GivingThree, is a resource for leaders in the nonprofit sector. This web site grew out of an e-newsletter that began in late 2006 under the name “Philanthropy Thoughts.” In late 2007 the name of the e-newsletter was changed to “The Philanthropy Primer” and provided readers with links to current events in the nonprofit sector and brief 1-3 sentence commentary and analysis.

The original format encouraged reader participation. Heavy use of humor, shout-outs, and inside jokes were not uncommon. Over time readers requested that the e-newsletter be expanded in scope so they could be distributed to a wider network. The last Philanthropy Primer was sent in early of 2008 and work began on this site shortly thereafter. Some of those early e-newsletters have been incorporated as blog posts on GivingThree.

Nearly two years after “Philanthropy Thoughts” began and just over a year since The Philanthropy Primer went off-line we introduce GivingThree, philanthropy resources. True to the original, we ask that you help keep the site an open conversation about the state of philanthropy, the nonprofit sector, best practices for nonprofit professionals, and the future of philanthropy.

Benjamin T. Mohler, CFRE, has worked in the field of higher education advancement since 2001. During that time he has gained experience in a wide variety of disciplines within the nonprofit sector including annual giving, board development and governance, corporate and foundation giving, major gifts, capital campaigns, public affairs, prospect research, mission-focused stewardship, and strategic planning.

In 2001, Mohler began his career at The University of Texas at Austin, Engineering Foundation. He left UT-Austin in 2006 to join the fundraising staff at his alma mater, Cedarville University. Mohler stayed there until 2007 at which point he joined the staff of The UNC Charlotte Foundation.

Currently the Director of Philanthropy and Development for the William States Lee College of Engineering at UNC Charlotte, he is responsible for designing and implementing the strategic goals of the Lee College and facilitating a culture of philanthropy. This work includes the establishment of meaningful relationships with donors and donor prospects, providing counsel for the Lee College of Engineering dean, negotiating gifts on behalf of the university in accordance with adopted gift acceptance policies and procedures, accompanying senior University administrators and volunteers on cultivation and solicitation visits, assisting with college-specific alumni and public relations programs, and serving as a donor avocate within the foundation.

Mohler is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). He serves as a member of the AFP International Development Committee, which reports to the governing board of AFP International. Mohler is also involved with AFP at a local level where he serves on the Mentoring Committee for the Charlotte chapter of AFP and is currently a mentor within that program. In 2007, he became a trustee for the governing board of Carolina Voices serving as the chair of the philanthropy and development committee.

Mr. Mohler received a B.A. from Cedarville University in Communication Arts with a concentration in Organizational Communications. He also received minors in Business, English, and Management Information Systems. Mohler is in his final year of the Philanthropy and Development M.A. program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. His primary academic interest includes understanding the cultural context of philanthropy, specifically in “developing world” nations.

When not working or persuing academic interests, Mohler is actively engaged with the Charlotte, NC nonprofit community and volunteers as a pro bono consultant for organizations aspiring to become donor centered and mission focused.

You may find more information about Benjamin T. Mohler, CFRE on LinkedIn.