Michael Wren

Background

About Michael Wren

As a creative and seasoned fundraising professional, I excel in driving revenue growth through data-driven stewardship strategies and multifaceted fundraising plans. My proficiency extends to managing end-to-end grant-writing processes, overseeing donor cultivation events, and maintaining donor databases with heightened efficiency.I am passionate about social justice, education, and creativity, and have experience in every aspect of institutional fundraising at organizations large and small. I've worked as the Development Director of a spirited, full-scholarship private school on the South Side of Chicago, as well as a variety of roles at the Field Museum of Natural History, a multifaceted institution that is a guardian of no less than one of the most complete records of life on earth. At the Field Museum, I was a key team member on the Individual Giving Team, developing and implementing activity focusing on retention, acquisition, and stewardship.I received a B.A. in Sociology from Colorado College and cut my teeth as an on-the-streets caseworker with H.O.M.E—a senior citizen service organization in Chicago. In 2011, I assumed the role of Development Manager with Chicago’s oldest visual arts education organization, Art Resources in Teaching, then moved to a development and communications position with Snow City Arts, where I worked on all aspects of fundraising and communications in support of SCA's programming to provide pediatric patients with standards-based art education.