How to Fund a Million-Dollar Idea: Inspiring Philanthropic Investment in Education
Michael Frohna, Founder & VP of Humaner
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In 2025, Americans gave $617 billion to charitable causes. If your school has a bold vision for students, the money may be out there. The bigger question is whether you have an idea people want to invest in.
Too many organizations approach philanthropy by leading with what they need, chasing the biggest perceived “deep pockets,” or treating the conversation like a transaction. That can make fundraising feel uncomfortable for the person asking and uninspiring for the person being asked.
Michael Frohna has spent three decades helping organizations raise millions of dollars, and his approach challenges many of those assumptions. He shares what actually drives people to give, what separates a routine request from a transformational opportunity, and how education leaders can build the kind of vision and relationships that attract serious philanthropic support.
In this episode:
- Why one donor was upset Michael didn’t ask for enough
- What $617 billion in annual giving means for education
- Why philanthropists fund a vision, not an equipment list
- What makes some education initiatives inspire major investment while others fall flat
- How to move philanthropy from a transaction to a long-term partnership
Watch the Full Episode on YouTube
3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:
1. You raise a million dollars by having a million-dollar idea. Philanthropists aren’t looking to fund a need. They’re looking for a vision that shows what their investment can make possible. Before asking for a transformational gift, make sure the idea itself is transformational and that your organization is prepared to deliver on it.
2. The great paradox of fundraising: People dread asking for money, but people love to give. Michael has had million-dollar donors apologize that they couldn’t do more, and the only donor he ever upset was upset because Michael didn’t ask for enough. Stop viewing the ask as taking something from someone and recognize that you may be giving them an opportunity to make an impact they deeply value.
3. The goal isn’t to make someone your donor. It’s to become one of their organizations. Major philanthropy isn’t transactional. Listen for what matters to the giver, bring them close enough to experience the impact for themselves, and continue engaging them long after the gift so they see your mission as part of their own.
Resources in this Episode:
- Giving data: https://givingusa.org/
- Webinar: “If Only We Had the Budget”: There’s More Money Out There Than You Think
- Learn more about Humaner
- Books mentioned:
Connect with our guest online:
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