About Me

Like you, I wasn’t born a fundraiser.   

I could've never imagined that I’d be asking people to part with their hard-earned money day in and day out.   When I was offered my first nonprofit job, I was working as an international news anchor. Yet despite the glamorous work title, the thing I hated most was talking about politics!   

Deep down I knew that I didn’t want to discuss world events. I wanted to help people – in any small way possible.   

There was only one problem.   

I just couldn't see myself being a fundraiser.  Selling cookies, making cold calls, or standing in front of a roomful of people asking them to part with their hard-earned cash was just not for me.    So when I was offered a job at a wonderful nonprofit, the first thing I said was:  

 “As long as I don’t have to ask for money!”   

Fourteen years later I ask people for money Every. Single. Day.    

And… I absolutely love it! Here’s why…    

I love seeing people’s astonishing generosity, their willingness to help, their love for their neighbor... All despite the real difficulties they may be going through themselves.  

And guess what: people actually enjoy being asked for a donation! You just need to know how to do it.  And since I learned how to do it properly, I’ve raised over $8,500,000.00 in small gifts from very small groups of people.    

And I want you to have the same experience, too.   

That’s why I wrote Fundraising From Scratch.   

So if you’re new, overwhelmed, completely alone, and don’t know where to turn for help - this book is for you.   As you read , I hope you realize that asking for money is not wrong or hard. And as you start implementing the strategies, you’ll find that donors do want to help support your organization and love that you asked them!    

Here’s to you raising millions! 

Alena