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.


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.

truism
A truism without truth

It’s accepted as obvious that fundraising is harder thanks to the pandemic. That may not be true, though—here’s why.


Two leading donor-advised funds eliminate grants to the NRA

Fidelity Charitable and Schwab Charitable Fund recently announced that they are no longer approving grants to the NRA. Are DAFs finally putting politics before donor intent?

A primer on thinking through fundraising events

Too frequently nonprofit organizations rush—enthusiastically and blindly—into a fundraising event after fundraising event. Avoid wasted time and funds by reflecting on their value and, if you do host one, preparing adequately.


end of year giving for relational philanthropy
Christmas in September: why your year-end campaign starts now

Last Thursday, American Philanthropic and Philanthropy Daily convened fundraisers and nonprofit leaders in Philadelphia for an evening conversation on end-of-year fundraising. Here is a summary of the conversation.

protestantism and charity
Toward a Protestant conception of charity

Protestants and Catholics agree that charity is needful—but theological differences underlie the reasons for charity.


2 things to avoid when communicating with millennials

These 2 “don’ts” can be summarized in one “do:” Treat your younger donors the way you treat everyone else.

How to launch planned giving at your nonprofit

Six things you must do in order to start a successful planned giving program at your nonprofit.