Meet-A-FLiP: Craig Teal

Craig Teal, fresh from college, landed a job as a Development Administrative Assistant at one of my favorite foundations. The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History - yes, I'm a dork, I like American History Foundations. A lot of Gilder Lehrman's work is done via the internet, and as such I think their online giving program has more potential than almost any comparable organization. Craig's got a big job ahead of him, I'm sure FLiP will check in again soon.

Future Leaders in Philanthropy (FLiP): Tell us a little about your background. Where did you go to school, what did you major in, and how did you come to be involved in philanthropy?

Craig Teal (CT): This past spring, I graduated from Fordham University with a double major in History and International Political Economy. College was an enormous period of growth, exposing me to a lot of circumstances and opportunities that I became intimately involved with. Two programs in particular I invested my time with: an after-school/Saturday program for local school children and an international service program where I traveled to the Navajo Nation in Utah and to the country of Romania. With each program we had to raise funds in order to participate and I had the responsibility to achieve our goals financially. There is no doubt, one must be intimately connected with one’s fundraising aspirations for success.

During college I interned at two nonprofit organizations that got me interested in the field and provided me with some great experience. For over a year I worked at Kids In Distressed Situations, Inc., truly an amazing organization that because its small staff afforded me with some great hands-on experience. My second internship was in the development office at the EastWest Institute. It is here that I was introduced to fundraising software and the world of grantmaking.

FLiP: What is your job like? What are the day-to-day responsibilities?

CT: As Development Administrative Assistant for the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History in New York City, I am surrounded by some very experienced people thus making everyday a tremendous opportunity to learn. Most of my time is spent between the computer screen and the file cabinet. Not only maintaining electronic and hard-copy files and tracking donors, I also research prospective donors and am beginning to work on grant proposals. Soon I will be compiling reports for our present donors charting our progress.

FLiP: What is one of the best aspects of working at The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History?

CT: I know that you are going to think this is a lie, but my boss. She probably would not even want me to call her that, but she has an amazing wealth of knowledge. She calls herself a seasoned worker. Moreover, she maintains a high work ethic that, although it is hard to keep up with, is rewarding over time. But I cannot just tell you one. The organization itself, The Gilder Lehrman Institute, is my main interest in this job. We aid schools, teachers and students nationally, improving the educational access that they receive while promoting a love of American History. Also the founders of the Institute inspire me as they care so much for students and teachers.

FLiP: Do you have any advice for people looking to work in development?

CT: I have two pieces of advice to offer. First, nonprofit work is not easy so you have to be passionate about what you are doing. I love history and children which makes my job comparably easy and rewarding at the same time. Secondly, gain experience. One of the only reasons why I was offered this job at the Gilder Lehrman Institute was my prior experience in the nonprofit field through internships. Although I just graduated from college I had 1 ½ years of nonprofit experience under my belt. So always be thinking about your future. 

FLiP: Have you considered continuing your education? What kind of degrees or certificates would you be interested in?

CT: In the distant future I will go back to school to study for a Master’s Degree in Education. Ultimately, I want to be a high school history teacher. Presently, however, I am trying to soak up as much knowledge as I can through the document-based direction of the Gilder Lehrman Institute.

FLiP: Where do you see yourself professionally in the future?

CT: Like I mentioned, I want to teach American History in high school. Hopefully I can participate in a program similar to Teach For America or the New York Teaching Fellows, continuing with my studies and teaching simultaneously.

FLiP: In your opinion, what are some issues within the sector that may be relevant to other Future Leaders in Philanthropy?

CT: Three things that I have learned the short time I have been here. First is patience. It can be discouraging at times when things are not working out so I have to keep motivated and understand that you have your highs and lows. Second is developing a knowledge of your donors. It is important to understand their likes and dislikes and adjust accordingly. Third is having an ability to listen. Listen to your donors and your work associates. Together they will guide you because both ultimately want to help further the mission of the organization.

FLiP: Who have been your biggest supporters? 

CT: The people I work with, of course, because I interact with them every day. They are my encouragers, teachers and criticizers all in one. I would also have to mention my family and friends. I just moved to New York from Massachusetts and would not have been able to do so without some timely advice, financial support and some homemade recipes that they gave me before I left.

FLiP: How has your education helped prepare you for your current roles?

CT: Fordham forced me to think critically. I no longer take the status quo for an answer. It provided me with a thought-provoking education but more importantly, I think, it provided me with great community service outlets. Through service, I learned more than I did in any classroom which is saying a lot.

FLiP: What do you know now that you wish someone had told you before you became involved in philanthropy?

CT: Most of my job focuses on the research and donor data management side of the development process. So first of all, make sure to tailor your grant proposal accordingly. For instance, The Gilder Lehrman Institute focuses on education and history. If I discover that a prospect that I am researching is on the board at Facing History and Ourselves and has expressed interest, via previous philanthropic giving, with an after-school program then I will tailor my grant design accordingly. Developing a strategy before you pursue a prospect is most important. The question to ask is, what aspect of my organization appeals to this foundation or person? Outside of that, your organization has to sell itself. It is your job to highlight the substantial connections between your organization and your prospect.