Why Did You Become a Fundraiser with David Mossner, CFRE
This month we’re featuring an interview with Certified Fund Raising Executive, David Mossner, CFRE.
Between the time of the interview and its publication, David’s role changed from Development Director to Executive Director of Oakwood Foundation in Madison. We hope the story of his fundraising journey and the lessons he learned along the way inspire and encourage you.
What inspired you to become a fundraiser?
My first exposure to fundraising happened while working as an insurance agent. My goal was to serve individuals or families by helping them to meet their needs and attain their goals with insurance, investments, or a combination of both.
One of my clients had a portfolio of highly appreciated stocks and, as a couple, they were looking for a way to support their philanthropic goals.
Thanks to regular talks at our agency meetings from a planned-giving counselor, I introduced the idea of legacy giving to the couple. Over the next several months, the counselor and I met with them to answer questions. Ultimately, we helped them set up a Charitable Remainder Uni-trust, which thrilled my clients.
As I watched the counselor, I appreciated his patient approach. He never rushed to close the deal but answered all the couple’s questions. That experience made me think I might like to do that kind of work.
Were you always interested in fundraising? If not, when did you decide to follow this career path?
While working with that couple, the planned giving counselor was also observing me. He suggested I could do well as a fundraiser and encouraged me to apply for a position in a pilot program at the not-for-profit where he worked.
While I enjoyed working as an insurance agent, I was ready to get off the commission roller-coaster after ten years. I applied and started my first job as a Direct Gifts Coordinator in 2003.
What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
Early and often, I heard that fundraising (and life) is “all about relationships.”
It’s true, and it is what I enjoy the most. As relationships develop, donors find what most interests them through giving and I get to play a small role in their difference-making.
What are your future career goals?
I’ve spent most of my working life in fundraising but still feel like I’m just getting started. I enjoy what I do at the Oakwood Foundation at Oakwood Village and hope to continue in this role for many years to come. (Since this interview, David has assumed the Executive Director position, which allows him to continue to build relationships and raise funds for his organization.)
If you could share one piece of advice or the most compelling lesson that you’ve learned during your fundraising career, what would that be?
I’m convinced that good donor stewardship is the most important thing we can do.
My advice would be to thank donors at every opportunity. Donors can’t be thanked enough for what they do to make their charities succeed.
What motivated you to become a Certified Fundraising Executive?
After a change in leadership on our board, the chair commented that there was not a “professional” at the foundation.
At the time, I had ten years of experience and considered myself a professional, but never thought I was CFRE material.
The chairperson’s comment motivated me. I investigated the credential. Thanks to the organization’s support, I became a Certified Fundraising Executive in 2016 after taking a course from the Greater Madison AFP Chapter, then known as the CFRE preview course taught by Marcy Heim and Jen Davie.
What do you wish you had known when you started as a professional fundraiser?
My first fundraising job was a brand-new position for that organization and there hadn’t been any research. It became clear over the first six months that the organization would not meet the fundraising goals because there were very few relationships in place.
It was something I investigated when interviewing for my second job. Knowing how many established relationships an organization has with its donors helps to predict the success of fundraising efforts.
Thank you to David Mossner for taking the time to share his story with us this month. Since agreeing to this interview, David moved from the Development Director role at the Oakwood Foundation to become its Executive Director. The mission of the Oakwood Foundation is to develop, steward, and distribute resources to promote the highest level of independence for a diverse community of older adults.
If you are considering CFRE certification, AFP can help. The organization offers several classes that can help you prepare. The Fundamentals in Fundraising class is a two-day class, full of information. AFP Global is offering an upcoming session of the CFRE Refresher Course. This intensive 16-hour, 4-day series will be offered on August 21, 2023.
Our goal is to publish personal stories like this each month in the AFP Greater Madison newsletter. If you’d like to share the story of your fundraising journey in an upcoming newsletter, please reach out to AFP Greater Madison’s Communications Committee Chair, Max Nguyen at mnguyen@edgewood.edu.
