Trusting Her Instincts and Putting the FUN in FUNdraising
Photo Credit: Angela Atelier NJ Branding Studio
Lauren Grosz is a dynamic and achievement-oriented fundraising executive renowned for her talent in captivating and motivating others. She has earned a stellar reputation for harnessing an extensive network to drive revenue while fostering genuine relationships with both corporate and community leaders to advance philanthropic causes. Grosz possesses a unique gift for conceiving innovative and imaginative strategies, enabling her to guide teams to resounding success across all aspects of fundraising.
Letting life happen
On May 19, 2023, Grosz left her most recent job with nothing else lined up. Her only plan was to work on her tan and relax. She said, “This decision was bold, but something was pushing me to let life happen.”
Truthfully, the few years leading up to that moment had Grosz restless and bored inside her career. She had set and achieved her biggest professional goals and had hit a wall. A big change would be necessary for her to get her mojo back but she knew that wasn’t finding a new position in another organization.
Five days following her employment exit, Grosz had her 44th birthday. Rather than buy herself a new piece of jewelry (as she often did for her birthday), she realized what she really wanted. Grosz sat down and purchased a URL and began working on a website. A few days later, she launched LG. Philanthropy – a consulting agency specializing in nonprofit organizations.
Trusting her instincts
Drawing upon her rich experiences as Senior Vice President and Interim Chief Development Officer at Girl Scouts of the USA, Executive Director at the American Diabetes Association, VP of Development for the American Heart Association, and Senior Director of Development at the National MS Society, Grosz observed the ever-evolving environment of development.
In this landscape, teams are becoming leaner, and workloads are growing heavier, underscoring the critical need for expert consultants to share the responsibilities of the organizations she's had the privilege to serve. This is where LG. Philanthropy comes in with its distinct mission to offer simultaneous support to multiple organizations. There have only been two other times Grosz can remember doing something she describes as impulsive and out of her character.
But each of these times, her instincts were correct, and she was better for trusting them. “As the saying goes, I have chosen to ‘breathe in courage and exhale fear.’ I have big visions for the future and I’m ready to soar!”
Doing what she loves
The biggest compromise Grosz made in choosing entrepreneurship was deciding to step away from the security of a full-time job with benefits and a reliable salary. “As a single woman, living in NY, I never dreamed I would quit my job before I had another one lined up. But so far, that doesn't feel like a compromise…”
Grosz learned through her nonprofit career that you always have to have a plan b, c, d, etc. and that “It is inevitable at some point, I am going to fall, that is part of the journey, but how I recover is what matters.” When a little pep talk doesn’t get her back up and moving forward, she reaches out to her network for support.
So far, Grosz has felt inspired and welcomed the hustle. “Now, every day is different. The goals I am setting are exciting and challenging again. They are personal. I get to do what I love for many organizations and for myself.” Fundraising is Grosz's passion and she’s ready to put the FUN back into FUNdraising.
Looking to the future
Grosz has big plans for the future of LG. Philanthropy. “In five years, LG. Philanthropy will be a transformative force in the nonprofit sector, serving as the go-to partner for organizations striving to create lasting, positive impacts in their communities.”
Grosz sees herself at the forefront of philanthropic innovation, continually pushing the boundaries of what's possible in fundraising, strategic planning, and nonprofit management. “Our commitment to creativity and adaptability will drive groundbreaking solutions for our partners. We will continue to have a lasting legacy of transforming organizations and empowering communities.”
To learn more about Grosz and LG. Philanthropy, visit www.LG-Philanthropy.com.
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This feature is a part of StartUp Stories: Celebrating 100 Female Entrepreneurs, a special portrait photography project founded by Angela Acosta, a New Jersey-based portrait and personal branding photographer.
To learn more about participating in StartUp Stories: Celebrating 100 Female Entrepreneurs, visit https://promo.angelaatelier.com/signupstartupstories/.
A. Y. Berthiaume is an award-winning author, international book coach and ghostwriter, and the founder/CEO of The Write Place, Right Time. She is also a proud sponsor of and creative collaborator with StartUp Stories. To learn more about A.Y. Berthiaume and The Write Place, Right Time visit https://thewriteplacerighttime.com.