Jimmy LaRose Blog

May 21, 2025

Wicked The Musical…When Evil Sings in Perfect Harmony

It was nearly twenty years ago—during the 2004 Tony Awards on CBS—when I first encountered Wicked. Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth took the stage, and I was instantly captivated. The harmony, the music, the staging, the talent—the whole thing was absolutely stunning.
April 1, 2025

Jimmy LaRose says, “Dune is the new Star Wars – And The Future of Cinema”

In 1977, Star Wars exploded into theaters and changed cinema forever. It wasn’t just a film—it was a movement. A myth. A cultural shift. Now, nearly 50 years later, a new sci-fi epic is stepping into that role for a new generation: Dune. Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s legendary novel isn’t just a movie—it’s a cinematic event. It’s cerebral, visual, and deeply immersive. And like Star Wars before it, Dune is quietly (and not so quietly) redefining what modern blockbuster storytelling can be.
January 2, 2025

Alexis Alm Says, “Major-Gift Ramp-Up is a Gift to Fundraisers Everywhere!”

Alexis Alm Says, Major-Gift Ramp-Up is a Gift to Fundraisers Everywhere is one nonprofit veteran’s take on one of the greatest book on fundraising every written. Here’s what Alexis thinks about Joanne Oppelt and Jimmy LaRose’s new tome. I’ve been a fundraiser for several decades, a successful major gift and planned giving officer, and I serve as the CEO of nonprofit organizations. With a master’s in
December 30, 2024

Jimmy LaRose…Blessed Is The Peacemaker – Joanne Oppelt

Jimmy LaRose…Blessed Is The Peacemaker is one fundraising veteran’s insider take on our industry’s most controversial leader. Here’s what Joanne Oppelt has to share about her personal experience with Jimmy LaRose. You find peace at the oddest of times through the oddest of characters. I found peace being a part of the Development Systems International (DSI) team, something I never expected. After all, the character who runs the firm, Jimmy LaRose, is loud and boisterous with strong opinions. I never expected serenity from a relationship with him and his cohorts.
July 20, 2024

What is Nonprofit Development?

 What is Nonprofit Development? is a peek into the mind of Jimmy LaRose’s friend, mentor, dad and fundraising veteran Mr. Hall Powell. Let’s hear what Hall has to share as he demystifies the word “development.” Little Girl: “Daddy, what do you do?” Father: “I am a Chief Development Officer” Little Girl: “What does that mean?” Father: “Well, honey, I help people’s dreams and desires come true.” Little Girl: “Mommy said you are a fundraiser. What’s a fundraiser?” Father: “Well, your mother is somewhat right….” Little Girl: “What do you mean?” Father: “As a development officer I do fundraising…but it is so much more than that” Little Girl: “Like what…?” Father: “Well, uh… Sweetheart, is dinner ready yet!” Wife: ”It’s only 3 o’clock!” Oh my! Dad is in trouble! The little dialogue is meant to be humorous, but it does bespeak of the need to differentiate between development, marketing, and fundraising. While most people use the terms interchangeably, they are three very distinct disciplines, but all three are critical, essential for institutional development. Let’s take a look:
May 19, 2024

Jimmy & Kristi LaRose Celebrating The Apotheosis of Washington

Painted in 1865 by Constantino Brumidi, the Apotheosis of Washington in the eye of the U.S. Capitol Building’s Rotunda depicts George Washington rising to the heavens in glory, flanked by female figures representing Liberty and Victory/Fame and surrounded by six groups of figures. The fresco is suspended 180 feet above the Rotunda floor and covers an area of 4,664 square feet. Jimmy & Kristi LaRose Celebrating The Apotheosis of Washington The Apotheosis of Washington in the eye of the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol was painted in the true fresco technique by Constantino Brumidi in 1865. Brumidi (1805-1880) was born and trained in Rome and had painted in the Vatican and Roman palaces before emigrating to the United States in 1852. A master of creating the illusion of three-dimensional forms and figures on flat walls, Brumidi painted frescoes and murals throughout the Capitol from 1855 until his death.
February 16, 2024

Jimmy LaRose – Charity’s Great Truth-Teller – The Jim Eskin Show

Jimmy LaRose – Charity’s Great Truth-Teller – The Jim Eskin Show highlight’s Eskin Fundraising Training’s 2024 Inaugural Nonprofit Podcast featuring Jimmy LaRose inspired colleagues across the Nation to take an honest look at the current state of fundraising and philanthropy. LaRose’s “emperor has no clothes” approach to nonprofit piety and organizational crazy-making was full of humor, insight and wisdom.
January 7, 2024

Jimmy & Kristi LaRose Celebrate 10th Wedding Anniversary in 2024

Jimmy & Kristi LaRose’s marriage is “love exemplified.” They do not judge. They overlook defects and only celebrate their strengths. Together, they are truly more than the sum of their parts and minister to people high and low around the world. Now in their 10th year of wedded bliss they enter that final season of life on earth anticipating their best years ever! https://JimmyLaRose.com https://KristiLaRose.com
October 22, 2022

Major Gifts Ramp-Up Cloud v11.0

Major Gifts Ramp-Up Cloud Releases v11.0 celebrates the newest release of Jimmy LaRose’s Major Gifts Ramp-Up Cloud™ super platform. The Cloud has been designed to support organizations who successfully implement the Major Gifts Ramp-Up™ fundraising model. Recognized as the world’s largest nonprofit digital resource library, the MGRU Cloud includes thousands of documents, tutorials, presentations, manuals, videos, audios, curriculum and exams vital to enhancing your nonprofit’s performance. Fundraisers save hundreds of hours as they CUT-AND-PASTE their way through projects using fresh material they now own.