Isa Catto, who runs a family foundation, offers candid advice for philanthropists and fundraisers, shares insights for nonprofit executives, and more in this series of articles.
Catto doesn’t shy away from sensitive subjects and often questions common perceptions and practices, challenging those on both sides of the giving equation to reflect and consider opportunities for improvement.
For example, in 10 Ways to Be a Better Donor, Catto advises philanthropists to avoid the temptation to be the smartest person in the room.
In Why Money Shouldn’t Trump Mission When Choosing Board Members, she challenges nonprofit leaders to address the lack of economic diversity on boards.
Her columns are a regular feature, and Isa Catto welcomes suggestions for future topics.
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A Donor's Perspective
How to Avoid Turf Wars When Raising Money From Wealthy Families
How to deal with donors after a divorce, raising money from relatives of a longtime donor, and more. -
Donor Relations
How Nonprofit Leaders and Donors Should Handle a Falling Out
A conflict with a donor needn’t spell the end, says philanthropist Isa Catto, so long as both sides listen and remain respectful. Here are seven ways to proceed with caution and care when disagreements occur. -
First Person
Post-Pandemic, One Family Foundation Leader Shares Her Plans to Give More and Simplify
Isa Catto would like to see more wealthy donors question privilege and spend more time listening and learning. -
Tips and Tools
7 Low-Cost Ways to Stay Connected With Donors
A family-foundation head offers real-world examples of effective donor communications during a crisis. -
Advice
Why We Place Our Family Foundation Assets in Socially Responsible Investment Vehicles
Two philanthropists share their story to help others considering an investment strategy that is both profitable and beneficial to society. -
Advice
What Fundraisers and Donors Should Learn From the Varsity Blues Scandal
Donors and fundraisers should talk about and avoid potentially self-serving strings attached to big gifts -
Advice
Social-Media Etiquette for Grant Makers and Grantees
A donor cautions against impulsive actions on social media and offers advice on how to use its power to strengthen relationships. -
Advice
What It’s Like to Experience Sexism as a Donor
A woman who leads a family foundation shares experiences in which men exclude, overlook, or condescend to women. She calls on donors to help end sexism in philanthropy and cautions nonprofits that failure to do so could affect the bottom line. -
Advice
You Should Ask for an ‘Exit Interview’ When a Donor Stops Giving: Here’s How to Do It
Communicating with donors even after they stop giving can help nonprofit leaders improve an organization and its fundraising, a philanthropist advises. -
Advice
Why Money Shouldn’t Trump Mission When Choosing Board Members
When nonprofits fill their boards with megawealthy people, mission suffers and differing viewpoints are lacking. Here’s why economic diversity among trustees is good for nonprofits and how to make it happen. -
Advice
10 Ways to Be a Better Donor
“Leave your ego at the door” and other tips from a philanthropist. -
Advice
What You Should — and Shouldn’t — Do When Meeting With a Donor
A philanthropist talks about her experience with nonprofit officials who were unprepared, arrived late, or kept “yawning like a lion” — and others who made an excellent first impression.