This episode of Nonprofit Report features senior fundraising leaders as they discuss the evolving nature of philanthropy, talent development, and how to build successful fundraising teams that reflect both strategy and empathy in a post-pandemic world.
Interview by: Mark Oppenheim
Guests:
- Kim Meredith, CEO, San Francisco General Hospital Foundation
- Scott Showalter, Chief Advancement Officer, Scripps Research
- Kevin Causey, Vice President & Chief Development Officer, Montage Health Foundation
Key Points:
- Fundraising is both an art and a science—balancing strategy, data, and emotional intelligence.
- Teams require diverse skill sets including frontline fundraising, systems, and donor stewardship.
- Hiring focuses on talent, alignment, and empathy—not just direct experience.
- Successful asks begin with trust: donors are treated as mission-aligned partners, not transactions.
- Agile teams form and dissolve around urgent projects or strategic opportunities.
- Mission alignment and clarity are essential to avoid “donor drift” and ensure impact.
- The pandemic reshaped engagement—face-to-face meetings are returning, but hybrid models remain.
- Relationship-building includes lightness, humor, and authentic personal connection.
Other Points on Fundraising Leadership:
Fundraising today is as much about human connection as it is about metrics. These leaders agree: great teams are built with intention—balancing strategic planners, compelling storytellers, and disciplined project managers who can move donors from interest to action.
Hiring practices reflect this nuance. Whether someone comes from the arts, academia, or tech, what matters is their ability to listen deeply and build trust. As Kevin Causey notes, fundraising is about working partnerships, not sales.
Flexibility is key. Teams at Montage, Scripps, and SF General use fluid, project-based groups to respond to opportunities—from urgent medical needs to multi-year capital campaigns. It’s about responsiveness without losing structure.
Ultimately, the work is serious—but not solemn. Whether through heart sculptures or a simple question about a donor’s dog, these fundraisers build genuine, joyful relationships that power lasting impact.
