LEXINGTON, KY – The Rotary Club of Lexington held its weekly meeting on Thursday, August 1, at The Mane on Main, Chase Bank building on Main St. The guest speaker was  Jeff Ashley, President and Founder, Ashley/Roundtree and Associates.

This meeting will also be on Zoom. For the Zoom link please email, trafton@rotarylexky.org.

If you would like to have lunch, please contact Jenny@rotarylexky.org to reserve your meal.

Jeffrey L. Ashley, Founder and President

Ashley|Rountree and Associates

With more than 30 years of leadership, giving, fundraising, and nonprofit experience, Jeff has assisted hundreds of organizations in raising well over $1 billion throughout his career.

As Director of Major Gifts for the University of Louisville’s “Challenge for Excellence” campaign, Jeff played a leadership role in directing the silent and public phases that raised more than $340 million on a $200 million goal. He also served as Executive Director of the Trinity High School Foundation, Inc., setting records for dollars raised in annual funds, major gifts, and endowments.

Jeff later served as Spalding University’s Vice President for University Advancement. During his tenure, the school completed its first comprehensive capital campaign, raising $15.3 million on a $10 million goal.

After a career in education, Jeff sought an opportunity to apply the entrepreneurial skills that made him successful at these and other institutions. In 2002, he made the switch to full-time consulting and later that year established Ashley & Associates (now Ashley|Rountree and Associates). One of his first clients was his former employer, Spalding University.

Since then, Jeff has worked with hundreds of organizations throughout the region to improve their management operations and comprehensive fund development programs. He has served on numerous boards in various leadership roles, including currently on the Regional Cancer Center Corporation (UofL Brown Cancer Center) where he serves as board chair; the Kentucky Nonprofit Network Board of Directors; The University of Kentucky National Alumni Association Board of Directors; and the Twisted Pink Board of Directors.

He is a member of the Trinity High School Hall of Fame, graduated from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, and earned a master’s degree in business from Webster University. He and his wife Holly have two daughters, Elizabeth and Clair.

Rotary in Review 

PHILANTHROPY IN KENTUCKY IN 2024

 Last week, the Rotary Club of Lexington hosted Jeff Ashley, Founder and President of Ashley|Roundtree & Associates, who delivered an insightful presentation on current trends in philanthropy in Kentucky. His discussion centered on the enduring strength of the culture of philanthropy, the evolving challenges in fundraising, and the strategies required to adapt to these changes in the pursuit of unearned income.

Jeff began by affirming that the spirit of giving in Kentucky remains robust. He emphasized that the culture of philanthropy is deeply embedded in the community, driven by a collective commitment to support various causes, ranging from education and healthcare to social services and the arts. Ashley highlighted that despite economic fluctuations and other external pressures, Kentuckians continue to exhibit a strong willingness to contribute to charitable endeavors. This resilient philanthropic culture, he noted, is a testament to the values and dedication of the people in the region.

However, Ashley did not shy away from addressing the significant challenges facing fundraisers today. He pointed out that the landscape of philanthropy is undergoing substantial changes, influenced by factors such as technological advancements, shifting donor expectations, and increased competition for limited resources. One of the most pressing issues is the changing demographics of donors. As younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, become more prominent in the donor base, their preferences and behaviors are reshaping fundraising strategies. These younger donors are more likely to seek transparency, impact, and engagement from the organizations they support, necessitating a more dynamic and interactive approach to fundraising.

Ashley also discussed the impact of digital transformation on philanthropy. While technology has provided new tools and platforms for fundraising, it has also introduced complexities. Nonprofits must now navigate social media, crowdfunding, and digital marketing to effectively reach potential donors. This shift requires a level of technological proficiency and a strategic mindset that some organizations may find challenging to develop and maintain. Additionally, the rise of online giving has led to increased competition, as donors are now exposed to a broader array of causes and campaigns, both locally and globally.

In light of these challenges, Ashley offered strategies for successful fundraising in the modern era. He stressed the importance of building strong relationships with donors, noting that personalized engagement and consistent communication are key to fostering loyalty and long-term support. Understanding donor motivations and aligning organizational goals with their values can enhance donor retention and increase contributions. Ashley also recommended leveraging data analytics to gain insights into donor behavior, allowing organizations to tailor their approaches and create more effective fundraising campaigns.

Furthermore, Ashley highlighted the potential of collaborative efforts in overcoming fundraising hurdles. By partnering with other organizations, nonprofits can pool resources, share expertise, and amplify their impact.

Ashley’s presentation to our Club provided a comprehensive overview of the current state of philanthropy in Kentucky. While acknowledging the challenges posed by an evolving fundraising landscape, he remains optimistic about the future. Ashley’s insights underscored the importance of adaptability, relationship-building, and collaboration in sustaining and enhancing the culture of philanthropy in the region.

  • Dan Koett

Recent Updates

  • ROTARIAN’S IN THE NEWS

  • Nov. 7 – Dr. Ryan Quarles, President, KCTCS and Dr. Greg Feeney, President, BCTC : “Milestones and the Path Forward”

  • Club Leadership Attends Rotary Large Club Conference in Memphis, TN.

  • Oct. 24- CANCELLED – Due to Circumstances Beyond our Controll! NO WEEKLY LUNCH MEETING!

  • Rotary Club of Lexington Launches New Website to Enhance Community Engagement