Fund Raising Is About Listening

To the Editor:

In his column, Yosef Abramowitz was reminded that the key to successful fund raising is listening and learning (“A Chief Executive’s View: Rediscovering the Fun in Fund Raising,” July 25).

Successful nonprofit executives close mega-gifts because they are able to capture the essence of their mission and transmit that passion to their most important supporters or potential supporters. George Blumenthal, the donor and businessman, gave Mr. Abramowitz more than just priceless gifts — he gave him the raison d’être, the road map for Mr. Abramowitz’s group and for its relationship with him.

He helped Mr. Abramowitz to remember that if you can capture donors’ passions you can capture their checkbook at some point too. Fund raising is not just about “show me the money” as we all learned from Jerry Maguire, but it’s about if you listen and make it fun then the funds will come — a lesson we development professionals should take to heart.

Hillel J. Korin
President
Korin Development Associates
Newton Highlands, Mass.