What the Fundraising

If you're feeling frustrated and disheartened because your donor engagement strategies for capital campaigns aren't yielding the desired results, then you are not alone!Meet Amy Eisenstein, a seasoned fundraising pro with a heart for helping nonprofits thrive. Amy started her career as a development director, working her way up through various organizations for more than ten years. Now, as a consultant, she continues to empower nonprofits by guiding them through capital campaigns that aim to boost their capacity and growth. Whether working on a $2 million or $100 million campaign, Amy's expertise in donor education and engagement is invaluable to organizations seeking long-term success and when I was a fundraiser, Amy was the #1 thought leader that I learned from and followed. In this conversation, Amy helps me understand capital campaigns so much better as I am definitely not an expert in this area. She talks about how capital campaigns can propel nonprofit organizations towards expansion and growth both in terms of the money they raise for organizations but also in terms of the structure they force organizations to adopt. She also talks about the art of balancing annual fund donations with capital campaign contributions to maximize funding, and we even tough on how to manage the overhead myth throughout all of it. There is a lot we can learn from Amy about building individual donor relationships though the way she teaches capital campaign management. In this episode, you will: Discover how capital campaigns can propel nonprofit organizations towards expansion and growth. Learn the art of balancing annual fund donations with capital campaign contributions to maximize funding. Grasp the significance of donor education and engagement in ensuring a successful capital campaign. Understand the critical role of staffing and planning in achieving capital campaign triumphs. Uncover strategies to maintain and maximize momentum during the public phase of a fundraising campaign. Get all the resources from today’s episode here. 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.

In this episode of What the Fundraising, we get to talk to consultants Christal Cherry and Dr. Renee Rubin Ross who tackle the pervasive racism and white supremacy culture within nonprofit boards.Christal M. Cherry is an accomplished board consultant and the driving force behind The Board Pro. Based in Atlanta, Christal is passionate about assisting nonprofits nationwide in building stronger, more effective boards. Her work in the DEI space led her to collaborate with Dr. Renee Rubin Ross, a strategic planning facilitator, and the person in charge of Cal State East Bay's Nonprofit Management Certificate program. With their shared passion for fostering diversity and inclusion, Christal and Renee tackle complex DEI issues within nonprofit boards. In this conversation they share how they often navigate resistance from board members uncomfortable with discussing white supremacy culture and biases. However, through patience and open dialogue, they witness transformative shifts in mindsets and behaviors. Christal and Renee emphasized the importance of transparency and personal reflection within organizations. Their approach encouraged boards to recognize their individual and collective responsibilities in creating diverse and inclusive environments. Through these experiences, the duo are powerful advocates for change within the nonprofit world, displaying the power of empathy and genuine understanding in making a real difference.In this episode, you will be able to: Grasp the crucial role of DEI in fostering robust and effective nonprofit board leadership. Identify micro- and macro-aggressions in board environments that hinder a respectful and inclusive culture. Explore innovative approaches for achieving diversity and inclusion on boards, leading to enriched decision-making. Recognize the importance of listening to and validating all board members for a more cohesive and functional organization. Embrace change and challenge the status quo to facilitate progressive board transformations. Get all the resources from today’s episode here. Many thanks to our sponsor, Givebutter for making this episode possible. Our friends at Givebutter really understand what it takes to be a magnetic fundraiser. Their fundraising platform empowers millions of changemakers to raise more, pay less, and give better every single day. To learn more about them, head on over to givebutter.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.

Are you a nonprofit fundraiser struggling with perfectionism? Have you been told to simply release it in order to achieve balance and self-care? But despite your efforts, you still feel exhausted and overwhelmed? In this episode with leadership coach Sonya Perez-Lauterbach, we'll explore the hidden consequences of perfectionism in data management for nonprofit fundraising and provide effective strategies for embracing vulnerability, redefining 'enough' data, and promoting self-care to thrive in high-pressure work environments. Initially intrigued by the challenge of embracing imperfection, Sonya discovered how this mindset affects not only the way leaders approach their work, but also their ability to connect with others and drive their organization's mission forward. Drawing from her own experiences as a high-achieving student, she recognized the strong desire to "get it right" and the paralyzing effects it can have on growth and progress.Sonya understands the unique challenges that nonprofit fundraisers face when it comes to perfectionism and data management, and she has made it her mission to empower leaders to lead from a place of authenticity. By addressing the mental, emotional, and embodied responses that influence how we approach leadership, Sonya has made a lasting impact on numerous nonprofit organizations. And now she is applying her expertise to navigating the complexities of perfectionism in data management!In this episode, you will: Discover the ramifications of perfectionism in data management for nonprofit fundraising. Understand the benefits of redefining 'enough' data for your organization's requirements. Learn strategies for fostering self-care and maintaining balance in high-pressure work settings. Grasp the significance of leaders exhibiting healthy behaviors and mindsets for their teams. Realize the importance of incorporating vulnerability and self-reflection within organizational cultures. Get all the resources from today’s episode here. Many thanks to our sponsor, Keela for making this episode possible and I want to invite you to join me for an upcoming webinar where are going to bust through the "clean data” myths and actually talk about how you focus on what’s actually important when acquiring and maintaining donor data, how to forge meaningful connections using that data, and how data can integrate with best practices in behavior design to get funders to say yes more easily. I'll help you overcome data challenges (including the perfectionism and overwhelm that often accompanies our data management) and build good habits for cleaner, more usable data. Sign up today at keela.co/wtf.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.

Have you heard the myths that data management in nonprofits is too difficult, too expensive, and too time-consuming? Don't believe everything you hear! Join this conversion with Tim Lockie to learn the truth about developing a sustainable relationship with data in your organization.As Tim reminds us, data becomes information, and information becomes insight.Hailing from Bozeman, Montana, Tim's expertise lies in the intricate relationship between data, technology, and human behavior. As the Founder & CEO of The Human Stack, Tim has demonstrated a strong commitment to helping nonprofit leaders harness the power of data to make informed decisions.Throughout his career, he excelled at combining data, technology, and human relationships. However, during a conference in 2019, Tim was struck by a statistic: While 90% of organizations collect data, only 5% use it to make decisions. This realization led Tim to question his entire approach to helping organizations, ultimately prompting him to develop a new method that focused on teaching people how to effectively utilize their data.There is so much to learn from Tim's unique perspective and extensive knowledge in the world of data management so dive in to this episode and meet Tim!In this episode, we talk about: How to enhance trust in nonprofit data by confronting data avoidance. The Human Stack framework for optimizing technology usage. How to establish a long-lasting, healthy relationship with data within organizations. How to streamline data management and cleanup by prioritizing the right categories. How to conquer data anxiety and ignite a passion for data-driven curiosity. Get all the resources from today’s episode here. Many thanks to our sponsor, Keela for making this episode possible and I want to invite you to join me for an upcoming webinar where are going to bust through the "clean data” myths and actually talk about how you focus on what’s actually important when acquiring and maintaining donor data, how to forge meaningful connections using that data, and how data can integrate with best practices in behavior design to get funders to say yes more easily. I'll help you overcome data challenges (including the perfectionism and overwhelm that often accompanies our data management) and build good habits for cleaner, more usable data. Sign up today at keela.co/wtf.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.

Through her own experiences of feeling powerless and vulnerable when in the data of powerful organizations, Meena Das found an unexpected passion for exploring the importance of data transparency and ethics. Fueled by her commitment to data equity, Meena has dedicated much of her career to helping others understand the need for more human approaches to data. Meena is a data consultant and workshop facilitator specializing in ethical data practices. Meena's experience as a first-generation immigrant from India has informed her passion for promoting transparency and ethics in data-driven initiatives within the nonprofit sector. With over 15 years of experience in technology and nonprofit industries, Meena has developed a unique approach that encourages organizations to be more intentional, purpose-driven, and conscious in their use of data science and AI. Her workshops cover a range of topics, including data equity and centering humans in algorithms.In this episode, you will be able to: Gain awareness on how data equity is essential in nonprofit data collection and implementation. Grasp the essentiality of maintaining transparency and adhering to ethical standards in data-driven initiatives. Appreciate the interconnectedness of personal experiences and emotions with data application and interpretation. Enhance your donor personas by incorporating intersectionality and complex attributes to capture the target audience effectively. Strengthen community bonds through a participatory approach embedded in your data collection and analysis strategies. Get all the resources from today’s episode here. Many thanks to our sponsor, Keela for making this episode possible and I want to invite you to join me for an upcoming webinar where are going to bust through the "clean data” myths and actually talk about how you focus on what’s actually important when acquiring and maintaining donor data, how to forge meaningful connections using that data, and how data can integrate with best practices in behavior design to get funders to say yes more easily.  I'll help you overcome data challenges (including the perfectionism and overwhelm that often accompanies our data management) and build good habits for cleaner, more usable data. Sign up today at keela.co/wtf.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.

Aaron Machbitz discovered the power of vulnerability when tragedy struck and unexpectedly redirected his life. Through open and honest conversation, he has become a beacon of hope for those seeking solace and understanding - inspiring us to ask, what does it take to create meaningful connections and foster emotional validation in times of pain and loss?Aaron Machbitz is a mental health advocate whose journey began as a professional wrestler with a performative lifestyle. Aaron's life took an unexpected turn when he experienced a personal loss, leading him to question the value of authentic connections and emotional honesty. Today, Aaron is the founder of the mental health nonprofit, You Are Loved, and host of the podcast, Something for Everybody, where he shares his insights and experiences in mental health, vulnerability, and building genuine connections. Through his work, Aaron aims to create a supportive community and equip individuals with the tools they need to navigate their emotional well-being and foster meaningful relationships.In this episode, you’ll learn Aaron’s approach to helping others - centered around the idea of validating, appreciating, and referring. He also emphasizes the importance of setting healthy boundaries while being honest about one's own struggles. In this episode, you learn how to: Establish genuine bonds using heartfelt communication, vulnerability, and emotional validation techniques. Elevate your understanding of grief and emotional intelligence by expanding your range of emotional expressions. Attain balance in nurturing your own mental well-being while aiding loved ones dealing with mental health struggles. Combat the hindrances of mental health stigma and bolster resource accessibility for those in need. TRIGGER WARNING: In this episode we talk about suicide, loss of a family member, greif and other challenging topics, if you decide to listen please do so with your own mental health and wellbeing top of mind. Get all the resources from today’s episode here. Many thanks to our sponsor, Givebutter for making this episode possible. Our friends at Givebutter really understand what it takes to be a magnetic fundraiser. Their fundraising platform empowers millions of changemakers to raise more, pay less, and give better every single day. To learn more about them, head on over to givebutter.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.

Nonprofits have unique marketing requirements in comparison to other business entities. Unless they have programs that they specifically market for, their focus is primarily on generating awareness, engaging potential donors, and making a substantial impact on their target audience. To achieve this, nonprofits must understand their target audience's needs, wants, and preferences, and tailor their marketing efforts accordingly. In this episode, we talk with Aidan Augustin, a visionary leader, co-founder, and Chief Revenue Officer at Feathr, a marketing software company designed specifically for nonprofits. With a passion for helping organizations grow their online presence, Aidan has played a pivotal role in supporting over 1,200 organizations using Feathr's innovative tools. His expertise in website analytics, targeted digital advertising, email marketing, and automation have made Aidan a sought-after voice in the nonprofit sector. As a guest on today’s episode, Aidan shares his insights into leveraging data and technology for effective nonprofit marketing campaigns, bridging the gap between traditional marketing strategies and the unique needs of nonprofit organizations. In the digital age, simply showcasing the work that they do is not enough. So instead of viewing marketing as a necessary evil and doing the bare minimum, nonprofits should see it as a powerful tool to create positive change. By focusing on the potential impact on fundraising and mission achievement, Aidan encourages nonprofits to fully embrace marketing strategies and tactics designed specifically for their needs.In this episode, you will be able to: 1. Grasp how digital marketing plays a pivotal role in nonprofit fundraising and mission success. 2. Understand the power of personalized marketing in nurturing potential donor-nonprofit relationships. 3. Discover how to effectively combine one-to-one activities with digital marketing techniques. 4. Delve into deepening donor connections through the use of one-to-many communication channels. 5. Learn the importance of leveraging data and technology in crafting efficient nonprofit marketing campaigns.Get all the resources from today’s episode here. 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.

Grassroots storytelling emphasizes genuine, human experiences that can deeply connect with the audience. Rather than focusing on a polished narrative, it prioritizes the authenticity and raw emotions of individuals who are not professional storytellers. This form of storytelling can have a profound impact on the listener, as it evokes empathy and understanding by showcasing the unfiltered realities faced by real people. In this episode we interview Chris Miano, a passionate advocate for authentic storytelling and founder of MemoryFox, a storytelling platform for nonprofits to collect and leverage stories from their communities for fundraising and marketing. MemoryFox was initially designed as a storytelling platform for pre-dementia elderly but pivoted to serve all nonprofits. Chris has an incredible journey that started with his time in the Army and the desire to preserve his grandfather's stories from World War II. In this episode, Chris urges non-profit marketers to embrace grassroots storytelling, rejecting the idea of creating perfect, scripted stories. Instead, Chris values the imperfections as a representation of genuine human experience. He believes that the energy, tone, and body language of the storyteller are more compelling than carefully selected words, emphasizing the need for non-profits to prioritize honest and relatable narratives. For nonprofits, grassroots storytelling also provides an avenue to hear and learn from their own communities and share these insights with a wider audience, effectively promoting their cause.In this episode, you will:1. Discover the power of authentic storytelling to inspire support for non-profits. 2. Uncover the ethical dilemmas of using personal experiences in fundraising efforts. 3. Learn about cultivating stronger bonds between non-profit organizations and funders through compelling narratives. 4. Tap into the potential of technology and younger generations to drive social change. 5. Master the art of streamlining non-profit promotion through user-friendly platforms.Get all the resources from today’s episode here. 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.

In today's world, artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way we approach various tasks, from mundane daily tasks to complex business problems. For nonprofits, the use of AI in fundraising and donor engagement is a game-changer that could lead to improved strategies and deeper connections with donors. AI helps these organizations analyze massive amounts of data to identify patterns and trends, ultimately leading to the pinpointing of ideal donors and tailoring meaningful communication to them. In this episode, I talk with Shawn Olds, a seasoned entrepreneur and dedicated philanthropist with over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. As the Co-founder and CEO of boodleAI, Shawn has made it his mission to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to help nonprofits deepen their human connections and streamline communication. His expertise in leveraging AI has helped countless organizations optimize their fundraising strategies and maximize donor engagement. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover the revolutionary role of AI in enhancing nonprofit fundraising approaches. Uncover the power of affinity-based modeling for pinpointing potential donor leads. Grasp the importance of maintaining data privacy and safeguarding it in AI collaborations. Realize the potential of AI to foster genuine human connections and optimize communication. Identify and tackle biases in algorithms to ensure impartial donor insights. NOTE: There is no sponsorship or industry money behind the production of this series and the editorial content was at the sole discretion of the What the Fundraising team.Get all the resources from today’s episode here. 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.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved significantly over the years, transforming from a concept that fascinated us when computers bested chess champions, to a powerful tool with a variety of applications. For nonprofit professionals, AI has the ability to revolutionize content creation in the sector, automating tasks, and providing insights into data patterns and trends. AI creates a new approach when it comes to content production and it has the potential to save time and streamline processes in a big way, allowing organizations to focus on their core mission and themselves.. And I am talking about all of this and more with today’s guest, Cherian Koshy, an innovative leader in the nonprofit sector, helping organizations harness the power of AI to revolutionize their fundraising and content creation efforts. After witnessing the impact of AI on various industries, Cherian realized its potential to transform the way nonprofits approach donor relations and communication. With a passion for technology and a keen eye for opportunities, he successfully integrated AI tools into his own work, streamlining processes and increasing efficiency and now he’s here to help the rest of us. In this episode, you will be able to: 1. Discover how AI is transforming content creation in the fundraising and nonprofit sector. 2. Uncover the importance of balancing AI-generated content with human editing and approval. 3. Recognize the potential dangers of AI bias and misinformation and how to address them. 4. Explore the power of AI in donor identification and engagement strategies. 5. Learn about time-saving AI tools that can enhance work-life balance for nonprofit professionals.Get all the resources from today’s episode here. 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.