Making big gifts is most often a function of age. The older you are, the more capable you tend to be of making a major gift. It’s perhaps one of the few areas where it’s more beneficial to be older rather than younger.

The five tool fundraiser is not afraid of hard work or putting in the required hours. Work-life balance can be achieved but the best of the best fundraisers will tell you that they are most often the first in the office and the last out of the office.

Philanthropy is like voting. The impact is always greater the more people participate.

Don’t preemptively make the decision for your prospective donor. Just ask. Let the prospective donor make up their own mind.

A good fundraiser is not a reluctant fundraiser. The best fundraisers don’t think of all the reasons not to ask. The best fundraisers are tenacious, have fire in the belly, are overly optimistic, and get after it.

Money + Mission = Progress

Don’t assume you know who makes the decisions around philanthropy in the family. It’s always best to be inclusive when making the ask unless specifically directed otherwise.

Fundraising is often an “if – then” proposition. If the organization is able to accomplish certain tasks or requirements, then achieving a fundraising goal will be feasible.

The skills and capabilities of fundraisers are quick to atrophy when not being actively used.

The richest person in the world is the one that has the biggest heart for others.

When volunteering, it’s easy to believe you are helping someone else. While it’s true that you might help someone else as a volunteer, it’s often the case that you benefit more as you gain an appreciation and understanding for the struggles and challenges of others and your heart for others grows.

The life of a philanthropist is so much richer than the person with the same amount of money who doesn’t give.

If you aren’t giving, you aren’t living.

When companies look at places to locate their headquarters, one of the factors considered is the existence of institutions like arts and cultural centers that philanthropy makes possible.

Communities that have deep roots and long histories in philanthropy tend to be the ones with the strongest educational, cultural, and medical capabilities.

When looking for Board members, try to find those with the 3 W’s (work, wisdom, and wealth).