‘Scaling Up’: Love Collins, III, Sets High Philanthropic Goals for the FNIH

The Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) recently welcomed Love Collins, III, as Vice President of Advancement. In this role, he serves as the organization’s chief development officer, leading efforts to expand the portfolio of resources and accelerate the launch of new collaborative biomedical research programs and related scientific efforts in support of the NIH. With more than 30 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, Mr. Collins has extensive expertise in fundraising, strategic planning, and organizational development. His career includes top leadership roles at institutions such as the Van Andel Research Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Howard University, Florida A&M University and Foundation, and the 1996 Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games.

We sat down with Mr. Collins to learn what drew him to the FNIH, how his wide-ranging professional background has prepared him for his new role, and his goals for furthering the FNIH mission.

Love Collins

Tell us a little bit about your journey in becoming a leader.
As the eldest of eight children, my parents taught me at an early age that leadership is a learned and privileged art of motivating others toward accomplishing common goals. Because my father was a U.S. Army officer and my mom passed away from a sudden illness when I was just fourteen years old, the opportunity to actualize their teachings came sooner than expected.

In high school I became track team captain, student body president, and senior class president. My leadership aspirations continued upon acceptance and graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point as a commissioned officer in the U.S Army. Throughout the balance of my family, corporate, and non-profit life experiences, these values of leadership remained consistent. Leading others, in my judgment, is more an earned privilege than a right.

How will you apply your background in business, public service, and academia at the FNIH?
I am hopeful my business acumen will help with strategizing and executing development initiatives that maximize resource allocation and enhance donor engagement. Public service experience has given me a deep understanding of strategic coalition building essential for expanding our reach both nationally and globally. Fundraising leadership experiences in health sciences and biomedical research institutions helped me gain a profound appreciation for scientific innovation, which will guide our efforts in aligning donor-centric initiatives with groundbreaking research goals. Together and with incredible teamwork, my experiences can help create a robust framework for scaling up our philanthropic activities.

What excites you about this role with the FNIH?
I am excited about the opportunity to significantly build upon the philanthropy program at an organization as pivotal as the FNIH. With the Foundation’s strong legacy in supporting health sciences and biomedical research, I am eager to lead our team toward innovative fundraising paths. This role presents a unique opportunity for our team to enhance the FNIH’s national and global presence, attracting new donors and partnerships that can drive critical research initiatives.

Why should individuals contribute to support the mission of the FNIH?
The FNIH stands at the forefront of integrating philanthropy with cutting-edge biomedical research, directly impacting global health outcomes. By supporting the FNIH, donors join a powerful collaboration between scientists, healthcare professionals, and global communities, all united in the pursuit of a healthier future. The strategic expansion of our philanthropy program further enables us to harness resources that are crucial for these advancements.

Read more about Mr. Collins.