Compounding Interest

Stephanie Borrett, past president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Cape Fear Region Chapter, leaves a lasting legacy at the nonprofit organization and her community as she embarks on an inspiring new journey as development director at the Carousel Child Advocacy Center.

“Stephanie was president of the chapter during years of significant change when both the board and the membership saw some attrition,” said David Howell, current president of the AFP Cape Fear Region Chapter. “She took on multiple roles during this time and ensured that the board and the chapter not only got back on track but saw growth that still continues because of her efforts.”

For over sixty years, the national Association of Fundraising Professionals has motivated individuals and organizations to adopt ethical fundraising through professional education, networking, research, and advocacy. The Cape Fear Region Chapter was established in 2007 and serves the counties of Brunswick, New Hanover, Pender, Bladen, Columbus, and Duplin.

“AFP’s guiding principles outline the deep values and commitments that chapter members embrace and uphold in our non-profit community as a whole,” says Howell. “Our local chapter inspires professionals working across the entire spectrum of local nonprofits to have a direct, and at times, immediate, impact on those in our communities who have the most needs, year over year, and who wish, ultimately, to live better lives.”

While AFP president, a volunteer position, Borrett also served as the director of donor relations for the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust and later as the development specialist for boards management at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

“Because Stephanie is a natural leader, she empowers chapter members by example,” says Howell. “Along with our programs chair, she oversaw two years worth of revamped programs that focused not only on best practices in philanthropy, but also professional growth.”

Borrett credits her professional fundraising successes to her exceptional organization, commitment to deadlines, and the power of teamwork.

“To create a robust structure underlying a fundraising and communication plan, I collaborate with team members to map an entire calendar year of fundraising events, appeals, grant deadlines and communications, including start dates, deadlines, and mailing drop dates,” she says. “This strategy underpins the objectives and tactics derived from the plan, helping me identify overlapping priorities and opportunities to adjust workloads.”

Borrett emphasizes that streamlining the donor experience is the cornerstone of successful fundraising. Making it easier and more enjoyable for donors to contribute can truly make a difference, she says

“One lesson I learned early in my career and have brought to each of my development roles is to simplify the donor experience,” says Borrett. “Barriers to giving should be identified and reduced, if not eliminated. For example, in two of my previous positions, I managed comprehensive website redesigns and aligned online donation capabilities with our donor database to simplify online giving and increase donor confidence.”

Borrett aims to create a meaningful impact at the Carousel Center, which provides support for child survivors of sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, or those who have witnessed violent crimes. It is the region’s only nationally accredited child advocacy center.

“First and foremost, I hope to be a good steward of the development program built by my predecessor,” says Borrett. “I will look to opportunities to increase grant funding and donations from individuals. I hope to implement a planned giving program, where donors can leave a legacy by supporting Carousel Child Advocacy Center in their will.”

For Borrett, fundraising doesn’t stop at the office. Since September 2022, she has supported the Hoggard High School Band Boosters, which provides volunteers and fundraising support for the band program.

“I started as a general parent volunteer with pit crew and concession sales,” says Borrett. “Last year, I served as the chair of the fundraising committee, leading the organization’s first-ever peer-to-peer fundraising campaign, which raised $18,400, surpassing our target of $10,000. This year, I serve as co-president.”

In this role, she led a team of volunteer leaders who supported all band activities, competitions, fundraisers, performances, and social events. The team has successfully encouraged fifty-five band families to support numerous events and has collectively raised $39,000 for the program.

Borrett demonstrates that despite her numerous professional and community engagements, she maintains the ability to lead a rich and fulfilling life, encouraging others to embrace a harmonious work-life balance.

“There will never be a moment when ‘it is all done,’” she said. “The inbox will never be clear. There will always be one more email, another phone call to make. You have to decide to be done for the day and leave. Engage with hobbies – I sing with the Cape Fear Chorale, which brings me joy making music with a skilled group of singers!”

For more, see Plugging In: Association Groups

Correction: This story has been updated to correct the year that AFP’s Cape Fear chapter was established.

To view more of photographer Terah Hoobler’s work, go to terahhoobler.com.

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