Meet Our Award Winners!

Top Fundraising Stars

Diane Scar
Mid-Atlantic zone director
Jewish National Fund (Baltimore and Silver Spring, Md.)
www.jnf.org

Organization’s mission: As the caretaker of the land of Israel, on behalf of its owners (Jewish people everywhere), JNF will strive to improve the quality of life for all Israelis through this century and beyond.
Annual operating budget: $60 million
How much raised annually: $60 million
Role models: My board members and lay leaders who continue to amaze me with their perseverance and dedication toward improving the world.
Why did you choose fundraising as a career: Actually, I think fundraising chose me. When I first graduated with my MSW, I was working as a counselor with families whose loved ones were disabled through head injuries. In the evenings, I was volunteering at a local community center. A board member approached me about a job opportunity involving grant writing for services for the elderly. I took the job, and I was hooked!
Challenges facing fundraisers in general: Staying focused on your goals and bottom line while at the same time engaging new gifts and leaders.
Keys to success (in fundraising): Positive outlook; commitment to the organization you are serving and its cause; hard work and diligence; focus; networking.
Keys to success (in life): All of the above and, in addition, the love and support of great friends and family.
Fundraising accomplishment of which you are most proud: I am most proud when I take my donors to Israel and show them how their gifts have literally transformed a country due to their efforts and financial contributions.
How would your co-workers describe you: Creative, energetic, committed, fun, responsive, intense and slightly offbeat.
Greatest lesson ever learned: Never cancel an event or meeting. Each encounter offers tremendous insight and possibilities for the future!
Personal philosophy: There are limitless opportunities; one only needs more hours to the day! Make each moment count!
Other thoughts on fundraising: I feel very fortunate to be working in a profession that allows me the ability to create vision, and make significant differences in the lives of people and their communities. In addition, I feel thoroughly honored to be working with high-level professionals and board members all committed to a common goal.