“Going Far, Together” Allison Rickels, CFRE, Executive Director and CEO of the FarmHouse Foundation, talks about her tenure with FarmHouse, its growth and her passion for serving others. As the first and only woman to lead a men’s fraternity foundation, she continues to blaze trails for the betterment and progress of FarmHouse. And when it comes to service, Allison is well versed.
This summer marks 18 years on staff. How did you initially find FarmHouse? I began with the FarmHouse Foundation in July 2001, after graduating from the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). I was hired as the Director of Annual Fund & Communications. I was the second full-time person with Bob Off (Colorado State 64) as Executive Director. The Foundation had $2.5 million assets, was raising $600,000 per year and starting Campaign 2005. The position was appealing because of my sorority experience and my background in public relations, marketing, journalism and with non-profits. When I interviewed, I could tell FarmHouse was made of greatness. The office was modest and the staff was small, but I quickly saw the difference they were making in other people’s lives. From that first day, I couldn’t wait to be a part of it. Little did I know the opportunity I was being afforded. Eighteen years later, I am so thankful my service to FarmHouse continues. Given your love of service, what does it mean to you? Service has been a part of my life since I was a child, instilled by my parents’ involvement and care for others. I am passionate about youth development, leadership, education and building community, and find those are the organizations where I invest. I strongly believe in the saying, “If
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you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” It’s amazing how much can be accomplished when a group of like-minded, passionate people join together for an incredible cause. Why do you continue to serve the Foundation? I am often asked why I continue in my role. Typically, many fundraising professionals only stay 2-3 years with an organization. My “why” is I strongly believe in FarmHouse. I believe in Fraternity done right, and for the betterment of young people. There has never been a more crucial time for young men to have mature adult guidance, a platform to develop critical life skills, enhanced leadership education, mental health support, a tangible network to believe in them, and a home away from home. A positive fraternal experience is incredibly powerful and life-changing. The professional opportunities I have been given are far greater and more rewarding than I could have ever imagined. It is a deep privilege to encourage, develop and foster philanthropy with our donors for the direct and positive development of young men. What inspires you about FH? I believe in helping people become the best versions of themselves. Seeing a budding college freshman mature then graduate as an all-star leader and
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student is inspiring. Then to watch his career path evolve, see him become a husband or partner and have a family, and ultimately help him support the Fraternity he loves because it changed his life, is beyond incredible. I want young men to become confident gentlemen, devoted spouses, amazing fathers, find success in their careers and become leaders in their communities. We need this so much more in our world, and I believe FarmHouse helps make this happen. Fundraising isn’t easy. What keeps you motivated? I am driven by the powerful impact donors make when they leverage their giving to FarmHouse and the power in the moments when you see new skills and mindsets click for our students. I could share thousands of meaningful stories of generosity by our donors —from gifts large and small—and the ripple effect they cause for FarmHouse. It makes me awestruck. What is it like to work with the Foundation Trustees? Our Foundation Trustees are outstanding—with their time, talent and treasure—and in being visionary, mentors to me and our staff, challenging us to do more and be more innovative. We often say, “we can’t rest on our laurels.” Their collective leadership and partnerships with our generous donors has enabled us to break many fundraising records, have two successful capital
FALL 2019
