Fundraising & Culture

Thrift: On the moral challenge of abundance

From remarks originally presented at Benedictine College’s 15th Annual Symposium on Transforming Culture in 2026.

Mar 18 • James Kolakowski

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How Much Should I Give? Parameters for making a good gift

It’s a simple question, but one that can be tough to answer.

Mar 16 • James Kolakowski

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November 2025

Intermittent Almsgiving: On developing the habit of generosity

Intermittent fasting is a system of timing periods of eating for the purposes of regulating caloric intake.

Nov 17, 2025 • James Kolakowski

Preparing for the Impromptu: On productive small talk

It’s said that the secret to a good impromptu speech is preparation.

Nov 17, 2025 • James Kolakowski

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September 2025

The Gimmick Horseshoe: The mean between stinginess and prodigality

There’s a theory in politics which says that the two furthest points on the political spectrum are closer to each other than they are to the center.

Sep 17, 2025 • James Kolakowski

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The Elements of an Annual Report: An overview of annual report essentials

Among the responsibilities I assumed when I began directing my school’s annual fund, one of the more interesting ones was publishing an annual report.

Sep 10, 2025 • James Kolakowski

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March 2025

Prohibited Practices in Fundraising: Six no-no's in nonprofit fundraising

Below are six commonly prohibited practices in nonprofit fundraising.

Mar 3, 2025 • James Kolakowski

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February 2025

Give, or the dog gets shot! The appeal of fear based appeals

Marketer Seth Godin tells a story about the early days of Mad magazine.

Feb 25, 2025 • James Kolakowski

The Elements of an Annual Fund: An overview of annual fund essentials

An annual fund forms the basis for dependable school support.

Feb 14, 2025 • James Kolakowski

Fundraising Reading List: An evolving bibliography of fundraising titles

Making time to study various aspects of fundraising can be an extremely valuable practice.

Feb 4, 2025 • James Kolakowski

10 Things Learned in 10 Years of Fundraising: Notes from the road

After more than a decade in fundraising at The Heights School I’ve put together a list of ten personal and organizational ideas which I believe have…

Feb 4, 2025 • James Kolakowski

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