“Growing up, my mom was always lending a helping hand,” said Lisa Henderson. “Her involvement was an example I saw many times. She would always remind us there was someone who needed help more than ourselves.”
On November 13, Lisa was recognized as the 2024 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Eastern Iowa Chapter. Clearly, she has taken her mother’s example to heart.
“When you love a cause, it’s just something you naturally want to jump in and help with, and I love the mission of Indian Creek Nature Center, as it combines my love of environmental education, land restoration and sustainable living.”
Looking back at Lisa’s history of volunteerism at Indian Creek Nature Center, it’s no surprise she has been recognized for her work as a fundraiser.
Lisa has served Indian Creek Nature Center in many roles, including the Board of Directors (2007-2014, President in 2009), the Board of Trustees (2016-Present), volunteering for special events and land restoration projects, and contributing to numerous fundraising campaigns. “I’d like to think some of what I do benefits the community, but I always walk away from the Nature Center feeling I received more than I gave.”
It’s during these fundraising campaigns that Lisa’s passion for creating lasting change for nonprofits really shines. “I’ve always believed the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Nonprofits bring this idea to the forefront and create stronger communities.”
Lisa was a co-chairperson for Indian Creek Nature Center’s largest and most significant capital campaign, Amazing Space. This campaign raised 10% more than its goal of $7 million to support construction of a new Nature Center building, as well as expand ICNC’s endowment.
As the chairperson of the Indian Creek Nature Center Charitable Trust, Lisa ensures the Trust remains focused on its mission of endowment building. Lisa motivates trustees, board members, and volunteers to support endowment growth and under her leadership more than $1 million in new funds have been raised since 2014.
According to Lisa, working to ensure that nonprofits remain viable in the long term goes beyond simply getting people excited to give during major projects, to gaining support for endowments that create long-lasting resources for a nonprofit’s mission.
“The Nature Center is committed to ensuring there is an endowment portion to any fundraising activities. I’m proud of this commitment and the future impacts it will have on the Nature Center.”
Whether she is helping to increase the endowment, volunteering as a trustee, or simply walking the trails, Lisa is grateful for all the time she spends at Indian Creek Nature Center.
“The Nature Center just has a way of bestowing beauty and a sense of peace to your soul. I’ve always felt lucky to be surrounded by the beauty of the Nature Center, even if it’s just a few minutes. It’s fulfilling to be part of this organization.”
Since Lisa plans to continue following her mother’s example, and “just keep pitching in where needed”, the long-term viability of this particular nonprofit looks to be in good shape for years to come.