Board Member Spotlight
Andrea Lloyd (she/her)
Development Director, Enriching Lives Through Music
August 18, 2025
How long have you been involved in the nonprofit sector? What inspired you to get into fundraising?
I have been working in the nonprofit sector my entire career, starting with my first job out of college. My passion for giving back to the community comes from my mother, who volunteered with the PTA, served as a poll worker and gave her time to her church.
I have been working in the nonprofit sector my entire career, starting with my first job out of college. My passion for giving back to the community comes from my mother, who volunteered with the PTA, served as a poll worker and gave her time to her church.
Please tell us about your current role and responsibilities.
I am the Development Director for a local music school that provides high-quality music education and academic support for children from an underserved community in Marin County. Our program is 100% tuition free, which means we fund the entire budget. In my seven years here, that budget has grown from $750K to $2M. Recently, we purchased a new building and are now in the planning phase of a $12M capital campaign, which is both exciting and a little daunting.
I am the Development Director for a local music school that provides high-quality music education and academic support for children from an underserved community in Marin County. Our program is 100% tuition free, which means we fund the entire budget. In my seven years here, that budget has grown from $750K to $2M. Recently, we purchased a new building and are now in the planning phase of a $12M capital campaign, which is both exciting and a little daunting.
What are some highlights in your current role and in your career? What has been the biggest challenge?
Earlier in my career, I worked on the finance and operations side of nonprofits and helped lead the shift into online fundraising at JustGive, one of the first platforms to offer “donate now” buttons. From there, I transitioned into marketing and business development, which naturally led to a career in fundraising.
I have also had the privilege of working internationally with Dharamsala Animal Rescue in India. Inspiring donors to give to animal welfare abroad, when challenges exist here at home, was not easy. Through storytelling and celebrating small wins, we grew our donor base and highlighted the importance of rabies vaccinations and spay and neuter programs for street dogs.
Earlier in my career, I worked on the finance and operations side of nonprofits and helped lead the shift into online fundraising at JustGive, one of the first platforms to offer “donate now” buttons. From there, I transitioned into marketing and business development, which naturally led to a career in fundraising.
I have also had the privilege of working internationally with Dharamsala Animal Rescue in India. Inspiring donors to give to animal welfare abroad, when challenges exist here at home, was not easy. Through storytelling and celebrating small wins, we grew our donor base and highlighted the importance of rabies vaccinations and spay and neuter programs for street dogs.
What professional knowledge would you impart to other nonprofit fundraisers?
Maintain a healthy work life balance and notice when it starts to slip. The work is never truly finished, but it will still be there tomorrow.
Maintain a healthy work life balance and notice when it starts to slip. The work is never truly finished, but it will still be there tomorrow.
How did you get involved with AFP?
A colleague encouraged me to join, and shared that it would be a valuable way to connect with peers and expand my knowledge of the field.
A colleague encouraged me to join, and shared that it would be a valuable way to connect with peers and expand my knowledge of the field.
What advice would you give to AFP members who are considering becoming an AFP board member?
Set clear goals for yourself, so you know what you want to contribute and what you hope to take away from the experience.
Set clear goals for yourself, so you know what you want to contribute and what you hope to take away from the experience.
How do you balance your personal and professional life?
Put the phone down and stop checking email.
Put the phone down and stop checking email.
What are some activities you enjoy outside of work?
I love hiking in Marin with my dog, often while listening to a good memoir on audio.
I love hiking in Marin with my dog, often while listening to a good memoir on audio.
What career goals do you still want to pursue or accomplish?
I hope to one day lead a small local nonprofit, where I can make a direct and meaningful impact in my community.
I hope to one day lead a small local nonprofit, where I can make a direct and meaningful impact in my community.