Philanthropic Strategy & Donor Engagement
Dr. Dele Davies is an accomplished networker and strategist in forging relationships to accelerate priorities that drive an organization's mission forward.
Select Accomplishments at UNMC (2012 - 2026)
Working alongside dedicated teams, Dr. Dele Davies advanced multiple philanthropic campaigns across Nebraska.
Led internal planning for UNMC’s $1 billion comprehensive campaign, supporting strategy, coordination, and readiness; the campaign is more than 90% toward its goal.
Secured or involved in a supportive role for philanthropic funding for UNMC academic programs by cultivating foundation and private-donor partnerships and partnering with university and foundation leadership on donor presentations that resulted in multiple major gifts.
Advanced community fundraising through board membership and leadership, contributing to over $200 million raised across major civic campaigns, including Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands, Joslyn Art Museum and Omaha Performing Arts.
“As Interim Chancellor, I place extensive focus on growing the university’s support within Nebraska, shepherding gifts from new donors to UNMC from my existing community relationships.”— H. Dele Davies, MD
Mobilizing a Community to Improve Children's Health
While at Michigan State University, Dr. Dele Davies founded a community-driven initiative to strengthen pediatric care and help Mid-Michigan children and families navigate a healthier future.
The MSU Children's Health Initiative (MSU CHI) inspired the Greater Lansing community to participate in philanthropic efforts that support research, education, and clinical care to benefit the children of Mid-Michigan.
Dr. Davies also recruited MSU Women’s Basketball head coaches as honorary spokespersons and advocates, co-creating signature engagement efforts (“3-Point Challenge” fundraising and “Honorary Coach of the Game” experiences for children with chronic illness), that elevated the initiative’s visibility and community participation.
Dr. Davies then convened hundreds of university and community volunteers across disciplines to produce a comprehensive, evidence-based roadmap for an integrated outpatient pediatric subspecialty system, culminating in a 120-page vision and strategic plan.
These efforts ultimately led to the foundation of The Davies Project, a nonprofit organization that connects Greater Lansing families to resources and community by providing reliable transportation for seriously ill children and pregnant women to essential health care. The project was named in honor of Dr. Dele Davies.