Iain Bernhoft

Iain Bernhoft works as Managing Consultant in American Philanthropic’s Writing and Communication Department, where he helps to write, edit, and oversee our writing engagements and materials.

In addition to his several years of writing direct mail, grant proposals, and collateral fundraising material for our clients, Iain has over a decade of experience teaching English, writing, and rhetoric at various universities in New England. His writing has appeared in Modern Fiction Studies, The Cormac McCarthy Journal, Commonweal, Philanthropy Daily, and various journalistic outlets.

Iain holds a Ph.D. in English from Boston University. He works out of Providence (the one in Rhode Island), where he lives with his wife and their two sons.

storytelling and fundraising for philanthropy
Fundraising and fairy tales: the importance of storytelling

Storytelling is essential for good fundraising. Here’s why it matters and how to do it well. The first in a three-part series.

Iain Bernhoft / 4 min read
university of missouri donor intent philanthropy
Schemes to protect donor intent gone awry

A questionable donor-intent protection scheme is resulting in a lawsuit of Hillsdale College against the University of Missouri.

Iain Bernhoft / 3 min read
Lawsuit promises to clarify donors rights over DAFs, leaves larger questions unasked

A lawsuit against Fidelity Charitable’s management of a donor-advised fund may begin to answer questions about the legal rights donors have over the these increasingly popular charitable vehicles.

Iain Bernhoft / 3 min read
Not all donor-advised funds are created equal

Donors would do well to consider the risks of large-scale DAFs and the benefits of boutique funds.

Iain Bernhoft / 3 min read