The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Fellowship (IDEA) is a year-long program for fundraisers from underrepresented communities, including fundraisers of color (African-American, Latinx, Hispanic, Asian), LGBTQ and/or gender nonconforming fundraisers, Indigenous, other underrepresented communities, and emerging fundraisers who work at smaller, under-resourced nonprofits. The program is intended to recruit, retain, and educate diverse nonprofit fundraisers with the intent to increase the number of diverse fundraising/nonprofit professionals in the Bay Area.
Melissa Ferrer
Development Manager, Individual Giving, The Arc San Francisco
How did you first get involved in the nonprofit sector? What inspired you to do this work?
My mom is a teacher for adults with disabilities, so since around the age of 5 (which was when I was old enough to carry things and be useful) I have been volunteering either at her school, or at nonprofits volunteering alongside her students. Few people donate of their hearts and time as much as front-line and direct-impact workers. Their genuine dedication to pushing the work forward inspires me and makes me want to make them proud.
Please tell us about your current role and responsibilities.
I am the Development Manager, Individual Giving at The Arc San Francisco. My responsibilities include mid-level donor management, stewardship, legacy giving support, annual fund strategy and execution, event sponsorship, relationship management, and a lot of storytelling.
What are some highlights in your current role and in your career? What has been the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge has been learning how to bring my whole self to my professional world while appropriately navigating philanthropic decorum. The undeniable highlight in my current role is working in close proximity to our clients; I am constantly being recharged with hilarious interruptions of light and pure love – an absolute necessity when I am knee deep in excel and looking through spreadsheets.
What professional knowledge would you impart to other nonprofit fundraisers?
Fundraise for a cause the inner, real you, authentically respects, and nothing less than that.
How did you get involved with AFP?
My supervisor recommended the AFP IDEA Fellowship to me while I had coincidentally just seen it on LinkedIn.
What advice would you give to others who are considering applying for the IDEA Fellowship?
I would suggest applying and tell them to throw their hat in the ring! It’s a wonderful opportunity and truly is creating power through connecting people.
How do you balance your personal and professional life?
I am constantly shifting and adjusting the priority between where I need to put my energy for professional success or advancement and doing the self-care actions that generates energy inside me.
What are some activities you enjoy outside of work?
I like to run, journal at different cafes with a cup of coffee, study, and mostly vibe on my own – or if I am feeling exceptionally replenished – with my family and closest friends.
What career goals do you still want to pursue or accomplish?
I have recently begun my studies in a J.D. program. My goals are to obtain my Juris Doctor, pass the CA bar, and in the long future, build a practice centered on Special Needs Trusts, estate planning, and charitable donations as tools for generational wealth – with a focus on serving marginalized and immigrant families.