Gigi Bennett, CFRE is a Certified Fund Raising Executive and a natural connector, known for building strong donor pipelines and forming dynamic partnerships that align with organizational missions. She excels at curating unique events and experiences that inspire philanthropy and strengthen relationships.
With extensive experience in nonprofit fundraising, Gigi has collaborated with prestigious arts and culture institutions, including World Learning, The White House Historical Association, Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, the American Battlefield Trust, the Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation, the Harvard Museum of Natural History, and the Currier Museum of Art.
Gigi speaks about why she choose this executive program: After earning my Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential and completing a Financial Success for Nonprofits certificate at Cornell, I was looking for another opportunity to enhance my knowledge of the rapidly shifting social impact space. The Center for Impact Strategy at Penn really stood out to me as an especially immersive, challenging program that could be completed while working and maintaining other commitments. I was thrilled to be accepted shortly after the dismantling of USAID, knowing this investment in my career was coming at a time of great change for the global development and philanthropy sectors.
Gigi describes her social impact area: Throughout my nearly two decades in social impact, I have cultivated fundraising and partnership efforts for nonprofit organizations dedicated to education, cultural access, and global exchange. In my current role as Director of Development and Communications at Libraries Without Borders US, I lead our fundraising and external engagement strategy to expand access to knowledge and learning in underserved and under-resourced communities. I oversee corporate, foundation, and individual giving, building a diversified revenue pipeline and cultivating mission-aligned partnerships that support program growth and scale. I also direct LWB’s communications, shaping our voice and storytelling to clearly convey our impact, deepen audience engagement, and grow visibility for our mission.
I am passionate about my social impact work because I’ve witnessed firsthand how access to knowledge and cultural experiences can transform lives by giving young people confidence, perspective, and new possibilities. I’m especially driven by efforts like Libraries Without Borders US and our parent organization Bibliothèques Sans Frontières that break down barriers and meet people where they are. Right now, our mission feels more urgent than ever. With gaps in access to information, education, and digital resources continuing to grow, it’s so important that we show up for communities by assessing their unique needs and making sure everyone has what they need to learn, connect, and thrive. For me, social impact is about real connection: bringing resources, ideas, and communities together in ways that are intentional and enduring. What keeps me in this space is the genuine relationships and connections I make with donors, partners, beneficiaries, and colleagues.
Advice for future applicants:Be willing to be vulnerable in sharing your dreams and vision in the application and throughout the program. Go into the program with an open mind, ready to be encouraged and challenged with each week’s readings, discussions, and assignments. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, you will be shocked by how much you can learn as the weeks fly by, and how quickly you can apply course concepts in your daily work.
Gigi’s plan after the program: Beyond the knowledge gained in the coursework, I hope that having the Executive Program in Social Impact Strategy on my resume, along with the connections I’ve made with my peers, fellow alumni, and faculty, will continue to enhance my network of social impact practitioners and changemakers. I would ultimately like to lead the CSR strategy for a corporation. I hope the reputation of the Center for Impact Strategy, combined with my experience and expertise, will help make that a reality when I am ready to make that change. I currently serve as Membership Chair of the Association of Fundraising Professionals DC Chapter Board of Directors but I would also like to serve on the board of another nonprofit aligned with my many interests. I know the Executive Program in Social Impact Strategy will help me be a better board member leader.
Thank you Gigi! If you are interested in learning more about CSIS Executive Program check out our website and stay tuned for news about our 2027 cohorts! Also, SIS graduates are eligible to apply to the Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL) in an accelerated, on-campus, or online format. The NPL program is a ten-credit master’s program; SIS Alumni must complete six credits to graduate.