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Member Spotlight: Jen Newmeyer
April 24, 2025
Name: Jen Newmeyer
Organization: PBS
Title: Senior Director, Digital Fundraising Strategy
AFP DC Position: VP of Education
Fun Facts!
How long have you been fundraising? 20+ years
Favorite book: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Hobbies: Writing! Just finished my second book focused on digital fundraising transformation. Also, yoga, travel, and puzzles (crosswords and jigsaw, in particular).
Is there something few people know about you or that others would be surprised to learn about you?
I love supernatural books and movies: anything with a witch and a vampire! And also, Bob Ross.
If you could have one superpower what would it be? Teleportation
How did you get your start in the fundraising field?
I took an office assistant job at an association management firm in San Francisco that provided support for nonprofits participating in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). I quickly transitioned from ordering supplies and coordinating UPS deliveries to developing a streamlined system for processing donor names and addresses for over 500 national and local agencies, as well as providing database training, donor communication guidance, and overseeing a data-entry department.
What profession did you say you wanted to be when you grew up?
A marine biologist. Then a writer. Then an actress.
What piece of advice would you share with fundraisers?
Network, keep learning, and stay informed. Advice from peers can offer solutions to problems from a fresh perspective. Connections in the nonprofit field can help with career growth. Learning best practices and new, innovative approaches can help grow audiences, reveal new prospects, and increase revenue. Staying informed, particularly in chaotic times, can help the organization best prepare and pivot. Go to AFP events, nonprofit clubs and meetups, join online nonprofit forums, and subscribe to nonprofits publications.
What risks or challenges do you currently see in philanthropy?
One of my main concerns right now is the decline in everyday donors to which some have coined the phrase, the "generosity crisis." While there are many layers to this trend, I firmly believe that creating comprehensive user journeys, optimizing and improving the prospect and donor experience, building thoughtful engagement and stewardship plans, and developing activities focused on maximizing the growth funnel for conversion can make a significant difference.
Why did you get involved with the AFP DC board and what have you gained from this experience?
I have been involved with the AFP since 2013 and it was my honor to serve on the board of the AFP Triangle (in Raleigh, NC) and the AFP of Greater Philadelphia. When I relocated to the DMV three years ago, it was my top priority to transfer my membership and get involved with the chapter through board service. Since joining, I have had the pleasure of meeting so many incredible nonprofit professionals, learning about the unique challenges in this area, and gleaning many helpful and insightful tips and takeaways from the educational offerings. The DC Chapter has a strong and influential presence in the nonprofit sector!
Learn About Jen's New Book!
Revolutionize your digital fundraising strategy to ignite extraordinary audience growth and supercharge your revenue - empowering you to amplify your mission and achieve unparalleled impact!
Measure your strengths, implement captivating campaigns, and achieve peak results with data-driven insights, collaborative frameworks, and emerging technologies.
Available at Civil Sector Press, Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
Order Today
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