Picking Fund Raising as a Career

To the Editor:

The Chronicle’s August 8 issue included a paean to the career of Naomi Levine and her present work with NYU’s Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising (“The Secrets of Her Success”).

To underscore the raison d’être for her center Ms. Levine laments the present state of the fund-raising profession by opining, “It is the kind of place you go when you haven’t been able to find a job in the area of your training.”

Pardon me? Fund raising has been the sole profession of my working life. For 26 years I have seen our field enriched by the steady influx of young — and older — professionals from other fields who add their rich experiences to our work. I see the vast majority of people entering fund raising by choice, not by default. These new fund raisers perceive our business as their best chance to make a difference in the world. Good for them, and good for us.

At the end of her distinguished fund-raising career, and with an eye toward good public relations for her present endeavor, Ms. Levine should not be so quick to offend.

Rob Cummings
Director of Development
Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
Chicago