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.


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.”

Is your mission really more critical than ever?

With a clear mission/vision distinction, you can articulate why your work—and the donor’s support—is more urgently needed as a result of this external factor.


campaign goal
Setting a sound campaign goal

When you are running a short fundraising campaign, it’s important to set a smart campaign goal. Here’s how to do that—and how to message it.

gratitude
The virtue of gratitude: essential for fundraisers

As a fundraiser, gratitude — both well-expressed and sincere — is one of the most important tools you have. It’s good for you and your donor.


Donor relationships are about money—and we shouldn’t hide that fact

What type of friendship is a donor relationship? Is it really “not about the money”?

In defense of membership programs

Membership programs can be misused, but by and large, they are extremely valuable tools for fundraisers—and they’re good for donors, too.


What’s the value of macro-trend research for fundraisers?

Macro-trends, future-telling, and sector reports have their place. But they aren’t nearly as important as the fundamentals—and just cultivating donors.

You’re (probably) not investing enough in legacy giving

It’s easy to let the urgent take the place of the important. But don’t let urgency hurt your long-term success and preclude planned giving efforts.