Renée LaBonte
Grant Writer and Arts consultant
Renée is a dedicated senior executive director with over 35 years of experience in leading and growing complex non-profit organizations in the arts. She drove the evolution of the Symphony of the Americas from start-up to its current designation as a Broward County Major Cultural Institution with a multi-million dollar managed endowment. Renée was responsible for writing grants, obtaining contributions and program development with earned income resulting in over $ 20 million from public and private channels for the Symphony since its founding. As head administrator, she managed all activities and staff for the Symphony’s annual performance season, its extensive educational activities, and its Summerfest chamber orchestra performance tours of the US and Latin America.
Key Fundraising Skills
- Writing grant proposals for specific projects and general operating activities, for state/local governments, private foundations and corporations, in accordance with applicable standards, regulations and guidelines.
- Prospect research and development of strategy to secure new funding resources.
- Fundraising guidance to develop and implement strategies for securing necessary funding through public and private channels.
- Management of grant processes and required reporting.
Key Communications Skills
- Composing feature articles, press releases, and performance program notes.
- Preparation and direction of printed programs and collateral materials.
- Public speaking for project presentations, performance narration, informational pre-event talks, community group presentations.
Renee is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
