A zoo campaign introduced former California Community Foundation president Jack Shakely to fundraising early on.

By Margaret Battistelli Gardner

Keys to fundraising success: “Always bear in mind that while you are working at an organization, you are working for the donor. It is the donor’s wish … that comes first.”

Challenges facing fundraisers: “Keeping our optimism and our faith in the donor community. I have never had a year when somebody didn’t say that this year was going to be bad for fundraising. Nonsense. Every year is good for fundraising, at least for those of us who remain undaunted.”