Bio:
Since 2007, Shannon has worked with eight small to mid-sized non-profit organizations writing grant proposals, conducting prospect research, and developing fundraising plans. Projects range from writing proposals for a specific new program to prospect research and fundraising guidance to ongoing grantwriting and development work. Prior to her consulting work, Shannon managed the development department at Ballet Tech Foundation in New York City for seven years. Ballet Tech, founded by choreographer Eliot Feld, is a tuititon-free ballet school and professional company. At Ballet Tech, Shannon was responsible for raising $1.5 – 2 million annually across all sectors: corporations, foundations, government and individuals. Shannon wrote all grant proposals for the organization (120 proposals/year), had primary responsibility for developing and maintaining relationships with funders, and participated in Board meetings to present the contributed income budget.
At Ballet Tech, she spearheaded the launch of an organizational website and e-newsletter and supported program development for the summer, after-school, and arts-in-education programs. During her graduate studies in arts management at American University in Washington, DC, she held a fellowship in the Department of Performing Arts, worked as a research assistant for Callahan Consulting for the Arts, and acted as temporary Assistant to the Artistic Director of The Discovery Theater at The Smithsonian. A former dancer and dance teacher, she also holds a BA in Dance from Mercyhurst College. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.