Robert G. Swanson, MBA
President

•	Leadership Cabinet

"Big gifts are created, not found," says Robert Swanson, President of Hartsook Companies. He's quick to add, "Only half of fundraising is about the money. The other half is about the organization, its mission and its people." He believes strongly that fundraising is about engaging current supporters and new supporters in the life of the organization. "If all you want is their money," says Robert "your fundraising program and aspirations will never be truly successful."

As an active consultant, author and speaker, he has shared this vision and this strategy of fundraising with countless nonprofit organizations. His clients range from hospitals to universities, from museums to conservation groups and from human service organizations to national youth and issue advocacy groups. He has helped clients secure more than $200 million in gifts and grants.

According to Robert, successful nonprofits understand the four steps of fundraising - identification, cultivation, solicitation and appreciation - and how they apply to their organization. "Every organization is different, but the steps are always the same. We help clients develop specific strategies to achieve these steps and raise money." Training, orientation and mentoring are key components in helping clients succeed.

Robert completed his nonprofit career as CEO and president of the Emporia State University Foundation. Robert has an undergraduate degree in education, a master's in business administration and is a co-founder of Prairie Renaissance, a leadership development organization. Robert has authored a variety of articles concerning fundraising and nonprofit management and recently released his first book, Fundraising Magic - 33.5 Strategies for Turning Board Members into Money Makers.

He is married to Bo and has two sons - Trevor and Grant.