“Nobody will love your nonprofit and care about your success more than John Scola . I have worked with John for years both as a non-profit professional and as a mentee. John’s expertise in creating systems and removing obstacles, so your development team can focus on what’s at the heart of your mission is unmatched. Before I met John, I was drowning in overwhelm. And while my team was raising money, the chaos was unsustainable. John listened, coached and empowered me to be the leader my team needed. I highly recommend The Scola Group.”
— Nicole Pena, Vice President of Development, The Phoenix Symphony
"John Scola is professionalism personified. He is not only dedicated to his work, but he also has a passion in helping his colleagues develop and grow. John's ensures every interaction is a win-win situation. He cares about every potential partnership in making sure that it's the right fit and works for all that are involved. I can honestly say that if anyone looks to work with John you will get a gentleman who is transparent, trustworthy, understanding, creative and one who has deep integrity.”
- Enc T. Watkins, Branch Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley
“John Scola is a professional. He not only knows his business inside-out, and practices it exceptionally well, but he genuinely believes that his profession makes our world a better place. John is someone who can be trusted to carry out his work with seriousness but also with genuine warmth and good humor. I am proud to have worked closely with John Scola for more than 25 years. I’m even prouder to call him my friend.”
— Daniel Conway, Specialist in Planning, Communications and Mission Advancement
“John Scola brings much more than 4+ decades of scopious nonprofit experience to the table. To every project John also brings contagious enthusiasm, deep insightfulness, exemplary communication skills, copious connections, heartfelt dedication, and playful humor. His ability to connect with people makes collaboration easy and effective. John is a creative problem-solver with extensive training and hands-on experience, which enables him to identify and implement highly effective solutions for a broad variety of nonprofit needs.
Over the span of three years, I have worked with John in various capacities through my role as Founder and Executive Director of a nonprofit organization. John has served as a mentor to me, as a consultant to the Board, and as a Director on the Board. He helped educate the Board with best governance and financial practices, he led the search for a new Executive Director, and he helped the Board navigate the leadership transition. I highly recommend John and am extremely grateful for his invaluable guidance.”
— Karen Shell, Founder, Kids in Focus
“John Scola has been a leader in the philanthropic community for as long as I have known him and is the first person I call on to collaborate on fundraising projects. He has very deep and broad knowledge of the philanthropic sector and has successfully led several key organizations to greater fundraising success.”
— Alan Knobloch, CFRE, Principal, Synergy Philanthropy
“John and I have worked together for over ten years. He was part of the search committee when I was selected as the CEO of Maggie’s Place and worked closely with me during the transition. John has been a mentor, sounding board and has brought a wealth of knowledge, resources and training to the organization, particularly the board members. John is personable, insightful, and visionary. He is a pleasure to work with”
— Laura Magruder, M.Ed. CEO, Maggie’s Place
“As volunteers for AFP Global Ethics Committee, I have had the opportunity to work closely with John. He is a thoughtful leader and advocate for the practice of ethical fundraising. He is a noted strategic partner in AFP Global's efforts to foster excellence among its members and the fundraising profession at large.”
— Joyce Mitchell-Antoine, Vice President for Development, Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, Inc.
"Nonprofit board work can frustrate even the best leaders, but thanks to counsel and insight from John Scola, we were able to navigate through multiple challenges with great success. His experience as a nonprofit coach is an asset to any nonprofit organization."
— Alan Arnold, Volunteer Board Chair
“John was elected Chair of the AFP Ethics Committee as of January 1st, 2024. He leads the committee to promote responsible and ethical behavior by its members and those holding AFP certification. John has not only taken on the responsibility of Chair with ease, but he always seems to find a way to make our meaningful work enjoyable. I truly look forward to the work I am confident we will accomplish together during his tenure.”
— Alexis Beuchert, Association of Fundraising Professionals