Naimah Bilal
Director of Foundation Board Relations
University of Cincinnati Foundation
Naimah Bilal is a Washington DC native, nonprofit leader, and fundraising executive. Drawing inspiration from her previous career as an orchestral violinist and performing arts executive, Naimah has spearheaded wide-ranging fund and artistic development efforts for the Cincinnati Symphony, Cincinnati Waldorf School, and the University of Cincinnati where she currently serves as Director of Foundation Board Relations. Driven by a desire to elevate the experiences and narratives of black and brown leaders, Naimah launched "Bawse With A Cause", the first podcast devoted exclusively to profiling the narratives, perspectives, and insights of black and brown executives in the wider nonprofit sector.
How did you get interested in the fundraising profession?
When I was the Senior Director of Artistic Programming for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the CEO began to enroll me in fund development strategy for major artistic initiatives. As the subject matter expert, I forged deep relationships with some of our city's most generous arts philanthropists. I soon learned that the relationship skills I had honed as the repertoire and casting director for the orchestra's classical programming were directly translatable to the fundraising realm. I was struck by the unbridled generosity of donors who lived and breathed music and their passions were ignited by exciting new projects. I caught the bug and have since fully transitioned to a fulfilling career as a fundraising executive.
What is something you wish you knew early on in your fundraising career?
As fundraisers, we commit to a Code of Ethics- a set of clearly outlined rules that chiefly serve to safeguards donor intent and ensures the ongoing integrity of the profession. I wish I'd known the unwritten rules that dictate less than equitable conditions for fundraisers of color. A lot depends on the space in which we're raising funds but we aren't always granted a warm welcome into the corridors philanthropic power and career advancement.
What is the one quality every fundraiser should have?
Every fundraiser should have a ferocious and genuine curiosity about those in their realm. If you lack this quality, listen to loads of your favorite interviewers (mine are Joy Ried, Terri Gross, Krista Tippett) to learn the skill of active listening, pivoting topical discussion, and how simple but meaningful questions can bring about incredible insights.
What inspires you about the fundraising profession?
The very notion that I earn a living playing matchmaker between worthy initiatives and donor investment is incredible to me.
How do you want to be remembered as a professional?
A woman who centered the success of others, creating a domino effect of collective impact to advance the underrepresented beacons of light in the field.