News
Contact: Rebecca Finley
615.321.4939
rfinley@cfmt.org
July 25, 2008
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE ADDS DEVELOPMENT STAFF
Belinda Dinwiddie Hired to Lead Development Efforts
Nashville, Tenn. - The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has announced the addition of Belinda Dinwiddie as director of donor education, according to Ellen Lehman, president of The Community Foundation.
In her new role, Dinwiddie will be responsible for establishing and expanding The Foundation’s ability to invite people from the community to participate in meaningful giving.
“There is no better person than Belinda to lead these efforts at The Community Foundation,” said Lehman. “Her extensive involvement in the Middle Tennessee community, and her broad knowledge and experience in the developmental field, will help us expand the funding we provide to so many worthy organizations throughout Middle Tennessee.”
Dinwiddie joins The Community Foundation from Adventure Science Center where she most recently served as chief development and community relations officer. During her eight-year tenure, she was responsible for leading the management team in charge of strategic planning, developing business partnership opportunities to sponsor science education, and creating a marketing department to spearhead a long-term advertising and public relations program. In addition to generating over $30 million in capital funding at Adventure Science Center, she increased the annual operating fund by 214%.
“The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is a strong-hold in our community and I can think of no better place to continue my career,” said Dinwiddie. “To be a part of the Foundation’s incredible team, and to have the opportunity to spearhead development efforts for the first time in the organization’s history, is not only an incredible opportunity, it’s an honor. Nashville has a prosperous nonprofit community, and in this position, I look forward to helping The Community Foundation extend its mission of connecting generosity with need.”
One of Dinwiddie’s first business ventures was as a partner at McAdoo’s Department Store in Lebanon, TN. From 1985 to 1988, Dinwiddie managed and directed daily operations including supervising and training staff and coordinating advertising and sales efforts. During that time, she also served as a special events consultant to Cumberland University President Bob Clement. In 1988, she assumed the official title of development and special events coordinator. During her time with the University, Dinwiddie doubled special events revenue, initiated several new fundraisers and led the capital campaign for the Harry and Doris Vise Library.
In 1989 Dinwiddie joined Junior Achievement of Middle Tennessee Inc. as director of development and communications. In this position, she directed solicitation of major gifts, new donor acquisition, special events and grant writing.
In 1994, Dinwiddie became executive director at the Tennessee Chapter of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation where she increased revenues by 400% and helped expand satellite offices in Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga. In 2000, Dinwiddie joined Adventure Science Center.
Dinwiddie attended Middle Tennessee State University pursuing a course study in speech pathology and completed her education at Cumberland University.
Throughout her career, Dinwiddie has been involved in a variety of civic organizations including Junior League of Nashville, Junior Achievement of Middle Tennessee, CABLE, the Nashville Chamber of Commerce’s Prosperity Project, and the Center for Nonprofit Management.
In addition, she’s served as county chairman for the Girl Scouts, chairman of the Wilson County Historical Society, sergeant at arms for the Morning Rotary Club, chairman of the Phoenix Ball, as well as president, vice president and secretary for the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Dinwiddie is a certified fundraising executive and has her Tennessee Real Estate License.
About The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
oversees more than 660 charitable funds. In the past seventeen
years, The Community Foundation has distributed $340 million
to community programs and institutions. Currently, The Community
Foundation manages endowment, unrestricted and memorial funds
totaling $430 million. It is located at 3833 Cleghorn Avenue, #
400, Nashville, Tennessee 37215. For more information, call
615-321-4939 or visit www.cfmt.org.
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