The St. John Paul II Newman Center plays a vital role in the faith and community life of Catholic students at The University of Illinois Chicago, offering retreats, social events with free meals, and a welcoming space for students to grow together. Their mission is to help college students grow in their relationship with Christ so they can live fully and intentionally in their faith. But how does a nonprofit sustain such generosity? Who funds these initiatives, and where does the money come from? That’s where Sarah Yantek, the Director of Development at the Newman Center, steps in.
Yantek cultivates relationships with donors, organizes fundraising campaigns, and secures major gifts, grants, and sponsorships for the Newman Center. She communicates the organization’s mission through newsletters, social media, and donor letters to inspire this generosity. Yantek’s journey into the world of fundraising and development was not a conventional one. While studying English and Communications at Cleveland State University. She stumbled upon an internship that would ultimately shape her career. She interned at the Lake View Cemetery Foundation, a local nonprofit that is a historic landmark and the final resting place of President Garfield. Through that experience, she discovered her passion for work that, in her words, “should be impactful and mission-driven.”
Yantek’s experience in English and Communications is significant for her job. She talks to donors in person while writing stories for grants, appeal letters, newsletters, and social media. “Every day, I communicate with different people in various ways. I speak with donors face-to-face, and I also write messages that engage people with our mission.” Her love for writing dates to childhood. “I used to write little books all the time as a kid,” she says with a laugh. “I even had a character named Billy Bob Joe Bob the Third and wrote a whole series about him.” Although she might have swapped childhood storytelling for writing grant proposals and appealing to donors, the skill of creating compelling content remains central to her achievements.
One of the most critical aspects of her work is grant writing, a skill that requires precision, strategy, and the ability to present a clear case for support. “Grant writing is different from other forms of communication,” she explains. When seeking a grant, it’s essential to build a strong case supported by data. It’s important to create a proposal that clearly details how the funds will be utilized and the positive impact they will generate. “There are many elements that need to come together; a grant proposal must be succinct, cohesive, and unique to the organization you’re writing for. It’s about making a case that funders can’t ignore.”
For Yantek, the most fulfilling part of her job is seeing the impact of her work firsthand. “Right now, I love the students,” she says. “That’s not even technically part of my job, it’s just a bonus. But what I love most is that I get to invite donors into something bigger than themselves.” She believes that philanthropy has the power to change the world, and she sees herself as a bridge between donors and the causes they care about. “So much power lies in words,” she explains. “A well-written appeal can inspire someone to give, and that gift can completely transform an organization.”
But the job isn’t without its challenges. One of the biggest difficulties she faces is the sheer amount of administrative work and detail management. A significant amount of effort is required to ensure that tasks are completed on time, strategies are aligned, and donor communications are monitored effectively. “I love it, but it can be overwhelming.” She explains. One of her most impactful projects was establishing a memorial fund in honor of Father Connor’s father, who had passed away.
Father Conor served as the chaplain at UIC’s Newman Center for six years. Instead of flowers, his family requested that donations be made to the Newman Center. “A man who was close to him came forward and said he wanted to donate a large sum of money every year for the next ten years,” Yantek says. “But he wanted to know exactly what that money would do.” She turned the donation into a matching gift opportunity, effectively doubling its impact each year. “It’s a gift that keeps on giving,” she says. “It’s not just a one-time donation; it’s an ongoing legacy of generosity.”
One of Yantek’s proudest career accomplishments was leading the Night of Newman Gala, a fundraising event that raised over $60,000. “This is only my third job out of college,” she reflects. “Being a director in your late 20s is a big deal. People typically work many more years to reach this level. I feel incredibly blessed.” The event’s success was a testament to her hard work, strategic planning, and ability to connect with donors.
One thing Yantek would change about the fundraising industry is the perception that it’s just about sales. “There’s this idea that fundraisers are just selling a mission,” she says. “But that’s not what it’s about. It’s about building relationships.” In Catholic fundraising, she believes the goal is bigger than money. “At the end of the day, we’re trying to help people get to heaven,” she says. “That’s what sets us apart. It’s not just about transactions—it’s about transformation.” She also believes nonprofits should work together rather than compete for funding. “There’s enough money to go around,” she explains. She says that organizations gatekeep resources and information instead of collaborating, which she would want to change.
Yantek has big dreams for her career. One of her ultimate goals is to run a development office and, one day, return to Cleveland to lead the Catholic Community Foundation. In this organization, she first learned the ropes of fundraising. “If the Executive Director ever retires, I’d love to return and take over,” she says. “That’s the dream.”
For now, she remains committed to building relationships, inspiring generosity, and ensuring the success of the Newman Center. “She has made a huge impact on the Newman Center just in the few years that she’s worked there, not only by her joyful presence and willingness to work together on a team but also by her desire to learn about Newman’s mission of helping college students encounter Christ and become fully alive in Him,” said Rebecca Siar, her co-worker and Director of Campus Ministry at the Newman Center.
Through her dedication, talent, and unwavering belief in the power of giving, Sarah Yantek is leaving a lasting impact,one donor, one relationship, and one mission-driven story at a time.
Newman Website: https://jp2newman.org/
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