Awards

IU Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy Award - 2003

About James D. Yunker

James Yunker is a valued supporter and advocate of the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University as president and CEO of Smith Beers Yunker & Company, a prominent international fundraising consulting firm in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has been very active in Center projects, including his work on Giving USA, the nationally renowned annual report on charitable giving, as well as his service on the Center’s annual symposium advisory committee and his company’s continued sponsorship of the symposium. The Center is not Dr. Yunker’s only connection to Indiana University. He earned his doctorate in higher education administration from Indiana University, writing his dissertation on the “Factors Influencing Corporate Support of Higher Education.”

A consultant since 1983, Yunker has guided organizations from Arts groups to Zoos in C-Level searches and raising annual, major and capital funds while strengthening staff and volunteer resources and competencies along the way. Adept at helping volunteer leaders understand their responsibilities, he has guided many organizations in strengthening their leadership and board development practices. His experience began in the Alumni & Development Office of Ball State University which later recognized him as an Outstanding Journalism Alumnus of the Year.

Yunker has been recognized for his local volunteer activities by being named Citizen of the Year by the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce and acknowledged by the Forest Hills School District with “The Friend of Children PTA Award.” Nationally, Jim is the a Past Chair of the Giving USA Foundation, publisher of Giving USA, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Giving Institute. Jim is a founding partner of Social Venture Partners – Cincinnati.