Nonprofit Mentorship: Supporting Fundraisers of Color with Marisa DeSalles

Why are fundraisers of color leaving the sector? Join Maria and Marissa as they explore the vital role of mentorship in supporting fundraisers of color in the nonprofit sector. Marissa, a California-based mentor and facilitator, shares her experience running a cohort for BIPOC fundraisers and leaders. She is uniquely positioned to provide key insights on the state of the sector, its treatment of racialized leaders, and the exodus of fundraisers.

Racialized leaders do not have the same access to wealth, connections, or power as white leaders. However, like all EDs, they feel the entire mission's weight resting solely on their shoulders. We'll unpack how this impacts the sector, and most importantly, what we can do about it.

Nonprofit Mentorship: Supporting Fundraisers of Color – The Highlights:

• The "Black Excellence" trap.
• The importance of mentorship in empowering fundraisers of color.
• Key challenges faced by racialized fundraisers, including tone policing and career barriers.
• Unpacking trauma and tending to ourselves.
• How creating safe spaces for sharing stories can support nonprofit professionals.
• The impact of systemic racism in fundraising and nonprofit leadership.
• Practical advice for finding and being a mentor in the nonprofit sector.

🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor engagement, productivity & tools, and nonprofit storytelling strategies!

About Marisa DeSalles:

Marisa is a faculty member with Impact Foundry, assisting as a Certified Sustainable coach, presenting a monthly series of educational workshops and is the featured speaker, Emcee and host for the Impact Foundry’s 5th annual What IF conference. She also serves on the global transition team for Community-Centric Fundraising, a burgeoning movement of nonprofit fundraising professionals working to improve fundraising through a lens of equity. She volunteers her time with Sacramento Community Land Trust, a cohort of Big Day of Giving mentees and dozens of other organizations, mentoring young and newly emerging fundraisers.

Links and Resources:  

• “12 Years a Fly in the Milk”: https://communitycentricfundraising.org/2020/07/11/12-years-a-fly-in-the-milk/
• Collecting Courage: https://www.collectingcourage.org/
• Dean Article - https://archive.is/lYjUU
• Giving Black Conference - https://www.givingblack.ca/copy-of-giving-black-conference-2023
• Connect with Marissa DeSalles on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-desalles/
• Learn more about Good Tilth Consulting: https://www.goodtilthconsulting.com/
• Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/
• Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/new
• Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Nw4LPpPOtS4 

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