Spotlight on our Spool: Christina Roberts
The Thread team has grown yet again!
When I prioritize the things that give me joy, such as interior decorating, baking, or listening to music, I’m more inspired to think beyond traditional fundraising while still honoring best practices.
One of Thread’s core values is to be a Proactive Team for our partners. We believe many hands make better work, and at Thread we do the work to treat each other and our partners as full-fledged teammates. As interest in our approach to fundraising strategy and consulting continues to grow, we are excited to once again expand our internal team so that we are prepared to partner up with yours.
We are honored, proud, and lucky to introduce Christina Roberts as Thread’s newest Director. She is thoughtful, insightful, and a joy of a person. We can’t wait to work with her, and we’re sure you’ll feel the same!
Thread: Tell us a little bit about the path that has led you to work in nonprofit development.
Christina: I worked in Adelphi University’s Office of Advancement as a student worker while pursuing my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work. I quickly realized how my social work skillset translated to nonprofit development and was intrigued by its vast roles. My incredible mentor cultivated my interest daily, and it wasn’t long until I was offered a full-time role as a gift and event registration processor. Imagine being introduced to a profession that allows you to tap into your academic background and allows for creativity and strategy while helping stakeholders in need. I hit the jackpot!
Thread: What are you excited to accomplish for Thread’s partners in the role of Director?
Christina: I’m excited to instill hope and understanding into Thread’s partners to help them believe in their ability to execute their mission. The individuals leading nonprofits with very little staff and limited resources are the heroes the world needs more of. The unknown or unfamiliar can always seem scary, but once we assist in developing their action plan, they can rest assured in the future of their nonprofit. It will be so rewarding to hear of our partners’ success stories!
Thread: What’s your favorite nugget of fundraising wisdom you’ve learned over the years?
Christina: Social work taught me to “begin where the client/patient is,” and I have translated that mantra to nonprofit development. Beginning where the stakeholders’ needs are and aligning that with the interest of the prospect/donor is essential. Another favorite nugget is the importance of stewardship. Securing first-time donors can be exciting, but developing a partnership with donors over a lifetime is transformational.
Thread: What trends in philanthropy and fundraising are you keeping an eye on these days?
Christina: I’m intrigued by the decline of individual giving, yet millennials are noted as contributing more than generations prior. Although households have been making fewer contributions since 2018, I’m hopeful about the future of philanthropy. The positive shift in generational giving calls for identifying new ways to engage with prospects. The donor’s interest in fund allocation requires nonprofits to be transparent about the use of donations received.
Thread: What’s something fun, interesting, or unusual from your personal life that helps you be a better fundraising professional?
Christina: My self-care activities usually involve creativity, which serves as inspiration for new fundraising ideas. When I prioritize the things that give me joy, such as interior decorating, baking, or listening to music, I’m more inspired to think beyond traditional fundraising while still honoring best practices. I can’t even write without smooth jazz music playing at a low volume from my headphones. I hope you read this Spotlight on the Spool entry while playing your favorite tune in the background!