Member profile: Dona Kotzur
Dona Kotzur’s work for local nonprofit agencies provides a great background for her membership in Impact San Antonio, and she’s enthusiastic about the way our collective giving model benefits our community. Coincidentally, the agency where she’s now President/CEO — The Arc of San Antonio — received the first grant that Impact SA ever made, in 2005!
How and when did you first hear about Impact San Antonio?
While I have known about Impact San Antonio for a long time, I think Rose Mary Fry and her never-ending passion for the organization really made the difference for my joining as a member in 2019. She spoke so highly of the members, their work and the due diligence of the grant-making process. As I did my own research, I knew I wanted to be a part of an organization of women who are committed to improving the lives of adults, children and families across the Bexar County area.
Why did you decide to join?
I loved the idea of coming together with other women to make meaningful change in our community. I also very much appreciate the fact that the organization meets you where you are. For example, during my first year as a member I was in grad school, so I joined and let my membership do all the work. Last year, I found the time to serve on the Marketing and Communications Committee and a Grant Review Committee. I really got to see all the magic that takes place behind the scenes, and I loved it! Plus, I loved getting to know the members. There is so much passion, energy and talent in our membership!
What impresses you and inspires you the most about Impact SA?
The volunteers who make everything happen behind the scenes! The work that gets done through this all-volunteer organization is amazing. Everyone cares so deeply about each other, our community and the nonprofits. I also love getting to know more about the many nonprofits in the San Antonio area. There are so many doing such great work!
How did/does your work at The Arc of San Antonio influence how you feel about Impact SA?
As someone who works at a nonprofit and has applied for an Impact SA grant, I appreciate the due diligence that Impact San Antonio uses to grant funds. I have witnessed first-hand the solid research and active engagement from all involved throughout the grant review process, Grant Award Night and beyond. I also believe the work done through Impact San Antonio stimulates additional funding sources for nonprofit organizations.
Tell us about what you do for The Arc, and what positions you have held there. How long have you worked there, and did you work for any nonprofits before that? Why did you decide to go into nonprofit work?
I was just promoted to President/CEO on March 1. I previously served as The Arc’s Chief Development Officer, starting on February 17, 2020, one month before the Covid pandemic shuttered our onsite adult day habilitation program. In my two years with The Arc, I have developed and implemented the annual fundraising strategy, including grant requests to corporate and family foundations and government and quasi-governmental entities, major gifts and campaign solicitations. I also have been responsible for several special projects, mission-driven strategic planning, and media and public relations. Before that, I was the Development Director for Mission Heritage Partners, the friends’ group to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
After many years of volunteering in nonprofit organizations, I decided to follow my heart, roll up my sleeves, and really do the work! I wanted to use the skills I acquired during my 25 ½ years at H-E-B, including marketing, advertising and product development. I love getting to wear many hats at once. In my new job, I may be handling operations, working on the budget, discussing plans for program improvement, meeting with a donor, planning the gala and speaking to an organization about The Arc, all on the same day. There is never a dull moment and always something to do!
Have you been to Grant Award Night? What did you think about it?
That is my favorite night of the year! I have attended one in-person event and two virtual events. The agencies’ stories give me goosebumps and bring tears to my eyes every time. The hardest part is selecting the one organization from each focus area for the transformative grant. While voting, I always think, “I wish we had $1 million to give away this year.” The most fulfilling part of the evening is the announcement of the recipients. The looks on their faces confirm that this is a game-changing moment for the organizations.
You have served on the Marketing and Communications Committee. Is there any other volunteer position you’d like to hold with Impact SA?
Well, once again, I am glad the organization meets its members where they are! As I take on this new role at The Arc, I am going to have to let my membership do the work this year. But I do want to stay connected and involved. I am hoping that I will find the time to reconnect with the Marketing and Communications Committee next year, and I would love to serve on the Impact SA board someday!