Rita Fuerst Adams
President at Charitable and Philanthropic Management Counsel
Nonprofits
Education: Ohio University, BSJ - Capital University, MBA
San Francisco, CA, USA
Biography
Rita Fuerst Adams brings solutions to the marketplace through philanthropy; moves social change organizations to planned growth; and builds community across all sectors giving voice to diverse perspectives for the greater good. Rita works with the Board of Directors and CEO, to:
• Increase and diversify income streams. Monetize what they do best.
• Restructure boards, diversifying recruitment and retention.
• Develop strategic plans, create mission and vision statements.
• Guide mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships.
• Grow state and regional entities into national organizations.
Bringing AI and sales to philanthropy, Rita served as the Philanthropy Team Leader for Coalesce.ai, and the Vice President for Philanthropy for Sandler Training-Salefish LLC. Rita has served on the Boards of Association of Fundraising Professionals, Ohio 4-H Foundation, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Hills of Ohio Chapter initiated Fuerst Award for Outstanding Community Leader for founding this AFP Chapter.
Rita taught at Tufts University’s Management and Community Development Institute, National Center on Nonprofit Enterprise inaugural event, and Entrepreneurship for Nonprofits for the Masters in Organizational Leadership at Wheelock College. Rita is a regular contributor to Board & Administrator and edited the book for the Center on Philanthropy, What Fundraisers Need to Know About State and Federal Regulation: How it Can Influence All Aspects of Their Work. She has presented webinars for and participated in podcasts with Advisors in Philanthropy, Innovation Women, Leaders of Transformation, and Startup Hustle. Rita earned an MBA from Capital University and a BS in Journalism at Ohio University.
Passion
My passion is building community for the common good and supporting the creative teams driving swing-for-the-fences social change. To be the driving force to achieve its vision, social change organizations must create a robust community that nurtures and inspires each diverse and passionate voice and talent. A community, built on humility, curiosity, and trust, which encompasses those the organization serves, those who serve - professional and volunteer talent, and funders. It is this community that grows, and grows with, the organization.
Best Story
Amego, one of my clients, is a good example of an organization built on an innovative solution. It began to serve one adolescent with autism and one family at a time when an institution was most often the only choice provided families. It is built on the whole child and the whole environment being involved with continuous learning and meaningful experiences. Amego changed the way the Commonwealth of Massachusetts cares for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With its inquiring and eclectic attitude Amego has grown to serve more children, adults, and families in communities in multiple states. How Amego serves continues to evolve with families and staff sharing gains and setbacks and with each step strengthening and codifying what they learn together. It continues its mission, vision, and values that inspire and guide its decisions from the way it operates to how it treats all people.
Origin Story
Early out of college, I had an opportunity to consult with a charitable organization serving extremely sick children and their families. What could have been a sad assignment instead opened my eyes to our third sector, people in our society making our world a better place.
Seeking more ways to serve others dedicated to civility and civil society, I found a newly formed consulting firm. They were a group of experienced professionals who charted the way in fund and organizational development. They became my mentors.
They taught me to be the driving force to achieve its vision, social change organizations must create a robust community that nurtures and inspires each diverse and passionate voice and talent. A community, built on humility, curiosity, and trust, which encompasses those the organization serves, those who serve - professional and volunteer talent, and funders. It is this community that grows, and grows with, the organization.
Example talks
How do we create community that nurtures and inspires each diverse and passionate voice?
In today’s conversation with Rita Fuerst Adams, we explore how to increase and diversify income streams as a charitable or philanthropic organization, how to move from organic growth to planned growth as a leader, the keys to building an effective board, and the importance of diverse voices for the greater good. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader or an entrepreneur or business owner building a team, you’ll find what Rita has to say very valuable.
https://leadersoftransformation.com/podcast/business/418-better-together-with-rita-fuerst-adams/
How to Grow Your Philanthropic Organization
Everything you need to know and more about “How to Grow Your Philanthropic Organization”! Listen to this episode of the Startup Hustle Podcast where I got to talk shop with Lauren Conaway. https://linktr.ee/startuphustle
Philanthropy at its Best
Philanthropy is the third leg that balances governance and business in society. But, it’s not that easy: Rita Fuerst Adams says that for philanthropy to thrive, it has to include social movements and community building that drives the common good for all in society.
This begs the question: why? Does philanthropy really need to prioritize the common good to be successful? And, if it does, how are you supposed to make philanthropy a part of social movements and community building?
https://philanthropy212.libsyn.com/philanthropy-at-its-best-with-rita-fuerst-adams
Community Foundations Can Assist You In Serving Your Clients
Community Foundations are an integral tool for you as you work with your clients on their philanthropic choices and commitments. They can provide you solutions as you navigate talking about philanthropy with your clients without recommending one charity over another.
Community Foundations strengthen regions by encouraging and supporting effective giving and by providing leadership on critical issues in communities. Learn how they can be your partner in serving your clients and understanding your clients’ philanthropic desires.
https://register.gotowebinar.com/recording/4043078385809067777
Philanthropy for All
Please join Rita Fuerst Adams and Robert MacPhee as they discuss how philanthropy and vision are related and more, including the difference between philanthropy and charity, when to start thinking of yourself as a philanthropist, the different ways of being a philanthropist, and the important gap philanthropy fills in today's world.
Earned Income Opportunities for Nonprofits
It is about the ways NGOs can diversify their funding; be entrepreneurial; and be more effective.
http://inspirednonprofitleadership.libsyn.com/020-earned-income-opportunities-for-nonprofits
Featured Video
I am willing to travel
More than 100 miles
When it comes to payments
Everything is negotiable
Topics
Best Story
Amego, one of my clients, is a good example of an organization built on an innovative solution. It began to serve one adolescent with autism and one family at a time when an institution was most often the only choice provided families. It is built on the whole child and the whole environment being involved with continuous learning and meaningful experiences. Amego changed the way the Commonwealth of Massachusetts cares for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With its inquiring and eclectic attitude Amego has grown to serve more children, adults, and families in communities in multiple states. How Amego serves continues to evolve with families and staff sharing gains and setbacks and with each step strengthening and codifying what they learn together. It continues its mission, vision, and values that inspire and guide its decisions from the way it operates to how it treats all people.
Origin Story
Early out of college, I had an opportunity to consult with a charitable organization serving extremely sick children and their families. What could have been a sad assignment instead opened my eyes to our third sector, people in our society making our world a better place.
Seeking more ways to serve others dedicated to civility and civil society, I found a newly formed consulting firm. They were a group of experienced professionals who charted the way in fund and organizational development. They became my mentors.
They taught me to be the driving force to achieve its vision, social change organizations must create a robust community that nurtures and inspires each diverse and passionate voice and talent. A community, built on humility, curiosity, and trust, which encompasses those the organization serves, those who serve - professional and volunteer talent, and funders. It is this community that grows, and grows with, the organization.
Example talks
How do we create community that nurtures and inspires each diverse and passionate voice?
In today’s conversation with Rita Fuerst Adams, we explore how to increase and diversify income streams as a charitable or philanthropic organization, how to move from organic growth to planned growth as a leader, the keys to building an effective board, and the importance of diverse voices for the greater good. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader or an entrepreneur or business owner building a team, you’ll find what Rita has to say very valuable.
https://leadersoftransformation.com/podcast/business/418-better-together-with-rita-fuerst-adams/
How to Grow Your Philanthropic Organization
Everything you need to know and more about “How to Grow Your Philanthropic Organization”! Listen to this episode of the Startup Hustle Podcast where I got to talk shop with Lauren Conaway. https://linktr.ee/startuphustle
Philanthropy at its Best
Philanthropy is the third leg that balances governance and business in society. But, it’s not that easy: Rita Fuerst Adams says that for philanthropy to thrive, it has to include social movements and community building that drives the common good for all in society.
This begs the question: why? Does philanthropy really need to prioritize the common good to be successful? And, if it does, how are you supposed to make philanthropy a part of social movements and community building?
https://philanthropy212.libsyn.com/philanthropy-at-its-best-with-rita-fuerst-adams
Community Foundations Can Assist You In Serving Your Clients
Community Foundations are an integral tool for you as you work with your clients on their philanthropic choices and commitments. They can provide you solutions as you navigate talking about philanthropy with your clients without recommending one charity over another.
Community Foundations strengthen regions by encouraging and supporting effective giving and by providing leadership on critical issues in communities. Learn how they can be your partner in serving your clients and understanding your clients’ philanthropic desires.
https://register.gotowebinar.com/recording/4043078385809067777
Philanthropy for All
Please join Rita Fuerst Adams and Robert MacPhee as they discuss how philanthropy and vision are related and more, including the difference between philanthropy and charity, when to start thinking of yourself as a philanthropist, the different ways of being a philanthropist, and the important gap philanthropy fills in today's world.
Earned Income Opportunities for Nonprofits
It is about the ways NGOs can diversify their funding; be entrepreneurial; and be more effective.
http://inspirednonprofitleadership.libsyn.com/020-earned-income-opportunities-for-nonprofits