The Life of a Fundraiser

Straight from the real-world exploits of a high-level fundraiser comes this barely fictionalized account of the world of philanthropy, a world populated by the well-heeled and well-connected. The Life of a Fundraiser is the story of Max Dorgan, a successful fundraiser for a large university foundation, whose hectic existence is all focused on strategizing, courting, and schmoozing huge gifts from the rich and famous.

Told in a series of vignettes, this is the portrait of how one man puts together all the moving parts-from managing personalities to managing trusts, wills, and endowments-to keep a huge nonprofit sustainable. Part salesman, part financier, and part psychologist, Max juggles it all-often as he runs between airports and cities.

At the heart of the stories are the philanthropists-the famous author, the corporate CEOs, the members of the US Cabinet, even the eccentric who donates a box full of diamonds anonymously. Motivated by generosity, public image, or less tangible desires, each provides fascinating insight into what makes the affluent give large chunks of their fortunes away.