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Charitable fundraising isn’t Justin Nelson’s full-time job. He works as the Managing Director and Head of the Asset Management and Financial Principals Coverage Team for J.P. Morgan Private Bank in Connecticut and as a Senior Private Banker. As the leader of a 20-person team overseeing over $15 billion in assets, Nelson has his hands full at work.
Still, the motivated banker has plenty of energy to devote to worthwhile causes. He previously served as treasurer and sat on the board of directors for the Breast Cancer Alliance. Nelson is also active with his alma mater, Tufts University, in its efforts to support students interested in careers in finance. Justin Nelson explains how his connection-first approach to events is crucial for giving back.
Many people get involved with charities because they have a personal connection, but Justin Nelson came to the Breast Cancer Alliance after meeting its owners. “While I don’t have a specific personal involvement or connection to breast cancer, I have a lot of friends who have been impacted by this,” Nelson says.
There are a lot of breast cancer charities out there, but Justin Nelson admires this organization’s solid leadership and community impact. “You’re not just sitting on a board. You’re involved — it’s hands-on. You get to go on field trips to go meet with the people who are actually doing the research. You are giving your time, which in my mind is more valuable than writing a check.”
The Breast Cancer Alliance’s initiatives are impressive, but like any charity, it needs funding to make its mission a reality. Justin Nelson stepped up to fill in the gaps and plan fundraising events for the charity. “The organization typically raises $1.5 to $2 million a year for research,” he explains.
The organization raises money every year through a 5K and walk around Greenwich, and while most of its fundraising activities are inNew York and Connecticut, the organization is expanding. Justin Nelson is trying to change that by expanding the charity’s reach.
Justin Nelson works side-by-side with board members and on-the-ground volunteers to bring in essential funding for the Breast Cancer Alliance’s life-saving work. It’s something that Nelson finds personally fulfilling and rewarding. “It touches so many people. I just find it really special. It’s a great group of people, and it’s been a lot of fun along the way,” he says. “It feels good to give back to something where you really feel like you’re making impact.”
Justin Nelson devotes most of his charitable energy to the Breast Cancer Alliance, but the Tufts University graduate also has a soft spot for his alma mater. “I met my wife there, so it’s very special to me,” he says. Nelson earned his B.S. in Chemistry and Economics from Tufts University, which motivated him to give back to Tufts students interested in careers in finance. “After I was at J.P. Morgan a couple of years, I really wanted to find ways to give back by helping students get their first internship or job.” he says.
Justin Nelson worked with Tufts to re-energize the school’s finance program. “Earlier this year we held a finance event for students called the Finance Career Forum. It’s an amazing opportunity for students to hear from alums and network. I really enjoyed moderating the event and seeing how I could help students find opportunities. 25 years ago something like this didn’t exist. It’s been fun being a part of the finance initiative on campus and watching it grow over time.”
Justin Nelson’s approach to fundraising and event planning is deeply rooted in his belief in the power of connection and meaningful impact. Whether he’s securing essential funding for breast cancer research or mentoring students at his alma mater, Nelson’s strategies focus on fostering strong relationships and broadening the reach of charitable efforts. As he continues to champion both personal and professional causes, his work serves as a testament to the lasting impact of strategic, connection-driven philanthropy.
