Russell Cooper

What gets you excited about your role?

Honestly, I believe that what we do actually works! And I love to see clients receive funding and continue Kingdom work all over the world.

What's your #1 tip for organizations to gain new funding partners?

My tip is to not worry about “new” funding partners. If you do the right things with the donors you have, you’ll see more funding come in than you ever thought possible.

Tell us about a time where you helped someone overcome a significant barrier to successful fundraising.

I was coaching an executive of a mission agency. He was concerned about “abusing” the relationship by asking for money. I proceeded to ask what it was that he and his wife enjoyed about being generous in their giving. After he answered, I asked, “Do you think the donors you are approaching might find the same joy in giving that you and your wife do?” It blew his mind! He felt completely empowered to ask because he now saw it as a way to offer joy.

Where can we find you on the weekends?

I’m in the kitchen trying new recipes or perfecting old ones -- from shrimp tacos with mango salsa and cilantro lime slaw, to peach cobbler frozen yogurt, to grilled cheeseburgers with caramelized onions on a brioche bun. I love cooking and tending my herb and flower garden. But my favorite thing to do is read. I learn so much from reading about other people’s stories and experiences.

Where have you served as a fundraiser?

I spent 5 years on the advancement team at Welch College. I moved up to Director of Advancement. Following that, my wife and I served in Southeast Asia as volunteer teachers at a university. After serving as National Director of Philanthropy for Jews for Jesus, I decided to make Tailored my focus as CEO.