If you want to get to know more about the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation, Josh Herrington definitely wants to get to know you.
As the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation’s new Development Director, Josh brings people who care about the shelter’s work together with the right opportunities for contributing, whether financially or with their time or through another mechanism.
“I look at myself as more of a connector of people in the community to a nonprofit organization’s mission. I help connect people to a mission through philanthropy, and I’m a steward to help people learn more.”
Josh’s philosophy focuses on deepening donor relationships to help them achieve their own goals, which means really getting to know them.
“It’s about learning who they are, learning what motivates them. If you can reach someone’s head and their heart, that’s success. Show them it’s a smart investment in the community.”
Josh came to this role having worked in nonprofit development for 20 years, in public radio, the arts and an organization working to end homelessness.
“I couldn’t do this work at an organization where I didn’t feel a strong connection to the mission,” he said. “I always had a passion for animals. I’ve always had a dog or rabbits or birds.”
And almost something more exotic.
“My mom worked part time and also volunteered as a docent (guide) at the local zoo. She came home one day and said, ‘I would love it if we could adopt an orangutan.’ We would have had to convert half the house into an orangutan enclosure! I was around 9 or 10 years old, so maybe that was her answer to me getting older. Needless to stay, my dad put a stop to adding a primate to our family!”
While the shelter focuses on taking care of more … approachable animals, Josh is focused on supporting the “amazing” volunteers, committee, and board members he’s working with. Currently, the Development Director is the Foundation’s only staff position.
Josh’s vision is to both expand the donor base and strengthen donor relationships, which in turn will support an increase in revenue. He also wants to emphasize different channels of fundraising opportunities: monthly giving, stock, planned giving, events and one-time gifts, which can diversify the Foundation’s donor base.
“These funds will help the Seattle Animal Shelter accomplish what they do best: provide care and homes to our community’s most vulnerable animals.”
You can reach Josh Herrington at jherrington@seattleanimalshelterfoundation.org. If you are interested in making a contribution to support the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation, visit https://seattleanimalshelterfoundation.org/donate-today.