Janice Benjamin

Favorite inspirational quote:

“Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time.”

— Marian Wright Edelman

Pronouns: She/her

Area of expertise: principal/major gifts, capital campaigns, board/leadership/volunteer engagement, donor strategy, stewardship programs, staff development

Causes I’m most passionate about: healthcare, human services, women’s issues

My fundraising story: I have spent my career as an educator, career management consultant, author, and most notably a healthcare philanthropy executive for close to 25 years.  While serving as a member of a community hospital board, the chair of the Foundation and my mentor, convinced me to enter the field of fundraising and become the vice president of the foundation.  Here I developed my skills and passion for this important relationship work.

I later was recruited to be the first chief development officer for The University of Kansas Health System, I had the opportunity, over nearly 20 years, to build a program and department from the ground up. I understand the challenges of leading and growing all aspects of a philanthropy program from annual giving, events, data analytics, principal/major gifts, and capital campaigns. I also have a unique perspective on how to engage boards, having chaired two nonprofit boards and serving on several others. 

Why I care about helping nonprofits grow: I believe donors invest in nonprofits that are seen as “winners.” It is not about the size of budget or staff; it is about having competent, passionate leaders and team members who deliver high-quality services and programs that clearly demonstrate impact in the communities served. Helping nonprofits develop a case for support and strategic roadmap to showcase this are my passions.

Hobbies: Travel, golf, gardening, WORDLE

Unusual talent: highly perceptive and intuitive—applicable to everyday problem solving or figuring out the plot in a mystery/thriller movie or book