Fundraising Stars

Matthew Bregman (slideshow photo 1)
director of development
El Museo del Barrio
Since Matt Bregman's arrival at El Museo del Barrio in spring 2006, private giving has soared from $2 million in FY02-05 to more than $6 million last year. But as impressive as those numbers are, it's not always just about numbers. According to Julián Zugazagoitia, director and CEO of El Museo del Barrio, Matt's leadership made it possible to reopen the museum to the public after a $35 million renovation.

"Many of us were (understandably) nervous about reopening in the midst of this economic situation. But Matt remained optimistic, determined and focused," Julián writes. "As a result, we were able to fully fund our reopening exhibitions, public programs and celebratory activities, and are beyond expectations in terms of revenue for the current year and already closing the gap for the coming fiscal year."

Matt is the only non-Spanish-speaking senior staff member in a Latino organization, a situation he handles by "embracing the novelty and looking with fresh eyes at opportunities to succeed."

Matt is being honored for his leadership, his willingness to mentor younger associates and generally setting a positive tone in his department.

"We believe that El Museo is stronger than ever," Julián writes, "and will only continue to grow in the coming years, whatever the macroeconomic circumstances. Matt's combination of systematization, hard work and endless confidence are a key factor in our optimism."

Eugene Petrucci (slideshow photo 2)
associate executive director
Twilight Wish Foundation
Rod Ammon, vice chair at the Twilight Wish Foundation, and founder and Executive Director Cass Forkin agree that Gene Petrucci counts as a "doing-est doer" in the world of fundraising.

"Last year, we celebrated five years and were building corporate sponsors when the economy tanked, and we had to rethink our fundraising plan as the corporations put a hold on all marketing and philanthropic ventures," Cass writes, explaining that Gene started the "Do Good, Feel Good" program to encourage growth in the number of small, monthly donations from individuals and compensate for dwindling corporate support.

Being too deeply mired in the corporate-giving mind-set is problematic when the economy takes a downward turn, and Gene's idea was a move that exemplifies the flexibility that fundraisers need to keep their programs strong in the face of the changing economic atmosphere.

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