Build Trust First
The ask is usually earned or lost before the proposal is ever presented. Johnny helps leaders understand how trust is built through listening, presence, follow-through, and care.
Advancement Consultant
Johnny GarvillaEarn the Ask
Helping schools, nonprofits, and mission-driven leaders build trust, deepen relationships, and inspire generosity.
VP of PhilanthropyCollegiate CoachDirector of AthleticsAdvancement ConsultantNonprofit Executive Director
The Book
The Book: Earn the Ask
Earn the Ask is a practical, story-driven book for leaders who believe fundraising should be built on trust, not pressure. Johnny shares lessons from years of sitting with donors, coaches, alumni, families, board members, and mission-driven leaders.
This book is for anyone who needs to raise support without becoming transactional.
- Learn the culture before trying to change it
- Listen before you defend
- Heal the wound before you make the ask
- Do your homework before walking into the room
- Honor sacred stories
- Help coaches, alumni, and leaders become part of the mission
- Steward the relationship after the yes
Book Coming June 2026Bring Johnny to Your Team
“Generosity does not begin with the ask. It begins with the relationship.”
Johnny Garvilla · Earn the Ask
The Approach
Johnny's Approach to Fundraising
Johnny does not teach fundraising as a script, pitch, or pressure tactic. He teaches it as relational leadership.
Honor the Story
Every donor, alumnus, coach, family, and institution carries history. Johnny helps teams recognize what needs to be remembered, repaired, honored, or invited forward.
Make the Ask with Integrity
When the relationship, mission, and moment come together, the ask stops feeling like pressure and starts feeling like purpose.
Consulting
Bring Johnny to Your Team
Johnny works with schools, universities, athletic departments, nonprofits, ministries, and mission-driven organizations that want to strengthen fundraising culture, deepen donor relationships, and help leaders earn the ask.
Let's Talk About Your TeamConsulting
Fundraising strategy, donor relationship coaching, campaign readiness, alumni engagement, and advancement culture.
Coaching for Coaches
Helping coaches understand their role in relationships, alumni connection, and mission-driven fundraising.
Leadership Advising
Practical counsel for presidents, athletic directors, executive directors, board members, and advancement leaders.
Who Johnny Helps
Who This Is For
- College and university leaders
- Advancement and development teams
- Athletic directors and coaches
- School leaders
- Nonprofit executives
- Ministry leaders
- Board members
- Alumni and donor engagement teams
- Mission-driven organizations preparing for a campaign
About
About Johnny Garvilla
Johnny Garvilla has served as a collegiate coach, collegiate Director of Athletics, university Cabinet member, public school and college educator, advancement consultant, business owner, nonprofit Executive Director, Fellowship of Christian Athletes board member, and Regional Sales Manager.
His work has always centered on people. Whether coaching athletes, leading teams, walking with donors, mentoring leaders, or helping organizations raise support, Johnny believes the best fundraising begins long before the ask. It begins with trust.
Read More About JohnnyContact
Ready to bring Johnny to your team?
If your organization is ready to build trust, deepen relationships, and strengthen a culture of generosity, Johnny would be glad to talk.
Johnny personally reads and responds to every message.
Or write directly: garvillaj@gmail.com