Life of a Fundraiser : Making a Difference

Straight from the real-world exploits of a high-level fundraiser comes this barely fictionalized account of the world of philanthropy, a world populated by the well-heeled and well-connected. The Life of a Fundraiser is the story of Max Dorgan, a successful fundraiser for a large university foundation, whose hectic existence is all focused on strategizing, courting, and schmoozing huge gifts from the rich and famous.

Told in a series of vignettes, this is the portrait of how one man puts together all the moving parts—from managing personalities to managing trusts, wills, and endowments—to keep a huge nonprofit sustainable. Part salesman, part financier, and part psychologist, Max juggles it all—often as he runs between airports and cities.

At the heart of the stories are the philanthropists—the famous author, the corporate CEOs, the members of the US Cabinet, even the eccentric who donates a box full of diamonds anonymously. Motivated by generosity, public image, or less tangible desires, each provides fascinating insight into what makes the affluent give large chunks of their fortunes away.

The life of Timothy A. Reilley, D.Ed., has been eclectically productive and satisfying. In college, he joined the Catholic order of the Norbertines, with whom he spent many years in teaching and academic administration. More than two decades later, he changed things up, moving into management consulting.

Later, his two worlds of education and business converged, and he became senior vice president in charge of fundraising for the University of Wisconsin Foundation.

His experience working with a colorful range of benefactors and familiarity with the financial intricacies of philanthropic gifts inspired this book. Now retired from the university, Reilley continues to work as a consultant in the field of fundraising.