Beyond the Founder: How ILI Keeps a $3.5M Fundraising Program Running

Daniel Drewski on Character, Collaboration, and Fundraising That LastsJames Misner talks with Daniel Drewski, president and CEO of International Leadership Institute, about developing leaders across more than 100 nations and 70 languages. They explore why character is foundational to effective leadership, how to collaborate across cultures, and what sustainable fundraising looks like for nonprofits and ministries.Daniel shares lessons from his career in politics, hospitality, education, and global ministry including how to build systems that can outlast any one leader.Key topicsDaniel’s journey to leading International Leadership Institute as its first successorThe importance of local leaders and character developmentThe “tyranny of the urgent” and the apartment-fire analogyFour keys to collaboration: shared goals, success measures, support, and communicationNavigating cultural differences with graceHow scarcity thinking affects partnershipsBuilding sustainable fundraising systems and prioritizing relationshipsLessons from an event with competing goalsDaniel’s vision for developing leaders and closing leadership gapsTimestamps00:00 – Introducing Daniel Drewski and global leadership00:31 – Daniel’s journey at International Leadership Institute01:49 – Local leadership and community transformation03:24 – Character development in leadership04:14 – The apartment-fire analogy and leadership urgency06:36 – The tyranny of the urgent and succession08:28 – Cultural differences and good character11:52 – Shared goals, success measures, and communication13:20 – Scarcity thinking and its impact on partnerships14:14 – Turning concerns into action18:28 – Fundraising lessons and sustainable systems20:36 – Major gifts, grassroots support, and relationships24:45 – Fundraising failures and lessons learned28:06 – The importance of clear fundraising goals29:48 – Stewardship and scarcity31:17 – Daniel’s five-year vision for leadership33:45 – Preparing leaders for growth34:56 – Connecting with Daniel and International Leadership InstituteResources & Links:The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on LinkedinConnect with Daniel:International Leadership Institute Official WebsiteConnect with Daniel on Linkedin