“I don’t care if it’s fear of asking for a gift. I don’t care if it’s fear of root canal or anything else. Usually, fear is based on fear of the unknown. And I think too few of our board members and our volunteers have actually experienced a solicitation for themselves.”

Jim Eskin

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy speaks with Jim Eskin, author of the book “10 Simple Fundraising Lessons,” about how to take the guesswork out of fundraising.

In this episode, Jim discusses:

• Why so many fundraisers seem afraid to ask for money
• How they can overcome that fear
• 10 simple fundraising lessons that can make fundraisers more successful on behalf of the organizations they work for

About our Guest

Jim Eskin enjoys championing philanthropy and its transforming power to advance nonprofits that improve the world. He is passionate about getting others excited about fundraising and empowering them to tap its power to accomplish good works.

Jim launched Eskin Fundraising Training in 2018 after 30 years of leadership roles in fundraising, public affairs and communications. He established fundraising records for gifts from individuals at The University of Texas at San Antonio, Our Lady of the Lake University and Alamo Colleges Foundation.

Over the past two years, he has led more than 100 workshops, partnering with Microsoft, Texas Capital Bank, Catto & Catto and MassMutual South Texas. His webinars reach thousands of nonprofit leaders, including both professional and volunteer fundraisers. Guest speakers have included some of the most respected figures in philanthropy. 

Jim’s emphasis is on making training interactive, easy-to-understand and fun — replacing the fear of asking for gifts with comfort and confidence.

has authored more than 100 guest columns that have appeared in daily newspapers and business journals across the country. He also publishes Stratagems, a monthly e-newsletter exploring timely issues and trends in philanthropy, advocacy and image. In 2019, he published his first book, “10 Simple Fundraising Lessons.”

Connect with Jim on LinkedIn
To buy “10 Simples Fundraising Lessons”