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Sam Provenzano
Major Gifts Officer at University of the Incarnate Word
Professional Background
Sam Provenzano boasts an impressive 11 years of experience in the realm of development, making significant strides in the philanthropic sector. Known for his versatility, tenacity, and charisma, Sam currently serves as a Major Gifts Officer at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. His career has been marked by a commitment to encouraging prospects to share their stories while establishing meaningful connections that foster trust. This approach allows him to create a philanthropic bridge between the aspirations of his prospects and the capabilities of the institution he represents.
Prior to joining the University of the Incarnate Word, Sam held several prominent roles that shaped his expertise and honed his skills. He was the Vice President of Development at Haymarket Center, where he successfully managed fundraising strategies that resulted in significant financial support for the organization. Additionally, he served as the Interim Director of Development at DePaul University’s College of Law and as Associate Director for Regional Major and Planned Gifts at the same institution, where he was instrumental in securing major donations that bolstered the university’s mission.
Career Highlights
Sam's career highlights include his tenure as a Founder and Advisor at NextGenFundraisers, a platform dedicated to empowering young professionals in the development field. His leadership in this role demonstrated his commitment to nurturing the next generation of fundraisers and impact-makers.
His foundational experience began at the Alzheimer's Association®, where he climbed the ranks from Manager of Intermediate Giving to Senior Manager of Intermediate & Corporate Giving, successfully engaging a wide range of stakeholders and helping raise critical funds for Alzheimer's disease research and support services. Sam also served as an Event Marketing Representative at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, where he gained valuable experience in nonprofit marketing and event execution.
In addition to his extensive nonprofit experience, Sam brings a unique background in media as a former Anchor, Reporter, and Producer at WBKO, enriching his communication skills and enhancing his ability to tell compelling stories that resonate with prospects and donors alike.
Education and Achievements
Sam graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University Bloomington, where he developed strong communication and analytical skills that have been pivotal throughout his career in fundraising and development. His education, coupled with practical experience, has equipped him with the tools necessary to thrive in the nonprofit sector.
His achievements extend beyond fundraising totals, having raised more than $4.5 million in individual gifts throughout his career, reflecting his dedication to advancing philanthropic goals and meeting the needs of various organizations.
Community Engagement
Recognizing the importance of community and professional networking, Sam actively engages with a larger audience of nonprofit leaders. He invites individuals to join his LinkedIn group, which boasts over 600 members from various backgrounds, emphasizing his commitment to fostering connections and shared learning. This group serves as a resource for fundraising best practices and collaborative opportunities amongst nonprofit professionals worldwide.
In summary, Sam Provenzano stands out as a seasoned development officer, leveraging over a decade of experience to amplify philanthropic efforts effectively. His journey from Chicago to San Antonio signifies his adaptability and eagerness to embrace new challenges and opportunities. With a proven track record in major gifts fundraising and a passion for connecting with people on a personal level, Sam continues to drive impactful change within the organizations he represents.
Highlights
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Clay offers many advantages over other personal CRMs. Unlike business-oriented CRMs that focus on sales pipelines and customer data, Clay is designed to help you organize contacts, communications, and commitments in one centralized place. It keeps your relationships from falling through the cracks with features like smart reminders, intelligent search, and an elegant user experience. Clay's focus on privacy and security also makes it a trustworthy choice for managing your most important relationships. Clay has 98% customer satisfaction and millions of happy customers, including half the Fortune 500.
Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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