Karen Harshaw
Karen Harshaw, Founder & Principal Consultant of SPARK Philanthropy, LLC
Here she is- our February honoree! Meet Karen Harshaw, Founder and Principal Consultant of SPARK Philanthropy.
Karen Harshaw is a comprehensive development professional with a passion for connecting inspired people to a fulfilling purpose. With over 20 years in the non-profit world, she has raised millions and through this, she has found her “spark” in life.
Prior to her work as a consultant, Karen worked as the Associate Director for the National Speaking of Women’s Health Foundation, Director of Corporate Sponsorships and Events for Monster.com’s Diversity Leadership Programs, Director of Development for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Vice President of Development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati and the Community Foundation, and Chief Development Officer of WordPlay.
Her love of raising major gifts and helping nonprofits turn ideas into reality is her passion and the reason for starting SPARK Philanthropy. Karen inspires to empower staff and board to see fundraising with a positive outlook. She has done everything from building volunteer programs, to major gift development, grant writing, corporate partnerships, strategic planning and capital campaigns all while building a culture of philanthropy.
Karen has a strong belief in streamlining processes and working efficiently to have the largest impact on an organization. Her proficiencies in relationship building, organizational and board development brings a fresh outlook to her clients, allowing them to do what they do best – fulfill their missions.
Karen is a graduate of Ohio University and a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. She is married and has three wonderful children, Eva, Marvin and Cam. In her spare time, you will find Karen at the gym, reading, or walking her dogs
In Her Own Words
What is your favorite quote?
“Never allow a person to tell you no who doesn’t have the power to say yes.” Eleanor Roosevelt
Who is your favorite woman fundraiser or philanthropist of color?
Nneka Allen, Founder of The Empathy Agency. She opened the floor for Black women to come forward and raise awareness about the blindness of racism in philanthropy. Her most recent work was a project with the Association of Fundraising Professionals called, Our Right to Heal. She brought together a group of women at various points in their fundraising careers to share both their professional and personal experiences and gain strength and understanding through those connections.
What inspired you to found SPARK Philanthropy?
I launched SPARK Philanthropy in 2018. I was no newcomer to fundraising. I had been in fundraising for over 20 years. Stepping out on my own had been something I wanted to do for a number of years, more than anything. I raised millions as Vice President of Development and Chief Development Officer for organizations like the National Speaking of Women’s Health Foundation, Monster.com Diversity Leadership Program, St. Vincent de Paul and Boys & Girls of Greater Cincinnati.
My goal was that I wanted to help nonprofits that were struggling learn how to pivot and make a greater impact looking at their entire philanthropic landscape.
I was afraid. I had an admiration for other professional consultants that I didn’t have for myself. I didn’t believe I was on their level. My husband asked me one day, “what are you afraid of?” My response, “I didn’t think I would be accepted or given the opportunities or benefit of the doubt that other consultants would. But I had to stop making excuse after excuse. I was connected. People did know me, and I had a proven track record. And, I was good!”
I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I knew it would be something bold, new and scary all at the same time. But I also knew I belonged. It was time to find my spark, build my own table, and decided to take one giant leap for Black womankind.
Where do you want to be in 3 years?
In next three years, I see myself growing and continuing to do what I love – working with and supporting nonprofit organizations. I have had the pleasure of working with so many great organizations – listening to their stories and learning about where see themselves in 5, 10, 20 years from now. This is my passion and motivation everyday. I wouldn’t change it for the world!
Do you have any advice for other women of color fundraisers and leaders?
You belong! Don’t wait to be invited to sit at the table, start building your own table. Surround yourself with people that genuinely care about you and want to see you win. Women of Color Fundraisers and Philanthropists, this is going to be your breakthrough year. Believe it!
