Jim Eskin

August 9, 2025

10 Ways to Keep Fundraisers Fundraising w Jim Eskin

There are two existential and simultaneous currents flowing that pose Draconian threats to the vitality of American philanthropy. Unsurprisingly, they are directly related. They must be addressed substantively and immediately. The longer they are allowed to fester, the more difficult they will be to overcome. According to the Fundraising Effectiveness Report, the national donor retention rate is hovering around 45%. Looking at it another way: For every 100 donors who support your organization this year, 55 […]

December 4, 2025

Jim Eskin's Major Gifts Manifesto

Jim Eskin’s Major Gifts Manifesto expounds on the late Jerold Panas’ wisdom to highlight 10 components of successful resource development initiatives. What does it take for a strong professional or volunteer non-profit leader to be a successful major gifts fundraiser in an uber-competitive environment? There has been a laser-like focus on decoding this crucial challenge with momentum steadily growing as Eskin Fundraising Training has led more than 250 live andor virtual learning community sessions. The […]

December 22, 2025

Jimmy LaRose Says, “Truth Never Fears a Challenge”

One of my many favorite quotes from cherished mentor and friend Jimmy LaRose is ”truth never fears a challenge.” Like the rest of us, Jimmy can be accused of many faults, but never being afraid to tell it like it is. As we welcome a New Year, this is such a moment for serious fundraisers, especially those in the make-or-break space of major gifts, to speak the truth and correct ill-advised decisions. Simply put: Those of […]

February 16, 2026

Jim Eskin Named AFP San Antonio 2026 Outstanding Fundraising Professional

Let’s Bust Assumptions (The following are prepared remarks from Jim Eskin’s acceptance as the Association of Fundraising Professionals-San Antonio & South Texas Chapter as the 2026 Outstanding Fundraising Professional.) To my knowledge that I am the oldest person ever to receive AFP Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award So, I am receiving an extra prize which is my choice of dinner with MacKenzie Scott, who has donated more than $26 billion with no strings attached since 2019, […]