“I view my work as the intersectionality of growing mission-based support, awareness, and trust with donors,” says Jennifer Berger, Director of Development for Rubicon Programs. “Centering equity, systems change, and authentic relationships drives my approach to development. I am driven by a commitment to sharing the complexity of Rubicon’s anti-poverty work with donors so they understand the deep impact of their support alongside the systemic barriers, milestones, and shifting landscape that Rubicon participants experience daily.”
Berger’s efforts have earned her recognition as one of three Raise Award 2022 Fundraisers of the Year. Presented by OneCause, an online and event fundraising resource provider, the awards were announced at the national Raise fundraising conference in Chicago, Illinois on September 12 and 13.
The Fundraiser of the Year award is presented to “individuals who live out the organization’s mission, are dedicated to the donor experience, and always give 100% percent to the cause,” according to the Raise Awards website. In a press release from August announcing the award nominees, OneCause CEO Steve Johns celebrated the quality of work that all of the nominees demonstrated over the past year. “This year’s finalists stood out not only due to the excellence of their submissions, but also the perseverance and passion they demonstrate for improving the lives, communities, and environments of others,” Johns said. “It’s an honor to celebrate changemakers who are so fiercely committed to building better tomorrows.”
Berger was nominated for her leadership and commitment to Rubicon’s values of humility, hope, and justice. In part, her coworkers said in the nomination that “Jennifer truly embodies what leading by example should look like…[She] approaches everything she does with a deep sense of empathy, an open mind, and a willingness to learn from others. In her short tenure at Rubicon Programs, she has built relationships with foundations and individual donors that have allowed the organization to receive new and increased gifts each year. At times, these gifts have come unsolicited (i.e. without a grant application or specific ask), because the donors remembered Jennifer and her passion for sharing about Rubicon’s work.”
In a recorded acceptance speech, Berger recognized the many participants, staff, and leaders at Rubicon that support her fundraising efforts. “I’m thrilled to be here representing Rubicon Programs,” Berger said. “It’s such an honor to bring awareness and resources to Rubicon’s work.”