Tara Lenardi

Grants Manager @Lyric Opera of Chicago

Chicago, IL, US

Led multiple departments and levels of the organization to strategize and develop program goals, objectives, and metrics and set up shared systems to collect data, financials and ROIs, testimonials, and media to elevate Lyric’s impact and story to increase funding and secure new funders.Raised $9.7M over 3 years through private and public funding including $2.58M in capital funding. Increased government funding across local, state, and federal by 87%.Manage existing grants by tracking grants, updating internal reporting systems, writing reports, maintaining excellent historical records, and ensuring each project or program meets proposal conditions and expectations.Collaborate with staff members across the company to develop accurate, timely, and compelling submissions to current and prospective funders.Write grant templates, proposals, and reports to generate operating, capital, and endowment funding for Lyric’s artistic programs, community engagement efforts, general operations, and unique campaigns and initiatives.Serve as portfolio manager for government grants and foundations with complex or in-depth grant applications.Assist in creating and implementing improved systems and procedures to enhance existing donor relations and cultivate new prospects (e.g, utilize Tessitura to its fullest capabilities and maintain an organized archive of reference materials to support various grantsAttend Lyric events, dinners, and Board meetings where designated individual, foundation, corporate and government stakeholders are represented to enhance external relations and serve donors in an advocacy/facilitator role.Actively participate as a member of the Leadership Giving Team comprised of five Philanthropy Officers and a Development Associate to meet the company’s annual fundraising goals.

Northern Illinois University

Bachelor's Degree, Public Health with minor in Community Leadership and Civic Engagement (Non-profit Management Focus)

Tallahassee State College

Associates of Arts, Pre-Nursing, GPA 3.9/4.0