
Elsbeth Howe, CFRE
Director of Research and Policy

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About me
Executive Director at the Stillwater Public Library Foundation
Education

Drake University
-B.A. History, Political ScienceActivities and Societies: Member Phi Beta Kappa, academic liberal arts honor society | Pi Sigma Alpha, national political science honor society | Phi Eta Sigma, Freshman Honor Society | Political Science Association | Drake Chorus | Washington D.C. Semester Program participant 1989 | Graduation in 3.5 years Magna Cum Laude

University of Iowa College of Law
-J.D.Activities and Societies: Graduation with Distinction | Member Equal Justice Foundation | Trial Lawyer’s Association | Capstone Project: A Case for Mandatory Pro-Bono Service

Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
2021 - 2023Master of Arts - MA Philanthropic StudiesActivities and Societies: Blog featured here: https://blog.philanthropy.iupui.edu/2022/03/25/people-are-kind-and-generous/ The Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies is a gateway to understanding the social, cultural, political, and economic roles played by philanthropy and nonprofit organizations, and facilitates broad understanding that prepares graduates for leadership practice within the nonprofit sector. Students gain experience in understanding and applying cutting-edge research and develop critical thinking skills about the complex issues confronting philanthropy.
Experience

Students United
Jan 1997 - Jan 2008Director of Research and Policy>Prepared successful grant proposals in the areas of voter registration and civic engagement>Lobbied for higher education issues on the state and national level>Provided policy research and the development of legislative, system and campus goals >Conducted workshops and training sessions>Supervised the legislative internship program >Staff attorney for the organization>Prepared contracts, advised on tax, business and employment law issues

Minneapolis Business College
Jan 2009 - Jan 2011Legal Instructor>Developed and prepared curriculum and taught the following courses: Contracts, Civil Procedure, Torts, Legal Office Procedures, Business Law II, Estate Planning, Business Organization and Supervision. >Lectured and facilitated group discussion, monitored and evaluated student performance. >Mentored and coached students for career success.

Students United
Jan 2012 - Jul 2018Executive DirectorResponsible for the overall administration of Students United, an independent 501 (c) (3) organization including operations, financial management, programs and fundraising. >Supervised 6 full-time staff, 35 part-time staff>Managed a budget over $1M>Led development team to increase fundraising, special events, grants and sponsorships>Oversaw 8 fundraising events, including golf tournaments, and receptions>Secured 5 grants>Gained new scholarship endowments of over $300,000>Created a new Scholarship & Alumni Advisory Board>Advised the Board of Directors and developed staff and student trainings>Managed all legislative advocacy Show less

Elsbeth Howe Consulting
Dec 2018 - Dec 2019Policy ConsultantProvided the following expertise:>Strategic Planning>Comprehensive Fundraising Planning including Individual Giving, Grants and Major Gifts>Governance and Human Relations>Advocacy Opportunities

Inver Hills Community College Foundation
Jan 2020 - Sept 2023Development DirectorProvide ethical leadership for the growth and sustained success of all giving programs and the alumni relations program at the Inver Hills Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. Plan implement, and manage the comprehensive fundraising plan for the Inver Hills Foundation:>Cultivate individuals and organizations interested in partnering with the Inver Hills Foundation to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent access to higher education. >Identify, cultivate and personally solicit businesses, corporations and individuals to support students through the Inver Hills Foundation. >Prepare corporate and foundation grant proposals. Encourage individual, major and planned giving. >Coordinate alumni fundraising and the alumni association.>Responsible for the ongoing stewardship of annual major gift contributors and alumni. Show less

Stillwater Public Library Foundation
Sept 2023 - nowExecutive DirectorWork in partnership with the Board of Directors to develop and execute a vision for the next chapter of the Foundation. Lead and manage with a deep belief in and passion for the Foundation's mission, and with intention, cultural responsiveness, and emotional intelligence.Fundraising:>Lead new fundraising initiatives that further the Library’s ability to be a community resource for all residents>Oversee all fundraising campaigns>Meet with donors to solidify their commitments to the Foundation and encourage engagement>Develop a Legacy Society (new initiative)Operations and Strategic Planning:>Lead the strategic planning effort and ensuring goals are achieved >Collaborate Foundation activities with library staff and Administrative Coordinator >Manage Administrative Coordinator>Attend Board and committee meetings>Manage creation of annual reports, budget and planning >Work with volunteers on event sponsorship efforts>Develop marketing strategies>Represent the Foundation in the community Show less
Licenses & Certifications

Mini MBA
St. Thomas University Executive EducationJan 2014
Adult Mental Health First Aid USA
National Council for Mental WellbeingJan 2022
Culture, Communications and Conflict
National Conflict Resolution CenterSept 2024- View certificate

OPFR200 Professional Fundraising
Boston UniversityNov 2020 
Business Leadership Certificate
Century College - CompanyJun 2019
Excel Specialist Certificate
Century College - CompanyJul 2019- View certificate

CFRE Certification
CFRE InternationalFeb 2025
Honors & Awards
- Awarded to Elsbeth Howe, CFREInclusion Institute Keynote Speaker Minnesota College Professionals Association Jan 2017 "Supporting Student Activism Supports Student Success," described the work of Students United, and the spaces we create for students to make change, have a voice and work collectively for the greater good.
Volunteer Experience
Board Member
Issued by League of Women Voters of White Bear Lake Area on Oct 2025
Associated with Elsbeth Howe, CFREScholarship and Alumni Advisory Board
Issued by Students United on Aug 2019
Associated with Elsbeth Howe, CFRECity Council Member
Issued by City of Dellwood on Jan 2019
Associated with Elsbeth Howe, CFREBoard Member
Issued by Will of Women (WOW) on Jan 2014
Associated with Elsbeth Howe, CFREBoard Member
Issued by Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship Board on Jan 2016
Associated with Elsbeth Howe, CFREPro Bono Attorney
Issued by Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota on Jan 2011
Associated with Elsbeth Howe, CFREBoard Member
Issued by Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Foundation on Jan 2013
Associated with Elsbeth Howe, CFRE
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