Brian Brown-Cashdollar

Brian Brown-Cashdollar is an experienced Director and Fundraiser. Specializing in building mission-focused fundraising and cultivation events. Budget alchemist with extensive experience in streamlining expenses and identifying new revenue opportunities. Passionate leader with the ability to inspire and focus employees, defuse crises, and solve intractable problems.

Experience
Development Director, Journey’s End Refugee Services, Buffalo, NY — 2009-present
Increased individual giving base from $39,000/year to more than $200,000/year in less than four years. Directed successful implementation of Benevon Fundraising Model. Led eight member team of staff, board, and volunteers for semi-monthly introductory tours for over 400 guests annually. Planned and coordinated agency’s largest fundraising event with more than 360 guests and $85,000 in pledges and gifts. Created unique Journey’s End branded community-engagement events and projects including quarterly Global Feast Dinners, Buffalo’s First Thanksgiving, Buffalo Through Their Eyes Photo Show, The Home Again Project, and School Moms. Events have an annual attendance of more than 1,500 attendees. Managed gift tracking and acknowledgement. Designed quarterly newsletters, annual reports, and annual-appeal mailings and press communications. Installed and managed agency technology, including website, servers, computers, and mobile devices. Led staff of four.

Executive Director, VIVE INC, Buffalo, NY — 2007-2009
Produced first balanced budget in three years, while growing services and addressing core organizational deficiencies. Raised $500,000 annually from private sources for operations, with little access to government funding. Negotiated the largest gift in the history of the organization, valued at more than 275,000. Successfully negotiated release of aging restricted gift that represented 14% of total agency assets. Rebuilt relationships with funders including Erie County. Re-established inclusion in regular County budget for the first time in 13 years. Reduced service wait times from three months to available on-demand. Reconfigured service model to focus on core mission objectives while cutting expenses by 12%. Created new revenue stream by establishing equitable, sustainable service charge accounting for 11% of total revenue. Recruited, hired, and led staff of 16.

General Manager, Niagara Independent Media, Buffalo, NY — 2005-2007
Developed and w