Sonia Saleh

CEO & Founder at Uplifting Nonprofits

Member since December 2024

Nonprofits

Education: Goucher College
New York, NY, USA

Biography

As the CEO, speaker and trainer of Uplifting Nonprofits, I bring over 14 years of dedicated experience in nonprofit consulting, enriched by a background in hospitality and extensive involvement with Rotary International. I am acutely aware of the challenges nonprofit leaders face, including burnout, disengaged boards, and the apprehension surrounding fundraising. My mission is to transform these obstacles into opportunities by empowering boards to become enthusiastic fundraising advocates through mindset shifts, knowledge enhancement, and embracing imperfect action.

My approach has enabled numerous organizations to double their board fundraising revenue, foster a culture of generosity, and equip board members with the confidence to solicit substantial donations, leading to six-figure contributions and strengthened donor relationships.

In my speaking engagements and training sessions, I infuse energy, relatability, and actionable strategies, ensuring that audiences can implement immediate changes for tangible outcomes. Drawing from a rich tapestry of experiences in the nonprofit sector, hospitality industry, Rotary leadership, and global travels, I share compelling stories that resonate with audiences, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring.

Key Benefits of My Engagements:

Empowered Fundraisers: Board members transition from reluctance to confidence in fundraising efforts.
Supported Leadership: Executive teams experience reduced stress and increased support.
Sustainable Growth: Nonprofits witness heightened donor engagement and financial stability.

My contributions to the sector have been recognized through accolades such as being named a Top 10 Power Woman, Business Woman of the Year, and receiving the Salute to Women in Leadership award from the Boy Scouts of America. As a Rotary International District Governor, I am deeply committed to service, connection, and creating lasting impact.

Passion

Once they understand that they can fundraise, it's a celebration!!!
Also beyond my love of supporting nonprofits, I am from a multicultural background and speak 3 languages (Arabic, French, and English) so I bring diverse perspectives and cultures to the table. I love to travel and eat potato chips. I've been a member of Rotary for 13 years and currently District Finance Chair, engaging over 60 clubs with more than 1500 members in Long Island.

Best Story

About an attorney who served on a board giving his time but not financial contributions. Once he realized the importance and his role financially, he brought in a check of $50,000.

Origin Story

I was in the hotel industry in sales and marketing and was asked to serve on a nonprofit board. I actually froze when it came to fundraising, and went on a journey to learn how. When are started my company, i did all sorts of jobs in nonprofits and kept coming up to the phrase "my board won't fundraise." So i began to specialize in teaching boards and leadership about fundraising. My journey has me identify with their struggle and so i can easily resonate with them.

Topics/Keywords

nonprofits nonprofit boards nonprofit fundraising boards and fundraising donor engagement donor cultivation donor and board relations fundraising serving on boards and committees nonprofit management nonprofit building nonprofit organizations leading nonprofit organizations transitioning from corporate to nonprofit work self care for nonprofits

Featured Video

I am willing to travel more than 100 miles
Yes
Everything is negotiable

Best Story

About an attorney who served on a board giving his time but not financial contributions. Once he realized the importance and his role financially, he brought in a check of $50,000.

Origin Story

I was in the hotel industry in sales and marketing and was asked to serve on a nonprofit board. I actually froze when it came to fundraising, and went on a journey to learn how. When are started my company, i did all sorts of jobs in nonprofits and kept coming up to the phrase "my board won't fundraise." So i began to specialize in teaching boards and leadership about fundraising. My journey has me identify with their struggle and so i can easily resonate with them.

I am willing to travel more than 100 miles
Yes
Everything is negotiable

Topics/Keywords

nonprofits nonprofit boards nonprofit fundraising boards and fundraising donor engagement donor cultivation donor and board relations fundraising serving on boards and committees nonprofit management nonprofit building nonprofit organizations leading nonprofit organizations transitioning from corporate to nonprofit work self care for nonprofits