Mentor and Mentee Connections: Steve and Denise

Steve Goldberg, Executive Director at the WEA Member Benefits Foundation

Brief background in fundraising

• Executive Director, CUNA Mutual (TruStage) Foundation 2003–2016.

• Led Madison College South Campus capital campaign 2017–19.

• Executive Director WEA Member Benefits Foundation 2020–present (helping Wisconsin school districts raise money for their student mental health programs).

• Past board chair of Wisconsin Philanthropy Network.

• Served and serve on numerous nonprofit fund development and campaign committees.

• My mom helped me understand at an early age the importance and the meaning of giving back. She was a role model of unselfishness and kindness.

WHY I JOINED THE AFP MENTORING PROGRAM

“Primarily to help younger/newer fund development professionals strengthen their skills and enjoy their work.”

MY BIGGEST TAKEAWAY

I’ve been an AFP mentor for three years, and I’m so impressed with all three of my mentees. I love how they balance and blend their deep passion, their skills, and their fearlessness. I also love how much they’ve taught me about the nature, impact, and importance of their work.

WHY SOMEONE SHOULD BECOME AN AFP MENTOR

• Meaningful opportunity to make a difference in our community.

• Fun to connect with a dedicated fundraising exec and learn about their world.

• Opportunity to learn more about yourself (your skills, your improvement opportunities, your perspectives).

I’m enormously grateful to my three mentees (Angela Wallace, Aubree Hanks, and Denise Hanson) for all they have taught me. – Steve Goldberg 

Denise Hanson, Executive Director, Root 2 Rise, Inc.

Brief background in fundraising

I came to fundraising in an unconventional way. I spent 24 years as an educator before founding Root 2 Rise in 2017, so I learned fundraising largely by doing it: writing grants, building relationships with donors and community partners, telling our story, and figuring things out as the organization grew. Over the years, fundraising has become an essential part of my role, but I have always felt that there was so much more I could learn.

What inspired you to join the mentor program?

I joined because I wanted someone who could help me step back from the day-to-day work of running a nonprofit and think more strategically about fundraising and the future of Root 2 Rise.

I was also at a point where Root 2 Rise was growing, and I knew that the organization—and I as its leader—needed to grow with it. I wanted to learn from someone who had been through the process of building relationships, raising significant resources, and navigating the challenges that come with nonprofit leadership.

Being paired with Steve Goldberg was a wonderful gift.

What's one big takeaway that you've learned so far?

Steve has taught me a lot about what happens after someone says yes. When someone supports Root 2 Rise, I want them to know how deeply grateful I am, but Steve has helped me think beyond simply saying thank you. He has taught me the importance of nurturing that relationship and about keeping the donor connected to the work, sharing the impact of their support, finding meaningful ways to stay in touch, and making sure they understand that they are truly part of what we are building.

I've learned that a thank-you is the beginning of a relationship. When someone chooses to invest in Root 2 Rise, I want to build a connection with them that goes far beyond the transaction. I want them to see what their support makes possible and feel connected to the young people whose lives they are helping change.

I've really valued having someone outside of Root 2 Rise who can listen, ask a good question, challenge my thinking, and help me see something I might not see on my own. Steve has helped me become a more thoughtful fundraiser, but more importantly, I think he has helped me become a better relationship-builder.

Why should someone consider joining?

Because having a mentor gives you a relationship with someone who has experience, and perspective that is different from our own.

As nonprofit leaders, we spend so much of our time supporting other people. Having someone who is invested in supporting you is incredibly valuable.

And I think the program is a reminder that none of us has to figure this work out alone. There are people in our fundraising community who are willing to share what they know, open doors, ask questions, and cheer you on.

Anything else we should know?

I feel very fortunate to have been paired with Steve. He has been generous not only with his knowledge and experience, but with his time and his willingness to really get to know me and understand Root 2 Rise.

One of the things I have appreciated most is that our conversations have gone beyond fundraising. We have talked about leadership, relationships, challenges, opportunities, and the bigger vision for Root 2 Rise.

That is what makes mentoring so powerful. Sometimes you don't need someone to give you the answer. You need someone who will sit with you, ask the right questions, and help you find the answer yourself.