In this episode, Jim Langley, President of Langley Innovation talks about the barriers that prevent organizations from raising more money. He also reflects on some of the most memorable donor encounters he's experienced.
In the finale of our three-part series, Jim Langley calls out “1950s” fundraising mindsets and shows how today’s entrepreneurial donors think: they want to fund solutions to real problems, not generic “strategic pillars.” We unpack how to create major-gift-worthy concepts, speak the language of builders, and act like a cause donors can give through—not just a place to give to. Jim contrasts charity vs. philanthropy, urges evidence-driven cases, and shares a speed-round of lessons: a stunning anonymous gift born from lifelong gratitude, why endowment pitches often fall flat, and how a laughed-off $1M ask turned into a yes—after he respected step-up giving and past gift ceilings. Practical takeaways for shifting culture, metrics, and messaging to match new realities. Part 3 of 3 w/Jim Langley.
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