How Fundraising and Education are Integral to a Nonprofit | Food Link Friday: Judi Bohn, Board of Directors
Mosaic artist and longtime Arlington, MA, resident, Judi Bohn, is a member of Food Link’s Board of Directors. When she’s not rollerblading around the neighborhood, you may find her at home enjoying coffee in her kitchen with her husband, Larry, and their cat.
Judi’s expertise in fundraising, fostered by a career of grant writing in the public education sector, has been invaluable to Food Link in achieving its recent goals. Continue reading to learn more about the role fundraising plays in the growth of a nonprofit organization and the importance of educating the next generation about the issues we face today.
You have a lot of work experience in education. How did your career path lead you to get involved in nonprofit organizations?
My career has been in public education, 14 years with Arlington Public Schools as the Grant Writer and Director of Community Partnerships. I started the Arlington Family Connection (formerly known as the Arlington Preschool PTA) because I understood that the education system needed more support and input from the parents who were moving into town.
From a sincere desire to bring a more mission-based focus to public schools, I left Arlington to work at Facing History and Ourselves, an international organization that helps teachers work with students to combat bigotry and hate. The unique aspect of the organization is the pedagogy that combines moral developmental psychology with educational practice to center civic engagement as a goal for students.
I have always done nonprofit work and was looking for a new opportunity that would give me a sense of contributing to the parts of our society that have been marginalized. After meeting Food Link at the Arlington Farmers Market, I began to volunteer. My first shift was the Tuesday 7 am shift at Trader Joe’s in Arlington with Bruce Lynn, a friend. I loved it, even in the dead of winter! We would brainstorm recipes for the interesting things that came out the back door of the supermarket. To this day, I’m still on that shift.
I joined at a time when Food Link was starting to grow. It didn’t take long for me to become deeply involved with the organization, taking on development work and ultimately chairing the capital campaign to build The Hub.
You have been involved in a number of educational nonprofit organizations, including Arlington Education Foundation and Arlington Family Connection. In your opinion, how does education connect with Food Link’s mission?
Real change in attitudes happens when the community works with the schools. Food Link’s mission toward alleviating hunger and environmental sustainability requires us to teach others to have a more intentional thought process around food waste and its impact. Now that we have expanded operations in the Hub, we can bring in more groups to volunteer and learn.
As a member of Food Link’s Board of Directors, you are involved with our Development Committee. What drives you to the development side of nonprofits?
I have experience in grant writing from my role in the Arlington Schools. Additionally, my time with Facing History showcased the essential need for staff to help donors feel connected to the organization’s work. Development is a team effort. The more we all see ourselves as part of the bigger picture of working at a nonprofit, the easier the job will be.
At Food Link, I focus on how to cultivate donors, means of successful fundraising, and effective marketing. It’s important to note that a mission that’s important to me, such as food waste, may not resonate with someone else.
“Food Link’s mission toward alleviating hunger and environmental sustainability requires us to teach others to have a more intentional thought process around food waste and its impact.”
There are many ways to support a nonprofit organization. For those who cannot afford to donate monetarily, what are ways for people to show their support?
I’m a big believer in the power of individuals; the small things that each of us can do will bring us closer to our goals.
In addition to hands-on volunteer work, we need people on the ground in all of our communities to help raise awareness about food insecurity and what Food Link accomplishes. That might take the form of attending events such as farmers markets or volunteering your skillset and time in areas such as education, finance, and fundraising. Food Link and other organizations need helpers who are self-starters, who can be creative in spreading the mission throughout their community. Some companies have their own charitable giving -- the employee connection to these programs greatly shows support.
Arlington has many community-based organizations that support great causes. Of all the local organizations to choose from, what in particular about Food Link and food rescue inspires you
I think education and food security are essential rights. I’m a bit of a foodie at heart, and along with my passion to feed others, Food Link is a perfect fit.
A big thank you to Judi for sharing insights about fundraising, education, and her career. You can keep reading about Food Link’s team by clicking here
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