Our Grants & Fundraising ‘Thinker’

meet daniel erin, our new Grants and Fundraising Officer…

Maybe his job title should also include ‘Persuader’ and ‘Collaborative Problem Solver’ because that’s how Daniel thinks of this important new role at GSS. What does that mean or look like? Well, a perfect example is the 15 parking spaces that Qualico Properties recently donated for MDU and SCS night staff use in the nearby Epcor Tower parkade.

Damage to vehicles has been a serious problem for GSS staff working at our downtown 24x7 site. Daniel had contacted Qualico to explore staff parking at the Epcor Tower. In the process, we learned Epcor had a problem too. Ledcor, the Epcor Tower’s construction partner, was having trouble with needles being tossed into the adjacent work site. Kelvin Wright and other GSS on-site staff worked quickly to get ‘needle buckets’ put up around the area. The quick response helped with the needle problem and strengthened the connection and goodwill with Qualico Properties. This collaborative effort highlighted the benefits of a valuable partnership between two community-oriented organizations.

That example shows how Daniel’s approach to identifying problems and finding solutions with community partner support can work. Persuasion is a big part of developing that support and is a skill Daniel honed during his philosophy-intensive History degree from the University of Alberta. His studies focused on rhetoric or persuasion through history so Aristotle and other rhetorical giants may be called on at times to encourage partners and funders to help with GSS problems. 

Daniel has worked in the grant writing and fund development area for 15 years. That experience includes grant writing and project research in the University of Alberta Faculty of Nursing followed by work with Royal Alexandra and University Hospital Foundations. His background also includes several years with the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute with its focus on artificial intelligence. Though stimulating, Daniel found the role lacked the all-important personal element and says, “I prefer to do relational work with a team and figuring out how to solve problems.”

As Daniel settles into his role, he and GSS leaders will sort out how to efficiently learn about problems and plan solutions. The solutions may involve funding but, as we’re seeing already, they could also involve innovative collaborations and new opportunities.

Having a person on staff who’s focused on creatively finding resources to help solve problems seems very wise, don’t you think? Welcome, Daniel!