"We’re a pretty scrappy organization, like our donors,” says Sarah Crupi, who is celebrating her fifth year as chief executive officer of the Cleveland Zoological Society (CZS).
If “scrappy” is defined as “determined” and maybe somewhat unconventional, then that is an accurate description. Of course, the CZS can count on many of Cleveland’s most well-known philanthropists. But Crupi says the “bread and butter” of the nonprofit’s donors are “those who have experienced something special at the zoo at some point in their lives.”
The CZS is the advancement partner of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. According to the CZS’s 2023 Annual Report, the organization provided $4.4 million last year in total support to the zoo. Since 2000, the CZS has provided $55 million in funding for the zoo’s capital improvement projects.
The organization, founded in 1957, is now focused on providing significant funding for the zoo’s $120 million Primate Forest, which broke ground in September and is scheduled for completion in 2032.
Zoo supporters have expressed confidence in the CZS to help with this game-changing project for the zoo, as well as Crupi’s ability to lead the fundraising. The most recent major projects supported by the CZS under Crupi’s watch include the Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve in 2020 and Susie’s Bear Hollow in 2023.
“We are no longer party-throwers. We are major fundraisers. We are now donor-centric. We raise millions for the zoo,” explains Christine Myeroff, CZS board of directors’ chair. “We are fortunate to have Sarah. She’s passionate about the mission of the zoo, including conservation, research, education and animal care, and she cares about donors whether they give $5 or $5 million.”
Crupi admits that eliminating a few CZS-sponsored events raised some eyebrows. But she claims to have done so based on attendance and results.
“I’m never afraid to say something is not working or that we need to try something else. I love pushing boundaries and taking risks,” says Crupi, who is responsible for hiring 50% of the current 25 CZS employees. It is the largest staff in the nonprofit’s history and is needed because of its ambitious goals. “I have full support of the board, but I think I earned it by presenting supporting data about the timing of gifts and donor information.”
Myeroff says Crupi is a “very inspiring leader” for her staff and respects their work/life balance. She also credits Crupi for enhancing CZS’s positive working relationship with Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
“We are two separate organizations, but one team,” explains Myeroff. In addition, Myeroff believes Crupi’s transparency with the board of directors has allowed members to be more engaged than ever.
“We even have a long waiting list of people who want to be on the board,” says Myeroff, a familiar name associated with some of the most prestigious boards in Northeast Ohio.
Crupi’s leadership qualities and her cooperation with major players of the zoo have created a dynamic environment that eventually benefits donors, zoo members and the zoo, according to Myeroff.
Crupi, who creates “an environment of high energy,” also has plans to launch a new luxury travel program that will include conservation and educational safaris to Africa and other locations. The idea will be another innovative path for CZS fundraising. She also wants to create public fundraising events that will include the community.
“We want everyone to become involved in the creation of the Primate Forest. I want kids to see that they can donate $1 to help gorillas or a community member to know $30 can help an orangutan,” says Crupi.
(Tails + Cocktails, a CZS fundraising event that features experts from Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, is 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 7 at the zoo. Discussions include topics impacting animal welfare, wildlife conservation and science education at the zoo and abroad. Reservations required. Information: clevelandzoosociety.org.)
