Andrew Ho
Director of Development | National Academy of Sciences (NAS)
In this month’s Learning Community Spotlight, we’re speaking with Andrew Ho, Director of Development at the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) in Washington, DC. Andy represents a subset of the broader Certified Advisor Community that is bringing the 21/64 Approach to fundraising for specific issue areas. At present, Andy is also a fellow in 21/64’s inaugural Advance Certified Advisors of Color (CAOC) cohort.
For Andy, there is an indelible link between the values of generosity and joy. “I try to encourage generosity not only in giving but in service to the community – which if directed properly, brings greater joy and abundance to life.”
Andy’s philosophies about giving have been forged through a deliberate switch early in his career from corporate finance and consulting to working in the public and nonprofit sectors for the past 20+ years. He has previously held positions at Salzburg Global Seminar, where he raised funds from institutional and individual donors in the US and Asia, the Council on Foundations, The White House, TCC Group, AAPIP, and The Urban Institute.
These days, he is passionate about advancing the role of science and technology in addressing the most pressing challenges facing humanity and the planet. “I get to meet scientists doing incredible work across many areas – cancer researchers, agricultural geneticists, bioengineers, economists, insect experts, and more. Often, I get to meet them in their natural habitats, like when I recently visited a mosquito lab in a full hazmat suit!” Andy is also committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the philanthropic sector, and to supporting the next generation of nonprofit and philanthropy leaders. Thanks for answering some of our questions, Andy!
HOW HAS THIS WORK CHANGED YOU? Over time, I’ve grown more confident in my ability to connect with donors and understand their passions for why they give. I’ve also gained greater empathy for people by hearing about their journeys to get to the top of their fields. The Approach Training and CAOC program have further added to my skills, as I now assert my values into conversations with donors, which leads to greater authenticity and trust in relationships.
WHO IS A PERSON THAT HAS HAD A PROFOUND INFLUENCE ON YOU? Julius Rosenwald, a philanthropist in the 1920s who gave to support African American education causes in the South. He gave away all his money, and it did not matter to him that he would not be as remembered as other philanthropists with foundations in perpetuity. He gave because it would make a difference, not to make a name for himself.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU’VE LEARNED FROM A CLIENT? You’re never too old to keep learning new things.
WHAT IS A BURNING QUESTION YOU HAVE FOR THIS COMMUNITY? What would it take to increase generosity even more by 2040, and reduce wealth inequality in society?
TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT MIGHT SURPRISE PEOPLE. I started playing piano at age 3. And I still play today. I hope to learn jazz piano in retirement.
THE LAST SHOW YOU BINGE-WATCHED WAS … A Small Light, about the family that rescued Anne Frank during WWII. Such a poignant story.