Carter Skeel

Carter Skeel serves as Director of Development at First Things. Previously, he was Director of Development with Delaware County Christian School and a consultant with American Philanthropic. Carter lives in Downingtown, Pennsylvania with his wife and son.


Jumping to the highest level - goldfish jumping in a bigger bowl - aspiration and achievement concept. This is a 3d render illustration
Nonprofits, Great and Small

Small and large nonprofit fundraising differs not just in degree, but in kind. Development roles must reflect that.

Set of hand holding microphone finding organization's voice nonprofit
Finding Your Organization’s Voice

Taking the time to develop a coherent organizational voice ensures that your communications truly convey your mission and values.


Penn under microscope by megadonors influencing university policy
How much say should donors have?

Recent upheaval at Penn shows the power of donor influence to hold institutions accountable. But is that power dangerous?

A donor is skeptical over how well a nonprofit is working to gain his trust
A donor’s trust is hard to earn

A recent Wise Giving Alliance report is both too broad and not broad enough to give guidance on how to inspire donor confidence.


What the Republican debate teaches us about crafting effective appeals

Wednesday’s presidential debate presented a vivid illustration of the power of a coherent narrative. Fundraisers should sit up and take notice.

Donors and fundraisers aren’t so different, after all

In “A Spirituality of Fundraising,” Henri Nouwen reorients our approach to fundraising, reappraises the donor-fundraiser relationship, and reinforces my commitment to giving where I work.


giving club
Engaging “non-relationship” donors

The misuse of giving clubs does not negate their value. Here’s why they matter for you.

On throat-clearing and charity

Quit throat-clearing and write confidently in your fundraising communications.


AmazonSmile
The demise of AmazonSmile

Amazon announced last week the end of its AmazonSmile program. While no nonprofit will suffer significantly, there is a downside to this decision.

localism
Localism without the local

Working alone, localism can mitigate some of the effects of larger root causes. In a thicker community, there would be fewer Cannells, because there would be more “preventative care.”