$10 Million With 6 Staff: How the Okanagan Science Centre Is Building a Campaign

<p><b>How the Okanagan Science Center Leads with Community and Innovation</b> </p><p></p><p>Join us as Dione Chambers, director of the Okanagan Science Center, shares her journey from chemistry and nanotechnology to leading a beloved community science hub. Discover how she navigates fundraising, community engagement, and innovation in a small-town setting. </p><p></p><p><b>Main Topic:</b></p><ul><li>Transitioning from science to nonprofit leadership</li><li>Creative funding strategies during challenging times</li><li>Leveraging digital platforms for education and revenue</li><li>Leading through crisis: fire and pandemic responses</li><li>Building community support for capital campaigns<p></p></li></ul><p><b>In this episode:</b></p><ul><li>Dione's career path from nanotech to nonprofit leadership</li><li>The role of traveling exhibits and unique programs at a small science center</li><li>How moving online during COVID opened new revenue streams</li><li>Lessons learned from managing a fire and operational disruptions</li><li>Strategies for community engagement and communication</li><li>Practical advice for leaders: building teams and prioritizing fundraising</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Timestamps: </b></p><p>00:00 - Introducing Dione Chambers and the Okanagan Science Center's unique story </p><p>00:21 - The location and community context of the Okanagan Valley 01:08 - Dione's transition from chemistry and nanotech to nonprofit leadership </p><p>01:33 - How her diverse experiences shape her approach to managing the science center </p><p>02:28 - What visitors experience at the science center, including exhibits and animal displays </p><p>03:00 - The popularity of axolotls and other unique science experiences </p><p>04:27 - Funding structures and revenue strategies, including moving online 05:09 - Deep dive into the center’s online platform and educational offerings </p><p>06:08 - The role of web-based programs for school groups and community </p><p>07:05 - Supporting teachers with accessible resources </p><p>07:35 - Looking ahead: fundraising plans and engaging community support </p><p>08:22 - The upcoming $10 million capital campaign and early donor engagement </p><p>09:38 - The importance of dedicated fundraising focus for nonprofit leaders </p><p>09:57 - Challenges faced with the canceled science festival and lessons in crisis management </p><p>12:52 - Navigating the fire emergency and restoring community trust 15:44 - The 'plant bingo' event as a creative response during closures 17:16 - Community resilience and communication during crises </p><p>18:51 - Marketing lessons learned from the fire and signage challenges 20:43 - The importance of multi-channel communication in busy community environments </p><p>22:50 - Leadership lessons: building teams, delegating, and self-care 24:00 - Connecting with Dione and the Okanagan Science Center for further engagement</p><p></p><p><b>Resources &amp; Links:</b></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thekiposgroup.com/" target="_blank"><b>The Kipos Group Website</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thekiposgroup.com/schedule-your-call-with-james/" target="_blank"><b>Schedule a Discovery Call with James</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmisner/" target="_blank"><b>Connect with James Misner on Linkedin</b></a><p></p></li></ul><p><b>Connect with Dione Chambers:</b></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://okscience.ca" target="_blank"><b>Okanagan Science Center Official Website</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dione-chambers/" target="_blank"><b>Connect with Dione Chambers on Linkedin</b></a><p></p></li></ul>