With more than a decade working in the nonprofit sector, Susan is passionate about the power of philanthropy and helping organizations meet and exceed their goals to fulfill their missions. Based in Chicago, Susan has experience working with major gifts, mid-level donors, planned giving, capital campaigns, and creating and executing fundraising strategies and events.Beyond Chicago, Susan has worked in Boston, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Washington DC, and she brings her knowledge and expertise from these special communities to each of her current projects and clients. A relationship builder and people connector, Susan was also involved in grassroots political mobilizations and encouraging citizens to get involved in the political process with their voice and their financial support.Before founding Sapphire Fundraising Specialists, Susan held fundraising and management roles at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Susan graduated from George Washington University in Washington, DC with a major in Communication and a double minor in Political Science and Business Administration. Susan is a frequent speaker at conferences, webinars, and board meetings on fundraising topics and nonprofit board management. If you are interested in booking Susan for a speaking role, please go to the Contact Page and select Speaking Role. Key Takeaways:Put it on top of your to-do list to celebrate what you’ve accomplished so far. Take a step back, look at what you’ve made, and be proud. Never give up, the only way that you’ll truly fail is if you stop. The goal of fundraising is not to get one gift but to build a relationship with people. While building the relationship, don’t forget to get to business. Donors get to choose if they want to give or not. Connect with them, build relationships, and stay in touch while always keeping in mind that they are people too, not moneybags. Play up to your strengths. Take inventory of your strengths and those of your organization and use those strengths for fundraising.  “The key thing when it comes to fundraising is relationship building. ” “You should have a goal for the meeting. You should be showing that you prepared for the meeting. Listening is a critical leadership skill.” “Fundraising can be really difficult and time-consuming. So do what you can. You don't have to do everything. Start with something.” - Susan Kahan  Reach out to Susan Kahan at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-kahan/Website: https://sapphirefundraisingspecialists.com/ Be more confident, credible & convincing to your board & supporters without feeling rejected, ineffective, or pushy. Learn to manage your mindset, lead yourself and others more effectively and have the meaningful conversations that drive your most important work.   Get your free starter kit today at  www.theinfluentialnonprofit.com Connect with Maryanne Dersch: maryanne@courageouscommunication.com