Did what they'd never dreamed possible
My wife and I were able to do something we never dreamed possible at that stage in life when I first met Jim. With his encouragement and know-how in philanthropy, we decided to endow a chair at a Midwest U.S. seminary that brought society and the church together. We have seen great things happen as a result.
Bob Rogers, Philanthropist and former Chairman and CEO of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
Inspired to inspire others
My husband and I decided to make what is for us a very significant financial commitment to a cause we care about. We were asked to speak to a gathering of potential supporters about our contribution. Inspired by your work, I was able to tap into my deepest feelings about how this contribution gives meaning to my life. The most amazing and wonderful thing was how I knew I had connected with others. Their tears and their words told me so.
Maggie Coon, lifelong conservationist, Co Director, Twisp Public Development Authority, Washington, USA
Her audacious vision came to be
My first workshop with Jim was the moment I was able to see that my life had a pattern. It wasn't a patchwork of unrelated things, as I had thought (because I didn't have a career, moving as I did from journalism to public affairs to running a business to doing election administration and observation). I saw that I was a learner, a teacher, and a researcher and explorer.
It felt so wonderfully good to see that pattern, because it gave me something to build on for the next part of my life. (I remember that Jim told me how impressed he was that I was investing in myself, to come to that workshop; and that has stayed with me. I had never thought of it in quite that way before.) At that workshop, I wrote a vision for the future that seemed so audacious that I promptly put it away for several years and only rarely looked at it. And then I realized recently that it is indeed coming to pass.
Rosemary Cairns, researcher and consultant, Canada and Serbia
Forward-moving energy
This experience was profoundly different from any other conference or development opportunity I've ever attended. Calm, peaceful, thoughtful, and yet there is a forward-moving energy and tempo that is exciting.
Sonja Garber, Third Sector Advocate, Tailwinds, LLC, Sheridan, Wyoming
Opened up possibilities
Even before the workshop, your ideas had opened up a world of possibility beyond anything I had ever considered. Intriguing emails, evolving into "What Kind of World Do You Want?", and your personal commitment to helping us all see that world is possible are inspiring. And then there's this wonderful, diverse, amazing group of people you've attracted together. It is so humbling and amazing and fun to be part of this group, and to know that it is indeed "The Age of Possibility." THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.
Olen Jones, National Community Renaissance, Rancho Cucamonga, California, USA
Everything became easier
The workshop with Jim changed the entire leadership of Daystar. The question was no longer, "How can we raise so much money?" Instead the new focus has become helping the donor to have a meaningful experience through his or her contribution to the cause. As a result, we're raising much more money, and I've been asked to lead an initiative to shift the way we look at students, just as we have shifted the way we look at donors.
MacMillan Kiiru, Consultant and Trustee, Daystar University, Nairobi, Kenya
What a joyful environment that I love inhabiting, even for a brief time.
Jane Scheidecker, Director of Development, Oregon Bach Festival, Eugene, Oregon, USA
Advanced her profession
When I first began to learn about fund raising in the early eighties, Jim Lord's marketing techniques for fund raising were my bible. I subsequently attended a workshop given by Jim in Washington, D.C. where much more "advanced" theories about topics like relationship building were being developed. I thank Jim for once again enabling those of us who work in the field to continue to progress.
Lucille Panet-Raymond, Montreal YWCA, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Encouraged by global community
Meeting and knowing people from around the world who are contributing to a dream, and witnessing the courage, compassion and conviction they bring to the kind of world they want is truly inspiring. Thank you so much for the opportunity to spend time with you again, and for your special talent of bringing like-minded people together.
Debbie MacDougall, Co-Founder, Southridge School, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
"Jim Lord is a visionary."
He inspires us through his ethical approach to — and sensitive appreciation of — both the process of fundraising and the outcomes it produces to society's benefit. Jim evidences his lifelong quest for higher ground and new vistas in our field.
Kent E. Dove, Vice President for Development, Indiana University Foundation; leading author, consultant, and teacher
If you’re striving to make a difference in the world, I genuinely believe this could be the most exciting year of your life.
And I’d like to give you a big boost in that direction, with a special gift designed just for these times.
You see, over the past 17 years I’ve taught hundreds of people how to break through the “we can’t do that” barrier and open up new possibilities for their organizations and causes.
You can “meet” some of those good folks — alums of my Quest workshop — right here on this page. (I’m amazed by what they’re achieving, even in “these times.”)
And you can make this your year to move forward on your dreams for the world (instead of dismissing them as “unrealistic” these days.)
Intrigued?
Good! Set aside just 15 minutes tomorrow, home or office, and I will give you a running start on your Best 2010.
I really mean it: block out a little time on your calendar. Because I’ve put together a series of learning modules for you, taken from the best of the workshop. You’ll get the first one tomorrow: a simple method you can put to work right where you are, right now, to expand what’s possible for your cause.
All as my gift for you, in gratitude for who you are — and the good you’re doing in the world.
Simply use the form below to let me know of your interest, and we’ll get started.
Best,
Jim Lord
"Changed our organization forever"
Jim has had profound impacts on both me and the Spokane Guilds' School and Neuromuscular Center. In my 32 to years at the school I would say that meeting and working with Jim has been one of the highlights for all of us. His name and thoughts come up around here every day, and he is held in the highest regard by all. His whole appreciative perspective has changed our organization forever. We feel so blessed to know him and the compass and direction he has provided for us.
Dick Boysen, Executive Director, Spokane Guilds' School and Neuromuscular Center, Spokane, Washington, USA
Confidence to launch a new project
The informality and the friendliness before and throughout the workshop kept it from being intimidating. It was perfect to set the stage for the past two weeks at the UN women's conference, and also for planning my new project for empowering young women. The confidence I gained simply by knowing that I have the capability to make a significant contribution, and that that it was OK to want to change the world! ... that has been such a gift.
Gabriella Havard, Student, Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, Capetown, South Africa
"I wouldn't have missed this for the world."
I had no idea how profoundly this remarkable experience would affect my view of the world and the way I see my ability to change the world. I found such clarity of purpose and I have been able to give myself permission to joyfully express my own essence. This was the most productive, most inspirational, most transforming three days I've ever spent.
Rufus Woods, Editor and Publisher, The Wenatchee World, Wenatchee, Washington, USA
Most successful campaign in 150 years
Applying Jim's model, we concluded the most successful campaign, by far, in our 150 years. I'm glad this powerful thinking -- which was fundamental to our achievement -- is now available more widely. I want to see my colleagues share in this experience of even greater professional success and personal fulfillment.
Dan Loritz, Vice President-University Relations, Hamline University, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
A colleague and I went half-way around the world to attend.
Elaine Pickering, Hong Kong
Hope in a time of crisis
I've been the only woman in a management position in my NGO for almost seven years, and many times was challenged for making decisions based in my feelings and intuition. But during a profound organizational crisis, the seed that was nourished during the workshop led me to speak my mind and my heart, provoking people to let go their defenses and look at the most important achievements we've made together. At the end of the day, we all shared new hopes, new perspectives, and a sense of relief and cooperation.
Graciela Selaimen, Executive Director, RITS (The Information Network for Civil Society), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
He lit up his board
It's trendy to call challenges and problems "opportunities," but learning the framework Jim teaches means you focus on what is possible. You don't get sidetracked or deterred. When I introduced these ideas to my colleagues, I watched as the proverbial light bulb went off. Their faces lit up, their voices rose in excitement, they became energized and motivated.
Gordon Johnson, Civic leader and trustee, The Centre on Philanthropy, Bermuda
A whole new way of thinking
I'm having a great time incorporating this into my personal and professional life. It's a whole new way of thinking for me, and I feel like a much more peaceful, at-home person. Productive, too! How neat to discover that I am (and indeed, all of us are) still capable of reaching completely new "states!" Thank you, thank you.
Amelia Bishop, Allston, Massachusetts, USA
Energized to build democracy in Nepal
I came back home from the workshop with a renewed energy and confidence. With that I was able to initiate a network of people who believe in democratic values, have commitment to generate a new future and also positively influence political leaders to take bold actions.
I have been engaged in this journey for the last 15 years and I am confident that the learning I received at the workshop is what we need for a greater social transformation.
Sahadev Mahat, Community Leader, Kathmandu, Nepal
Community foundation gains a leader
The workshop I attended with Jim came at an inflection point in my life. I needed to decide whether I was going to become a "leader" or a "foundation administrator" for our community. Developing a deep understanding of Appreciative Inquiry helped me become more comfortable with the idea that leaders don't have to have all the answers (which I didn't) but can be the people who ask the right questions (which I learned to do). In the intervening years, we've grown the foundation tremendously, both in size and in service to the community.
Kevin K. Murphy, President, Berks County Community Foundation, Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
A fresh way of working
When I was introduced to Jim's approach, it was the first time an organization had ever asked what was important to me. It influenced how I think about myself philanthropically and how we need to treat others.
Barney Saunders, civic leader, Vice chair (retired) Cargill, Inc.
"Mind-wide-open leadership"
It is clear that Jim sees philanthropy not just as a part time endeavor but a way of life — a notion that rightly blurs the lines between non profit and for profit organizations like mine. Through his work I learned the profound difference between mere dreams and hope, that most powerful of human impulses – a reasonable expectation of the bright future to come. I don't just see it, Jim. I am it – and so are we all, thanks in no small part to your mind-wide-open leadership.
Ben Field, Wenatchee, Washington, USA
Jim challenges people
To invest themselves in their true ambitions, to not be deterred by objections, others' or their own, and to be uncompromising in this, like no one I know. It may sound "airy fairy," but it is the most demanding discipline I have encountered.
Eric Weir, Decatur, Georgia, USA
"Amazing results"
I've been lucky enough to work with Jim Lord's approach and concepts and have seen amazing results -- some that I consider magic. And that's what this work should be about. Creating magic for our donors and our organizations. And for ourselves.
Penny Cowden, Executive Director, St. Mary's Hospital Foundation, Grand Junction, Colorado, USA
Dreams become real in India
Jim magnifies one's power to dream and dream big. My first workshop with him gave me courage to take the plunge and start my own non-profit organization, Muskaan (which means "smile" in English). The full package -- the book, two workshops and leadership program, and the APPRECIATION that I have received from my workshop mates -- has made me love my dream all the more and has given me energy to translate it into reality. I am grateful to Jim for allowng me to be part of this work because it has strengthened my courage to create the kind of world I want. Carry on Jim and Pam, together we are making a difference.
Vibha, Founder of Muskaan, Lucknow, India
Changed his approach to life
A few thoroughly enjoyable and energizing workshops with Jim have definitely changed me for the better as my approach to life is now more upbeat and confident. As a recovering "glass half empty" person, the words "possibilities," "opportunity" and "potential" have become real as well as stimulating and exciting for me in the spirit of continuous learning and growth. For all this, I have Jim to thank.
Cummings Zuill, Bermuda
Creating her future
Since your class in Vancouver, my life has changed dramatically, and I am for once, pursuing the life of MY dreams. You help all of us to see that it is all possible, that we are the solutions, and we can create our own most preferred futures. You illuminate the possible in the world. That is your legacy. Most appreciatively, Sue
Sue Rhodes, Denver, Colorado, USA
Gained a new perspective
The paradigm shift for me was very powerful -- truly believing that what we all want is already there. I just want to see it more clearly (more often) and then intentionally look for ways to strengthen it.
Drew Stephens, Head of School, Southridge School, Surrey, BC, Canada
Giving that can change the world
The impact you've had on my thinking about the raising of money never ceases, Jim. I am always struck by my managers or even by donors who are so pleased by the results (of greater gifts or making a legacy gift.) They feel as if they haven't had their "arm twisted." Many years ago, you introduced a new vocabulary about fundraising. Then you added music, history and storytelling. You showed how a person's story can generate the kind of love of giving that, if this world would listen, could really change the world. What you gave me has impacted my professional behavior for the past 12 years and made me a better person. Thank you!
Judi Taylor Cantor, VP of Development, Boston Children's Museum, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Retreating pays off
I took more than two weeks of unpaid leave while working for a "Big 5" consulting firm to attend Jim's program in Australia several years ago. I have never been the same since! Jim has a wonderful gift for being able to create the space for miracles to emerge. Board members may take as much back to their own offices as they do to the nonprofits they serve.
Jackie Kelm, Consultant and volunteer, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
At first it seemed a bit "out there," but then ...
When I first signed up for the four-day Quest workshop, staff asked me, what are you doing? I responded, I'm going to spend a few days with the Lord. On the first day I thought Jim was a bit "out there." With all the talk of endless possibilities, appreciative inquiry, mapping the future, releasing the spirit, I thought maybe Jim Lord was the stage name. By the end of the week I was fully bought in. Like lessons from the original, I was reminded of the power of the paradox; the greatest gift you will receive is in service to others, the way to build deep connection is by listening not talking, forgiveness is more powerful than bitterness, hope is greater than fear, we gain when we let go, deep inside each of us is pure spiritual connection to one another. Thank you Jim for teaching us.
Roger Hoesteroy, Senior Vice President, The Trust for Public Land, Seattle, Washington, USA
He's building self-reliance in rural Kenya
At first people in my community thought it was impossible to do anything because of lack of funds. But after the workshop and leadership program, I used your methods to work with them and discover hidden confidence and resources. It just took someone to light the fire, and this was my role.
Jim and the workshop members had helped me discover that what I do springs from who I am (more than from opportunities or circumstances). And my team members in Kenya also began to see the power within themselves. The new community learning center and other initiatives have been the tangible results, and this is just the beginning.
Jastus Suchi, Reach the Children, Nairobi, Kenya
Life-changing
This was the most meaningful experience in my life. It came straight from Jim himself -- there is not a more deeply caring or completely appreciative individual. His demeanor, soft-spoken words and gentle character make this experience a life-changing reward.
Jen Pikard, Canada
An absolute dream of personal and professional growth.
Milica Turnic, Catholic Relief Services, Belgrade, Serbia
Simple genius
We had a meeting on Friday that I did not believe was possible! I am amazed by what you have taught us -- and its efficacy. There is something in the simplicity that is genius.
Cathy Whewell, Adelaide, Australia
Making change in Mexico and Latin America
Jim has helped me visualize where donors and non-profit organizations converge, where we can make the difference in a positive, human and ethical way. Bravo, Jim! Your way of thinking has inspired the 6,000 participants Procura has trained in Mexico and Latin America.
Marcela Orvananos de Rovzar, Founder of Procura A.C., the first institute in Latin America to teach institutional development; President of the Board, UNICEF Mexico
Brought his best to his consulting practice
When I first attended Jim's workshop it was a few months into my nascent consulting practice of working with community organizations. That experience with Jim showed me how to bring my best to my work, and how to translate that to organizations and communities. I am now 12 years into my consulting practice and my learnings from Jim continue to shape how I work, how I live, and how I am.
Eric M. Kapono, Owner, Advancement Services for Native Nonprofits, Hilo, Hawaii
Thank you, Jim, for the ongoing motivation and support. The workshop was a massive motivator and the emails are constant reminders. You are a blessed person with your gifts that reach out to so many. Good stuff. Keep up your work!
Caroline Tee, Bermuda
"Best programs" on philanthropic work
Attending Jim Lord's by-invitation workshops have created important turning points in my life. Anyone who has a passion for philanthropic work should take advantage of experiencing the best programs I know of in this field.
Ismo Heikkila, Financial planning consultant and volunteer, Toronto, Ontario, Canada