Today we’d like to introduce you to Jana Swenson.
Hi Jana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always had a heart for helping others. This led me first into a career as a pastor. After several years in that role, I stumbled into fundraising when the church I was serving launched a capital campaign. The owner of the campaign consulting firm we were using saw something in me that those in leadership around me (often men) didn’t: wisdom, leadership, and influence. At the end of the campaign, she gave me her card and said, “When you’re ready for a change, let me know.” Two years later, I knew it was time for a change, so I contacted her, and the rest is history. Fundraising consulting allowed me to amplify my impact by helping churches and nonprofits amplify their impact. Now, twenty-plus years later I run my own fundraising consulting firm, Jana Swenson Consulting Services.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Heaven’s no! The biggest obstacle has been the stigma attached to fundraising. There are a lot of not-so-helpful ways to raise money that pressure or guilt people into giving. However, there are ways to inspire and invite people to make a difference in the world with their dollars. That’s what we aim to do.
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Other obstacles include: leaders who have a scarcity mind-set instead of an abundance mind-set, not recognizing my own limits, not asking enough questions before developing a strategy or offering direction, having a savior complex!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Jana Swenson Consulting Services?
We help nonprofits and churches raise the funds they need to accomplish their mission. Our approach to fundraising is relational, not transactional, and we seek to equip, empower, and encourage the leaders of these organizations to tell their stories in such a way that it inspires people to make a generous commitment to that organization.
We are known for our capital campaign services, but I love helping small non-profits with a big heart for the people they serve raise their first charitable gifts.
Regarding our brand, I’m most proud of the way we tailor our services to fit the culture of the organization.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
So many others deserve credit – my husband, Jonathan, who covered parenting and home responsibilities whenever I was on the road and who helped refine my people skills during our years as co-pastors! The first senior pastor we worked under, who nurtured my leadership gifts. Our girls, who were and are gracious and supportive. The owner of the consulting firm that first offered me the chance to be a consultant. My consulting colleagues who I learned from by watching them in action and processing our experiences. My most recent mentor who helped me take my skills to the next level. My current team, Laura, Amy, Paul, Jim, Kelly and Celeste – all who freely share their unique gifts and skills and care about our clients as much as I do!
Contact Info:
- Website: Under construction
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jana-swenson-cfre-1aa377b
