72. Mobilize Your Mission: What Grassroots Organizing Can Teach Us about Ethical and Equitable Fundraising with Erica Chomsky-Adelson

Many nonprofits are exploring a shift away from old-school donor-centric fundraising, but are unclear about what that would look like. In this episode of What the Fundraising, Erica Chomsky-Adelson is sharing the compelling, community-centric alternative she and her team at Culture Aid NOLA (CAN) have put in place. Born at the height of the pandemic, their non-traditional food bank knits donors, volunteers, and guests together in a vibrant ecosystem of mutual support. With demand higher than ever in today’s inflationary environment, CAN distributes 30,000 pounds of barrier-free, stigma-free food to 3,000 people a week. And it’s all happening in an atmosphere of collaboration, joy, and music! (It’s New Orleans, after all …) 

Prior to becoming executive director at CAN, Erica worked in the world of disaster response, which is constantly impacted by the feast-or-famine cycles of crisis-based giving. It’s a paradigm she doesn’t believe is sustainable, desirable, or equitable, so in New Orleans, she and her team have instead built a grassroots partnership designed to empower people over the long haul. There are no federal government restrictions on who is entitled to pick up groceries or artificial dividing lines between those who help, those who receive help, and those doing both (in fact, the mindset is that EVERYONE is helping in their own way). 

CAN puts trust and respect at the center of every interaction. Words are carefully chosen, with maximum attention to inclusivity and the dignity of guests. You don’t want to miss this episode that will move you to reimagine fundraising and community building in the best way. 

Episode Highlights:

(02:41) – Erica’s journey and the roots of Culture Aid NOLA (CAN)

(03:54) Beyond the Height of Crisis

(10:14) CAN’s no-barriers model.

(11:45) The importance of word choice. 

(12:47) Navigating urgency without fear, need, guilt and exploitation. 

(14:14) The role of trust in CAN’s model.

(17:40) The feast-or-famine cycle we’re used to in this sector.

(18:51) Focusing on stewardship over urgency. 

(22:58) Closing the gap between funders and recipients.

(25:45) Erica sees CAN’s work as part of an ecosystem that relies on all its elements.

(27:08) About Community-Centric Fundraising Principles.

(28:20) Erica shares thoughts on how NationBuilder’s platform is a huge equalizer.

This episode was made possible thanks to our friends at NationBuilder, whose integrated platform helps nonprofits connect with their communities at every point of entry. Click here to learn more about how NationBuilder’s tools to power nonprofits, movements, and dynamic campaigns.

Are you feeling stuck on how to implement new fundraising practices like the ones mentioned in this episode? My VIP Day is an intensive one-to-one executive coaching experience that smashes through fundraising obstacles. Click here to learn how together we can pinpoint problems, develop a clear plan, and create content and design habits to support your nonprofit in achieving its mission.