Principal & Managing Director Chris Looney serves a diverse portfolio of clients and projects across the nonprofit spectrum while also managing the firm’s operations in Southern California.
“The successes of CCS’s projects are entirely about the people involved,” says Chris. “The collective efforts of volunteers, staff, donors, and the CCS team are a powerful force. These efforts inspire me, give me hope, and keeps me motivated to work hard every day.”
Approaching three decades at CCS, Chris has advised and counseled hundreds of clients, serving as a thought and action partner and always focused on driving philanthropy forward.
“I’m called to a life of service. Philanthropy is a major expression of that mission, both in terms of my own personal giving and also my work to support the needs of CCS’ clients and the broader philanthropic sector. Assisting nonprofit organizations to advance philanthropy, which in turn enhances the missions and creates improved outcomes for the communities they serve, is more than a job. I see it as my calling.”
Chris, born into fundraising as the son of two of the nation’s most respected development professionals, credits his parents for his introduction to professional fundraising.
Soon after joining CCS, Chris met his wife, Anisha, while working on a campaign. Not long after that, Anisha too was raising money professionally on behalf of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To say fundraising is a family affair is an understatement.
As a member of the CCS Training Institute faculty, Chris is frequently speaking at conferences and on webinars nationally. The “Five Tool Fundraiser” concept Chris developed is an area of significant focus for training and education. Chris is involved with chapters of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) throughout Southern California, was formerly on the Board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Foundation for Philanthropy and AFP Orange County, and currently sits on the Board of the Giving Institute and Giving USA Foundation. Chris is also active with Girls Inc. of Orange County as a Board member and the founder of its Dads for Daughters auxiliary. Chris also currently serves as the President of the Princeton Club of Orange County and has been active with the organization for more than two decades.
select client partners
- YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles
- Direct Relief International
- Catalina Island Conservancy
- Archdiocese of Los Angeles
- Orangewood Foundation
- Autry Museum of the American West
recent resources
- First Wednesday of every month – Join Chris for Capital Campaign 101: A Primer for Staff and Volunteers, Maximizing Your Impact as a Nonprofit Board Member, or The Five Tool Fundraiser. Email dhuynh@ccsfundraising.com for more information.
- League of American Orchestras 2022 National Conference, The New Era of Philanthropy: Adapting to a Shifting Philanthropic Landscape
