February 4, 2026
December 17, 2024

Press Release – Major Gifts Ramp-Up THE BOOK Goes On Sale January 1, 2025

PRESS RELEASE – WASHINGTON, D.C. – December 17, 2024 – Nonprofit fundraising veterans Joanne Oppelt and Jimmy LaRose will release their new groundbreaking work Major Gifts Ramp-Up: Money Is Oxygen—Without It Charities Can’t Breathe on January 1, 2025. The authors are pressing for new charitable sector traditions, not only during the holidays but throughout the year. “Money is more important than mission. Donors are more important than clients,” they state. Oppelt and LaRose are considered […]
December 18, 2024

I Was Wrong: Jimmy LaRose and I Agree On Everything That Matters w Jim Eskin

About a year ago I hosted Jimmy LaRose in our Non-Profit Empowerment webinar series. We labeled the program: Let’s Agree to Disagree. During this lively one-hour discussion, I had the chance to ask him 20 questions probing challenges and opportunities confronting American philanthropy. Now, after reading his most recent book Major Gifts Ramp-Up: Money Is Oxygen — Without It Charities Can’t Breathe, co-authored with Joanne Oppelt, I can proudly and unequivocally declare that we are […]
December 18, 2024

Stefanie Stark Takes the Helm at America’s No. 1 Major Gifts Fundraising Company

Stefanie Stark was recently named president of the world renowned major gifts fundraising firm Development Systems International (DSI). Founder Jimmy LaRose celebrated by sharing, “Stefanie’s ascension has been unprecedented. She’s raised millions and makes charities’ dreams come true. Stefanie is DSI’s future!”  She is a distinguished nonprofit management expert with nearly three decades of experience in the charitable sector. As President of Development Systems International (DSI), she champions the Major Gifts Ramp-Up (MGRU) Model and […]
March 28, 2025

Hall Powell at 86…His Life of Leadership and Faith

Henry “Hall” Powell, Jr. celebrates his 86th birthday this March 31st, and is honored by his peers for his remarkable legacy of leadership in both the nonprofit sector and Christian ministry. This tribute honors a man whose career spans decades and whose influence spans generations. Hall’s life has been defined by service – from raising funds to transform and save lives to guiding others in their walks of faith. Jimmy LaRose, one of Hall’s proteges, […]