Mastering the Art of Fundraising – Why It’s Time for a New Playbook

In my work managing investments for ultra-high-net-worth families, I’ve had the privilege of working with clients who care deeply about giving back. Many of them are not just investors—they’re also passionate philanthropists, board members, and supporters of causes that truly matter.

Over the years, I’ve found myself volunteering my time to advise nonprofit organizations and philanthropic foundations—sometimes formally, sometimes informally. And through those experiences, I’ve realized something important: fundraising today looks very different than it used to.

Gone are the days when a year-end appeal letter and an annual gala were enough. Fundraising now is a year-round, relationship-driven, purpose-filled journey. And for nonprofits to thrive—and for donors to feel connected to their giving—it takes structure, intention, and a bit of storytelling magic.

This blog is the first in a series I’m putting together based on those learnings. I’m calling it a masterclass—not because I’ve mastered it myself, but because I’ve been lucky to learn from people who are doing this well. My goal is simply to share what I’ve seen work, and hopefully offer some practical ideas to those navigating this space.

Fundraising today is a lifecycle, not a one-time ask.

I remember helping a small educational nonprofit that had a spreadsheet of potential donors but didn’t know where to begin. “We just need more names,” the board said. But after digging in, I realized it wasn’t about the list—it was about the relationship strategy. Who do you reach out to? Why now? And how do you tell your story in a way that resonates?

That’s when I started seeing fundraising as a structured process—one that mirrors how we build long-term investment strategies. It’s not just about raising money; it’s about building alignment and trust.

Here’s the framework I’ll be covering in this series:

1. Prospect: Finding the right donors by values, not just wealth.

2. Initiate: Understanding the trends shaping philanthropy today—like trust-based giving and collaborative funding.

3. Educate: Building relationships through consistent, meaningful engagement.

4. Personalize: Understanding donor motivations on a deeper level.

5. Pitch: Crafting your message with clarity, heart, and purpose.

6. Respond: Measuring and communicating impact effectively.

7. Close: Navigating the final stages of the ask with transparency.

8. Steward: Turning donors into long-term partners and advocates.

   
   

Each post will focus on just one part of this cycle. You don’t need to read them all in order—each one is self-contained—but together, they’ll form a comprehensive guide that I hope can be helpful to nonprofit teams, board members, and even donors themselves.

What I’ve learned is that great fundraising isn’t about pressure—it’s about purpose. And when we get that right, something special happens: people come together to create real change.

Thanks for reading—and for everything you’re doing to make a difference.

Next up: “The Art of Prospecting – Why the Right Donor Isn’t Always the Obvious One.”