CFRE International has announced the newest Certified Fund Raising Executives (CFREs) and it includes local fundraiser Kate Bousum, CFRE, Child’s Voice Director of Advancement. This designation is held by more than 6,000 professionals worldwide. Those that receive the CFRE have met a series of rigorous standards set by CFRE International, completed an intensive written exam, and agreed to the accountability standards and Donor Bill of Rights.
“We are thrilled that Kate has received the CFRE designation,” shared Dr. Michele Wilkins, Executive Director at Child’s Voice. “This is a significant accomplishment in her professional field and speaks to the Child’s Voice focus on continuing education and improvement for all our staff. This is a voluntary designation and as such, showcases Kate’s dedication to not only the fundraising profession but also to our donors and a high-level of ethics and best practices in our fundraising efforts.”
For over 20 years, Child’s Voice has been changing lives of children with hearing loss and their families. It has grown from a small program serving only six students, to a thriving comprehensive facility providing services to over 250 children with hearing loss from birth through age eight. Their mission is to empower children with hearing loss to be successful in all educational and social settings by optimizing their listening, speaking, and academic skills. Aside from surgical procedures and therapies, there are multiple options that children of a certain age can try, such as hearing aids (Phonak hearing aids, for example), removing the wax blockage, and cochlear implants. Experts, however, recommend treating it at the earliest rather than letting it go.
At Child’s Voice, Kate serves as the Director of Advancement. The Advancement Team is tasked with managing all fundraising, community outreach, marketing and special events for Child’s Voice. In addition to her work at Child’s Voice, Kate is an active volunteer with the West Suburban Philanthropic Network and the Chicago chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
“Working to pair a donor with our incredible programs is the highlight of fundraising, ” Kate shared. “Finding partners that can help facilitate support of more students and families is a reward in itself. I have been incredibly fortunate in my career to have had the ability to do just that for Child’s Voice. The programs here change lives and I am so happy to work with our supporters and community partners to ensure that our students and their families find the resources they need for a lifetime of success!”
Kate has been a part of the Child’s Voice family since February 2010. She has also worked for non-profit organizations across the greater Chicago area including Elmhurst College and Metropolitan Family Services.
For more information, contact the Advancement Team, [email protected], (630) 595-8200 or visit our website childsvoice.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter @Childs_Voice, Instagram @Childs_Voice, LinkedIn and YouTube.
