Q&A with Jane Crouch
Jane shares her career highlights and passion for travel in this month’s Gem Spotlight. She is a committed fundraiser who enjoys meeting extraordinary people.
Gembridge placed Jane in her current role as National Corporate Partnerships Manager at Animal Management in Rural & Remote Indigenous Communities (AMRRIC).
Jane Crouch, National Fundraising & Partnerships Manager, AMRRIC
How did you get into fundraising?
Travellers, especially to developing countries, often are aware of their privilege and express a desire to give back in some way to the communities or grassroots organisations they have visited. Whilst in the role of Responsible Travel Manager at Intrepid Travel, I had the opportunity, and support from management, to develop a mechanism to facilitate travellers' philanthropy, and The Intrepid Foundation was born. I had the great satisfaction of fostering relationships with over 100 NFPs around the world, and the honour of speaking about the potential of Travellers' Philanthropy at conferences across the globe.
What is your favourite thing about working in the NFP sector?
Working with and amongst extraordinary people with enormous integrity, who could be earning big bucks elsewhere, but choose their place of employment to fulfil their passions to help make the world a better place.
What is the best career advice you’ve received?
Follow your passions and do what you love. And choose to work with people that will allow you to flourish and do your best work.
What is your proudest accomplishment (professional or personal)?
Personally... gathering wonderful friends along life's journey, that enrich my world.
Fundraising can be hard. How do you stay focussed, motivated and driven?
Keep my eye on the organisation's vision and the impact... the life-changing differences that can be made with the money I raise. And finding joy through expressions of sincere gratitude to those supporters who are truly delighted to have the opportunity to help.
What is your favourite book?
I love inspiring biographies. Recent great reads have included: Stan Grant, Talking To My Country; Anh Do's memoir, The Happiest Refugee and my friend Laura Waters' book: Bewildered, about ditching her city life, taking risks and walking 3000km in the wilds of New Zealand.
You've previously worked in responsible travel and as a tour leader. What is your favourite travel destination and why?
Anywhere I can walk for days on end, climb mountains, ford rivers and immerse myself in nature will nourish my soul. Nepal ticks those boxes PLUS has delightful gentle people with much to teach me, and some very delicious vegetarian food to nourish my body!