Image: Faculty of Science at the University of Windsor Ottenbrite Lecture Series (L-R: Dean of Science, Proffesor Claudio Verani; Gemma Grey-Hall, CFRE; Shelley Ottenbrite; Dave Ottenbrite; Ruth Ottenbrite; Mark Ottenbrite; and guest Lecturer Proffesor Christa Brousseau). 

With nearly 15 years of experience in fundraising and development for nonprofits and educational institutions, Gemma Grey-Hall, CFRE, now serves as the Senior Development Officer for the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada. There, she manages the research, cultivation, and stewardship of a portfolio of 150 major gift prospects and donors; and supports the Faculty of Science priority projects, student scholarships, endowments, and other university-wide initiatives.

In a recent conversation with Gemma, she shared how earning the CFRE in 2019 has strengthened her career and fundraising success . . .

A call to action

I have to say, the fundraising profession chose me. In 2009, I found myself looking for employment after a decade in sales and marketing for a large pharmaceutical company. I took part in multiple networking events to build connections. Through those sessions, I met many people working at community agencies and nonprofit organizations. One person shared that her organization was looking for “relationship managers” and suggested that my skills would be a perfect fit.

Because I was new to the field, I decided to pursue CFRE certification to expand my skills and gain greater recognition as a professional fundraiser. It’s had a positive impact on my career. In fact, only one year after earning my CFRE, I was offered a promotion as Director of Advancement at the University of Windsor.

Supporting a tight-knit community

I love meeting and talking to donors about how their philanthropy can make our community and our institution better. Since I live and work in a smaller community, many of our local philanthropists know each other and are selective about which projects and organizations receive their time and support.

I believe that because of my CFRE, I’m recognized as a trusted professional, giving me additional credibility in the field and opening doors to interact with higher net worth individuals. This access was crucial in securing the University’s largest planned gift for health research.

A local alumni wanted to make a difference in health research and wanted their support to remain in the community. Their wishes aligned with some of the University’s upcoming large projects, and the bulk of the estate they pledged would allow us to expand our local health research grant program through the WE-SPARK Health Institute at University of Windsor. This support is helping to provide an endowed discovery grant that will transform health research for the Windsor Essex Community by promoting the development of early-stage, innovative health research and health education projects.

We’re fortunate to have a University in our community, and I’m so proud that my work helps make this institution better. In 2017, we were #1 on the Huffington Post’s Canadian Universities to Watch list. The award was due to several factors, including our growing endowment. We’re a lean team with only six fundraisers campus-wide. Knowing that our work securing endowed gifts helped us to make that list was a real point of pride.

Strengthening the profession through the CFRE

Mentoring other fundraisers is one of my favourite parts of my work. I’ve coached many through the process to become a CFRE. While I was at a networking event hosted by my local CAGP chapter, one of the attendees approached me, knowing I was a CFRE. We discussed the designation and process for certification, and I shared some tips from my experience.

I recommend fundraising as a meaningful profession to anyone looking to make a difference in their community. And I always encourage those in the profession to pursue the CFRE. It’s the best way to stand out in the fundraising field.

If you have professional development funds to use in 2026, consider using them towards earning your CFRE.

CFRE International is the credentialing organization that provides the only globally recognized fundraising certification. Since 1981, Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE®) certification has signified professionalism, ethics, and confidence in fundraising. The CFRE® certification program is accredited by the American National Standards Institute. More than 8,200 fundraising professionals hold the CFRE® credential, demonstrating accountability, service, and commitment to making a positive difference in their communities. Visit www.cfre.org or follow on LinkedIn.

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