When I worked at the Jewish United Fund (JUF) in Chicago, I had an up-close view of David’s journey. His story is one of adaptability, connections, and strategic thinking. From growing up in small Jewish communities to leading one of the largest fundraising campaigns in the country, David’s path is both inspiring and intriguing.
David's childhood in North Carolina and Indianapolis was shaped by being one of the only Jewish kids in his schools. His parents instilled Jewish identity and a connection to Israel but organized Jewish life wasn’t part of his upbringing. It wasn’t until he visited Israel in his early 20s that he experienced the transformative power of his Jewish heritage. That visit sparked a deeper connection to his Jewish identity and eventually influenced his career trajectory.
A Shift in Focus
After a stint in Los Angeles pursuing his passion for film production, David realized he wanted a career with a greater purpose. He moved to Chicago, where many of his college friends and family lived. Eager to give back, he started exploring opportunities in nonprofit work. A chance connection led him to JUF, where he began as a campaign associate in the Young Leadership Division.
"I didn’t have a master plan for a career in Jewish communal work," David admits. "But it felt like the right place to do something meaningful while exploring my Jewish identity."
Climbing the Ladder
David’s career at JUF has been marked by steady growth. He moved from managing the Lawyers Division to overseeing a small team, honing his fundraising skills along the way. After a decade, an opportunity to lead JUF’s community relations and public affairs efforts arose. While it wasn’t his area of expertise, David stepped into the role with curiosity and confidence.
I vividly remember a few months into his new position, sitting in a meeting where David was discussing governmental issues. Somehow, he already seemed like a pro. Curious, I asked him how he was able to absorb so much information so quickly.
David replied, "Having been at JUF for so many years gave me a deep understanding of our mission and priorities. After that, it was a lot of reading and learning from the great team already in place."
Continuing, he said, "One of the key lessons I’ve learned is you don’t have to be an expert in everything. You need to be able to identify and communicate the key points and build trust and credibility."
Eventually, David returned to his true calling: development. He took on the monumental task of running JUF’s Annual Campaign, which, together with his colleagues and volunteers, consistently raises over $90 million. His ability to manage pressure, focus on daily goals, and align and leverage the entire organization has been critical to this achievement.
The Art and Science of Raising Millions
David credits much of his success to maintaining a strategic mindset. "You can’t control everything—economic downturns, donors’ personal challenges, or national emergencies—but you can control your preparation, messaging, and how you manage your relationships," he explains.
By implementing forecasting tools and adopting a data-driven approach, David ensures his team stays on track. However, he emphasizes that relationships remain at the heart of fundraising.
"You need to deeply understand your audience," he advises. "That means listening, adapting, and meeting donors where they are. Fundraising isn’t about selling; it’s about creating authentic connections, aligning values, and building trust. And at JUF, we’re fortunate to have a phenomenal development team, incredible volunteers, and extraordinarily generous donors."
Engaging Donors
When asked how he handles working with volunteers and donors, David’s approach is rooted in empathy and respect. "People often have unique quirks and high expectations. My job is to understand their perspective, build trust, and find alignment."
Adaptability is also key. "Whether it’s a donor with a deep passion for a specific cause or someone who just wants to be heard, you need to demonstrate that you understand where they are coming from and engage with them meaningfully," he adds.
“Whether it’s a small or large gift, my approach remains consistent. When working with individuals who are in high demand due to their professional or philanthropic commitments, it’s crucial to be both patient and strategic. With so many demands on their time and attention, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to provide value and not just be another person asking for something.”
Next-Generation Philanthropy
David is optimistic about the future of philanthropy, particularly among younger generations. "Millennials and Gen Z are incredibly values driven. They want to know their dollars make a difference," he says.
To engage this new wave of donors, JUF has developed programs to educate young philanthropists on intentional giving, family dynamics, and long-term impact. "Fundraising today is less about brochures and more about storytelling and impact. Donors want to see where their money goes and the change it creates," David explains.
Lessons for Aspiring Fundraisers
David’s advice for fundraisers is simple but powerful: "Build authentic relationships and be strategic. Every interaction with a donor or prospective donor should have a purpose—whether it’s gathering information, building or enhancing a connection, or making the ask. And don’t lose sight of the purpose of the relationship, which is to provide opportunities for philanthropic impact that both benefit the donor and address a need.”
David’s story reminds us that great fundraisers aren’t just closers—they’re relationship builders, strategists, and lifelong learners.
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