didn’t hesitate when they asked for people to make calls to raise donations. I believed in the cause, and I was successful. That, and other volunteer activities, made me realize that I enjoyed my involvement with the nonprofit sector because of the people I met and the impact of the work.
What came next?
I pursued a Masters degree in Public Administration, and subsequently went to work for a nonprofit invested in improving educational outcomes for Latino students. I served as director of development for a variety of nonprofits in Denver and San Francisco, and for the past twenty years I have worked as a fundraising consultant in the Bay area.
Why did you move to Sonoma?
Sonoma reminded us of the culture of northern New Mexico that we had deeply enjoyed when living in Denver. We bought a house here in 1990, and it became our home in 2004.
As either director of development or consultant, you have coached capital campaigns ranging in size from $1 million to $100 million, for an impressive list of nonprofits in the Bay area, including KQED, the Oakland Zoo, the Bay School, Pets Lifeline, and Friends of the San Francisco Library. Was that challenging?
I love a capital campaign! At the beginning of every capital campaign, everyone, staff and volunteers, see a steep mountain to climb. After much hard work, when they reach the finale of the campaign, it’s the equivalent of standing at the top of that steep mountain and feeling the exhilaration of a job well done. Fundraising is most effective as teamwork between professional staff and volunteers. Time after time I’ve seen staff and volunteers go above and beyond what they thought they could accomplish. At every nonprofit I’ve worked with, large or small, it’s the people who make a difference: volunteers devoting countless hours of time, staff doing the same.
What has been the most satisfying?
It is very satisfying to work with organizations that are able to implement an effective “turnaround” from struggle to success. Also, I’ve enjoyed working with start-up nonprofits creating something new and necessary.
Just what is National Philanthropy Day?
It honors the remarkable work accomplished by so many, sung and unsung, nationwide. The celebrations take place all across the country so we Bay Area volunteers, philanthropists, and development professionals – there were 1000 people at the event – become part of a vast network, all of us committed to making the world a better place. The scope is breathtaking. Did you know that philanthropy and volunteerism is a peculiarly American phenomenon? Something very positive the U.S. exports to the world.
Speaking of volunteerism, you’re involved in volunteer work alongside your professional work. I know you headed up the FISH Holiday Basket program for the past five years, distributing 400-500 baskets each year. What other volunteer work do you do here?
I am not in charge of the baskets this year, but I still do driving for FISH to get people to medical appointments. I have been working with a student for four years as part of the Adult Literacy program. It’s a very nourishing relationship, both ways. When I asked her if she might not like to change to a different tutor, she told me, “Oh no, Ms. Sandy. You’re an angel.” In the new year I am going to coach someone from the citizenship class held at El Verano School. When you do volunteer work you get so much out of it.
And you serve on local boards, I believe.
I am on the board of Teen Services and of Pets Lifeline. And I have volunteered as a fundraising consultant to several nonprofits in the Valley.
Are there any fundraising challenges or opportunities particular to the Sonoma Valley?
Though relatively small in population, Sonoma Valley has numerous nonprofits making a positive impact on the community. Many of these nonprofits are quite modest in size and find it challenging to deliver effective programs without sufficient resources. Even with that constraint, these organizations achieve remarkable outcomes.
The award you received is named for Hank Rosso. Can you tell me about him?
Hank was a pioneer in philanthropy in the Bay Area. He understood that fundraising is a profession. Over 60 years ago he created a school to teach the basic principles of fundraising, and he crafted a code of ethics that is especially relevant today. The award named in his honor reminds us that ethical behavior is the gold standard for every decision we make, every action we take.
You stated that ‘ethical conduct is the bedrock of impactful philanthropy.’ The whole issue of ethics in philanthropy has been in the headlines recently with regard to donors Jeffrey Epstein and the Sackler family. Can you comment on this issue?
Regarding the recent controversies over accepting gifts from donors whose behavior does not appear to align with the mission of the receiving organization, these situations focus on the issue of ‘causing no harm’ to the nonprofit and the clients it serves. It is not unusual for boards the struggle over these ethical challenges. Some argue
that the money is doing substantial good while others argue that the source of the funds is irredeemably tainted. Well-intentioned people can come down on either side of this argument.
Tell me about your family.
Dick and I have three sons, three extraordinary daughters-in-law, and eight exuberant grandchildren. We are immensely fortunate that all live in the Bay area, within an hour drive.
So you were always a working mother?
I have always been a working mother and now, grandmother. That perspective helps me understand the challenges of work/life balance. There are times when the balance is very wobbly!
What advice about their career choices have you given your children and grandchildren?
Try to find a career where you enjoy going to work every day or at least almost every day!
Was there a role model that drew you to volunteering, and to the nonprofit/philanthropic world?
My mother was a tireless volunteer for a variety of causes in Philadelphia, where I grew up. Had she been born a generation later, she would have become a competent business leader. Lucky for the nonprofits she donated her time and talent to, her leadership made a big impact.
Any volunteer work on your schedule today?
Helping welcome dogs and their humans to the annual Pets Lifeline Santa Paws event in the Marketplace. Lots of beautiful dogs posing with Santa!
