Tom Ralser

Tom has worked with organizations of all kinds, from Chambers of Commerce to religious organizations, national museums to rural health networks, and local youth organizations to international research institutes. He pioneered the concept of applying return on investment (ROI) principles to nonprofit fundraising, and fundraisers have described his work as the “silver bullet” that justifies larger investments in nonprofit organizations.

Hundreds of organizations have utilized Tom’s sustainability planning techniques to ensure they can thrive in a tight money environment. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, which provides the framework for his Investment-Driven Model™ of fundraising, and led to the development of the Organizational Value Proposition®, which is widely used by corporations, foundations, and individuals as confirmation that the nonprofits in which they invest are truly delivering outcomes with values. His specialty of utilizing for-profit concepts and methods in the nonprofit world has helped nonprofits raise over an estimated $1.6 billion in the 22 years he has worked with them.

Tom is a frequent and highly acclaimed speaker, addressing topics about attracting new funders, outcome-based sustainability planning, and delivering value to investors.