“We were impressed on several levels. Marv brings a treasure chest of knowledge, skills and resource development best practices to the table. He also has a gift for forging close relationships with clients. He quickly understood our environment and connected with our leaders.”

Jim Eskin, Executive Director, The Alamo Colleges Foundation, San Antonio, TX

“Marv’s insights were very valuable in helping our Foundation Board understand how to set a larger goal and be confident about reaching it.”

Dr. Kathy Love, President, Savannah Technical College, Savannah, GA

“We knew we had a successful formula for special events, but we had never taken on a comprehensive major gifts campaign. Marv encouraged us to think big and he helped us with strategy, materials and solicitations. We expect to be celebrating our success in a few short months.”

Jim LaHaise, Chair, Savannah Technical College Foundation Board of Trustees

“How thankful we are that Clara Potes-Fellow came into our lives as we began considerations of our first-ever campaign. Through numerous personnel transitions, she served in varied capacities over more than two years to bring the endeavor to a successful close. In fact, she was responsible for raising more than $6 million in planned gifts that will serve the college for generations.”

Dr. Jose Fierro, President, Cerritos College (Norwalk, CA)

“Marv and his team are a real joy to work with. They definitely understand nonprofits, having worked with many across the spectrum of diverse community organizations. They understand our unique populations, and work hard to truly come to know our culture. The work Marv has done here, and with numerous other community organizations, brings the experience to help assure you and your board you are on the right path. Working with him, you design a campaign that fits your specific needs and dreams, and helps you to tell your story.”

Chris Downing, Executive Director, Heartland Community College Foundation, Bloomington, IL

“I’ve known Marv since we were young development officers at Skidmore College back in the 1980s.  Since that time, I’ve been impressed with how he has dedicated his life to the advancement of nonprofit organizations and the elevation of quality of life in communities he has touched.  His work to establish the Institute, and his commitment to contributing to the overall body of knowledge in philanthropy through his adjunct faculty role, are testament that he still holds great passion for making a difference.  What a treat it is to still be involved with him in these various endeavors.”

Maureen Winney, Director of Alumni Relations, SUNY Empire State College, Saratoga Springs, NY

“Our organization, 1812ada, Inc., the nation’s leader in advocacy and mentorship for individuals with cognitive learning disabilities, engaged Marv and the Institute for Philanthropic Excellence to assist us in the development of a comprehensive fundraising campaign to take us to the national stage. With his vast experience in the nonprofit and fundraising fields, Marv quickly assessed our needs, learned our culture, collaborated with our team, and brought focus to our first-ever campaign.  His thoughtful and dedicated approach clearly exhibited his excellent talent and insightful experience with many other nonprofit organizations as he customized the approach for our specific needs. Marv not only assisted us with the fundraising aspects of our endeavor by directing us to the many avenues of funding available to an organization such as 1812ada, but he really offered a “hands on” approach to his services across management and program services lines as well.  In addition to my board service for 1812ada, I’m also a VP for a Medical Center, and it is obvious that Marv’s skills could be utilized by any organization in the nonprofit arena.”

Beverly A Sanborn, Vice President, 1812ada, Inc., Teaneck, NJ

“We had a daunting task of building a multi-million campaign from scratch. Marv’s knowledge base and level of commitment really helped us to build a strong corps of college, community, and corporate leaders as campaign team members. Not only did Marv facilitate the initial feasibility study, he went well beyond our expectations in helping us improve data collection and donor/prospect management. At the end of the day, we had a complete formula for a highly successful campaign. I’m proud to be a friend and partner of the Institute.”

Alex Nelson, Vice President, Craft3 (Foundation Board, Lower Columbia College) Portland, OR

“I’ve been working with Marv on our organization’s first ever capital campaign. Marv has been vital in helping to shift the organization’s attention from special events to major gifts, and he has provided me with the guidance and advice – and more importantly, the courage – to make this leap. He never ceases to infuse our conversations with hope and excitement and a ‘hey, we can do this’ attitude.”

Maureen Yee, Development Director, Whitney Young Health Center, Albany, NY

Thanks to the Institute for Philanthropic Excellence, the Pasadena City College Foundation was able to successfully complete a Feasibility Study that identified the leadership and capacity for our first comprehensive major gifts campaign.  The results of our study have been right on.  We approached the identified leaders for our campaign and they have all said yes.  We are off to a great start!

Bobbi Abram, Executive Director, PCC Foundation (Pasadena, CA)