Early in my career, when I met Lofti Mansouri -- the impresario of the prestigious Canadian Opera Company, I asked him what the key is to advancing a non-profit organization to the caliber of his organization; expecting a “lofty”, imposing answer, he simply replied….

“Money.”   It was then that I realized the important role that the field of Advancement holds -- the ability to raise an organization to greater heights by providing connections to key resources that can fund the added margin of excellence.  I’ve been in the field ever since, with a commitment to help non-profits realize their potential through proven systems that maximize revenue and create marketing opportunities.

Donna Meindt Mitchell, President

SponsorLink

  

Donna Meindt Mitchell, President of SponsorLink LLC, began her 30-year fundraising career in Detroit Michigan.  Working with the “big three” automakers, Donna managed a corporate campaign of 100 executive-volunteers for Michigan Opera Theater; and then facilitated the nation's largest private school auction, raising over $675,000 through corporate donations for The Grosse Pointe Academy.  Recruited by a prestigious fundraising firm, Donna directed a successful $34-million capital campaign for the St. Louis Science Center, the largest for a cultural institution at that time in the city’s history.  Donna has since developed comprehensive fundraising campaigns, securing six and seven figure sponsorships, through strategic partnerships with corporate/foundation executives in diverse industries, for organizations in Michigan, Missouri and North Carolina. For nearly a decade, Donna served as Vice President of Development for one of the top ten performing arts centers in the nation, Blumenthal Performing Arts in Charlotte, North Carolina. There she launched a sponsorship program with multiple six-figure gifts, designed a campaign that raised a half million dollars in annual corporate memberships, and conducted a gala netting $250,000 through sponsorships. With the motto, “raising non-profits elevates your community”, Donna now shares her expertise through her firm, SponsorLink – connecting non-profits with executives and corporate sponsors.




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