What the Fundraising

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.

In this episode of What The Fundraising, Mallory is joined by fellow AI enthusiasts, Nathan Chappell and Scott Rosenkrans. They discuss leveraging AI, which offers nonprofit organizations an extraordinary opportunity to boost their impact and drive fundraising efforts to a new level. AI transforms the way nonprofits operate from streamlining donor engagement to personalizing outreach. However, adopting AI is not just about integrating a new technology. It’s about developing a culture of curiosity and flexibility. This requires a willingness to evolve, openness to experiment, and focusing on people over tools.  Nathan Chappell is an author, AI inventor, public speaker, and head of AI at DonorSearch AI and is one of the world’s leading experts on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and generosity.  Scott Rosenkrans is a responsible, beneficial AI evangelist and the associate vice president of DonorSearch AI.  Nathan and Scott co-authored the book Nonprofit AI, out now!. This groundbreaking creation explores how nonprofit organizations can utilize the power of artificial intelligence to transform fundraising strategies. They joined Mallory today to talk through how their book provides a guide to practical insights, real-world case studies, and strategies for adopting AI technologies in the nonprofit sector. Grab your copy here.  In this episode, you will be able to,  Learn the power of being curious. Discover how to embrace uncertainty with curiosity. Discover how to break the barriers of adopting AI. Identify the importance of being cautious when adopting new technologies.  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.

On this episode on What The Fundraising, Mallory is joined by  Michelle Flores Vryn and Evan Wildstein, the two leaders of the Social Impact Staff Retention Project. Together they explore how nonprofits can build a culture where the prioritization of both mission and people is rooted in its core. They discuss why taking care of your people is not just the right thing to do, but also a clever business decision. With increasing burnout and turnover, Mallory, Michelle and Evan dive into how organizations can foster growth beyond outdated promotions by prioritizing flexibility, purpose-driven work, and empowered leadership. We also discuss low-cost strategies for building a positive, sustainable work culture that improves retention and satisfaction.  In this episode, you will be able to, Discover the top three reasons for staff turnover. Learn about the systemic challenges in the nonprofit sector. Learn the importance of approaching support as a systemic responsibility rather than an individual burden. Discover the importance of flexibility and a supportive network in the workplace. See the Social Impact Staff Retention Project reports : https://www.thenonprofiteers.com/sisr 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  Candice Mama, a global thought leader in forgiveness, healing, and post-conflict transformation. They dive deep into the heart of personal growth, resilience, and navigating challenges in life. Life isn’t always about figuring everything out. It’s about embracing vulnerability, learning from both success and failures, and stepping into the known with determination. In this episode, they discuss how to face hardships with courage, use feedback as a tool for improvement, and find the strength to rise above obstacles. Candice Mama is a passionate advocate for peace and reconciliation who has nearly a decade of experience in the NGO and MPO space. Having started her journey in an unexpected and deeply personal way sparked a deep commitment to understanding the impact of war and helping others break free from the pain of their pasts within her. She was praised by Vogue as one of the world’s top 33 most inspiring women alongside icons like Michelle Obama. She was also named among the Top 20 African women by the African Union and the United Nations. In this episode you will be able to,• Learn what bravery really means, and when it matters most.• Discover the potential of new technologies like Artificial Intelligence• Learn the intersection of ethics, equity, and emerging tech in a world of conflict.• See how nonprofits and social change leaders can embrace imperfection and still take action.• Discover self-coaching strategies for pushing through discomfort and doubt.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/whatthefundraisingYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/Website: malloryerickson.com/podcastLoved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652If 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. Mallory is joined by Jeremy Brown, the visionary behind Social Impact World, a vibrant global community of over 2,000 corporate social impact professionals. Together, they explore what it takes to sustain social impact initiatives inside corporations, especially as the economic landscape shifts and companies reassess their values. Jeremy’s journey into social impact began after working in corporate America, where he saw a small priority on giving back. The spark of his passion for fostering social responsibility happened when he joined a startup with a Salesforce-inspired culture of volunteering. He founded Startups Get Back in 2014, eventually leading to Social Impact World, a platform where social impact leaders can connect, learn, and collaborate, leading to its first in-person conference in 2024. In this episode, you will be able to, Learn about the challenge of isolation faced by the social impact leaders.  Discover the role of commitment in long-term relationships.  Learn how to transform social impact into a revenue generator.  Learn how to adapt to the evolving social impact landscape. 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/whatthefundraisingYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/Website: malloryerickson.com/podcastLoved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652If 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, we’re joined by Lauren Isbell, an executive director at Nevus Outreach Inc., a non-profit patient advocacy based out of Jonesboro, AR, United States. With nearly two decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, Lauren has been building community, connecting people & ideas, and advocating for healthcare access, reform, and inclusion. Her passion is to raise awareness, provide support, and find cures for people with CMN and other related diseases. She joined us today to talk about the challenges and growth she experienced in the industry as a nonprofit leader. In this episode, you will be able to: Learn how to navigate unforeseen challenges in life. Discover the importance of consistent effort and learning over time. Learn the importance of treating donor funds with care. Discover why having a strong support system is important? 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/whatthefundraisingYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/Website: malloryerickson.com/podcastLoved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652If 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 diving deep into a topic that is often misunderstood yet holds immense potential for nonprofit fundraisers: Family Offices and Philanthropy. Her guest, Kerrie Mitchell, is the Managing Partner at FSO Partners, where she and her identical twin sister advise philanthropists, family offices, and nonprofits on how to maximize impact.Kerrie unpacks what a family office is, how these high-net-worth individuals manage their giving, and why relationship-building is at the core of accessing this unique donor segment. They explore the Speed of Trust from how to earn it, why it matters, and how family offices think differently from foundations or traditional major donors.With government funding freezes and economic uncertainty looming, they also discuss why now is the perfect time to start building these relationships. Kerrie shares actionable insights on approaching wealth advisors, creating meaningful donor experiences, and positioning your nonprofit as a trusted partner, all while navigating the nuanced world of ultra-high-net-worth philanthropy.Kerrie Mitchell is a philanthropic leader and strategist who builds partnerships and mobilizes diverse revenue streams. She has over two decades of experience in national and international fundraising, nonprofit operations, and delivering comprehensive philanthropic services for family offices. She is a believer in innovative and community-led solutions to address the most pressing opportunities for progress in the world.In this episode, you will be able to: Learn about the importance of relationship fundraising. Understand the family offices and their structure. Learn about the role of philanthropy in legacy planning. Discover how to think beyond the traditional lanes of 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/whatthefundraisingYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/Website: malloryerickson.com/podcastLoved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652If 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 dives deep into a conversation with the trailblazing Birgit Smith Burton. With nearly four decades of experience in fundraising, Birgit has broken barriers, created spaces for belonging, and pushed for systemic change in the nonprofit sector. She shares her journey—from being the first frontline fundraiser of color at Georgia Tech to founding the African American Development Officers (AADO) network, now a thriving community of nearly 4,000 members.Birgit and Mallory discuss the challenges of leadership, the weight of being a change-maker, and the importance of diverse voices in decision-making spaces. She also gets candid about the personal experiences that shaped her resilience and the mentors who encouraged her to stay the course.Birgit Smith Burton is the founder and CEO of the African American Development Officers Network and the Immediate Past Chair of the AFP Global Board. She is a seasoned fundraising professional with nearly four decades of experience in the field. She dedicated 11 years of her career to the United Negro College Fund, where they developed their foundational skills in fundraising. Following that, she spent 26 years at the Georgia Institute of Technology, specializing in foundation relations. After retiring from Georgia Institute in 2021, she continued to contribute as a consultant. She joined us today to talk about the challenges and personal impact of addressing systemic inequities in the fundraising sector.In this episode, you will be able to; Learn how life changes can be painful but also build resilience and adaptability at the same time. Discover the racism and systemic issues in the nonprofit landscape. Learn about the importance of surrounding yourself with good mentors. Learn why it is important to learn to make hard decisions as a leader. Discover the merits of diverse voices in leadership positions. 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/whatthefundraisingYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/Website: malloryerickson.com/podcastLoved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652If 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