Like many Acumen Fund volunteers before me, it is time for me to step away from the New York for Acumen (NYfA) chapter and carry on with another of life’s adventures.
Over the past six years, I’ve worked as a professional fundraiser with several organizations in a number of different fields — humanitarian aid, education, cancer research, etc. During that time, I increasingly grew frustrated with the lack of leadership and organizational infrastructure I witnessed within the nonprofit sector. Though unaware to me at the time, this frustration would eventually lead me to Acumen Fund.
In December 2008, I discovered Acumen Fund through Matthew Bishop’s best-selling book Philanthrocapitalism. In the book, Bishop provides countless examples of organizations like Acumen Fund that are reshaping the face of philanthropy by integrating market-oriented practices to leverage social impact.
Inspired by the notion of contributing my fundraising skills to the organization after listening to CEO Jacqueline Novogratz discuss her book The Blue Sweater, I would have never imagined how I would spend the next year and a half. From marketing the Dignity photo auction to organizing the recent *spark! event, I have been honored to collaborate with such a talented group of individuals. Through our efforts, we have not only raised significant funds for Acumen, but also ignited a global movement.
In the past year, what I’ve learned most from working with the New York team is that one should never allow fear of failure to prevent you from doing anything you want. If you’ve been mulling around an idea for a new project, then just start it. Stop worrying about failure because you’ll probably learn more from actually doing the work than you would from not doing anything at all. Before the Dignity event last year, for instance, many of the volunteers and Acumen Fund team had absolutely no idea what would follow that event. Thousands of dollars and several volunteer chapters later, here we are. But none of this would be possible had a group of volunteers not been willing to cast their fears to the wind and start something new.
During my time as a volunteer, I often heard people say, “I want to help. How do I want to get involved?” This is a good question, but could be better. Why? Because, in my opinion, the most dynamic volunteers are those who recognize a need, and decidedly offer a solution. Whether it is making a donation or offering your time, everyone has something to offer. I understand how completely hackneyed that sounds, but it’s true. However, when we begin to tell ourselves that we have nothing to offer, we run into trouble. There are countless nonprofits who need donors, volunteers or advocates. So why not start doing something for a cause you’re passionate about?
Having said that, I think it’s important for all individuals to reflect on their strengths when deciding to volunteer. Even the insanely talented Acumen Fund team is composed of people who have various strengths and weaknesses. I know, I know. It’s hard to believe. But the Acumen Fund team is just as human as you are. So before you get involved with any organization, take a few minutes to think about what your strengths are, as it will make all the difference when suggesting how you may assist a particular nonprofit or volunteer group.
In closing, while I’m leaving the New York chapter for now, my work with Acumen Fund is certainly not finished, nor has the momentum slowed that we’ve started in New York. I have been blessed to be part of such a compassionate and dynamic community. Through a shared commitment to improving the world we live in, I have met people from all walks of life who have not only invigorated my commitment to solving the problem of poverty, but also reinforced the beauty and strength of the human spirit. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
I encourage you to check out the New York for Acumen chapter, which will continue to host educational events, networking opportunities and inspiring fundraising programs in support of Acumen.
Theos Stamoulis joined the leadership team of New York for Acumen in September 2009. He will soon move to Indiana to pursue an MBA at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business…he will be missed!






