AFP Scholarship Spotlight: Kathryn Straw, Senior Director, Institutional Advancement, The Health Museum 

National Philanthropy Day allows AFP Houston to invest in Houston’s fundraising professionals through continuing education and professional development opportunities. In this feature, we are highlighting Kathryn Straw, Senior Director, Institutional Advancement at The Health Museum. 

Recently, we had a chance to hear from Kathryn about her experience at AFP ICON, one of AFP’s signature educational conferences:

What was your experience at AFP ICON? 
AFP ICON was a fantastic educational and learning experience. There were so many great sessions to choose from and attend. It was exciting to spend time with others that were as passionate about fundraising and doing their very best work. AFP Icon provided an incredible opportunity to learn from numerous experts in just a few short days. I was truly blown away by how engaging and informative the sessions and presenters were. 

What is one takeaway you had from the conference that impacts your work? 
There was a Direct Mail Hacks session that I was able to immediately implement several tips into a direct mail campaign at my organization. My background is major giving, so it has been a challenge learning the best practices of direct mail to build our individual donor base. This session provided great insight to improve the look of our mailings as well as the return on investment. 

How did the conference impact your career?
This conference gave me the tools to be a better fundraiser and the confidence in my own expertise. 

Kathryn oversees development, membership, marketing, and communications in her role as Senior Director, Institutional Advancement at The Health Museum. With more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, she has worked with leading arts and cultural organizations including the Alley Theatre, Atlanta Botanical Garden, and the Alliance Theatre along with the University of Houston, a Tier One research university. Kathryn has participated in multi-million-dollar campaigns raising funds for capital, endowment, scholarship, deficit, crisis, and operating support.

National Philanthropy Day helps AFP Houston give deserving fundraising professionals the opportunity to network and gain valuable educational experiences at conferences like AFP ICON. Learn more about National Philanthropy Day and purchase your tickets for the November 11, 2022 luncheon: https://www.afphouston.org/national-philanthropy-day-awards-2022-main-page