What the Fundraising

It’s often easy to blur the line between personal identity and work identity where heart and mission lead in a field like nonprofits. This conversation focuses on the tension between deep care and personal sustainability and how passion can both fuel and consume us. We unpack what it means to lead with empathy without surrendering ourselves in the process. From embracing structure to letting go of over-sacrifice, we invite leaders and others alike to consider a healthier and more honest way of showing your enthusiasm.  Jamie Tworkowski is a keynote speaker, founder of To Write Love on Her Arms, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide, and NYT bestselling author of ‘If You Feel Too Much’. Having known him for his sensitivity, big feelings, and later-in-life ADHD diagnosis, Jamie has grown into a grounded, intentional leader. With over a decade of experience in the movement, Jamie now advocated for mental health, self-awareness, and sustainable ways of caring for others and for oneself. He is also a strong believer that vulnerability leads to connection, that connection is crucial to life, and ultimately that life is worth living. He joined us today to talk about the complexities of leading with heart in the nonprofit sector.  In this episode, you will be able to: - Discover the importance of self-awareness. - Learn about the importance of understanding motivations, honoring limits, and finding worth outside of performance. - Understand why a culture that supports rest and care needs to be created. - Uncover the complexities of intertwined personhood and work identity.  Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Many thanks to our sponsor, Neon One for making this episode possible. I love partnering with Neon One because I believe they care for the whole nonprofit, and I know that my clients will be well taken care of. I also love how they work with consultants to value our time and expertise. They pay for speaking at their events, and they understand how consultants support the entire sector. To learn more about Neon One’s partner program CLICK HERE. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven’t already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you’re looking to raise more from the right funders, then you’ll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point.

Digital transformation isn’t just about adopting new tools; it’s about establishing the right environment for change to take root. The human-first approach of digital transformation values curiosity over control and sees innovation as something grown, not forced. This episode is a great opportunity to witness what’s possible when people, not platforms, are at the center of progress.  Matt Leta is the CEO and partner at Future Works, a next-gen digital transformation services company that drives speed, value, and results. Matt is also a creative director who has over 15 years of experience, a digital generalist, and an entrepreneur. In 2020, he started Future Horizon, a community and non-profit organization, gathering business & community leaders, indigenous leaders, artists, and investors to solve problems of tomorrow.  In this episode, you will be able to, - Learn the importance of having an ideal external presence. - Discover the relationship between core messaging and strategic planning. - Learn why you need to extract and codify the founder’s vision. - Discover the role of clarity and consistency in core messaging.  Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Many thanks to our sponsor, Neon One for making this episode possible. I love partnering with Neon One because I believe they care for the whole nonprofit, and I know that my clients will be well taken care of. I also love how they work with consultants to value our time and expertise. They pay for speaking at their events, and they understand how consultants support the entire sector. To learn more about Neon One’s partner program CLICK HERE. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven’t already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you’re looking to raise more from the right funders, then you’ll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point.

In this episode of What the Fundraising Podcast… In today’s landscape of fundraising, where pressure and performance often obscure purpose, value alignment is more crucial than ever. Restorative philanthropy, embedded in authenticity, mutual respect, and shared purposes, can transform donor relationships and support healthier, more sustainable practices. Rather than centering persuasion, fundraisers can focus on clarity and connection and build trust through honest conversations. This approach not only boosts the impact but also protects fundraisers against burnout, allowing organizations to invest in relationships that truly reflect their values.  Tanya Rumble is an inclusive fundraising and restorative philanthropy thought leader, award-winning executive director of development, facilitator, researcher, writer, and speaker. Tanya possesses nearly 15 years of experience in leading high-performing teams to raise millions for respected institutions and was recognized as one of Canada’s top 100 most powerful women in 2023. She currently works as the executive director of development for University-Wide Initiatives at TMU. She joined us today to talk about the importance of values alignment in fundraising relationships.  In this episode, you will be able to:  - Learn the importance of an abundance mindset and shared values. - Discover the role of restorative philanthropy in building honest, value-aligned relationships. - Learn how to balance the fundraising ecosystem. - Learn about the burnout, stress, uncertainty, rejection, isolation, and power dynamics experienced by fundraisers. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Many thanks to our sponsor, Neon One for making this episode possible. I love partnering with Neon One because I believe they care for the whole nonprofit, and I know that my clients will be well taken care of. I also love how they work with consultants to value our time and expertise. They pay for speaking at their events, and they understand how consultants support the entire sector. To learn more about Neon One’s partner program CLICK HERE. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven’t already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you’re looking to raise more from the right funders, then you’ll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point.

This week on the What the Fundraising podcast, Mallory is  joined by Boomer Anderson, a health optimization practitioner, investor, husband, podcast host, entrepreneur, and the CEO of Smarter Not Harder, Inc.  Mallory and Boomer explored how nonprofit leaders, often stretched thin and managing chronic stress, can rethink their approach to personal well-being, not just for themselves, but for the sustainability of their mission-driven work. This conversation is a masterclass in alignment. Aligning your health practices with your leadership values, and understanding that optimizing yourself is foundational to optimizing your impact. Boomer is  the CEO of Health Optimization Medicine and Practice, a nonprofit focused on educating doctors and practitioners on how to optimize health instead of treating the disease. He also serves as a strategic advisor to Welldium and is a TEDx speaker. In this episode, you will be able to: Learn about the empowered responsibility in health. Learn about the issue of overwhelm in the age of information. Discover the anxiety around giving up alcohol. Learn about the cultural and social implications of health choices. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Many thanks to our sponsor, Neon One for making this episode possible. I love partnering with Neon One because I believe they care for the whole nonprofit, and I know that my clients will be well taken care of. I also love how they work with consultants to value our time and expertise. They pay for speaking at their events, and they understand how consultants support the entire sector. To learn more about Neon One’s partner program CLICK HERE. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven’t already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you’re looking to raise more from the right funders, then you’ll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point.

Joining Mallory today is the CEO of Stearns Bank National Association, Kelly Skalicky, a majority women-owned and governed financial services institution. Stearns Bank’s dedication lies in enabling individuals, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and local communities to reach their maximum financial potential. Nonprofit organizations across the United States face unique financial challenges in times of economic uncertainty. Often working with limited resources, they must navigate the challenges of fulfilling urgent community needs while maintaining strong financial planning. Banking relationships, access to capital, and creative partnerships are vital tools not just for survival but also for long-term impact. Flexibility, trust, and continuous focus on the impact are essential in times like this.  Kelly earned her juris doctorate from the William Mitchell College of Law and her B.S. in Education from the University of Minnesota. She joined us today to talk about how to navigate financial uncertainty with confidence, how to build a strong banking relationship, and how to find opportunities amid challenges.  In this episode, you will be able to: - Discover the importance of shared prosperity and the impact of financial empowerment. - Learn why it’s crucial to choose the right bank for nonprofits. - Explore the role of respect, understanding, and sharing values in uncertain times. - Learn about the importance of building connections before potential crises.  Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Donor Perfect. Our friends at Donor Perfect really understand fundraising on so many levels. Stay aligned while working online with a seamless and secure payments experience for your donors and your team. Empower donors to give where they are, whenever they like, automate data entry, and process online, monthly, and mobile payments, and accept payments over the phone. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven’t already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you’re looking to raise more from the right funders, then you’ll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point.

In this episode of What the Fundraising Podcast… Joining Mallory today is Jill Vorndran, a fundraiser at Covenant House. She held a variety of leadership roles within the organization for 26 years and contributed to the movement’s effort to grow support, financial stability, and brand awareness. She joined us today to talk about the importance of relationship-based fundraising.  In an era where inboxes are full but the attention is overextended, relationship-based fundraising stands out as both a grounding force and a powerful stimulus for impact. When fundraisers have the space to lead with genuine connection, they create an environment where the donors feel seen, valued, and invited to become a part of something meaningful. In a moment of uncertainty, this approach becomes vital because it represents trust, consistency, and care.  In this episode, you will be able to: - Learn about the impact of stress and fear responses in fundraising practices. - Discover the importance of staying connected to donors in challenging times. - Learn about the importance of self-care as a leader. - Learn how fear-based fundraising environments lead to short-term thinking and emotional burnout.  Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Donor Perfect. Our friends at Donor Perfect really understand fundraising on so many levels. Stay aligned while working online with a seamless and secure payments experience for your donors and your team. Empower donors to give where they are, whenever they like, automate data entry, and process online, monthly, and mobile payments, and accept payments over the phone. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven’t already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you’re looking to raise more from the right funders, then you’ll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point

In this episode of What the Fundraising Podcast… Joining Mallory today are Bill Cummings and Todd Hiestand, the co-founder and director of branding and the co-founder and director of web strategy at Liminal, a branding and messaging agency with 50 years of combined nonprofit experience. They specialize in branding, strategy, and engagement.  In the nonprofit landscape, a clear and consistent core message is not a luxury but a necessity. Most of the founders carry the vision in their heads, which leads to staff and board members guessing and external audiences receiving mixed signals unless you codify the message. Having strong core messaging helps nonprofits to communicate their purpose effectively, stand out from others, and build trust. It gives everyone, including the frontline staff members and donors, an easy understanding of what the organization does and why it matters. Messaging will become the foundation of strategy, storytelling, and long-term growth when done well. Listen as Bill, Todd and Mallory go searching for the importance of core messaging and branding in nonprofits In this episode, you will be able to, - Learn the importance of having an ideal external presence. - Discover the relationship between core messaging and strategic planning. - Learn why you need to extract and codify the founder’s vision. - Discover the role of clarity and consistency in core messaging.  Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Donor Perfect. Our friends at Donor Perfect really understand fundraising on so many levels. Stay aligned while working online with a seamless and secure payments experience for your donors and your team. Empower donors to give where they are, whenever they like, automate data entry, and process online, monthly, and mobile payments, and accept payments over the phone. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven’t already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you’re looking to raise more from the right funders, then you’ll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point

In this episode of What the Fundraising Podcast… In today’s rapidly evolving landscape of nonprofits, it’s a necessity that leaders lead with more bravery and boldness than ever before. Such courage means moving beyond their safe zones and well-worn paths and embracing risks that reflect the urgency of missions. Brave leadership is no longer an option but a necessity, whether it’s challenging misconceptions, building authentic relationships with donors, or daring to imagine a future beyond the next 12 months.   This week, we are joined by Tammy Zonker, a leader, strategic thinker, and renowned expert in major gift fundraising with nearly three decades of impactful experience. She is also the founder and president of Fundraising Transformed and host of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast. She has led and trained thousands of nonprofits, including social service organizations, colleges & universities, private schools, and healthcare organizations to raise nearly a billion dollars. She is devoted to empowering nonprofit organizations to achieve exceptional results. She joined us today to talk about how nonprofit leaders can harness their courage to drive change, build meaningful relationships, and show up as their best selves in service of the communities they represent.  In this episode, you will be able to, Learn about the fear of failure and disappointment among nonprofit leaders. Discover micro actions for braver fundraising leadership. Learn about the difference between knowing and understanding. Learn how to take smaller steps toward braver, more authentic conversations. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Donor Perfect. Our friends at Donor Perfect really understand fundraising on so many levels. Stay aligned while working online with a seamless and secure payments experience for your donors and your team. Empower donors to give where they are, whenever they like, automate data entry, and process online, monthly, and mobile payments, and accept payments over the phone. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven’t already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you’re looking to raise more from the right funders, then you’ll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point.

In this episode of What the Fundraising, Mallory is joined by T. Clay Buck. The existing donor data is one of the most underutilized assets in your fundraising toolkit. While most people are chasing ‘new’ donors, we are diving deep into exploring the importance of the relationships that you’ve already started. We are on the path to make you understand it’s about identifying the generous, kind hearts behind each gift, rather than names and numbers. Join us if you are ready to turn your database into a relationship-building engine.  T. Clay Buck is a certified fundraising executive and founder & principal of Next River Fundraising Strategies. With over 30 years of experience in fundraising, Clay struggled with the same challenges of outdated systems, incorrect data, and goals that seem impossible, which led him to create Next River. He has worked on the annual funds, database management, wealth intelligence, prospect development, and capital & endowment campaigns. Having witnessed firsthand what can happen when fundraising isn’t so hard and stressful, he is on a mission to help people create that.  In this episode, you will be able to,  - Learn, acknowledge, and accept the information that is already in your database. - Learn to avoid channel-based segmentation. - Discover the importance of a solid, written fundraising plan. - Learn how to put in an input you can control. - Learn how to balance human connection with data efficiency in fundraising.  Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Donor Perfect. Our friends at Donor Perfect really understand fundraising on so many levels. Stay aligned while working online with a seamless and secure payments experience for your donors and your team. Empower donors to give where they are, whenever they like, automate data entry, and process online, monthly, and mobile payments, and accept payments over the phone. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven’t already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you’re looking to raise more from the right funders, then you’ll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point.

In this episode of What the Fundraising Podcast… Fundraising and community-building are more about transformation than transactions. Real, lasting impact begins with authenticity and connection. When we invite people to our work, we are not just asking them for donations; we are inviting them to believe, belong, and build. Belief is earned through trust and care. People stay when they feel valued and seen. They will help carry your vision forward.  Joining us today is Floyd Jones, speaker, coach & community builder, and social impact leader. His mission is to help nonprofits and goal-oriented entrepreneurs build sustainable, committed communities that drive lasting impact. He believes that a strong community is the heart of an impactful mission. He joined us today to talk about the importance of authenticity and deep connection in fundraising and community building.  In this episode, you will be able to,  - Discover the difference between a transactional connection vs. a transformational connection. - Learn how to create a lasting connection with people. - Learn how to nurture connection into belonging.  - Discover how to stay grounded in hard times.  Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Donor Perfect. Our friends at Donor Perfect really understand fundraising on so many levels. Stay aligned while working online with a seamless and secure payments experience for your donors and your team. Empower donors to give where they are, whenever they like, automate data entry, and process online, monthly, and mobile payments, and accept payments over the phone. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven’t already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you’re looking to raise more from the right funders, then you’ll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point.