Disney Institute defines a “successful failure” as a great idea that just didn’t work.  A “successful failure” can still be a learning opportunity! I just had a “successful failure” myself . . . in the planning of a fund raising …

Mike Parks, President of The Dayton Foundation, is a friend and contributing blog post writer.  Through his leadership and the participation of others, more than $1 million has been committed to ease the transition of the Dayton Ballet, Dayton Opera …

The Chronicle of Philanthopy recently published a list of our nation’s “Top 50 Donors” — showing where they live and estimating what they gave.  California, with 14 wealthy and generous donors, has the heaviest concentration.  No other state was even …

Eileen came by my office last week. “Bob is not doing well,” she said.  “Not at all.”  Her hands were trembling as she stood in my doorway.  I could see the care and anxiety etched on her face.  “I am …

recently had the privilege of presenting a case study of a capital campaign to a class of doctoral students.  They saw the campaign brochure and introductory video.  During a 90 minute discussion they probed, offered suggestions and criticisms, and provided …