Ann McGuiness, former WID Board Member and formidable fundraiser, died on August 3rd. Ann’s obituary was in the New York Times on August 25th that you can read here. Ann was my friend, fundraising mentor, and coach for most of my career. WID wanted to share this news with our community, honor Ann’s memory and keep her fundraising legacy alive. I am honored to write this tribute to Ann.

Ann was a lifelong champion of women’s health. She had a distinguished career at Naral, Planned Parenthood, and other organizations as a full-time staff member and consultant. She worked behind the scenes for reproductive rights and related causes in partnership with staff at all levels and functions and board members and other volunteers. I first met Ann in my early years as a development professional when the International Women’s Health Coalition hired Ann to consult on a major gifts campaign to build beyond a successful annual gala.

Ann was a fierce fundraiser, dedicated to the causes she believed in—and always had a list of names handy, sometimes written on the back of an envelope and wine stained. I valued Ann’s insight, directness, can do spirit and savvy smarts about fundraising based on social emotional intelligence, strong sense of what is right, and years of experience. She followed the basic and time-honored principles of fundraising—always being relationship centered knowing that donors were people too. She was a professional and dressed for success. Ann was patient, strategic and did what was needed to secure the large gifts that had transformational impact—with people never feeling that they had been “developed.” She also valued the small gifts that added up when people came together. Ann’s desire to make the world a better and more just place was in her spirit and bones. She was wise, collegial, and invested time in nurturing other fundraising professionals. Ann was mission focused, never making it about herself. At the same time, Ann’s family came first and she made time for herself from yoga, to reading to a glass of wine. Her life was well lived and ended too soon. She is counting on us to carry the torch and to do the work needed to make the world a better and more just place for all. As a way to keep her fundraising legacy alive, we are sharing Ann’s guiding principles for fundraising success as a consultant which I believe are applicable for those working on staff and volunteering.

In solidarity and in honor of Ann,

Susan Fulwiler,

Fundraising Consultant and Former WID President

Ann McGuiness’ Guiding Principles for Fundraising Success

 

  1. No two organizations are alike. Each has its own history, mission, successes, failures and personalities – all of which form its unique culture. Understanding and respecting that culture is critical to providing sound advice that can lead to real success. Customized consulting based on the particular needs and expectations of each organization is invariably the most effective course of action.
  2. The three critical and absolutely indispensable players in the fundraising process are the CEO, the Board Chair (or other board representative) and Development Director. When these three players collaborate and are in synch about the development plan, their roles in that plan and the fundraising tasks at hand, fundraising success is most likely – and often unstoppable. Ensuring that this “three-legged stool” is standing strong is essential.
  3. Organizational change and committing to a “new way” is hard work. Accepting criticism – even constructive criticism – and realizing the way things have always been done is no longer working can be really challenging. This is especially true when it comes to fundraising and asking for money. Building trust and encouraging clients with utmost respect and sensitivity is always the best way forward.
  4. The case for support is the unsung hero of fundraising success. It answers a donor’s fundamental question, Why should I give? Working with organizations to articulate – clearly, succinctly and compellingly – what they do, why they should be funded and what difference they can make is one of the most important exercises in the fundraising process.