Chapter 1: Developing a Personal Philosophy of Fundraising
Fundraisers are called to become reflective practitioners who can function in an everchanging and complex environment. To do so they must develop their own philosophy of fundraising, a set of guiding principles that inform one's approach to fundraising. The process begins with a review of one’s own experience with, and understanding of, philanthropy. The philosophy then evolves throughout careers based on several factors including job position, shifting organizational dynamics, and changing fundraising structures and forms. The complexities of the external environment, including cultures, in which individual and institutional donors exist also have an impact. This chapter presents a framework for fundraisers to use in articulating their personal philosophy of fundraising.
Eugene R. Tempel
Eugene R. Tempel, Ed.D., is Professor Emeritus of Philanthropic Studies, Founding Dean Emeritus of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, and President Emeritus of the Indiana University Foundation. Professor Tempel has three decades of philanthropy leadership, administration, and fundraising experience. He played an integral role in establishing the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s precursor, the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, and served as the center’s executive director from 1997 through 2008. Professor Tempel served as the Indiana University Foundation president between 2008 and 2012 before being named founding dean of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Under his guidance, the foundation completed IU Bloomington's $1.1 billion Matching the Promise campaign, exceeding the goal by more than $40 million and launched and completed the $1.25 billion IMPACT campaign at IUPUI.
Sarah K. Nathan
Sarah K. Nathan, Ph.D., is Executive Director, Middletown Community Foundation. A self-described “pracademic” Dr. Nathan has spent her entire career in the nonprofit sector as a fundraiser, educator, volunteer, and leader. Dr. Nathan served for five years as the Associate Director of The Fund Raising School (TFRS) where she managed all aspects of the curriculum designed for fundraising practitioners. Previously, she was Assistant Professor of Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy at Bay Path University where she taught and advised online graduate students in the master's degree programs in nonprofit management and in strategic fundraising. When living in Indiana, she supported her local community as a volunteer and board member of the Johnson County Community Foundation, where she helped establish the county’s first giving day.
Connect with Dr. Nathan on LinkedIn.
Dr. Gene Tempel and Dr. Sarah Nathan discuss Chapter 1 with fellow editor and director of The Fund Raising School, Dr. Bill Stanczykiewicz.