Hello
I'm Ellen Heydon, MA, CFRE and the owner of excELLENt designs LLC. Fundraising is my passion and supporting more than one organization at a time is my dream. As an active member of The Rochester Rotary Club, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), I stay active in my pursuit of community involvement. I sit on the Board of Directors for Helping Homes, a nonprofit supporting accessible housing and on the Board of Directors for The Rotary Foundation.
Outside of work, I enjoy quilting, crafting, traveling, and spending time with her family, friends, and pup, Juni. I am an active creator for Shrpa which supports my passion for traveling and eating really great food. I am also an avid sports fan of the MN Twins, KC Chiefs, and MN Wild.
How did I get here?
Born and raised in Southeast Minnesota, a big - small town, has driven my interest in supporting grassroots nonprofit organizations in their endeavors to grow and build a legacy. From an early age, I found joy helping others from staying after school to help my teachers to coaching youth softball, the desire to help others has been embedded in my life. I work personally with every client to help achieve their fundraising goals. My business dream is to support the future of fundraising and lead nonprofits to efficient strategies that match their organization's needs.
I ventured into nonprofit work while volunteering with a local Habitat for Humanity affiliate. This led to my first part-time fundraising job for Mercy International Mission a nonprofit organization committed to providing essential healthcare services to individuals with a special focus on women, children and vulnerable adults. My experience with Mercy International Mission was an incredible opportunity to learn more about building relationships and less about the nitty gritty of fundraising. I credit Mercy International Mission for my overwhelming growth in listening to understand versus listening to answer. This organization helped me grow into the development professional I am today. ​
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In an effort to grow my skills, I have worked at jobs that are outside my comfort zone. While working for Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, I learned about the environment, the need for outdoor education and the benefits of a space to learn and grow. Prior to my time at Eagle Bluff ELC, my version of outdoors include baseball and softball games, a walk in the park and working in the yard. After Eagle Bluff ELC, the outdoors includes hikes in new areas such as forestry units and state parks, identifying spring ephemerals and mushrooms, and advocating for our environment.
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As with everyone, COVID-19 shifted my focus to supporting higher education as the Associate Director of Annual Giving. My time with the University led to a deeper understanding on the inter-workings of higher education from the passion of faculty to the dedication of support staff and the value of relationships with alumni that share a natural connection with the organization. During my time at the University, I grew my skills in fundraising with a large focus on annual giving and leaning into the opportunities for digital engagement in fundraising. My role went from supervising the phonathon, supporting the athletic teams in their needs, and segmenting alumni for the perfect direct mail piece to connecting and interacting with alumni through digital means as the digital engagement officer. The joy I found while working with students and alumni peaked my interest and ability to go back to school for my Masters degree. It was while working at the University that my spark for a degree in my field rose as a priority.
Education
Master's of Art in Philanthropy and Development from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Courses included: Introduction to Philanthropy and Development, Foundations of Development, Donor Relations and Communications, Legal and Ethical Issues in Nonprofit Organizations, Academic Research and Writing, Strategic Planning, Strategic Giving, Transformational Leadership and Board and Volunteer Management
Thesis: Factors for Nonprofit Leadership to Consider when Hiring their First Development Professional
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Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from University of Wisconsin -- River Falls
Minors Completed: Spanish and Athletic Coaching
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Certification
Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) December 2023
A voluntary credential recognized worldwide, the CFRE signifies a confident, ethical fundraising professional. As a CFRE, I have proven my mastery of ethical best practice philanthropic fundraising so my employer, board, donors, and beyond can put their trust in me. ​
Membership
Rotary - The Rotary Club of Rochester
Actively involved in Strive and a member of the Rotary Foundation Board.
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Association of Fundraising Professionals
Active member of the Southern Minnesota Chapter
Frequent attendance with the Upper Mississippi Valley Chapter.
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Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.