From Fundraiser to Leader: An Executive Director’s Journey

IMPACTability: The Nonprofit Leaders' Podcast

In this episode, host Josh Hirsch speaks with Dolly Farrell, Executive Director of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands. Dolly shares her journey from a frontline fundraiser in higher education to leading a community foundation focused on collaborative philanthropy. They explore the importance of personal connections in fundraising, the impact of COVID-19 on nonprofit operations, and the role of cultural competency in program development. Dolly highlights how nonprofits can support one another, especially in times of crisis, and offers insights into innovative ways to amplify their impact.

Takeaways

• Early Start, Mentorship, and Personal Connections: Dolly’s journey began at a young age, with mentorship shaping her path and personal connections enhancing fundraising success.
• Stewardship and Collaboration: Fundraisers act as stewards of donor contributions, and nonprofits thrive by collaborating to amplify their impact, especially during crises.
• Adapting to Challenges with Innovation: COVID-19 prompted nonprofits to reassess strategies and develop innovative solutions to meet emerging needs.
• Cultural Competency in Program Development: Cultural awareness plays a vital role in creating programs that effectively serve diverse communities.
• Community Foundations and Networking: Community foundations drive rapid crisis response, and building strong professional networks is essential for long-term success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to IMPACTability Podcast 02:53 Dolly Farrell's Nonprofit Journey 08:59 Transitioning from Higher Education to Community Impact 13:52 Collaborative Philanthropy Post-COVID 22:45 Coaches Corner: Cultural Competency in Nonprofits 28:22 Navigating Challenges in Nonprofit Leadership 35:50 The Role of Community Foundations 40:30 Building Collaborative Networks for Nonprofits 46:30 Empowering Local Businesses and Nonprofits

Guest Bio

Dolly Farrell is a nonprofit executive with over twenty years’ experience serving three universities and charitable organizations providing affordable housing, at-risk youth interventions, leadership development programs and environmental protection. Raised on the Jersey Shore, Dolly lived in North Carolina for ten years before moving to Southwest Florida in 2013. She joined the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) on October 3rd, 2022, as the organization’s first Executive Director, after nine years at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) Foundation. Dolly earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Loyola University of MD in 1998 and a Master of Public Administration from Appalachian State University in 2006. Dolly’s husband Liam was raised on Fort Myers Beach after his parents moved to SWFL 41 years ago. Dolly and Liam were married in Fort Myers on New Years Eve 2005 and spent every winter holiday in Fort Myers thereafter. Each trip included a drive over the Sanibel Causeway for vacation. While celebrating their anniversary at Tween Waters in 2012, Dolly and Liam decided to make the move permanently and relocated to Fort Myers with their two daughters in 2013. Liam has served in various capacities in Lee County Schools since 2013, currently serving his alma mater as Assistant Principal at Cypress Lake High School. Rory (15 years of age) attends Cypress Lake High School as a sophomore; Neeve (13) attends Cypress Lake Middle School and is in 8th grade. Both girls run track, cross country, and play competitive soccer – keeping their parents very busy almost every weekend. Leave a review!Reviews are hugely important because they help new people discover this podcast. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave a review. Like this episode? Subscribe to our podcast on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcasting app. Got a question that you’d like to ask a nonprofit professional? Email your questions to [e-mail] and listen to next episode to see if your question gets answered!
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