‘All Gifts Matter and No Gift Is Too Small’
H. Art Taylor, the CEO of the Association for Fundraising Professionals, talks about how he manages his workload and what he does for fun.
February 9, 2026 | Read Time: 1 minute
Now chief executive of the largest professional organization for fundraisers, H. Art Taylor spent more than two decades leading the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, a charity watchdog group. He told the Chronicle about how he manages his workload and what he does for fun
What do you wish more people understood about philanthropy?
All gifts matter and no gift is too small.
How do you manage your time?
I wake up and go until I can’t go anymore. I try to fulfill every commitment and give myself grace when I can’t.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
Trust your judgment. You won’t get everything right, but do the best with what you have.
What’s a little-known fact about you?
While conflict is normal, I try to avoid it unless I absolutely cannot.
What individuals or pivotal decisions helped you get where you are today?
My mother was my pivotal influence who sacrificed so that I could have a chance at a decent life.
What keeps you up at night?
I sleep pretty well, but I am concerned about the lack of civility and civil discourse.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Spy films and TV series, like Landman, Dept. Q, Mayor of Kingstown,
Godfather of Harlem, the Agency, and the Diplomat.
What trait do you most seek out when hiring?
Flexibility.
What are you reading right now?
Navigating the Age of Chaos, by Jamais Cascio, Bob Johansen, and Angela Wiliams.
— Edited by Emily Haynes
