What the Fundraising

Digitizing nonprofit operations is an important step toward increasing efficiency, scalability, and transparency. As organizations adopt new technologies, the transition from conventional manual processes to digital platforms provides a substantial opportunity to streamline operations, improve data management, and increase fundraising results. However, by carefully embracing technology with an eye toward both immediate results and future expansion, organizations can accomplish impactful outcomes while creating confidence and transparency with donors and stakeholders, allowing them to overcome the set of obstacles associated with this transformation.In this episode of What The Fundraising, Mallory is joined by Enzo Duit, a tech enthusiast with a background in consulting and software startups. He has a strong background in digital technology and entrepreneurship, and is particularly passionate about using his skills to impact positive change. His career began in the non-profit fundraising field and continued in a big four corporation in technology consulting, focused on business intelligence, data analytics, and automation projects. He joined us today to talk about the benefits and challenges of digitizing nonprofit operations.In this episode, you will be able to: Learn about the challenge of adopting digital tools in non-profit. Explore the different mindsets and approaches toward adopting technology in various regions. Discover the importance of building and maintaining trust and reputation. Learn about why data hygiene is crucial for nonprofits.  Get all the resources from today’s episode here. Support for this show is brought to you by GiveButter. GiveButter is the easiest-to-use fundraising platform. Your favorite fundraising tools, supercharged! Never miss a fundraising opportunity again. Givebutter Plus takes this award-winning platform to the next level with advanced automation, deeper donor insights, and eye-popping supporter engagement tools to help your nonprofit get ahead—and stay there.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 the nonprofit sector, phone calls can be a powerful tool for building authentic relationships with donors and community members. Unlike online communication, which is one-sided, phone calls provide an opportunity for actual connection and dialogue. When tackled with vulnerability and clarity, fundraisers can break down isolation walls and engage supporters in genuine, non-transactional conversations.Meet Kel Haney, an accidental fundraiser with a background in theater. Mallory and Kel talk about the importance of phone calls and community engagement in the non-profit sector. Kel shares her “Five-Minute Phone Call Framework,” and speaks on the importance of genuine curiosity and intention in the questions asked during a call, the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in fundraising, handling objections and building relationships,, and more.In this episode, you will be able to:  Learn about the “Five-Minute Phone Call Framework.” Explore the importance of curiosity and self-awareness in professional interactions. Discover about the power of multi-channel communication. Learn about embracing vulnerability and authenticity. Learn about the importance of outlining a conversation.  Get all the resources from today’s episode here. Support for this show is brought to you by GiveButter. GiveButter is the easiest-to-use fundraising platform. Your favorite fundraising tools, supercharged! Never miss a fundraising opportunity again. Givebutter Plus takes this award-winning platform to the next level with advanced automation, deeper donor insights, and eye-popping supporter engagement tools to help your nonprofit get ahead—and stay there.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.

Ethical volunteer engagement is a cornerstone of nonprofit success, ensuring volunteers are valued as essential contributors. In small organizations, where resources may be limited, volunteers often provide critical support, but their roles must be thoughtfully designed to align with the mission and organizational capacity. Engaging volunteers ethically means recognizing their inherent value, providing clear role descriptions, and establishing policies that respect their contributions while preventing exploitation or misuse. By fostering transparency, trust, and collaboration between staff and volunteers, nonprofits can create a sustainable volunteer program that supports long-term community impact without compromising the integrity of their mission.In this episode, we are joined by Jessica Pang-Parks, a non-profit consultant for community and volunteer engagement. She helps organizations build trust, create impact, and inspire belonging. Throughout the conversation, she discusses the importance of ethical volunteer engagement in nonprofits, emphasizing that volunteers should be valued beyond just wage replacement and advocating for viewing volunteer engagement as a strategic initiative aligned with the organization's mission rather than a mere cost-saving measure. In this episode, you will be able to: Learn about volunteer engagement as a strategic approach. Explore about wage replacement rate. Learn about intentional planning, resources, and collaboration. Discover how to approach volunteer engagement thoughtfully Learn how to ensure corporate contributions align with your nonprofit's goals. Get all the resources from today’s episode here. Support for this show is brought to you by GiveButter. GiveButter is the easiest-to-use fundraising platform. Your favorite fundraising tools, supercharged! Never miss a fundraising opportunity again. Givebutter Plus takes this award-winning platform to the next level with advanced automation, deeper donor insights, and eye-popping supporter engagement tools to help your nonprofit get ahead—and stay there.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.

Ethical storytelling in the nonprofit sector entails more than just sharing fascinating narratives; it also includes protecting the dignity and privacy of the individuals whose stories are being told. In an age where personal information is becoming more available and searchable, nonprofit organizations must examine the long-term implications of sharing individual stories. At its root, ethical storytelling in the nonprofit sector tries to strike a balance between garnering funding and protecting individuals who entrust us with their tales. Telling experiences in a way that benefits the community, preserves trust, and avoids re-traumatization is more important than merely what donors want to hear.Meet Diana Farias Heinrich, ethical storytelling champion, nonprofit marketing strategist, and CEO of Habrá Marketing. She actively supports equality, respect, and decency in non-profit storytelling. Using the Equastory™ framework, she transforms how corporations share their impact while maintaining their beliefs. She is the creator of The Ethical Nonprofit Summit, which leads the industry conversation on ethical storytelling and fundraising techniques. Her work guarantees that nonprofit organizations may effectively communicate their mission while respecting the dignity of the communities they serve. She joined us today to talk about the importance of ethical storytelling in the non-profit sector and how you can achieve it.In this episode, you will be able to: Learn how to create a safe environment for those who share their stories. Discover about creating a culture of dignity and support. Learn about the importance of privacy and the long-term impact when sharing personal stories. Explore about the importance of personal regulation and self-care for nonprofit professionals. Learn about ethical and empowering storytelling in nonprofit fundraising.  Get all the resources from today’s episode here. Support for this show is brought to you by GiveButter. GiveButter is the easiest-to-use fundraising platform. Your favorite fundraising tools, supercharged! Never miss a fundraising opportunity again. Givebutter Plus takes this award-winning platform to the next level with advanced automation, deeper donor insights, and eye-popping supporter engagement tools to help your nonprofit get ahead—and stay there.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

Many fundraisers are motivated by a desire to help organizations make a difference, as well as a goal for personal development and financial stability. However, the path to attaining both can appear difficult, particularly when working in an environment that does not necessarily correspond with those objectives. This is where fractional executives step in. As experienced experts, fractional fundraisers provide strategic counsel and hands-on knowledge to organizations in need of assistance without incurring the overhead expenditures of a full-time employee. For NGOs, this is an opportunity to get leadership and guidance from experienced fundraisers who can help maximize efforts and resources. For consultants, fractional assignments provide the opportunity to establish a successful business that matches their personal objectives for abundance while also providing freedom and financial incentives.Meet Cindy Wagman, a dynamic figure in the fundraising sector who teaches experienced fundraisers how to start consulting as fractional executives. Throughout the conversation, Cindy discusses her transition to fractional executives in nonprofits, who is fractional executives, their role, and their growing popularity, the challenges and benefits of fractional fundraising, the impact of fractional fundraisers on organizations, identifying the right organizations for fractional fundraising, consulting as a career path for experienced fundraisers, and more.In this episode, you will be able to: Learn about who fractional executives are. Discover the types of organizations that are fit for fractional executives. Learn about the essentials of fractional fundraising. Explore how to build a successful consulting career. Learn about breaking the cycle of burnout in the fundraising sector.  Fractional Fundraiser Academy waitlist: https://www.fractionalfundraising.co/waitlistFind a Fractional Fundraiser: https://www.fractionalfundraising.co/inquiryFractional/Shift Summit: https://www.nonprofitfractionals.com/Get all the resources from today’s episode here. 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 special solo episode of What the Fundraising, Mallory Erickson takes us on a heartfelt and vulnerable journey through the introduction of her new book, "What the Fundraising: Embracing and Enabling the People Behind the Purpose." This is not your typical episode with a guest interview — instead, it's an intimate invitation into Mallory’s personal story, the journey that led to this book, and the core principles that shape her innovative approach to fundraising.Mallory reflects on her own early struggles as a fundraiser, the isolation and self-doubt she experienced, and the powerful lessons she learned about the relationship between stress, self-worth, and fundraising success. In this episode, she reads the introduction to her book, allowing listeners to hear it in her own voice, filled with passion, reflection, and encouragement.Key Themes in this Episode: The human experience behind fundraising: The connection between internal beliefs, emotions, and external fundraising results. The fight, flight, and freeze response as it shows up in fundraising and how it impacts fundraiser wellbeing. The concept of "Alignment Fundraising" — a transformational shift from transactional fundraising to power-partner-driven, values-aligned fundraising. An invitation to engage in open dialogue around the future of fundraising, the nonprofit sector, and how we support fundraisers. This episode is packed with storytelling, neuroscience, and strategies to inspire fundraisers and nonprofit leaders alike. It’s an unmissable opportunity to hear directly from Mallory about the deeper purpose of her work and her hopes for the sector's future.Get all the resources from today’s episode here. 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.

Meet Maarten Bout, Vice President for Major and Transformational Giving at United Way of Central Indiana, overseeing a team of 10 fundraisers. With over 12 years of experience, including major gift roles at Indiana University, he brings extensive expertise in donor engagement, team leadership, and advancing impactful philanthropic strategies. In this episode, you will be able to: Understand the significance of empathy in enhancing donor-fundraiser relationships. Recognize the limitations of traditional fundraising metrics focused on short-term goals. Learn strategies to foster meaningful and long-term donor engagement. Identify the impact of fundraiser turnover on donor relationships and fundraising outcomes. Discover how improved working conditions can lead to more engaged and effective fundraisers. Get all the resources from today’s episode here. Support for this show is brought to you by GiveButter. GiveButter is the easiest-to-use fundraising platform. Your favorite fundraising tools, supercharged! Never miss a fundraising opportunity again. Givebutter Plus takes this award-winning platform to the next level with advanced automation, deeper donor insights, and eye-popping supporter engagement tools to help your nonprofit get ahead—and stay there.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 powerful episode of What the Fundraising, we dive into the intricacies of systems change with Dr. Kevin Sansberryfounder of KEVRA Consulting LLC, who empowers organizations worldwide through evidence-based strategies rooted in behavioral science. Specializing in fostering inclusive workplace cultures, Kevin coaches leaders across industries, from sports to nonprofits, driving sustainable growth.Mallory and Kevin explore the relationship between individual accountability, organizational culture, and systemic barriers to equity and justice in the nonprofit sector. With fresh perspectives and actionable strategies, this conversation equips listeners with insights to confront the "elephants in the room" and build systems that are equitable, inclusive, and sustainableKey takeaways from the episode:  Understand the Person-Role-System Framework for systemic change. Balance personal accountability with systemic change. Recognize how financial instability causes mission drift. Use the "five whys" to uncover hidden issues. Leverage personal power to drive systems change. Define a new vision to guide lasting change. Get all the resources from today’s episode here. Support for this show is brought to you by GiveButter. GiveButter is the easiest-to-use fundraising platform. Your favorite fundraising tools, supercharged! Never miss a fundraising opportunity again. Givebutter Plus takes this award-winning platform to the next level with advanced automation, deeper donor insights, and eye-popping supporter engagement tools to help your nonprofit get ahead—and stay there.Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/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: https://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 adorable and uplifting conversation, Mallory teams up with her five-year-old daughter, Emmie, to celebrate Giving Tuesday and the amazing work fundraisers do. Emmie, who has been participating in Giving Tuesday episodes since she was three, calls it "the best week of the year" and shares her unique perspective on the importance of helping others.This heartwarming episode is a delightful reminder that generosity, compassion, and resilience make all the difference—not just on Giving Tuesday but every day. In this episode, you will be able to: Learn how to handle fundraising fears and nervousness. Explore ways to grow from setbacks and stay resilient. Recognize the joy and importance of helping others. Celebrate failures as opportunities to learn and improve. Share encouragement and positivity with yourself and others. Listen to Emmie's 2022 episode: https://malloryerickson.com/podcast/episode-89-boost-your-givingtuesday-with-a-three-year-olds-words-of-affirmation-with-emmie-erickson/Listen to Emmie's 2023 episode: https://malloryerickson.com/podcast/episode-157-boost-your-givingtuesday-with-a-four-year-olds-words-of-affirmation-with-emmie-erickson/

In this episode, get a look into the recent webinar hosted by Fundraising AI, titled “AI-Powered Storytelling: Elevating Nonprofit Narratives with Visual Media” with Mallory Erickson, Dmitry Koltunov, Danny Wu and Toren Reaves! Listen in for a captivating conversation on leveraging AI's capabilities while safeguarding ethical standards and emotional engagement. Our guests share actionable insights on crafting emotionally resonant narratives, using AI to streamline storytelling processes, and maintaining authenticity in content creation. Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit leader or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical tools to amplify your impact.Dmitry is the Founder and CEO of Arbor, an AI-driven platform designed to help organizations create authentic stories through video and other media.Danny is the Head of AI Products at Canva, leading efforts to integrate AI into creative tools.Toren is the Community Relationship Manager and Evangelist at Adobe, fostering connections and promoting the company's innovative creative solutions.Key takeaways from the episode:  Discover the importance of clear goals and contextual relevance in nonprofit storytelling. Understand the significance of human involvement in ensuring authenticity in AI-assisted storytelling. Gain insights into how AI can support brainstorming, editing, and refining narratives for nonprofits. Learn how storytelling in nonprofits can be more impactful by focusing on the transformation of beneficiaries rather than organizational success. Learn about ethical AI practices, including data privacy and transparency in AI-generated content. Understand how to maintain authenticity and emotional engagement when integrating AI into storytelling. Get all the resources from today’s episode here. Support for this show is brought to you by GiveButter. GiveButter is the easiest-to-use fundraising platform. Your favorite fundraising tools, supercharged! Never miss a fundraising opportunity again. Givebutter Plus takes this award-winning platform to the next level with advanced automation, deeper donor insights, and eye-popping supporter engagement tools to help your nonprofit get ahead—and stay there.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.