Will discuss charitable giving, common nonprofit myths 

Ian Schoenleber, Idyllwild Arts Foundation director of Development, speaks about maximizing the effectiveness of charitable giving at the next Associates of IAF’s Spotlight on Leadership series.     Photo courtesy Ian Schoenleber

Ian Schoenleber, Idyllwild Arts Foundation director of Development, will discuss charitable giving, and how best to support and advance one’s favorite charitable causes. 

Schoenleber’s talk is part of the Associates of IAF’s sponsored series Spotlight on Leadership. The purpose of the series is to familiarize Associates and town residents with the work of specific academy academic and arts disciplines, as well as academy administration goals and directives.

Schoenleber has spent most of his professional life at Idyllwild Arts since graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of California, Riverside. He holds the distinction of being a Certified Fund-Raising Executive, a professional accolade held by fewer than 5 percent of fundraisers worldwide.

He began as a development officer, quickly advanced to director of Annual Giving and Advancement Services, then director of Annual and Planned Giving, associate director of Development and now director of Development. In his various capacities, Schoenleber has helped raise between $3 to $5 million yearly in gifts and grants, completed a $6.3 million capital campaign for the Lowman Concert Hall, and established policies and procedures designed to optimize fund raising.

In his talk, he will offer guidance in separating fact from fiction in the nonprofit world and how to better ensure that the majority of your charitable financial gifts are going to the causes you wish to support rather than to administration expenses. “I’ll discuss innovative methods to make a difference, in actual assistance, to the charities you care about,” said Schoenleber. 

He said he wanted to give attendees help in finding ways to match their donor dollars to their hearts and to the causes they hold dear.

In his work at IAA, Schoenleber fostered a culture of philanthropy throughout Idyllwild Arts, doubled the academy donor base and tripled alumni giving. 

In citing what he stands for, Schoenleber noted “humility, integrity, honesty, professionalism, leading by example, empathy and ethics.” He is quiet, soft-spoken, and has sought to find the right balance in work and life. “I like to go home at night knowing I’m serving a higher purpose,” he said.

He walks the walk in finding that balance, prioritizing fun through mountain biking, motorcycles, camping, gardening, kayaking, and spending time with his friends and family. He believes in giving back, through volunteering — serving on a self-imposed maximum of two local nonprofit boards, currently the Idyllwild Help Center and Mountain Disaster Preparedness. Previously, he also served as vice president of Strategic Planning for the Idyllwild Community Fund.

Schoenleber speaks at 10 a.m. Monday, April 8, in the Fireside Room of Nelson Dining Hall on the Idyllwild Arts campus. There is no admission charge, and all are welcome to attend.