News/Blog

Johann Fox is an award-winning fundraiser who has been making a name for himself in the industry for over a decade. Johann currently serves as Director of U.S. Development at CMRF Crumlin. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, CMRF is the principal fundraising body for Our Lady's Children's Hospital as well as The National Children's Research Centre. We conducted this interview over breakfast at the Intercontinental Hotel in Midtown during one of his recent visits to New York City.

It’s happened to all of us – suddenly you’re responsible for a new major giving portfolio! It can happen when your colleague resigns unexpectedly or when you start a new job. With the average fundraiser staying on the job 16 months or less, it’s more and more likely that you’ll face the daunting task of managing a new portfolio of dozens to hundreds of individuals you don’t know.

Like many of you I fell into this career.  I didn’t grow up thinking I wanted to be a fundraiser, nonprofit leader or consultant on either topic.  I’m pretty sure I wanted to be a cowboy.  Or maybe a lawyer.  But as I reflect back on the nearly 20-years I’ve been doing this work I can’t imagine I could have found a more fulfilling career.  Fundraising and nonprofit management make our world a better place.  We facilitate people who care investing funds that make so many things possible in our society from feeding and housing the hungry, to improving education, to ensuring art and culture remain a vibrant part of our lives.  None of this happens without fundraisers which is why I am so proud and grateful to be one.

In my first article for Fundraising Matters I would like to begin by thanking my fellow Board members for their continuing support of the Chapter and our important work.  I recognize their efforts to move our agenda forward and make a powerful statement about their belief in the impact philanthropy professionals have on our City. 

What better way to express the spirit and power of philanthropy than through the magic of storytelling! This intriguing event not only shared the success stories of five outstanding nonprofit professionals, but underscored the unparalleled power of storytellingin touching the hearts and minds of those who support the 1.5 million nonprofits in the United States. In an age where many funders have placed an ever-increasing emphasis on data and metrics, it is eye-opening to learn that science indicates inspirational stories are far more likely to motivate generosity than numbers.

The New York City Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP-NYC) has elected new leadership to take office on January 1, 2018. Ascending to the office of president is Gary Laermer, Sr. VP and Chief Development Officer, YMCA of Greater New York.  Susan Shattuck, who served the chapter for 2 years, transitions to Immediate Past President. Succeeding Laermer as president-elect is Steven G. Jacobson, Principal of Jacobson Consulting Applications, Inc. Craig Shelley, VP of Orr Associates, Inc. takes office as treasurer, while Jill Scibilia, VP, Philanthropy & External Relations with the Girl Scouts of Greater New York  continues as Secretary.

Happy New Year! I hope 2018 is a good year for us all.  As my term as Chapter President ends, I want to thank you for your support of Fundraising Matters and of the Chapter.  These past two years have whizzed by and I’ve truly enjoyed them.