MARCH 2025 - BOARD SPOTLIGHT

Patricia “Pat” Dalao

Institutional Giving Manager, Students Rising Above

How long have you been involved in the nonprofit sector? How and why did you get into fundraising?

I have been in the nonprofit sector for five years now! Getting into fundraising was one of the most unexpected yet greatest blessings of my career. Growing up, I always knew I wanted a career in service—one that would allow me to use my strengths in writing, relationship-building, fostering authentic connections, and strengthening communities.

Initially, I planned to work at a youth homeless shelter to gain hours for graduate school as an LMFT. However, when the program shut down, I found myself graduating with an English degree and searching for a way to use my love of writing and communication to create a positive impact. When our shelter closed, an opportunity arose in the Grants Department at the nonprofit where I worked, and I knew this was my path. I could use my passion for writing, communication, and persuasion for good—and thus, my journey as a grant writer began.

From there, I immersed myself in the world of Development and Fundraising. My skills in event planning, public speaking, human connection, and detail orientation led me to expand into submitting proposals, prospect research, and donor engagement. Eventually, I became a Development Manager, leading events and "friend-raising" initiatives like annual galas, 5K runs, ambassador tours, and community events to raise awareness and support for our mission.

Please tell us about your current role and responsibilities.

As an Institutional Giving Manager at Students Rising Above (SRA), I am responsible for managing the full grants and corporate giving processes, from prospecting to submission, stewardship, and reporting. I have maximized the use of Salesforce as the source of truth for all new and existing grant opportunities, migrating as many grants as possible from Excel sheets to Salesforce to increase visibility and transparency across all colleagues. Through this, I have built a robust grants calendar—tracking the full giving cycle—and created a Post-Award Deliverables and Reports system. I am responsible for submitting over $1M+ in grants (and counting!) and submitting sponsorships for our events, working closely with the Program, Finance, and Data teams to ensure I have the necessary data and narratives to craft compelling proposals. 

Beyond grant management, I have strengthened my data analysis skills, maximizing the power of robust CRMs like Salesforce. I've learned to forecast grant and corporate fundraising, navigate finance laws and regulations, interpret budgets and reports, and effectively communicate financial insights to leadership, the executive team, and the Board. Above all, I have learned to work closely with our incredible program and data teams to externalize our mission through clear and compelling communication, amplify program voices, and ensure that those doing direct service work are heard.

Most importantly, I have the privilege of engaging with our valued stakeholders—foundations, corporations, and individual donors—who believe in the power of supporting first-generation, low-income students on their journey toward economic and social mobility. Managing grants and corporate partnerships while building meaningful donor relationships is an incredible opportunity, and I am excited to continue growing in this field.

What are some highlights in your current role and career? What has been the biggest challenge?

One of the greatest highlights of my current role has been the opportunity to be mentored by an incredible consultant and a supportive leadership team dedicated to strengthening our Development department. Their guidance has deepened my understanding of donor relationship cultivation, the strategic approaches behind building lasting partnerships, and the intricacies of finance and budgeting. This mentorship has empowered me to make informed, data-driven decisions and effectively communicate financial insights to funders. Additionally, I have mastered grant forecasting and reporting, giving me the confidence to strategically plan for long-term funding success.

Today, I am proud to be studying for my CFRE certification with the full support of my organization and mentors, and I continue to find joy in public speaking, whether presenting to leadership, the Board, or funders. Through these experiences, I have grown tremendously as a grants professional and corporate partnerships manager.

One of the biggest challenges I have faced is learning how to pace myself to avoid burnout. As a passionate fundraiser, I am eager to grow and take on new challenges. However, I am learning that growth is a marathon, not a sprint—I have my whole career ahead of me, and it’s important to balance ambition with sustainability.

What professional knowledge would you impart to other nonprofit fundraisers?

To thrive in fundraising, you need to surround yourself with the best. Get up, suit up, and show up! Join AFP, seek mentorship, ask colleagues for guidance, and never stop learning. The more you immerse yourself in the community, the more you will grow.

How did you get involved with AFP?

I became involved with AFP through the IDEA Fellowship. I knew that to advance in fundraising, I couldn't do it alone—I needed a community. When I saw an AFP event in San Francisco, I took my Development team with me, applied for the fellowship, and now, I am honored to serve on the Board as a proud IDEA Fellow graduate!

What advice would you give to AFP members considering a Board position?

Nothing is more fulfilling than giving back to the organization that has given so much to you. If you're considering a Board position, know that it will challenge and grow you—not just as a professional, but as a leader and a contributor to the common good. Serving on the Board is a gift.

How do you balance your personal and professional life?

Balance is a core value of mine. To show up as my best professional self, I need to take care of myself first. I do this by setting boundaries—logging off at a certain time, giving myself permission to rest, and ensuring that my priorities are well-integrated. Work is important, but I perform best when I balance my career with spirituality, family, my dog, and my health through exercise and self-care.

What are some activities you enjoy outside of work?

Outside of work, I find fulfillment in attending spiritual gatherings, as spirituality is a cornerstone of my life. I also love being a devoted dog mom to my golden retriever, Angel, and spending time outdoors through hiking, pilates, and yoga—activities that keep me grounded and centered. Additionally, I cherish catching up with my girlfriends and giving back through volunteer work, whether with my spiritual communities or in my role as a Board member.

What career goals do you still want to pursue or accomplish?

Looking ahead, I aim to obtain my CFRE and GPC certifications, solidifying my expertise in fundraising. I also aspire to present at a fundraising conference, with AFP ICON or GPA’s Grant Summit being a dream opportunity. Most importantly, I hope to mentor the next generation of fundraising professionals, sharing the knowledge and support that have been so instrumental in my own journey.