FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2020
Catapult Fundraising, Inc. Announces Passing of Fundraising Pioneer, William “Bill” Freyd
August 26, 2020 – Catapult Fundraising, Inc. is saddened to announce today that William P. Freyd, Chairman Emeritus, lost his battle with Parkinson’s in Las Vegas, NV on August 20, 2020.
Anthony Alonso, President of Catapult Fundraising, said, “Bill was an inspiration to many of us in the profession. He was a mentor and a teacher to hundreds of individuals throughout his career. He had a passion for life, business, and helping others that was evident to all of us who had the opportunity to know him. Bill has made a lasting mark on the fundraising field and will be sorely missed.”
Bill served as Chairman Emeritus of Catapult Fundraising, Inc. since its founding. His advice and counsel were instrumental in the company’s launch.
He was a major force in the fundraising industry for over fifty years. He founded IDC, LLC in 1974, growing it into one of the largest fundraising consulting companies in the United States, employing more than 300 people. Partnering with Yale University, he developed the Phone/Mail Telecommunications solicitation process, which has been used by thousands of universities and medical centers world-wide to raise millions.
Bill was a member of the original committee that developed the CFRE credential for fundraising professionals. He was nationally known for his commitment to ethical conduct in the fundraising profession. He was instrumental in the development of the ethical conduct standards that are still in place today.
His industry awards included the SAGE Award from American Association of Fundraising Counsel (now known as the Giving Institute) and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the AFP Las Vegas Chapter. He was a long-term member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and was a Past President of AFP Greater New York.
He is survived by his wife, Diane M. Carlson, Chairman of Catapult Fundraising, Inc.
About Catapult
Founded by industry leaders Diane M. Carlson and Anthony R. Alonso, Catapult Fundraising is a full-service firm specializing in fundraising infrastructure and capacity building, capital campaign consulting services, and telephone outreach programs including annual fund, capital campaign wrap-up, and planned giving calling.
Contact
Karen Molnar
Catapult Fundraising, Inc.