Tom Ahern

Professional Experience

Tom Ahern is one of North America's leading authorities on effective donor communications. He is a top-ranked speaker, in demand for major fundraising conferences. Each year, he delivers dozens of workshops on the techniques of (and psychology behind) making your case and donor cultivation. He is the author of a well-received book on donor newsletters (2005) and has two more books on fundraising communications under contract, scheduled for release in 2007.

Tom specializes in high-impact case statements that are bold, swift, and intense. He's helped organizations in higher education, medicine, public advocacy, the arts, and social services pursue their multi-million-dollar goals; for bricks-and-mortar, richer endowment, new programs, and general operating support. Recent cases included HIV/AIDS clinic ($2 million), a hospice facility ($5 million), an orchestra endowment ($7 million), an emergency department ($20 million), a zoo makeover ($35 million), a college arts center ($40 million), a bond issue for affordable housing ($50 million; passed in November 2006); and endowed chairs ($80 million).

Tom is also an award-winning magazine journalist, for articles on health, women's rights and other social justice issues. He has his MA and BA in English from Brown University, and a Certificate in Advertising Art from the RI School of Design. His offices are in Rhode Island and France.