Temitope Babayemi
International Business Development Manager North America | Global Head of NFP Funding, Grants, Government Funding and Capital Markets
Temitope Babayemi is an accomplished leader in nonprofit fundraising,
grant acquisition, government funding, and capital markets, with a career
that spans over three decades across multiple continents. His expertise in
resource mobilization, financial strategy, and cross-sector collaboration
has positioned him as a pivotal figure in the nonprofit and cultural
sectors. A visionary leader, Temitope has raised millions of dollars for
organizations worldwide, enabling them to achieve their missions and make
tangible impact on their communities.
Temitope's early career was rooted in the Performing Arts, where he gained
invaluable experience first, at the Arts Council of Great Britain, now the
Arts Council of England. Then, as Deputy Chief Executive of the Musical
Society of Nigeria (MUSON) and Head of Operations, he oversaw the
administration and management of the prestigious physical structure, MUSON
Center, to ensure that facilities and programming met global standards. He
worked with the Board to develop and execute an exciting, yet diverse
Programme of activities that supported the Society's mission to promote
Music and the Performing Arts. Temitope serviced the Arts Programming
Committee that produced and promoted the internationally recognized
Recital Series (IRS), which featured celebrated classical musicians. His
tenure at MUSON set the stage for his lifelong dedication to blending
cultural advocacy with sustainable financial strategies.
Building on his success, Temitope founded and managed Different Aesthetics
Arts & Culture Management, an innovative agency that became a driving
force in the creative industries. His visionary leadership and
collaboration with the National Council for Arts and Culture, led to the
establishment of The Artist's Village, the first community of creative
entrepreneurs in West Africa, which became a hub for emerging artists
across disciplines. Many of these Artists went on to achieve national and
international acclaim, thanks to the infrastructure and mentorship
provided under Temitope's guidance. His work helped lay the foundation for
a thriving arts ecosystem in Lagos, Nigeria, fostering cross-cultural
exchanges and elevating the region's artistic presence on the global
stage.
Temitope's tenure as CEO of TopDew Arts Marketing further solidified his
reputation as a trailblazer in cultural event management. He directed and
promoted national cultural events such as The 2nd National Film Festival,
Osun Festival Festival of Yoruba Arts & Culture, and was Sectional
Director, Lagos International Black Heritage Festival, enhancing Nigeria's
cultural landscape and international reputation. He also conducted
training and capacity-building programs in Arts and Culture Management,
collaborating with government bodies like the National Theater of Nigeria
and the National Council for Arts & Culture to strengthen capacity in the
cultural sector.
In addition to his work in the Arts, Temitope has been a leader in the
nonprofit sector, where his fundraising acumen has supported numerous
humanitarian initiatives. He led fundraising campaigns for prominent
international nonprofits including Doctors Without Borders, Amnesty
International, Wounded Warrior Project, Care International, Heifer
International and Covenant House, generating substantial financial support
for humanitarian initiatives. He successfully designed and implemented
strategies that increased donor retention, with over 80% of donors
remaining active four years after their initial donation. He directed,
trained and mentored teams of over 40 certified fundraising professionals,
collectively securing over $1.5 million in incremental donations over a
five-year period. Under his leadership, these campaigns achieved
unprecedented donor retention rates, with over 80% of donors continuing
their contributions years after their initial engagement. Temitope's
innovative approaches to donor engagement have set new standards for
sustainability and impact in nonprofit fundraising.
Temitope's global expertise extends to government and institutional
funding, where he has worked closely with policymakers and funding bodies
to secure grants and investments for cultural, educational, and
humanitarian projects. His ability to navigate complex funding landscapes
and align organizational goals with funding priorities has made him a
sought-after advisor and strategist. His work has not only strengthened
nonprofit organizations but also bridged gaps between public and private
sectors to foster collaborative solutions to pressing global challenges.
An accomplished musician and advocate for the Arts, Temitope holds a
Master of Philosophy in Performing Arts from the University of Birmingham
and a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Drama from the University of Ife,
Nigeria. His academic background has informed his holistic approach to
fundraising and organizational development, blending creative innovation
with analytical rigor. His passion for music continues to be a driving
force in his life, and he remains an active participant in initiatives
that use the Arts as a tool for community building and social change.
Temitope's contributions have been recognized both locally and
internationally. From mentoring young leaders in the cultural sector to
designing strategies that have generated millions in funding for
humanitarian causes, he has consistently demonstrated an unwavering
commitment to service and excellence. His ability to inspire, lead, and
execute with precision has left an indelible mark on every organization he
has worked with.
As the Global Head of NFP Funding, Grants, Government Funding, and Capital
Markets at Ordior, Temitope brings his vast experience and strategic
vision to the team.
He is focused on creating innovative funding models, building partnerships
across sectors, and empowering organizations to achieve sustainable
growth. His leadership is not only a testament to his expertise but also a
reflection of his deep belief in the power of collaboration and community
to drive meaningful change.