John S. Ryan, CFRE --- President, Major Gifts Incorporated
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John S. Ryan entered development in 1960. In 1977, after 17 years with Wheaton College (Wheaton, Illinois), he joined the University of Minnesota Foundation. He served the Foundation as Vice President and Director of Planned Giving until 1987 when he left to form Major Gifts, Inc.

In the decade prior to forming MGI, he personally raised over $50 million in annual, capital, and planned gifts. He has spoken, published, and consulted widely in philanthropic circles.

His experience provides him with a background to serve a variety of organizations, including the arts, educational, health, social service, and religious nonprofits.
 

"Active listening occurs when we create an atmosphere where a friend can share who they really are and what they want to do. They share things seldom articulated audibly prior to the interview."

"From that day on, the listener has the potential to become a matchmaker"
John Ryan has done national staff training for:
  • American Council on Gift Annuities
  • National 4-H Council
  • CASE (Council for Advancement & Support of Education)
  • ELCA Foundation (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America)
  • AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals)
  • The Seventh Day Adventists
 

Book: Hidden Assets

By Dianne Hodiak and John S. Ryan

Published by Jossey-Bass
A Wiley Company
350 Sansome Street
San Francisco, CA 94104
Order Information

"I have participated in the author's unique process. It has a direct effect on donors. They come to the table having thought about objectives for themselves and their heirs and their charitable dreams. This provides a wonderful foundation for later technical implementation by advisors like me." -Clinton A. Schroeder, president, American Council on Gift Annuities

 

 

Published Articles by John

  • Building and Using your Ownership Grid
    (Planned Giving Today/September 1991)
  • Converting an Estate Donor into a Substantial Annual Giver
    (Fundraising Management)
  • Harvesting with Volunteers
    (Planned Giving Today/1993)
  • Reading Donor Signals
    (Fund Raising Management/June 1989)
  • Responding to Donor Signals
    (Fund Raising Management/June 1991)
  • Training: Is it Worth the Trouble?
    (NSFRE-MN Developments/April 1994)
  • Volunteers Can Run an Endowment Program
    (Fundraising Management/February 1992)
  • Volunteers: The Key to Accelerating Your Endowment Program (Fundraising Management/February 1994)

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Contact Us:
Phone:
952-941-6252

Email:
johnryan_1@comcast.net

Copyright 2007 Major Gifts Inc.