For almost 20 years I've worked in the fundraising/university advancement arena for colleges and universities, while also providing advice to other nonprofits. While others would try to lead using gurus of sales or marketing or fundraising, I'd always lean towards Franklin, Whitman, Emerson, Thoreau and others. Why? Because over the past decade or so, our profession has become so focused on strategies, pyramids and propensities, that we've forgotten the root of support: have a vision, and share it. My work is for all fundraising organizations who have a cause they believe in, particularly where resources are limited and passion is high.

Once the strategists leave or the employees or volunteers return from a distant conference, the important work begins--bringing together the team in ways that everyone knows and respects each other's roles, and they are inspired to share the vision of the cause with each other, donors and the public.

The work is no more about raising money than building Europe's great cathedrals was simply about laying stones: there must be a cause, a greater calling toward a vision. Create a vision...achieve it...one friend at a time.