What the Fundraising

Tania Bhattacharyya, Founder of Lumos Marketing, has built her practice around empowering female leaders and their brands. She highlights the many ways that we have it within us to confront and transform the historic and systemic structures that hold us back by owning and telling our story differently. As Tania learned through her years of work at a nonprofit supporting women and families impacted by substance abuse, our stories are transgenerational and deeply embedded. In this episode, she reminds us that we can recover our voices and understand the fears and insecurities that mute our agency. It just takes work – much of it interior. Much of our conversation centered around a set of concepts that are central to fully articulating our own stories. Tania believes that once we understand and challenge the narratives that shape us individually, as well as our organizations, we can, at last, embody and persuasively communicate our mission to the outside world. Getting there, however, often means breaking down some barriers. We discuss the derailing impacts of Imposter Syndrome, which can paralyze us with self-limiting beliefs and negativity. Our “inner critics” also work hard to bury past traumas, diminishing or dismissing our wounding. And what happens to those trapped toxins? Well, the body knows. Beyond intellectually processing the sum of our lived experience, which always accompanies us to whatever table, we must also do the somatic work necessary to unblock internalized experiences that do not serve. This episode ultimately is a celebration of community and our ability to support one another. Fundraising can be lonely, isolating, and demoralizing. That’s why it’s up to us to remove shame, open communication, reclaim our narratives and assert the value we bring to the table. Tania is all about shifting the balance by helping us learn to be the authors of our own stories, in all their vulnerability and authenticity. As she points out: “We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.”To learn more about how to be an embodied and authentic fundraiser, check out my Power Partners Formula and register for a masterclass here. 

When an online community goes from 10k to 500k members seemingly overnight, there’s definitely some secret sauce involved. In this episode of What the Fundraising we learn from Diandra Marizet Esparza, the co-founder and Executive Director of Intersectional Environmentalist (IE), about why the platform has resonated so profoundly. It starts with understanding the way that cultural identities shape nature and nature shapes cultural identity, and that the two cannot be disconnected. At the core of IE is a commitment to activating community among those whose voices have been long ignored – the very citizens most deeply and directly impacted by environmental injustices.First breaking down the historical context and meaning of “intersectional environmentalism,” Diandra goes on to explain the organic evolution of IE and its mission to revolutionize business as usual among environmental decision-makers, educational and political systems, and the non-profit industrial complex. Environmental and conservation groups of all sizes have something to learn from the way IE promotes a high-profile value proposition for brands seeking both to do good and be good. And their platform is full of resources and networking tools available to everyone.In this episode, you’ll learn tips for strengthening partnerships and get a glimpse into how this social media powerhouse keeps everything going. If you’d like to take a deeper dive into understanding this new approach to environmental healing, IE has an informative book available in print and audible formats: "Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle Systems of Oppression to Protect People + Planet," by Leah Thomas. You’ll also want to check out IE’s new podcast, The Joy Report.And the learn more about how to raise money from the right funders in a way that is aligned and in integrity with the work of your organization, make sure to check out the Power Partners Formula and register for my free masterclass here.Episode Highlights:(02:38) – A brief intro to Diandra’s work fostering conversation across sectors (03:55) – Understanding the ways in which cultural identities shape nature and nature shapes cultural identity.(07:07) – What is intersectional environmentalism(10:37) – Evolving from performative to a focus on concrete environmental solutions based in root causes whose historical legacy is only now being acknowledged(12:30) – IE’s early days(14:08) – What captured the imaginations of people introduced to the IE platform(16:41) – Since Day 1 the momentum of IE has been astonishing(19:37) – Social media was initially a safe place, IE grew out of a need to promote partnerships that made people feel seen.(25:20) – Negotiating the space between IE’s historically free, organic platform and the “nonprofit-industrial complex,”(26:38) – Redundancy in the nonprofit sector and why IE was a necessary addition(31:20) – How brands decide to partner with different nonprofits(32:18) – How to break through to prospective partners(35:04) – The role of nonprofits to help brands define and articulate their environmental values(41:06) – Diandra’s Top Tips for building your community or organization(44:51) – How does IE spend their time on social media to nurture community (46:15) - Where to find Diandra and learn more about IE.

When we garden we are caring for more than a plot of land. It can also be seen as an expression of hope, curiosity, and of interconnectivity. This is the message my guest on this episode of What the Fundraising has evangelized to great success through her books, blog and fierce commitment to greening our planet together. Emily Murphy is here to share with us the inspiration behind her latest work, "Grow Now: How We Can Save Our Health, Communities, and Planet — One Garden at a Time," a fascinating guide to regeneration. And for all of you who feel intimidated by gardening, growing anything, or even keeping a house plant alive, you should definitely tune in. Not only is this an invitation to play, but this episode isn’t just about what and how to grow things externally, it’s also about inner nurture and how we grow ourselves. Whether we’re talking about picking up a spade or watering can, putting our hands in the soil, or learning anything new that shifts our perspective, we find that there are many overlapping lessons. For example, failure is part of the process, as inevitable as the changing of seasons themselves.  In this episode, Emily and I swap happy memories of our childhoods and muse on the power found in the simple act of growing things. It inspires children’s curiosity and resilience. It brings together communities even in the most barren of cityscapes. It also expresses a commitment to biodiversity and positive change in the face of species endangerment and climate crisis. Closer to home, Emily spells out some of the many positive impacts that gardens have far beyond being good for the planet. They support our immune systems, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce anxiety and depression. Gardening also nourishes us, spiritually and culinarily.And we have it within our power to enable nature to repair our damaged and fragmented ecosystems.Learn more about Emily’s work at her www.passthepistil.com website. You can also check out where to purchase copies of her new book here.Episode Highlights:(02:26) Emily shares a bit about her background, including what inspired her interest, both as an author and educator, in the nexus between gardens and community. (05:21) There can be many points of entry for reaching people with compelling messages(07:25) "Grow Now" provides a guide for growing a garden as part of a small change that begins at home, in defiance of and opposition to overwhelming issues like climate crisis and species extinction.(10:45) The importance of nature in our day-to-day mental and emotional health(11:14) How children reap direct benefits from time connected with nature and gardening(13:35) About the power of gardens(13:40) Mallory shares a bit of color from her own childhood introduction to gardening(15:03) Emily and Mallory reflect on some of the life-giving byproducts of gardening:(22:20) Gardening has a magical way of reframing failure as discovery, acceptance and equanimity in an ever-changing landscape. (26:20) Mallory reflects on the symbolism inherent in gardening(28:22) Emily reflects on leadership and team-building in the context of gardens, their interdependence, shared resources, and regeneration. (32:25) All about regeneration: "Grow Now" acts as a guidebook for renewing landscapes, home scapes, and plots close to home that have the power to restore.(35:48) Myth-Busting: Gardening is not just something your grandparents used to do(37:08) Find ways to plugin.(39:02) Learn more about Emily and connect with her!

What does it look like to use our power and privilege for good? In some cases it involves us speaking out, in others it involves us getting quiet and listening. How do you know what to do when?Maggie Doyne and I explore all of this and more in this week’s episode of What the Fundraising. Maggie has been hailed as CNN Hero of the Year and criticized for perpetuating the white savior narrative, and she has something to say about both. As many people know, at 19 years old, Maggie set off on a gap year that ultimately led her to Co-Found BlinkNow and personally adopt almost 60 Nepalese children. Her story is complicated, inspiring, nuanced, beautiful, and painful. And through her new book, "Between the Mountain and Sky: A Mother's Story of Love, Loss, Healing, and Hope" Maggie lets us walk with her through so many of the ups and downs of her journey.In this episode, Maggie and I untangle some of the duality that Maggie and BlinkNow experienced when the media would cover Maggie's inspiring story.  For example, opportunities and funding for the nonprofit were realized because Maggie was from a suburban town in New Jersey, while at the same time the media narrative about the organization would often leave out the most important part - that the organization was primarily driven by local leadership and solutions from inside the local community. While Maggie was attempting to partner with the local community in the most humble and ethical way, the media clickbait stories about her work caused harm and, as she reflects back, that is something she wishes she had corrected and spoken up more about at the moment. Maggie talks about her commitment to using her whiteness as an ally, to elevate the voices and the stories around her and not be the center of the story. And in this conversation, we explore the learning journey that has led to her stepping back in this way.  We often approach conversations like this in binary ways - good/bad, right/wrong, ethical/unethical but what this conversation creates is an opening for more curiosity, wonder, learning, and listening. We talk about how the nonprofit sector as a whole can do better, starting with a commitment to learning from one another. We also discuss the power of vulnerability as a teacher and storytelling as a tool; why it’s important to deploy an inside-out approach that honors the people who know best, the ones on the ground.If you’d like to support BlinkNow's work in Nepal, please consider getting involved with one of their many amazing donor opportunities. You can also visit your favorite independent bookstore or click here to purchase a copy of "Between the Mountain and Sky: A Mother's Story of Love, Loss, Healing, and Hope."Many thanks to our sponsor, Learn Grant Writing, an online learning experience that makes grant writing approachable and fun. If you want to learn more about how to align your fundraising and grant writing practices - watch a FREE fireside chat with me and the Meredith → learngrantwriting.com/mallory  

Stepping from a nonprofit career trajectory into a for-profit consulting practice required some adjustment on the part of my guest on this episode of What the Fundraising. Trudi Lebron had to recalibrate in some unexpected and liberating ways, changing outmoded practices that are now helping her change our world.Today Trudi Lebron Impact Coaching serves a wide variety of leaders looking to get beyond old, harmful power structures and processes that have shaped the corporate and service sectors. She and her team are disrupting entrenched systems, the default to a “normal” that has for centuries marginalized people based on color, gender, and class. This work requires sustained, intentional, and fearless education and Trudi is here to walk us through the fundamentals.In this episode we get to hear a lot of details of Trudi’s experience in the nonprofit sector, and what it was like to transition into running a successful consulting business. We talk about why equity-centered coaching is so critical - recognizing that coaching generally defaults to a version of success that is biased and based on a normative model that defers to white, colonial, patriarchal standards.To move out of this, we need to redefine what success looks like in a number of ways, including how we track it and what metrics we truly value. We go deep in this conversation into the broken nature of nonprofit funding and how the system is set up in a way that often diverts the executive directors from their organizations’ core mission into a never-ending fundraising role and distracts from the organization’s primary focus and mandate.Throughout the episode, Trudi gives so much advice for nonprofits that want to break the cycle of white supremacy in the service sector. You’ll come away from this conversation with plenty to contemplate and new perspectives to consider. Listen now to learn about how this work intersects with your organization's leadership and how you can shift your practices now!After this episode, click here to learn more about and purchase Trudi’s new book, "The Antiracist Business Book: An Equity Centered Approach to Work, Wealth and Leadership."Many thanks to our sponsor, www.learngrantwriting.org, an online learning experience that makes grant writing approachable and fun. Try out a free class to discover whether you’d like to become professionally trained as a grant writer!Episode Highlights:(00:26) – Trudi shares a bit about how she got started in the nonprofit space and ultimately decided to start her own for-profit consulting firm.(07:43) – A necessary nonprofit paradigm shift(11:20) – Trudi shares the psycho-social impacts of transitioning class and finding herself with her current role and influence(15:58) – How Trudi’s practice is designed around equity-centered coaching (18:40) – Coaching generally defaults to a version of success that is biased and based on a normative model that defers to white, colonial, patriarchal standards.(23:55) – The biggest metrics of success should be outcomes that go beyond “reflexive impacts” (28:26) – Trudi explains the iterative nature of her process.(34:06) – Why the nonprofit model (particularly around funding) is broken (41:00) – Advice for nonprofits that want to break the cycle of white supremacy in the service sector(44:19) - Where to learn more about Trudi Lebron and her work

Nearly a half-million people and counting have chosen to help Ukrainians by booking Airbnb rentals in that war-torn country. Why? On this episode of the What the Fundraising podcast, my guest Lynne Wester and I untangle some of the factors behind this impulse to give 1:1 rather than through traditional nonprofit organizations. The founder of Donor Relations Guru, her team partners closely with nonprofits large and small to develop a sound strategy, leveraging technology to create meaningful, sustained donor engagement. In many cases, it all starts with a step-by-step plan that honors “small but mighty” as well as longtime loyal supporters, engendering goodwill, trust and repeat contributions year after year.Many of us saw during the pandemic that our nonprofit partners were more committed than we realized, eager to step up and continue giving without bells, whistles, events, and swag. The impetus to support whatever cause is genuine. The question is: Do we honor their giving well enough? Lynne highlights ways in which we cultivate good faith by treating donors with respect and personalized expressions of gratitude – whatever their level of giving. You’ll enjoy Lynne’s candor and personal take on everything from managing anxiety to advocating for more no-strings-attached, non-judgmental practices when it comes to aiding people in need. Listen now to hear us discuss all of this in addition to more about “analysis paralysis,” the merits of data-driven strategy, and ways to make inroads with nonprofits that are fearful of shaking up the status quo!Episode Highlights:(02:50) – A brief intro to Lynne and her nonprofit philosophy.(03:06) – Straight into Lynne’s Top Five Strengths-Finder Strengths:(05:30) – All about feelings: Lynne’s consulting work often centers around being a change agent to coach people (06:10) – About the difference between working hard and working optimally. (06:50) – Using data and data-based decision-making to separate from emotionally driven responses and self-limiting beliefs.(07:40) – Lynne explains the psychological phenomenon of “automatic thoughts,” (14:01) – Lynne shares her experience of over 18 years of managing an anxiety disorder, harnessing hidden upsides, and developing deeper self-awareness.(15:10) – Lynne differentiates discomfort from anxiety.(18:45) – Being a change agent requires intentionality, grounding, and an honest examination of values, goals, and on-the-ground realities.(21:15) – The pandemic revealed to Lynne that donors deserve trust and grace. (22:18) – Mallory reflects on the conversation surrounding Airbnb.org and how for many it became a preferred vehicle to help those under siege in Ukraine. Why? (26:30) – Big nonprofits whose communications are aggressive to the point of harassment can set a tone for the entire nonprofit sector.   (27:55) – Digging deeper into contributions that empower both the giver and receiver.(29:24) – Possible factors that might be influencing unconventional giving(33:05) – How Lynne works with her clients to recognize and encourage “small but mighty” donors. (40:01) – Is it distrust that people have for nonprofits? Or something else?(43:58) – All about www.donorrelationsguru.comMany thanks to Givebutter, the No.1 free fundraising platform, for supporting this episode of What the Fundraising. 

If you’re sidestepping cryptocurrency because it seems too abstract or risky, you won’t want to miss this episode of What the Fundraising. It features Veronica Hash, program manager of Belonging at Coinbase, a secure online platform for buying, selling, transferring, and storing digital currency. Coinbase – among the largest crypto exchange platforms in the world – built a philanthropic mission into the heart of its business plan: To increase economic freedom in the world. By demystifying terms like “blockchain” and “NFTs,” Veronica opens a window on the fundraising opportunity many non-profits are currently leaving on the table. Plus, in true What the Fundraising fashion we explore the why behind our fear of talking about crypto and what you can do about it. Facing your fear, Veronica adds, is the best way to locate mentors, acquire education and find the tools to embrace digital currency. Non-profits that hide from or ignore crypto are very likely leaving money and partnerships on the table. What does all this mean for you and your non-profit? Listen now because we’re here to help you figure it out!If you’d like to incorporate cryptocurrency as an option for donors, it has just been integrated into the powerful e-commerce giving platform provided by our sponsor, Pledge. Give it a try!Episode Highlights:(00:30) – Get to know Veronica and her role as Manager for Belonging at Coinbase(02:30) – Crypto 101: Veronica explains “digital money” and the blockchain technology on which it is built.(04:10) – What “belonging” means in the context of the program Veronica is building(05:40) – Staying at the core of the mission: Economic freedom. (07:50) – Pivoting from the non-profit world to a model that integrates cause-oriented work into the business itself.(09: 57) – All about Coinbase Giving, a program that leverages the direct nature of crypto (no admin and bank fees, etc.) in support of a range of compelling non-profits.(14:06) – Veronica shares her personal experience with cryptocurrency (19:15) – Start Now! For Veronica, it’s never too late to get started with crypto, and here’s why using a platform like Coinbase can be helpful(22:18) – There is an abundance to be tapped(23:35) – Women often feel a psychological barrier to crypto and here’s what they can do about it.(29:29) – A willingness to be vulnerable has played a big role in Veronica’s personal and professional growth.(32:30) – Case studies that underscore Crypto’s role in correcting power imbalances and corruption baked into international banking systems.(34:40) – Excitement about what’s happening in the crypto space and donors who are eager to participate. (36:30) – Veronica reflects on how crypto has changed her life – and the ways in which she thinks about and invests money(43:03) – Where to find Veronica and learn more about Coinbase and E-Soccer’s Inclusive Sports Program. 

This episode dives right into the importance of strong relationships between donors and nonprofits. As someone who has been on both sides, but now works primarily with funders, our guest is keenly aware of what foundations are looking for in their partnerships. In this episode of What the Fundraising Podcast…Sybil Ackerman-Munson and I discuss what nonprofits can do to level up their pitch when asking foundation funders for money. In addition, Sybil gives us an insider's perspective on how funders can make sure they are being effective and impactful when donating to reduce the risk of burnout and to ensure they feel fulfilled in the end. Listen now to get all the great takeaways from this episode.Episode Highlights:(00:46)- Introducing Sybil Ackerman-Munson (05:53)- How donors can perform a self-check to ensure they are being effective with their funding.(11:55)- Discussing the different categories of donors including, Sustainer Donors, Campaign Donors, and Launcher Donors.(14:11)- How nonprofits can approach the different donor types to maximize the effectiveness of their pitch.(23:15)- The importance of including donors in nonprofit organization decision-making as a means of helping them feel connected and involved.(32:12)- Sybil tells real-life stories highlighting the benefits of keeping donors included and in the loop and the possible consequences of leaving them out.(36:00)- Honest and transparent conversations with donors are essential to helping nonprofits decide if their initiatives align with donor expectations.(43:05)- The dangers of donors overstepping and leading conversations rather than sitting back to hear the nonprofit's pitch and suggestions. (46:28)- Closing statements as well as information about contacting Sybil at DoYourGood.com and @DoYourGood on Instagram.This episode is a part of a mini-series on What Funders Want thanks to our incredible sponsors at Givebutter. To learn more about how you can get started on Givebutter, head on over to givebutter.com/mallory. 

Simone Gordon is a single mother of a severely autistic son and the founder of the Black Fairy Godmother Organization which helps marginalized black and brown families. To date, Simone has helped over 500 families and has housed more than 122. In this episode, we talk about the broken parts of the nonprofit sector and why we need to stop putting people in boxes and really listen to their needs. Simone’s journey is tied to her own experience in the sector and it poses important questions about the role the sector can play in customized support for individuals, ways to connect donors with recipients, and how to listen to the needs of individuals and let them define what support looks like for them. Join this real and raw conversation with The Black Fairy Godmother to get an inside look at her work and walk away with some great takeaways for how to run your next grassroots campaigns.Episode highlights: (02:39) - Simone’s quest for assistance and the shortcomings in the nonprofit sector(05:52) - A new discourse around helping women  (09:04) - A recent story of inspiration (12:56) - The tension between covering salaries for paid staff and using fundraising dollars to go straight to beneficiaries (14:59) - The different ways you can sponsor and support a family today!(16:53) - How Simone currently operates the organization and her dreams of the future (20:21) - Simone’s suggestions for anyone who wants to start grassroots fundraising like her. Being aware of the ups and downs of being an impact leader: Financial stress and self-care. (21:05) - The need for a holistic assistance service: Tips for anyone who wants to help & what’s missing from organizations. This episode is a part of a mini-series on What Funders Want thanks to our incredible sponsors at Givebutter. To learn more about how you can get started on Givebutter, head on over to givebutter.com/mallory. 

If change is hard, massive and meaningful change can seem impossible. But my guest on this episode of What the Fundraising is up to the task. As head of Community Impact and Partnerships for Patagonia, Whitney Clapper is innovating strategies designed to accelerate a paradigm shift in the way we live together and treat the planet. In this episode, much of our discussion focuses on the partnership dynamic between nonprofits and Patagonia, and what Patagonia looks for in its non-profit partnerships. You’ll find out the four specific areas that are currently the focus of Patagonia’s grantmaking and how, outside of grantmaking, Whitney acts as a conduit among different communities – expanding and binding together a network of activist organizations and the environmental and human causes they serve. Whitney’s marketing experience positions her perfectly to grow a community engagement platform based on communication, empathy, inclusion, and education. But, as Whitney points out, the work actually starts with the most basic of connections: Sharing stories. It’s what knits us together in all our diversity, and is our best hope. “We’ve got to get out of our own way and figure out how to be in partnership with one another if we are ever going to survive this world and climate change,” says Whitney. Listen now to join us in this boundary-pushing conversation about business partnerships, human connection, and what it will take to actually tackle the challenges ahead of us - like climate change.Episode Highlights:(00:30) – Get to know Whitney and her non-traditional career path.(05:15) – What the term “community impact” means to Whitney. (07:30) – About the challenge to shift mindsets on a large scale while also hitting corporate milestones. (09:24) – Communicating and advancing a robust impact agenda beyond Patagonia’s culture to the massive outdoor industry at large.(11:00) – The importance of collective learning among companies and non-profits, including alignment around core values, practices, and commitments.(13:34) – Whitney is constantly aware of the influence Patagonia wields as a provider of narratives and as a non-profit funder.(18:10) – Practices that foster stronger ties between funders and non-profit organizations.(20:49) – Bringing alignment and the right fit: Transparency is the way to go. (26:20) – Though not her personal area of focus, Whitney explains how Patagonia’s grant-making structure is prioritized to support four core partnership pillars(31:00) – Beyond the money: Patagonia Action Works is a platform that starts with seed funding but extends beyond to offer tools(35:30) – Holding space for true empathy across partnerships (39:00) – Whitney serves as a conduit between Patagonia and BIPOC, LGBTQ+ communities motivated to create a wider circle centered in a regenerative mindset.(41:00) – Where to find Whitney and shout-out for The Wilderness Society’s Imago InitiativeThis episode is a part of a mini-series on What Funders Want thanks to our incredible sponsors at Givebutter. With modern donation forms, fundraising pages, and events, Givebutter raises more than $150 million annually in support of more than 35,000 meaningful causes – from local youth groups to world-renowned charities. To learn more about how you can get started on Givebutter, head on over to givebutter.com/mallory.