Career Track Profile— Bekay Ahn, CFRE

How many years have you been in fundraising?

I have been a professional fundraiser for 15 years. The majority of my work has been pro bono because organizations serving the Asian-American community don’t have enough resources in their budgets to hire professional fundraisers, nor do they have the concept yet to pay a fundraiser. All my recent work relates to educating the community that fundraising is an occupation and a viable profession.

What achievements are you most proud of in your career?

Whenever I am involved with an Asian-American community fundraising campaign, large or small, I will most likely be the only one to have fundraising experience. I bring a unique attitude to the campaign because it is a part of my career. Recently, I introduced the world of professional fundraising to Korea to help people there see fundraising as an occupation. Furthermore, I helped set up the Korean Fundraising Association and brought representatives of that group to the AFP International Conference on Fundraising this year in San Diego. Being involved at the conference was quite thrilling for me, allowing an initial alliance with AFP.

What have you enjoyed most about being a fundraiser?

There are those moments when nobody expects to reach the goal, such as when I personally ask prospective donors for a large amount and they write a check in front of me. It’s much like a treasure hunt, and sometimes it is difficult to explain that feeling to “non-hunters.” To me, it is never a boring job. Every day I interact with different people and situations, making it a truly exciting and rewarding experience.

What is your motto?

Relax, enjoy and feel proud of what you’re doing. This philanthropic asking is not for you, it is for your cause.

Who or what has had the greatest influence on your life, and why?

Most first-generation immigrants come to America for a better life, a better opportunity and education for their children. I’ve found that this drive can transfer to a type of leadership through philanthropic fundraising. The work of asking for charitable gifts is just as important as giving and serving. Plenty of good organizations with excellent causes that serve the Asian community close down due to a lack of funds or a lack of skills and experience. My original dream when I first came to America has shifted to one where I can build a bridge to help fulfill others’ dreams. The traditional Asian philosophy can therefore work to make better relationships within a Western society.

In what ways would the profession of fundraising benefit from increased diversity?
If you are a mainstream fundraiser, it is prudent to invest your time and fundraising efforts in different areas of the cultural portfolio. Ultimately other sectors will be growing. Show your stakeholders your concern for diversity by thinking in terms of “us” and not “others.” You will also learn their unique traditional philanthropic heritage.

What do you think fundraisers can do to include more diversity in the sector?

Find a shared cause you can build a relationship upon. Allocate this in the budget and practice patience.

What most concerns you about the profession?

The public image of fundraisers is not necessarily a good one, especially in the Asian community. More young Asian-Americans should choose fundraising as a career, and it is important that diverse fundraisers fill jobs.

What is the biggest challenge that fundraisers face today?

Competition! Competition! Competition! You are not the only one with a unique cause, and this can build stress internally and eventually lead to burnout.

What is the key to a successful “ask”?

The response from a prospective donor is a mirror of what you project. You must concern yourself with the cause first. The more prepared you are before asking, the greater the result usually will be. We have been taught that the person who makes “the ask” is critical to the potential donor in diverse groups. A personal relationship with “someone like me” is required. However, sometimes “someone totally different” may work very well in a diverse group.

Is there anything about fundraising that still surprises you?

Sometimes I hear prospective donors say, “I have been waiting for somebody like you to ask for contributions” or “You are the only person to ask me to join the cause personally.” Amazingly, sometimes donors are just waiting to be asked! Those comments encourage me to keep working, and enjoyment comes when I find that person, despite the fact that every time I talk with a prospective donor, I feel butterflies in my stomach.

What advice would you give to a new fundraiser?

There are still many people waiting to be asked and ready to share their life stories. Don’t be afraid to talk to even the most unlikely prospective donors, and don’t rush to ask for contributions the first time. Take your time during “the ask,” because life is full of surprises. Also, people will ultimately appreciate your match-making to a common value you both share.

What is the most essential quality of a good fundraiser?

The ability to listen perfectly is almost impossible to achieve, but try. Patience, however, is not only possible—it can be practiced—and it is absolutely necessary.