Welcome! I am so glad you’re here.
Love for Humanity is an evolving space for folks who believe in humans supporting humans. Part blog, part website, this is where I explore and share thoughts, stories, and questions about giving, living, and loving—supporting one another through this wildly uncertain, awe-inspiring, wonderful life.
My belief that the vast majority of us aim to do the right thing and want what’s best for ourselves and one another led to my current work in philanthropy, the root of which literally means “love for humanity.” For nearly 20 years, I’ve raised funds for important causes—health care, medical research, education, advocacy and social justice—experiencing firsthand the promise and power of philanthropy. But also its shortcomings: barriers to asking for support, sharing resources, and building better together.
Fundraising has become more difficult in recent years as the philanthropic landscape has shifted from approximately ⅔ of all Americans contributing in 2000, to less than half in 2020, and even fewer today. Meanwhile, total dollars raised by nonprofits has continued to rise, a fact often celebrated by mainstream media minus important nuance. The dollars up, donors down phenomenon means fewer people are determining how charitable dollars are spent and which causes are deemed worthy.
This trend led me to launch Love for Humanity. I believe philanthropy improves lives and makes us all better. That’s why this newsletter exists: to hold space, to tell the truth and ask hard questions, and to imagine what a more philanthropic world could look like.
To me, philanthropy is more than a sector or even a practice. It is a way of life and the lens through which I see the world—how we relate to and care for one another, how we allocate and use resources, and who gets a seat at our tables. Thus, my writing extends beyond formal philanthropic giving into politics, human nature, well-being, morality and spirituality, being our best selves and living our best lives.
If you care about how we treat one another and how we share what we have, you are in the right place. If you work in philanthropy—as a gift officer, CEO, board member, or funder—you’ll recognize some of the tensions I explore. My hope is that Love for Humanity can be one small, honest place where we tune out some of the noise and practice seeing one another more clearly, resourcing our work more humanely, and remembering that “loving people” is not only the root of philanthropy but key to living a meaningful and purposeful life.
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My posts are available to all. Like philanthropy, paid subscriptions are optional and provide an opportunity to support and be part of this work. If you feel moved to support it, I’m deeply grateful.
About me
I am a mom and I am a Seeker (literally my maternal grandmother’s maiden name). I fancy myself a compassionate creator, human‑centered fundraiser, and am a stalwart (stubborn, perhaps) believer in the inherent goodness of people. I am also an explorer. I’ve lived in five states and had multiple careers—journalism, comms, sales, yoga and wellness, and philanthropy.
I am also a lover of words and a collector of quotes. Writing and reading have been central to who I am for as long as I can remember. While the time I have devoted to writing has ebbed and flowed, I recognize I am happier and more fulfilled when I write regularly. So, here we are.
I currently work as a philanthropy advisor, fractional development leader, speaker and coach to major and principal gifts practitioners, CEOs, boards, and funders who want fundraising to be humane, ethical and sustainable. That work and this writing reflect the same commitment: to treat philanthropy as a practice of loving people, not just moving money.
Oh yeah, I am also a forever Prince fan.
