Brad Kaplan joined the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond in July as director of principal gifts.
Kaplan, a native of Los Angeles, brings a proven track record of developing strong donor relationships and leading fundraising initiatives that resulted in increased growth and engagement at all levels of philanthropy.
CEO Daniel Staffenberg noted, “I am thrilled that Brad has joined our Federation team. Brad will support our development and fundraising efforts and lead our Life and Legacy endowment initiative. He joins us after a successful time at the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Richmond and Richmond Cycling Corps.”
Kaplan has a BS degree in Business from Cal Poly Orfalea College of Business in San Luis Obispo, Calif., and a Master’s in Nonprofit Studies from the University of Richmond.
As director of Annual Giving at the Boys and Girls Club, he led an annual campaign resulting in over $3.3 million raised with an additional $300,000 in capital funds, among other accomplishments. At Richmond Cycling as director of development, he managed all development efforts resulting in a 100% increase in revenue, growing individual gifts by 76%.
Before his philanthropy career, Kaplan worked for the Oakland Raiders Football Team in their scouting department for 12 years, finishing as assistant director of college scouting.
Looking back at his time in college scouting, he reflected, “It was a great job, until it wasn’t. There was so much travel on the road for a good percentage of the year. With the amount of time away from home, it was hard having a life. When we started a family, I was very interested into moving into the non-profit world.”
He credits traveling to Israel on a Honeymoon Israel trip in 2018 with his wife, Dana, as giving him the ultimate inspiration. “This was a life-changing experience. It was more than just eye-opening.
Kaplan explained, “It was Dana’s idea. She had friends who told her about HMI, and she really wanted to go. So, we applied and eventually were accepted on HMI out of San Francisco.
“It was great being with 10 other couples experiencing Israel. It was truly awesome.”
After changing careers and moving to Richmond, he met members of the Jewish community and took part in the Federation’s Community Leadership Institute from August 2001 thru May 2002. Over the nine months, the cohort of eight delved into skill-building, philanthropy, non-profit finance, allocations, board and committee involvement and much more.
“This program helped me get into the Jewish non-profit sector.”
He added, “I really enjoy fundraising and relationship building. Building relationships is the heart of fundraising.”
He attributes his 12 years in college scouting and recruiting for learning how to build relationships.
“That’s all I did for those 12 years; build relationships. All those skills I learned, have helped me transition into the non-profit development world.”
Brad and his wife, Dana, are parents to Liam and Nolan.
To reach Kaplan, email bkaplan@jewishrichmond.org or call (804) 545-8623.
