Genuine Engagement Fundraising
FUNDRAISING WITH CARE. EMPHASIZING CONNECTION.
CREATING CHANGE.
WHO WE ARE
OUR MISSION
Genuine Engagement Fundraising builds quality relationships between the donors we recruit and the nonprofit organizations we partner with. We create sustainable, long-term partnerships and elevate face-to-face fundraising standards by restoring authenticity and emphasizing connection in each interaction.
OUR ROOTS
Founded and led by fundraisers, we hold over 35 years of combined experience building and leading in-house and agency programs. We are nonprofit professionals, agency fundraisers and nonprofit donors who understand that it takes a village to make change.
Unequivocally, we are committed to our partners, their donors and our staff. We value each of them for their contributions as essential components to enacting a positive difference in the world. We are the bridge between nonprofit organizations and growing a robust sustainable-giving program. With respect, care and compassion at every level, we will represent your organization with the greatest respect for your mission.
MEET THE TEAM
Jonah Bernstein
Founder/CEO
Jonah has always been passionate about humanitarian principles and our natural world. After a brief career in sales, Jonah decided he could put those skills to use for non profits, beginning a fundraising career working with NGOs which reflected his love for people and nature.
This career in F2F fundraising has lasted for the better part of a decade, both for non profits in house, and fundraising partners alike.
In 2020 Jonah founded Genuine Engagement Fundraising in order to elevate the standard of F2F, create stable and long term career opportunities for professional fundraisers, and maximize financial impact for charity partners.
Jonah enjoys spending time outdoors and with family, watching football on Sundays, and of course playing with his dog Finn.
Myriam Ajami
Chief Operating Officer
"My name is Myriam Ajami, I am originally Lebanese. I was raised between Lebanon and Ivory Coast, having the opportunity of a lifetime growing up between two beautiful different cultures.
My background is the reason why I decided to become involved with nonprofits. I have done humanitarian work in the Middle East and West Africa, aiding refugees and underserved communities.
After moving to the United States in 2013, the humanitarian work did not stop. I worked with Oxfam America for 5 years, starting as a fundraiser all the way to being the manager of the Los Angeles team.
In early 2021, I joined Genuine Engagement Fundraising. Here I continue to collaborate with incredible people who share the same passion: always working for a good cause."
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Christian Sidwell
Director of Internal Operations
Christian Sidwell is Director of Internal Operations at Genuine Engagement Fundraising, where he oversees data operations, performance analytics, and client relations across the organization’s face-to-face fundraising programs.
He entered the sector in 2018 with the conviction that inequality is not the natural order of things, but a problem that can be addressed through collective action. Since then, he has focused on strengthening donor retention, operational systems, and honing performance to support sustainable growth for nonprofit partners.
Outside of work, Christian enjoys life in the Pacific Northwest, whether hiking forest trails with his dog, Jürgen. or snowboarding when the snow is right.
Ryan Dietzenbach
West Coast Regional Director
"My name is Ryan, I am originally from a Small farming town in Iowa. I obtained my bachelor’s from the University of Arizona in Communication, Music Performance, and Mathematics. This set me up for a passion in public speaking, being eccentric, and over analyzing everything. In 2019 I moved to Los Angeles and luckily discovered fundraising.
I love challenging myself everyday to make more effective connections with strangers and collaborate with my team on the Art/Science of what we do.
It is rewarding to spend each day furthering the progress of so many great non profits towards their cause."
Shaina Habenstrict
East Coast Regional Director
Shaina is originally from New York City and has a degree in Psychology from Queens College. With a background in sales, marketing and fundraising spanning 14 years, she has found her passion in fundraising for environmental nonprofits and is always looking for new ways to make a positive change in the world.
When she’s not fighting for sustainability, she’s out hiking, camping, or hanging with her snuggly cat, Otis.
Caidyn Casper
Baltimore Manager
Casper has always had a passion for the natural world. They earned two master’s degrees from American University in International Affairs and from the University for Peace in Natural Resources and Sustainable Development.
After completing their studies, they sought a way to translate that passion into meaningful work and found it through fundraising.
They quickly grew into leadership roles, excelling as a team leader and helping train new hires while exploring and developing new sites. Today, they serve as City Manager in Baltimore, MD, supporting teams in building strong community connections and lasting donor relationships.
Outside of work, Casper enjoys hiking and exploring nature, spending time with their rescue dog Sakura, and catching up on the latest anime.
Aaron Ruiz
San Diego Manager
Aaron started his career in face to face fundraising at Genuine Engagement Fundraising, and continues to develop his career at the company.
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He is an artist that has always been a proponent for the environment, Aaron is passionate about getting people involved in protecting the planet!
Navah Bekhor
HR Manager
With a background in teaching and education non-profits, Navah is dedicated to helping people use their voices for good and make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. She brings years of experience working with teams to provide guidance, leadership and training, and is passionate about using these skills to advance environmental and humanitarian causes in the non-profit sector.
Originally from London, she relocated to LA in search of sunshine and palm trees and never left!
When she’s not working, you can usually find her on the beach, hiking, or exploring.
Future Leadership
This could be you!
Genuine Engagement Fundraising works to train, develop, and build leaders in the Face to Face Fundraising space. You could be the next leader on the team - Contact us today to get started!