Inspiring Conversations with Karen Harshaw of SPARK Philanthropy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Harshaw. 

Hi Karen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio but I tell people I was raised in the country, also known as Zachary, Louisiana, by Madea and Pop who were married for over 75 plus years to each other along with 5 aunts and uncles.  That is where I spent my entire summer growing up, in the bayou.  I graduated from Ohio University with a BS in Organizational Communication and went on to later pursue a certificate from the IUPUI Lilly School of Philanthropy in Nonprofit Executive Leadership.  I have to admit, I entered Ohio University as a Marine Biology major. (Don’t ask!) After graduation, I started my nonprofit career with the National Speaking of Women’s Health Foundation led by Dianne Dunkelman in Cincinnati, Ohio. She truly changed my life as did the organization. We held more than 50 events a year across the country educating women to make informed decisions about their health, well-being and personal safety and in the most edu-taining platform imaginable. Dianne and Speaking of Women’s Health taught me everything I know about relationship building, fundraising, class and myself.

I continued to lead development teams with organizations such as Monster.com’s Diversity Leadership Program, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati, WordPlay Cincy and the Community Foundation of West Chester and Liberty.

In 2018, I launched SPARK Philanthropy. I was no newcomer to fundraising. I had been fundraising for more than 20 years. Stepping out on my own had been something I wanted to do for a number of years, more than anything; not just be independent but successful! I wanted to help nonprofits.  I wanted to take everything I had learned over the years and show nonprofits how to shift and make a greater impact looking at their entire philanthropic landscape at 30,000 feet.  I wanted to be a changemaker!

But I admit, I was afraid. I had an admiration for other professional consultants that I didn’t have for myself. I didn’t believe I was on their level. My husband said to me one day, “Babe, what are you afraid of?” My response, “the field is dominated by white men and white women especially in Cincinnati that have deeper connections and are well-known.  How can I compete with them?  I would be the first Black and Black woman fundraising consultant in Cincinnati.”

I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I knew it would be something bold, new, and scary all at the same time. I didn’t think I would be accepted or given opportunities. But I had to stop making excuse after excuse. I was very well connected. People knew me, and I had a proven track record of raising a lot of money in Cincinnati. And, I was good!

It was time to find my own spark, build my own table, start moving the needle and just do it. And so, I did.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For the most part, the road has been smooth. SPARK really hit its stride during the COVID-19 pandemic when the world had shut down forcing us to stay inside. Tremendous change has taken place in the last 6 months in the wake of Covid-19’s emergence as a public health crisis leaving many to navigate the virtual world. Many struggled trying to find the “new norm.”  We also saw racial disparities exposed, leading to protests that had erupted onto the streets of our country.  And I am not talking about the nonprofit world.

Nonprofit leaders went into a bit of panic wondering how they would fundraise and continue to connect and build new relationships with donors and maintain existing ones. They need to shift the way they think about fundraising and relationship building. Many were dusting off old strategic plans and others trying to come up with new ones to adjust to the sudden shift in the nonprofit world.  We received a number of calls from clients all over the country asking us what they should do. “Meet them where they are” and “let them know how you are doing. They want to hear from you.” I would share.  And that was true, and donors wanted to know how they could help. We worked side-by-side in 2020 with 16 nonprofits developing fundraising plans, updating their strategic plans, and giving them words of encouragement that they “got this!” and we were going to help them reach their goals every step of the way.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about SPARK Philanthropy?
SPARK Philanthropy specializes in building viable solutions for nonprofit organizations. Our goal is to help nonprofits develop the resources, skills, and know-how to build a more effective organization, successful donor relationships and maximize and diversify revenue streams. Together, we assess what is currently in place, align your vision for the future and create a plan of action to meet your growth goals. Our passion for helping nonprofits deliver high-quality, mission-driven fundraising strategies and training is a part of our DNA. It’s our mission to transform leaders and board members into fundraising powerhouses equipped with the resources they need to be effective and have greater mission impact.

SPARK Philanthropy is unique in that we don’t just help organizations raise money. We certainly do that! But we also work closely with organizations to lay the groundwork for opportunities and provide strategic planning, succession planning, and board development and governance services. Our focus is on the entire philanthropic landscape including philanthropic culture when working with nonprofits; making sure, internally, their foundation is strong so that they can thrive for years to come.

SPARK specializes and is known for:

1) Fundraising (We help create and drive annual campaigns, capital campaigns, major gift development, donor cultivation and stewardship.  And we provide grant writing services and special events leadership.);

2) Strategic Planning (We conduct feasibility studies, design and develop fund development and communication plans, and action plans);

3) Capacity Building (We conduct needs assessments, assess nonprofit effectiveness and organizational growth); and

4) Board Development and Governance (We support with board recruitment, board facilitation, training and retreats, and succession planning.)

And also, leadership coaching to motivate and inspire new leaders and existing leaders.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

In the last 4 years, SPARK philanthropy:

– help raise a total of 8.7M by the end of 2021;

– expanded from 2 organizations to 34 nonprofit organizations in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Nevada, Texas, and California;

– completed 10 strategic plans;

– recognized as a Wonderful Woman of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy by Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy (WOC)®; and

– completed an advanced degree from the Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy in Nonprofit Executive Leadership

The thing I am most proud of is being the first and only Black and Black woman-led fundraising consulting firm in Cincinnati. That by far sets me apart from other fundraising consultants in the city. I believe my work and commitment to the field of fundraising amplifies the talents and experience of fundraisers of color, which are too often unnoticed and uncelebrated. I work hard to support efforts both locally and nationally to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in the fundraising profession.

I value the art and science of fundraising inspiring organizations and donors through captivating stories and messaging. I pride myself on using well-researched data and analysis to steward and engage supporters and draw from industry standards and best practices to advance and propel organizations forward.

When we partner with organizations, we see ourselves as extensions of the staff. SPARK is built on confidentiality, trust, and integrity – all a part of our guiding principles and values. We are committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) principles in our business operations and services and our clients also value diversity and prioritize equity and inclusion as guiding business principles.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sparkconsultingpartners.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparkbykaren

Image Credits
Angie Lipscomb Photography