No More Grumpy Fundraisers

September 29, 2016      Roger Craver

Each day for the past 10 years Tom and I have pored over dozens of blogs, papers, presentations and speeches prepared by scores of fundraisers. Not only are we witness to the daily parade of good and bad ideas in our trade, but it’s a terrific way to keep up with changing times.

So it was with a touch of sadness and lots of appreciation that I opened the blog post from UK fundraiser Peter Maple to be greeted with The Last Post—An End to the Grumpy Old Fundraiser.

For 7 years and in 150 posts Peter has ruled the kingdom known as the Association of Grumpy Old Fundraisers who know stuff — from which he dispensed advice, insights and grumbles on the state of fundraising.

peter-mapleNow he’s moving on — no longer ‘grumpy’ he claims — but continuing to offer advice, teaching and cajoling.

I for one will miss his posts and his periodic criticisms and comments fired into my private email box.

He closed his last post offering advice he received from “a gruff Yorkshireman”: “Peter, you’ve got two ears and one mouth, so use them in that proportion.”

Thanks for everything Peter. We’ll be listening.

Roger

P.S. Peter says he’s not going to be silent or withdraw from our trade. He’s just no longer “grumpy”. You can reach him at Kew Quorum.