Fundraising advice is easy to find. Generic guidance is everywhere.
What is much harder to find is private senior support for the part of philanthropy that sits with the CEO alone.
Private Philanthropy Counsel for Nonprofit CEOs
Designed by Philanthropy Specialist, David Stewart.
A private, confidential five-month advisory for nonprofit CEOs ready to lead philanthropy with greater confidence, stronger donor relationships and a clearer sense of where their time matters most.
One CEO at a time. Full attention. Confidential. Five months.
There's a better way
Lead Philanthropy with Greater Clarity
and Confidence
Most nonprofit CEOs carry an extraordinary weight. Growth targets. Donor trust. Board expectations. Team leadership. Mission delivery.
Yet for all the complexity of the role, one responsibility is still rarely supported well - the CEO’s personal leadership of philanthropy.
This advisory exists for that reason.
It is private counsel for nonprofit CEOs who want to lead donor relationships with more confidence, more discipline and more depth.
“I think Dave is one of the few fundraisers I have met who understands that asking someone for a significant donation is akin to raising capital for companies. It rarely comes down to sales skills but more often depends on how the CEO comes across as someone you would like to do business with and how well he/she sells the vision. My day job is as a professional investor but that's how I make my investments in simple terms and also how I make donations personally or via our Foundations. The big benefit of Dave is that he understands this and can coach most CEO's to improve their "pitch" and increase their chances of attracting donations.”
Mike GreggFounder of Shearwater Capital and Philanthropist.
Why This Advisory Exists
- The relationship that needs to deepen.
- The ask that needs to be handled well.
- The donor meeting that cannot be delegated.
- The follow-through that shapes trust over time.
This advisory exists to support that part of the role.
Not as broad consulting at arm’s length, but as close counsel for nonprofit CEOs who want to lead philanthropy with more clarity, more confidence and more discipline.
The CEO’s Role
Why the CEO Matters in Philanthropy
Donors are not simply backing a funding request.
They are backing leadership, judgment, vision and trust.
In the most important philanthropic relationships, the CEO is the person best placed to carry those things. Not because the CEO should do everything, but because some parts of this work cannot be delegated.
This advisory helps CEOs lead those moments with more confidence, stronger conversations and a clearer sense of what matters most.
The Advisory
What’s Included
Everything in this advisory is designed to support one thing – your effectiveness as the philanthropic leader of your organisation.
01
Private One-on-One Sessions
Regular sessions with David Stewart, built around your priorities, your donor relationships and the conversations that matter most.
02
Face-to-Face and Online Support
Delivered in person or online, depending on what best suits your schedule, location and context.
03
Direct Phone and Email Access
When something important comes up, you are not left waiting for the next meeting.
04
Donor Strategy and Relationship Focus
A clear view of your donor landscape, your strongest relationships and the next moves that matter most.
05
Conversation Planning
Preparation for major donor meetings, partner conversations and important asks.
06
Role Play and Rehearsal
Practice for real conversations, so you walk in prepared rather than hopeful.
07
Message and Story Refinement
Sharper language around mission, impact and vision, so your case lands with the people you most need to move.
08
Internal Culture Support Where Useful
Where needed, David can also help strengthen a culture of philanthropy across leadership and board settings.
The Journey
How the Five Months Work
This advisory is structured to build momentum over five months — beginning with honest assessment and ending with stronger long-term capability.
Month 1 - Foundation
Review the current donor picture, leadership position and immediate priorities.
Month 2 - Refinement
Tighten the case, sharpen the story and focus attention on the relationships that matter most.
Month 3 — Action
Prepare for meetings, asks and follow-through with more rhythm and confidence.
Month 4 — Momentum
Deepen priority relationships and strengthen internal alignment around philanthropy.
Month 5 — Consolidation
Turn the work into a stronger ongoing rhythm that lasts beyond the five months.
Built to Hold Momentum
This advisory is paced to match the reality of a CEO’s role. Each month builds on the one before it, so the work stays grounded in real relationships, real converations and steady progress over time.
Support That Fits the Role
This is designed for CEOs carrying real pressure. The structure helps you stay close to what matters most without adding noise, clutter or unnecesssary process.
Trusted Counsel
Why David Stewart
David Stewart is a trusted philanthropy adviser with deep experience in major donor work, CEO counsel and the human side of significant giving.
He works in a space that very few people can occupy credibly: close enough to the commercial world to understand why people commit serious capital, and close enough to the human experience to know that philanthropy is never simply about money.
Donors give because something moves them.
Because they trust someone.
Because they can see their values reflected in a larger vision.
That understanding runs through all of David’s work.
One Day One Life
David’s point of difference is a philosophy he calls One Day One Life.
It comes from lived experience, resilience and second chances. It shapes how he works with leaders under pressure and how he approaches donor relationships, i.e., with seriousness, honesty, humanity and care.
This is not a slogan. It is the lens through which he works and lives.
- Deep experience advising CEOs and senior leaders
- Strong major donor and philanthropic leadership background
- Confidential one-on-one support under real pressure
- Practical donor strategy grounded in relationship work
- Candour and warmth in the conversations that matter most