Fundraising: Lessons Learned

Join our panel discussion with three NYCON members as they share lessons they’ve learned in fundraising over the years, both from activities that went well and those that didn’t! Our panelists will share experiences from leading development activities in three very different organizations, which have budgets ranging from $340,000 to $105 million, are located in different areas of the state (New York City, Olean and Rochester) and have varied missions and activities, from spreading the arts in rural communities, to helping families and individuals achieve self-sufficiency in multiple states and Puerto Rico, to providing composting in New York City. Each panelist brings many years of fundraising experience; you won’t want to miss this insightful discussion!

Paula Bernstein
Executive Director, Tri-County Arts Council

Paula Fidurko Bernstein is a life-long Olean resident who lives with her husband and two rescue dogs, Bear and Colt, and rescue cat, Kitty Mouse. She is known for giving her personal involvement, time, talent, and leadership to a variety of community causes and non-profit organizations. For most of her life, Paula has volunteered her time, energy, skills, and talent to the Olean community, she credits her father David Fidurko, who pass in July of 2023 and her mother, Penny Ethridge Fidurko, who passed in December of 2022, for instilling the need to be kind to other and serve your community as you would like them to serve you. Since 2018, Paula has served on the Genesis House of Olean board as Co-Chair of the Fundraising Committee and Chair of Public Image/Social Media. She is on the Friends of the Library Board, Olean Music Boosters as Chair of Public Image/Social Media/Vice President of Board and starting the year she is now serving on the board of the Greater Olean Chamber of Commerce. Paula is serving her third year as President of the Rotary Club of Olean and will be president next year as well. Paula is also the Area Govern for Area 15 for Rotary District 7090 as she takes care of district business for the Olean and Ellicottville clubs. Paula is grateful for the opportunity to support the rural communities she loves through the usage of public art and her service with the Tri-County Arts Council. “I hope to be able to build on TCAC’s success and make the organization as inclusive as possible for artists of all genres in all three counties," she said.

Marisa DeDominicis
Executive Director of Earth Matter NY

Marisa DeDominicis has a BA in Business and Organizational Communications from Emerson College, Boston. She worked for the Trust for Public Land as an environmental educator and site coordinator for 18 years.

Isha Torres
Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, PathStone

Isha Torres is a dedicated fundraiser and non-profit manager with over 10 years of experience in providing efficient operational and strategic leadership and memorable fundraising events. As Senior Vice President of Development at PathStone, she is responsible for overseeing all fundraising initiatives, corporate and individual donations, as well as donor retention and stewardship. Known for her ability to drive results while prioritizing sustainability and efficiency, Isha has significantly contributed to organizations like the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Genesee Valley Chapter and the Rochester Area Community Foundation. Isha earned an MBA from SUNY Brockport and a Bachelor of Science in Communication from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Outside of work Isha enjoys the outdoors with her family and is focusing on building an urban farm at her city residence.