ProFile: Ben Vitale, President, The Climate Trust

In the February issue of FundRaising Success, staff writer Joe Boland speaks with Ben Vitale, president of The Climate Trust, about how the for-profit world can offer valuable insights for nonprofits, and how his dual background helps him in his goals at the organization.

FS: What advice would you give other nonprofits looking to expand their support and funding?
Ben Vitale: "I'd encourage others to be optimistic even in these tough times. An honest review of where the situation is at and reviewing the fit with prospective donors given their situation — they're also in this financial crisis — so recognizing what some of their new limitations are, even if they have the desire to fund at a higher level but only have the capability in the shorter term for smaller funding. I think things will loosen up over time; be optimistic that we're getting closer to that point."