By MYRON LOVE On Wednesday November 15, the Manitoba chapter of the Canadian Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFT Canada) celebrated the 25th National Philanthropy Day – which recognizes outstanding charitable work throughout the province – culminating in the presentation of a number of awards for individuals and organizations that have stood out for their philanthropic and fundraising achievements.
Among the honorees this year was Stephanie Levene, who was recognized for her outstanding achievement as a professional fundraiser. “I was thrilled to have been chosen for the award this year,” says the University of Manitoba’s Associate Vice-President, Donor Relations, who was presented with her award at a celebration at the Convention Centre on the 15th. “It is always nice to be recognized by your peers.”
In her role as the university’s fundraising leader, she was instrumental in bringing to fruition the largest fundraising campaign in the history of the province. The five-year Front and Centre Campaign – which was publicly launched in 2015 with a goal of $500 million – raised $626 million in total – monies that support research, innovation, new infrastructure, and an enhanced student experience.
“We are striving at the University of Manitoba to attract the best and the brightest in their fields,” she notes.
She reports that “we received amazing support from our alumni. Twenty percent of them made donations to our Front and Centre campaign.”
Generous donations also were offered by the corporate sector, current and retired faculty and staff and such prominent philanthropists as the Asper family and former Winnipegger Ernest Rady.
As noted in the AFP write-up about Levene introducing the Outstanding Professional Fundraiser honoree, at the university she leads a team of 52, encompassing all aspects of fundraising. She was lauded for “continually working to drive the organization to new heights in its fundraising success through some difficult and unprecedented times,” as well as constantly striving for “system improvements”.
She was also praised for her “leadership through various significant projects” and her “exemplary commitment to the philanthropic profession.”
In reference to the latter comment, Levene notes that she strongly believes in giving back. “I appreciate the help of the many people in the profession who contributed to my growth as a fundraising professional and I welcome the opportunity to mentor others who may be new to our profession,” she says.
Fundraising was not the first career choice for Stephanie Levene. The daughter of David and Sherrill Levene (and brother of Jewish Federation of Winnipeg past President Adam Levene) began her working career in the business world as a marketing executive. (She has three U of M degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.) and an MBA.)
In an interview with this writer for the JP&N eight years ago, she recalled that the marketing positions she had – while interesting – were not satisfying. “I wanted to be doing something more fulfilling” she said at that time.
So what she did was survey other Asper School alumni about the type of work they were doing. “It was a real education,” she recalled.
Her voyage of discovery led her in 2003 to the United Way where, based on her previous experience, she was initially directed to the Director of Marketing. “I was encouraged to sign up for a 14-week Sponsored Executive position,” she recounted. “It was an incredible experience. It opened up a whole new world to me. I met a wide variety of people and learned a lot about myself and our community.”
Just as the term finished, a full time position opened up at the United Way. Her first position at the United Way was Division Manager, Resource Development. After a couple of years, she was promoted to Senior Manager, then Director of Campaign and Strategic Initiatives. She served in that position for five years and moved to the University of Manitoba in 2011.
“It was an interesting opportunity,” she says of her move to the university. “My position here encompasses all aspects of fundraising.“
While the hugely successful Front and Centre Campaign concluded three years ago, Levene points out that fundraising for the university never stops – right through the Covid lockdowns. “It is really amazing that we continue to raise $50-$60-million a year thanks to the generosity of our incredible alumni and other donors,” she says.
While in the past Levene was able to donate some of her time to the Jewish Foundation Women’s Endowment Fund, she points out that her current position – combined with her volunteer work with AFP Manitoba and raising two young children (eight-year-old John and six-year-old Jacob – both students at Gray Academy) – leaves her little time for anything else right now.