My Personal Pathway

64_Claire_rounded_retouchedAfter working briefly as an attorney, and then in legal publishing, I decided a better way (for me) to help people was through philanthropy. What followed was a 30-year career as a frontline leader helping raise millions of dollars. Having overseen staff of 20+ professionals for such organizations as San Francisco Food Bank, Jewish Family and Children’s Services, San Francisco Conservatory of Music and California School of Professional Psychology, I was honored as “Outstanding Fundraising Professional of the Year” by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

In 2011 I decided to found my own fundraising training and coaching business to serve as a resource on philanthropy for organizations, a thought partner to executive directors and boards, and a mentor to wannabe and current development (fundraising and communications) staff. I also operate Clairification as my own mini online fundraising “school.” It’s just the type of school I’d want to attend, and I hope you will too.

Every week I offer helpful, in-depth articles – theory, practice, tools and tips. Each one’s content is the equivalent of an online webinar or conference course. But it won’t take up an hour of your time and you can access the material at your convenience. Plus, “tuition” is almost free. Your annual $100 fee covers a full year of “school.”

I also continue teach major gifts and legacy fundraising, serve as Chief Fundraising Coach and featured expert for Bloomerang, and contribute regularly to online publishers NonprofitPro, Candid, Network for Good, Blackbaud, and Top Nonprofits, among others.

My blog was named “Top Fundraising Blog” by Fundraising Success. A member of the California State Bar, alumna of The Fundraising School, Conrad Teitell Intensive Planned Giving Program and Lilly Family School of Philanthropy Executive Leadership Institute, and a graduate with honors from Princeton University, I currently reside in San Francisco, California.

Philosophy

Your donor’s philanthropic journey begins with you. I’ll be your guide. So you can be your donor’s guide.

Your passion is expressed by making profound change happen. In your organization. Community. Region. World. Your donor’s passion is expressed the same way.

Match your passion to your donor’s passion. Fan the flames of passion by inviting folks on a transformative journey – one that will stoke donor fires and meaningfully fulfill the desires of both you and your investors.

Become a passionate philanthropy facilitator and you’ll become much more than a forgettable fundraiser. Your meaningful work will live on as a legacy.

I promise to help you be memorable.

Better than forgettable fundraising means focusing on your donors.

  • If it’s not good for them, it’s not good for you.
  • If it means a lot to them, it will mean a lot to you.
  • If your purpose matches their purpose, you’ll both wind up fulfilled.
  • If you eschew the transactional, you’ll reach the transformational

Better than forgettable fundraising means nurturing your donors.

  • Remarkable Relationship Building
  • A Customer-Centric Culture
  • Passionate Philanthropy

Better than forgettable fundraising means loving your donors.

  • Leisured Listening
  • Donor-Centered Dialogue
  • Energetic Engagement
  • Generous Gratitude

The money will come, but it won’t be about the money. It will be about the love.