Inside IPM: Meet Hathaway Maranda
“Inside IPM” is an ongoing series featuring the talented players who comprise the IPM Advancement team! Here you’ll learn all about the people who work behind the scenes at IPM to help nonprofits raise more money to make the world a better place. Today, we’re talking to…
Hathaway Maranda, Consultant
Where are you originally from, and what do you love most about where you grew up?
I was born in Boston, Massachusetts but raised on Cape Cod. I loved growing up so close to the beach. I’ve also been a lifelong fan of the Red Sox and Celtics.
Why did you choose to work with IPM?
I was actually looking to get out of fundraising. After 25 years in this field, I started to itch for a new life adventure. However, my friend, who also works for IPM, convinced me my time in fundraising was not up yet, that I still have much to offer the nonprofit world. Being a consultant gives me the freedom I need in my life right now, as well as enables me to use my years of experience to help others.
What’s something you learned early on in your nonprofit fundraising career that helped prepare you for the work you do today?
I learned early on how important relationship-building is for an organization. You connect with donors because you both have a love for the nonprofit organization. That connection can grow to be very powerful for the individual and organization. When that happens, it’s magical, and keeps me coming back for more. Connecting the dots for the individual and the organization can be transformational for everyone involved and especially the community the organization serves.
What about your childhood might have influenced your choice to get involved in the nonprofit sector?
I was a visual artist throughout my early life. I can’t imagine living life without the arts. In my work in the arts sector now, I love the enchantment that you see happen for patrons of the arts, especially children and elderly people. It’s pure joy when you see people actively engaging with what the arts has to offer — you see it enrich your community.
What are some changes or opportunities you see on the horizon for nonprofits?
Major gifts continues to evolve and I think the future is unlimited for individuals and organizations to really partner on change-making. The donor wants a lot more involvement — they see the gift as an investment and they want to see the impact. I think with the right relationships, great partnerships can be established in the future that will be transformational in the field of nonprofit work.
What’s something about your job that makes you excited to come to work every day?
I love to problem solve. I believe there are no problems you can’t solve. Some are much more complex and take a long time, some are quick and easy... but I love to brainstorm and try new ways of approaching each project or issue.
What’s an interest of yours outside of work, and do you see any parallels between it and nonprofit fundraising?
I love the ocean. I could swim before I could walk, believe it or not. I think there are parallels to fundraising, especially letting go of control because nature has her way of doing things. Nonprofits often have to pivot and change all the time, much like being in nature. Also, before I was a fundraiser I was an artist. So I learned how to solve problems and present things that were interesting and exciting. I think my love of nature and the arts makes it easy to go with the flow of a constantly changing landscape, like nonprofits.
Can you recommend a travel destination for others who share your interest in nature?
I would recommend to everyone, go to Hawaii. If you haven’t been or even if you have, it has so much to offer. I had the privilege to live there for 5 years and I just scratched the surface of what that state has to offer, especially as far as nature. There is a saying “let Hawaii happen” when you get there — it is absolutely rejuvenating.
How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance to ensure you can give your best in both areas?
It is definitely hard. I have “FOMO” big time. I have recently taken an 8-week class in mindfulness meditation. It has done absolute wonders for my body and soul, and really helps me stay focused and know when I need time to recharge. I highly recommend mindfulness meditation to everyone I meet.
If you could give a nonprofit one and only one piece of advice that would best prepare them to be financially stable for the next decade, what would it be?
Support your development professionals. They can’t do it alone, it’s a team sport. Too often I have seen the development director carry the burden of financial stability and future dreams of the organization on their shoulders. That is not sustainable. Everyone needs to participate, communicate, and take responsibility for those fundraising goals.