What the Fundraising

Have you heard these myths about coaching for personal and professional growth? Myth 1: Coaching is only for people who are struggling. Myth 2: Coaching is a sign of weakness or incompetence. Myth 3: Coaching is a luxury that only top executives can afford. In this episode, our guest LaTresse Snead will debunk these myths and share the truth about the value and benefits of coaching for professionals in leadership positions seeking growth. LaTresse’s impressive career journey boasts leadership roles at major organizations like the American Red Cross and the National Park Foundation. With over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she recognizes the pressing need for coaching, consulting, and recruiting services in today's demanding professional environment. As the CEO of Bonsai Leadership Group, LaTresse answers this need, helping countless organizations optimize their performance and potential. Through her distinct perspective on time and energy management, she inspires leaders to nourish their inner strengths, leading them toward success without compromising their well-being.In this episode, you will: Grasp the critical role of boundary setting and energy management in fostering a healthier workplace environment. Delve into the distinct challenges confronted by Black fundraisers shedding light on the need for better inclusion in the fundraising field. Ascertain the overwhelming benefits of adopting coaching strategies for the development of your personal and professional life. Rethink negotiation as a path to shared success, challenging the classical view of winner-take-all. Realize the empowering potential of negotiation skills in revealing your own authority and amplifying your influence. Get all the resources from today’s episode here. Many thanks to our sponsor, Overflow, for making this episode possible. This all-in-one platform features some of the lowest cash processing fees in the industry. Check out Overflow to help make your donations go further this holiday season. Learn more and get started at overflow.co/malloryConnect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatthefundraising_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

Does it sound familiar that despite your efforts and motivation, your donor engagement endeavors seem to be struggling? Sometimes we feel like we’re taking effective action, but we’re still left feeling frustrated because we're unable to establish strong relationships or sustain donor support. Behavior design strategies can help, because there are certain behaviors that will lead to increased long-lasting donor relationships, but many of us don’t know how to design them.That’s exactly why I’m excited to introduce you to my special guest Juni Felix. Being a key member of the Stanford Behavior Design Lab teaching team, Juni deeply understands the scientific models and methods behind behavior change. Along with this, Juni proclaims her title as a sci-fi nerd, gamer, music artist, and explorer with pride and joy. Her mission is to guide people in creating helpful, effective systems using the science of behavior design to elevate their holistic well-being. That sounds like something all fundraisers could use, right?In this episode, you will: Understand the importance of emotional well-being and sustaining enthusiasm in the demanding field of fundraising. Decipher efficient methods to manage tasks and uphold your motivation even while juggling multiple responsibilities. Learn to balance the delicate act of gaining new donors while prioritizing retention behaviors in your fundraising efforts. Find out how to build meaningful connections and express genuine gratitude towards your donors. Understand how to carve out small yet significant habits that offer long-term well-being for you as a fundraiser. Get all the resources from today’s episode here. Many thanks to our sponsor, Bloomerang for making this episode possible. Bloomerang offers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron, a nonprofit that empowers kids and teens through the game of golf. After just one year with Bloomerang they doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. Head to bloomerang.com/whatthefundraising to learn more about Bloomerang. Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatthefundraising_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 the world of philanthropy, Jessica Channell Iler's journey was anything but ordinary. As the Director of Fundraising, Intelligence, Analytics, and Reporting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Jessica's navigated the labyrinth of higher education fundraising for two decades. Harnessing the power of data-driven decision-making, she's deftly amalgamated her knowledge of analytics and fundraising intelligence to build robust bonds between fundraisers and donors, blending the precision of data science with the delicate art of relationship-building.In this episode, Jessica and I delve into the intricate relationship between fundraising activities and donor behavior. There's a tendency in our sector to view donor behavior as a meteorological phenomenon - as if it randomly occurs without provocation. However, donor behavior often mirrors fundraiser actions; the latter acts as a leading indicator, while the former is a lagging indicator. I'm intrigued to explore what transpires when we scrutinize this correlation closely - which behaviors yield the most impact and thus require prioritization? What shifts when we actively track our actions, rather than solely focusing on the end result? Jessica's current focus is on understanding the relationship between fundraising activities and donor behavior makes her the perfect person to discuss this with. Her mission is to uncover the drivers of productivity and to refine the approach, particularly in the mid-level giving space. Through her work, Jessica continues to inspire a culture of giving that is aligned with the interests and capacities of her constituents.In this episode, you will be able to: Illuminate the importance of accurately reading and tracking fundraiser and donor interactions. Understand how fundraiser behavior inspires donors to take action. Experience the power of focused prospect development in nurturing fundraiser-donor bonds. Identify key engagement pointers crucial for small nonprofit sustainability and progression. Discern the profound impact of true engagement, openness, and stewardship in fundraising activities.  Get all the resources from today’s episode here. Many thanks to our sponsor, Bloomerang for making this episode possible. Bloomerang offers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron, a nonprofit that empowers kids and teens through the game of golf. After just one year with Bloomerang they doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. Head to bloomerang.com/whatthefundraising to learn more about Bloomerang. Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatthefundraising_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.

If you're feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by the constant cycle of acquiring new donors, only to see them quickly fade away, then you are not alone! Despite your efforts to send out regular communications and thank-you messages, donors may still feel disconnected and unappreciated, leading to low retention rates.Karl Ferguson is a highly respected figure in the nonprofit sector with over 30 years of experience. As a seasoned fundraising professional, he's always looking for ways to ensure donors remain connected with an organization after making their first contribution. What sets Karl apart is his relentless focus on maintaining relationships with already-engaged donors, rather than simply reaching out to new ones. Karl has a clear understanding that a loyal donor base isn't built overnight but through time, dedication, and meticulously planned strategies. His unique approach in placing a high value on the time of donation, the immediate thank you calls, the letters, the note cards, and tours have resulted in donor retention rates hitting new heights.In this episode, you will be able to: Explore the hidden potential of monthly donations in driving consistent funding for your non-profit cause. Crack the code of donor retention rate segmentation according to acquisition methods - instrumental in strategic resource allocation. Unravel the engaging practice of turning beneficiaries into donors, a growth engine for your non-profit cause. Grasp the importance of personalized donor communication and appreciation to build enduring relationships. Get all the resources from today’s episode here. Many thanks to our sponsor, Bloomerang for making this episode possible. Bloomerangoffers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to mediumnonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron, a nonprofit that empowers kids and teens through thegame of golf. After just one year with Bloomerang they doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. Head to bloomerang.com/whatthefundraising to learn more about Bloomerang. Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatthefundraising_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.

My special guest’s Catherine Ashton, Sara Hoshooley, Natalie Monroe, Jordana Merkin, and Katelyn Baughan join us to talk about ways to build stronger relationships through different marketing strategies with donors. We delve into the world of donor engagement and relationship building and discover the strategies and challenges faced by fundraisers in creating meaningful connections with donors.Have you heard these three myths about donor engagement and relationship building? Myth 1: Donors only care about the bottom line. Myth 2: Building relationships with donors takes too much time and effort. Myth 3: Donor engagement is only important during fundraising campaigns. In this episode, our guest speakers, Catherine Ashton, Sara Hoshooley, Natalie Monroe, Jordana Merkin, and Katelyn Baughan, will debunk these myths and reveal the truth behind the importance of donor engagement and relationship building for fundraisers and nonprofit professionals.In this episode, you will be able to: Discover the vital role of donor engagement in enhancing your fundraising strategy and building sustainable relationships. Gain insightful knowledge on transitioning from transactional to connection-oriented and storytelling in fundraising. Uncover effective strategies to tailor your communication to donor preferences, increasing their loyalty and donations. Develop a deeper understanding of tracking metrics for evaluating campaign success in a more dynamic way. Identify the key balance between immediate fundraising goals and future-driven relationship-building techniques. Get all the resources from today’s episode here. Many thanks to our sponsor, Bloomerang for making this episode possible. Bloomerang offers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron, a nonprofit that empowers kids and teens through the game of golf. After just one year with Bloomerang they doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. Head to bloomerang.com/whatthefundraising to learn more about Bloomerang. Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatthefundraising_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.

In this episode of What the Fundraising, I get to talk to Gerald A. Moore Sr. Gerald is a CEO, Visionary, and Thought Leader for young Black males, committed to empowering and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Having dedicated two decades to cybersecurity and management consultancy, Gerald has expert insights into the tech and STEM spaces. Recognizing a disheartening dearth of young black males in these fields, he harnessed his experiences to inspire and empower at-risk BIPOC boys. He founded Mission Fulfilled 2030 with a clear purpose to provide opportunities and mentorship to underserved communities. Under Gerald's leadership, Mission Fulfilled 2030 has grown from a startup with zero funding to a nonprofit organization that has raised over $400,000 and impacted the lives of over 7000 young people.In this conversation, Gerald generously shares his experience starting Mission Fulfilled 2023 - and what some of the initial roadblocks and gates were that were so surprising when he was just starting out. Despite being a successful engineer, Gerald found himself struggling to secure funding for his nonprofit. It was a reality that caught him off-guard, and in his own words, ‘I realized that fundraising for a smaller nonprofit was a whole different ball game’. We dive into the challenges that smaller nonprofits face when it comes to fundraising and provide actionable strategies for success. We also get specific and talk about what you need to have before reaching out for grant funding, some things to consider when setting up your nonprofit Board of Directors, and what can keep you motivated when you face all of the very common challenges of new nonprofits. Gerald gives such good advice for people who are starting out - from self and community care to staying focused on the mission - this episode has it all. You will…. Absorb the techniques to set up a powerful nonprofit initiative from scratch. Dive into the unique obstacles that shroud the fundraising efforts of less expansive nonprofits. Identify the cruciality of both community involvement and personal giving when it comes to your Board of Directors Learn how to foster a dedicated and knowledgeable panel of directors to helm your nonprofit venture. Explore how to juggle the emotional urge to uplift society and the need for self-preservation. Get all the resources from today’s episode here. Many thanks to our sponsor, Bloomerang for making this episode possible. Bloomerang offers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron, a nonprofit that empowers kids and teens through the game of golf. After just one year with Bloomerang they doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. Head to bloomerang.com/whatthefundraising to learn more about Bloomerang. Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatthefundraising_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. 

In this episode of What the Fundraising, I am interviewing the amazing Nisha Anand, a boundary-buster, common ground creator, non-violent culture-creator, outside-the-box experimenter, and national leader for social and racial justice. Once a grassroots activist arrested in Burma for pro-democracy demonstrations, Nisha is known today as a leader in cultivating unlikely and unconventional partnerships to create change. As Dream.Org’s CEO, Nisha guides a team of storytellers, organizers, and policy experts working on some of society’s toughest problems to create a better future for all.Understanding the nuances of human emotions, Nisha leverages inclusivity and unity to create policies that appeal to both sides of the aisle. Her vision is rooted in the belief that progress should never leave anyone behind – a philosophy borne out of her own experiences as an immigrant. Being comfortable with her blind spots and valuing individual liberty as much as equity, Nisha's journey is a testament to the power of love, trust, and the relentless pursuit of inclusivity and progress. And in a world that is increasingly polarized, her perspective is a breath of fresh air. We’ll talk about Nisha’s approach to bipartisanship and her focus is on inclusive legislation that brings unlike allies together. We talk about how to effectively navigate bipartisanship while advancing transformative agendas, and the pushback you might receive from funders or folks who have a strong resistance to working across belief areas. We also discuss strategic ways to turn fundraising into a potent organizing strategy and how to confidently address the money talk hurdle in your fundraising endeavors. There is so much here for community leaders, organizers, and fundraisers.In this episode, you will: Experience firsthand how radical inclusivity can profoundly influence policy creation. Get equipped with effective techniques to maneuver through bipartisanship. Reveal how fundraising can serve as a formidable organizing tool. Break down the obstacles surrounding financial conversations in your fundraising trajectory. Get all the resources from today’s episode here. Many thanks to our sponsor, Bloomerang for making this episode possible. Bloomerang offers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron, a nonprofit that empowers kids and teens through the game of golf. After just one year with Bloomerang they doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. Head to bloomerang.com/whatthefundraising to learn more about Bloomerang. Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatthefundraising_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.

In this episode, we talk with Kimberley Pittman-Schulz. For over 20 years, Kimberley has been the guiding hand behind successful donor strategies for major universities and child development organizations globally. Known for her candid approach, she whole-heartedly steps foot into territories many avoid – discussing end-of-life matters and grieving. A passion for supporting people through loss prompted her to become a grief and life transitions mentor, providing compassionate guidance during times of profound change. And now she has connected her work as a grief counselor to her work with nonprofits through legacy giving guidance. There is so much about legacy giving that we don’t understand as a sector, and many of us avoid the topic altogether because of the vulnerabilities it activates. Which is exactly why I wanted to navigate these waters with Kimberly. The truth is, the world of philanthropy was not where Kimberley Pittman-Schulz expected to find her life's purpose. Having worked extensively in various roles over 20 years, she gradually found herself becoming a bridge between donors and the organizations they wished to support. She facilitated conversations around grief, loss, and end-of-life decisions - topics often avoided by even the most seasoned professionals. Yet, in those emotionally charged conversations, Kimberley found a deep well of understanding and connection. She discovered the transformative power of these discussions on donors' giving patterns and their perception of legacy. Her unique ability to empathize and engage without crossing professional boundaries earned her the admiration and trust of her donors, and a fulfilling career that brought a profound sense of purpose and meaning to her life.This episode will help you…. Understand the art of deepening donor relationships through legacy giving. Realize the profound impact of comprehending your donors' driving forces in fostering substantial involvement. Gain knowledge on navigating sensitive matters around loss and grief, and how it promotes donor trust and openness. Understand the vast potential of planned giving and how it unlocks more than mere financial gains. Unearth expert techniques to confirm and fulfill donor intentions within the complex realm of estate planning. Get all the resources from today’s episode here. Many thanks to our incredible sponsors at DonorPerfect. DonorPerfect has a lot of free educational resources for fundraisers. Learn more and download some of their guides and tools today at donorperfect.com/mallory.Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatthefundraising_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. 

Are you ready to unlock the secrets that will revolutionize your nonprofit organization? Join us on a captivating journey as we delve into the dynamic world of nonprofit organizations and uncover the key to building successful marketing and fundraising strategies, the secrets to engaging your community, fostering deep connections, and igniting a passion for your cause that will leave a lasting impact. Together, let's unlock your organization's true potential and shape a better future through the art of giving. In this episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Doron Krakow, the President and CEO of the JCC Association of North America. With over 30 years of experience in Jewish organizations, Doron has been instrumental in leading the JCC Association since 2017. His dedication to fostering stronger connections within the JCC movement, establishing new partnerships, and cultivating relationships with philanthropic donors has propelled the organization forward in its mission to enhance Jewish communities across the United States and Canada.Throughout our conversation, Doron delves into his current work with the JCC, sharing insights into the strategies and initiatives driving positive change. As a respected leader in the Jewish community, Doron's vast experience includes holding senior leadership positions with organizations such as American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Jewish Federations of North America, and Young Judaea.We explore the importance of building solid relationships within the JCC movement and beyond and the transformative power of philanthropy in driving meaningful impact. Doron's expertise and strategic vision have elevated the JCC Association's profile and influenced the broader Jewish community.Join us as we gain valuable perspectives from Doron Krakow, learning about his journey, the challenges he has faced, and the remarkable achievements he has spearheaded. Whether you are involved in the JCC movement or are interested in the Jewish community's growth and development, this conversation promises to provide deep insights and inspiration!Get all the resources from today’s episode here. Many thanks to our incredible sponsors at DonorPerfect. DonorPerfect has a lot of free educational resources for fundraisers.  Learn more and download some of their guides and tools today at donorperfect.com/mallory.Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatthefundraising_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.

There are a lot of questions out there about community-centric fundraising. Will focusing on communities instead of donors hurt your fundraising efforts? What’s the risk of raising money at all costs? What’s the difference in donor engagement and communication when it comes to donor-centric vs. community-centric frameworks? Is it even ‘worth’ the hassle? Well, in this episode, Mallory Mitchell will answer these questions and help you take your fundraising to the next level at the same time. Meet Mallory, a devoted fundraiser and co-founder of Aligned Strategy Group. Mallory's love for fundraising began during her undergrad days when she worked in a call center, calling alumni for donations. Over the years, she has developed expertise in helping nonprofits adopt community-centric fundraising principles, focusing on individual giving. Her experiences at Minneapolis Urban League opened her eyes to the struggles faced by BIPOC-led organizations, inspiring her to seek out alternative fundraising methods. Today, she is a strong advocate for community-centric fundraising and its potential to create a more inclusive and equitable sector.In this episode, you will be able to: Uncover the distinctions between Community-Centric and Donor-Centric Fundraising. Learn about the negative impact of excessive profit-seeking in fundraising and the risk of raising more money at all costs.  Discover how to involve various community members, not just donors, in your organization's fundraising. Develop ways to infuse community-centric principles into your fundraising activities while preparing for possible setbacks. Recognize the value of forging strong personal connections with donors and expressing appreciation in appropriate ways. Get all the resources from today’s episode here. I am so excited to be partnering with Neon One to be bringing you this mini-series all about how we improve our donor communications and create more engagement. There is so much wisdom in this series from how to create more engagement in your email campaigns to how to incorporate community centric fundraising practices into your communication. But another resource that I love is the 2023 Neon One Email Report which is designed to give you practical strategies for creating compelling emails to help you improve your email campaign performance. There are great benchmarks, analysis, and tips and tools all in one place so check it out TODAY!Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatthefundraising_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.