David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health, Collier County’s only comprehensive, not-for-profit behavioral health provider, is proud to announce that Kimberly Dye, vice president of advancement at DLC, has been appointed to the Women’s Impact Initiative Committee with Associated Fundraising Professionals Global.

The Women’s Impact Initiative was launched in 2018 to assess, address and highlight the specific issues and challenges that women in the fundraising profession face and to continuously create and distribute resources that help overcome gender inequity issues in the profession. The committee develops content and resources to raise awareness of these issues by cultivating the women’s impact mentor program, guiding the creation of education opportunities around women’s issues and recommending research opportunities.

As a doctoral student at Fielding Graduate University, pursuing her doctor of education degree in leadership and change, Dye is propelling research into fundraiser turnover and burnout, particularly as it relates to the perceptions and expectations of nonprofit chief executives and board members about the role of fundraising executives and how those perceptions and expectations align with those held by fundraisers themselves. Additionally, her pioneering research explores the dynamics and impacts of creating a “Culture of Philanthropy” within nonprofits.

“I’m grateful that AFP Global recognizes the importance of focusing on issues faced by fundraisers, particularly women, who make up more than 70% of the professionals serving in these vital nonprofit roles,” said Dye. “AFP’s mentorship program is crucial to growing future leaders. My passion for research ties directly into the work AFP Global is championing and it’s an honor to serve in this role.”

According to Giving USA, more than 1.3 million nonprofits exist in the United States, raising more than $557 billion in philanthropic gifts in 2023. When these organizations thrive, they have the ability to foster civic engagement and leadership, drive economic growth and strengthen the fabric of communities.

“David Lawrence Centers is amid a $160 million initiative to combat our county’s worst mental health and substance use crisis in its history and more than 70% of that investment is coming from private donors,” said Scott Burgess, chief executive officer of DLC. “As AFP acknowledges, philanthropy is a tradition of giving and sharing that is integral to individual and communal quality of life. We know that Kim will work tirelessly to champion education and research to support those who nurture the relationships with our most vital proponents of causes near and dear to communities across the country, especially right here in Collier County.”

Since nonprofits have historically relied on external funding to operate, fundraising professionals are key to securing that support. Unfortunately, the profession has been facing a turnover and burnout crisis for many years. The vision of AFP Global is to stimulate a world of generosity and positive social good through fundraising best practices. For 60 years, AFP has been a leader for professionalism in fundraising. To learn more about AFP Global’s Women’s Impact Initiative, visit afpglobal.org/womens-impact-initiative-wii.

To learn more about the lifesaving and life-changing services and programs offered by David Lawrence Centers, visit DLCenters.org

About David Lawrence Centers 

Southwest Florida nonprofit David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC) is a national leader providing compassionate, advanced, and exceptional mental health, substance use, and integrated healthcare solutions, available for children, adolescents, and adults. DLC’s innovative treatment includes inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based services – a comprehensive system of care funded by community and government support. Each year, DLC serves 9,000 people through over 341,000 treatment sessions. To learn more, visit DLCenters.org or call 239-455-8500.