Everything changed when I discovered what fundraising truly is.
Inspired, Strategic Generosity With Joy — Not Begging for Money
The Declaration
In my initial role as a school administrator, I developed a practice of persuading people to donate supplies and equipment for my students. My assistant identified my skill before I did and told me that I should be raising money for a living.
My response was immediate and emphatic.
"I will never beg for money as a career."
While the conviction was sincere, her prophecy was a calling too powerful to ignore.
The Turning Point
Several years later, I was directing a welfare-to-work program for women who were eager to build better lives for themselves and their families. The primary obstacle to their success was the training classroom.
Mismatched computers lined the perimeter of the room in a circle. Every screen was a different model with a different interface. No two lessons ever looked alike. The women sat with their backs to the instructor.
When I asked why the program did not have a proper classroom with modern equipment, the answer was simple: it would require $250,000. My immediate thought and response:
"That's all?"
Why would we hinder our mission and the success of these women over $250,000? I immediately began identifying and connecting with prospective donors, writing grants, and doing whatever it took to secure the resources. Along the way, I found unanticipated bonuses — expert guest lecturers, in-kind contributions, and a comprehensive curriculum.
When the local United Way recognized the program as a standout, something unexpected had already become clear: the fundraising had been more compelling and enjoyable than the program management.
I had found my calling and what made me happy professionally.
The Revelation
My grandfather, an Indiana University alumnus and entrepreneurial dentist, always told me to pursue as a profession what made me happy. Given Indiana University's standing as the most rigorous philanthropy program in the country, completing a graduate degree there amplified my calling.
Henry "Hank" Rosso, the founder of The Fundraising School at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, described the work in a single sentence that has never left me:
Catherine B. Chapman, CFRE
"Fundraising is the gentle art of teaching others the joy of giving."— Henry "Hank" Rosso
My declaration about begging for money was not only instinctively incorrect — it was factually wrong. Fundraising is not begging. Fundraising is excavating people's passions and showing them how to convert that passion into good. It is the work of helping people discover what they value, understand the difference they can make, and experience the profound satisfaction of creating transformational impact in the world.
I help people build their legacy.25 Years. $30 Million. One Mission.
I have spent more than 25 years helping nonprofit organizations raise money to ensure sustainability, build more efficient and effective infrastructure, and create legacies that outlast both the staff and the donors.
25+ Years of Experience
Frontline fundraising and consulting across the nonprofit sector.
$30 Million Raised for Clients
Secured for organizations across sectors, markets, and mission areas.
8,200+ CFREs Worldwide
Held since 2008. The only globally accredited fundraising credential — recognized in more than 35 countries.
I hold a Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy — with a concentration in nonprofit management and corporate philanthropy — combined with a Bachelor of Arts in German and European Studies with Honors from Vanderbilt University. I obtained my Vanderbilt degree with the intention of becoming a European diplomat, but today both degrees enhance my practice in both the science and the humanity of giving.
I have developed graduate curriculum, taught at the university level, and been quoted in the Chronicle of Philanthropy. I have raised money for organizations serving children, women, communities of faith, marginalized communities including historically Black colleges and universities, and causes that others dismissed as too small, too new, or too overlooked to attract serious investment.
The Fullanthropy Difference
Most consultants look at what an organization is doing. Fullanthropy looks at what it can become and how it is progressing toward that vision.
Developed over 25 years of frontline practice and academic study, the CLAIM Your Legacy™ framework is built on a simple premise: money flows to the organizations that have done the work to become irresistible.
Through the CLAIM Your Legacy™ system, Fullanthropy:
Orchestrates outreach to the community via effective Communication, resulting in Connection and forming a Community of loyal fans.
Demonstrates Leadership best practices that utilize Leverage to strengthen the organization.
Develops automated systems that result in more efficient and effective Administration.
Ensures transformational Impact via cutting-edge Innovation.
Manages the Mindset to enact the Mission and steward the Money well.
When all eleven components are operating at the level your cause deserves, your organization becomes irresistible to abundance — and the Miracle Moment becomes inevitable.
Fullanthropy does not chase the money. Money flows to the organizations Fullanthropy builds.Every organization has a Miracle Moment waiting. At Fullanthropy, we help you orchestrate the actions to achieve it — the moment when preparation meets vision and refuses to accept others’ limitations.
A Note About Callie,
Our Chief Canine Officer
For fifteen years, Callie — a blonde Cairn Terrier of considerable opinion and impeccable instincts — served as Fullanthropy's Chief Canine Officer. She attended meetings, ensured the snack bar always had cannolis, and maintained quality standards Fullanthropy has and will never compromise. She even consented to serve as a spokesdog on CNN for a national airline just to secure a donation.
She departed for the Owner's Box in Heaven, where she is believed to be monitoring squirrel ratios, consulting on treat procurement strategy, and soliciting endless belly rubs. Her legacy of excellence and pawticular attention to detail lives on at Fullanthropy.
Complimentary — Personalized Results
For nonprofit leaders
