AFP Member Spotlight: Jennifer Martinez Belt
AFP member spotlights are a recurring series of interviews with AFP members, highlighting the unique individuals and career paths that exist within the fundraising profession. If you would like to see yourself or a colleague featured, submit your profile here.
In this member spotlight, we interviewed Jennifer Martinez Belt, chief philanthropy officer at Scott Family Amazeum. She shared with us how she started out as a volunteer for various nonprofits in Central Arkansas. Over time, her passion for the work led her to pursue a professional career in fundraising. She is now in the midst of a $25 million capital campaign to expand children’s programming at the Amazeum.
Q: How did you start your career in the fundraising profession and what led you there?
A: I began my career in 2005 as the development director for the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation, building on my experience as a dedicated volunteer for the Komen Race for the Cure and numerous other events in Central Arkansas. Organizing and chairing events had always been a passion of mine, and over time, that passion evolved into my mission. I transitioned from a career in politics and governmental affairs because I wanted to make a more direct and tangible impact through my work.
Q: When and why did you decide to become an AFP member?
A: I joined AFP immediately once fundraising became my career, so I could learn the basics. I knew how to throw an event, but we all know there is much more to our profession than events. My volunteer experience had given me a behind the scenes look at what it took to be successful, but it was still a process to really understand the “art of the ask”. I would highly recommend any nonprofit volunteers who are considering becoming a professional fundraiser join AFP and find a mentor who can help guide you through the transition.
Q: How has being an AFP member benefited you in your career?
A: I have learned more about how to use my communications skills to connect people. Being a part of AFP has helped me get back to the reason I got into this profession and focus on the basics of working on behalf of a mission.
Q: Are you doing anything innovative at your organization (or a past organization) that you think other fundraisers could benefit from?
A: About ten years into my career, I was part of a large nonprofit merger between the Arkansas Foodbank and the Arkansas Rice Depot. Both organizations shared a common goal of alleviating hunger and had programs that served the same constituencies. Uniting two separate organizations with longstanding legacies and structures wasn’t easy, but it showed me how coming together for a cause can benefit everyone, as the new organization was able to expand services and have a greater impact on the community.
In my current role at the Amazeum, we’re also focusing on collaboration, identifying partners in our space such as early learning centers, community centers, and other museums with children’s programing, that can help us with our capital campaign “Expanding Futures”. It takes a community to raise a community, and we are all using our resources to support each other. We are all growing quickly and trying to keep up.
Q: What is your favorite word? (only one word) How has this word influenced or inspired your career?
A: Service. I think about how I am making a difference in others’ lives and leaving an impact at the end of the day. I think we all want to be useful, want to answer to something bigger than ourselves. A mission-driven career has allowed me that opportunity. I am fulfilled in my work of service.
Q: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: My biggest professional accomplishment is still underway! As the Amazeum hits its ten-year anniversary, we are preparing to grow. In addition to my day-to-day work, I’m leading our development team’s Expanding Future’s capital campaign, a $25 million expansion. A campaign this size for an organization this young is HUGE!
It is a true professional accomplishment to see children benefit from our space and programming every single day and we’re having a great time dreaming of the next phase of our future.
Q: In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the nonprofit fundraising profession today?
A: I think the biggest challenge we are facing is a shortage of experienced fundraising staff and finding innovative ways to engage a new generation of donors.
Q: What advice do you have for other fundraising professionals?
A: You can do this, just be willing to learn.