Mike Bates, CFRE

Director of Advancement & Strategic Gift Initiatives

Loyola Academy

Drake University | Bachelor of Arts, Journalism

DePaul University | Master of Science, Public Service Management

In the audio clip to the left, listen to Mike discuss his background and how he was involved with YFC for many years before joining the team as a staff member.

What do you do at our organization?

I love program-building and I've always been in "building mode" throughout my career. That's what I like to do and that's a big part of what I do here at YFC. When I joined as a full-time staff member in the summer of 2020, Janelle asked me to do three things. First, to work with her on board development to identify and recruit new board members. Second, to build a sustained, successful major gift program. YFC had always been focused on the annual fund and special events. Now, we have been adding on to that by creating a major gift program because those kind of gifts really advance the organization. They have a real impact on the programming that we can offer for our clients and community. Third, to enhance YFC's digital presence and our marketing & communications efforts to integrate our brand, website, and social media.

These three things are all new and exciting and have been very appealing to me. That's what I've been working on with Janelle, our administrative staff, and our therapists, and that's what I will continue to do as we move forward. I am also excited to continue serving as a member of the leadership team on broader organizational topics.

What has been your favorite project or event so far?

It's hard to pick a favorite because I love to build and all of the things I'm working on are in "building mode." I have enjoyed organizing and launching our major gifts program, which involves tactical objectives but also "selling" it to prospects. But everything I do is intertwined. My favorite things are the three things that Janelle asked me to do.

What motivates you to continue each day?

I've always looked at fundraising as a form of public service. This is my way of performing a public service. It satisfies that desire in me. The other thing that motivates me is to build a program that enjoys sustained success long after its creation. When we're long gone, the test of a truly successful program is, does it continue after the people who built it leave? And the last thing that keeps me going is that I know I'm a part of something that's bigger than myself. That fulfills me and that drives me as well.

In the audio snippet on the left, Mike talks about building programs that last and about being a part of something that's bigger than himself. Head to minute 1:18 to hear it.

What do you love about being a part of the YFC team? How would you describe YFC in a few words?

I love that we are doing important work. When I was on the Board, I didn't fully realize how important the mission and the work was. I was there to offer fundraising expertise but I wasn't involved in the rest of the business. Now after being here since the end of May 2020, I have a much better understanding of just how important mental healthcare is in general and specifically how important it is to have a place like YFC here serving our community--especially those who are economically disadvantaged. We all deserve quality mental healthcare, regardless of ability to pay.

Also, I feel that my experience, talents, and skills are respected and valued by the organization. That feels good, because everyone wants to know that they are needed and respected by the people they work with. And I just enjoy working with everybody at YFC. People leave their egos at the door and it's so easy to interact with everyone and they're fun to be around.

I'd describe YFC as a place where everyone is in it together. That's the sense I've had ever since I got involved with YFC 20 years ago. The commitment to the work and to the mission is inspiring. It is not about wealth. Instead, everyone is committed to delivering quality mental healthcare to our community and to fulfilling our mission. Finally, we are in the process of managing significant organizational change. We've had the pandemic and the impacts it has had on us, our community, and the world. The pandemic helped drive a shift within YFC Advancement to pivot toward developing the board, building the major gifts program, and enhancing our digital presence. It also prompted us to shift our clinical delivery method to accommodate teletherapy. The great thing through all of this change is that we are all in it together.

Where is your happy place?

I love Maui. But on a more day-to-day level, when I'm here in Chicago, I love to sit on the patio with family and friends, good music, a cigar, and a cocktail--probably a margarita or an IPA.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I am a Minister in the Universal Life Church. I am legally able to do wedding ceremonies and baptisms. I haven't been able to do any yet though. But that might be a surprising fact about me!

What’s the last song you listened to?

"I've Got You Under My Skin" by Carly Simon. It's also the song that I wake up to in the morning, so it's usually the last song that I've listened to throughout the day.

What’s your favorite must-see movie?

I've got more than one! Hoosiers, The Descendants, Animal House, The Departed, and True Grit (the original one with John Wayne)