
What the Fundraising
What the Fundraising is the podcast for impact leaders and change-makers who are tired of doing things the old school way and are looking for best practices to raise money, run their organization, and think about the nonprofit sector in a whole new way. Every Tuesday for 40-60 min, your host, Mallory Erickson, will be having real and raw conversations with some of the best personal and professional development experts, many of whom are outside the nonprofit sector. These are bestselling authors, world-renowned researchers, and TEDx experts, most of whom have never spoken to a non-profit audience before. They have come ready to share expertise, lessons, and stories that will fundamentally change the way you show up as a leader and fundraiser.There are so many valuable lessons nonprofit leaders are missing because they are outside of their typical orbit, but no more. Mallory is bringing them in and helping to apply her guest's expertise to disrupt the nonprofit sector once and for all.So if you are ready to learn how to upgrade your fundraising strategy, leadership skills, energy, habits, and mindset to bring in more funding and actually have some fun doing it, then this is the right podcast for you.If you’re wanting to implement ideas you heard, visit MalloryErickson.com/Podcast for the top tips and tools, full transcripts, quotes, videos, and additional resources from each episode.
Latest episodes

Dec 17, 2024 • 36min
218: Empathy in Fundraising with Maarten Bout
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

Dec 10, 2024 • 47min
217: Reshaping Systemic Change with Dr. Kevin Sansberry
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

Dec 3, 2024 • 14min
216: Emmie's Big Heart: Lessons of Love and Giving Tuesday with Emmie Erickson
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/

Nov 26, 2024 • 26min
215: AI-Powered Storytelling: Elevating Nonprofit Narratives with Visual Media with Dmitry Koltunov, Danny Wu, and Toren Reaves
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.

Nov 19, 2024 • 30min
214: Fostering Hope and Joy in Fundraising and DEIB: A Conversation with Tesha McCord Poe
This episode of What the Fundraising Mallory is joined by Tesha McCord Poe, founder of Joy Raising, in a compelling conversation about incorporating joy, hope, and dignity into fundraising and DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) efforts! Tesha brings her deep-rooted passion for educational equity and her lived experiences as a Black woman, parent, and fundraising professional to a heartfelt conversation about reshaping nonprofit practices. Tesha McCord Poe is an accomplished educator and fundraiser, who leverages her legal, business, and nonprofit expertise to drive impactful change in fundraising and DEIB initiatives. She began her career as a frontline fundraiser for small private schools in the Bay Area, a role that her experience as a parent helped shape. In 2019, she founded Joy Raising, a consultancy dedicated to innovative fundraising and inclusive practices in DEIB work.In this episode, you will be able to:
Understand the role of joy in fundraising and DEIB efforts.
Recognize the power of hope in donor engagement.
Acknowledge the dignity in giving and receiving support.
Embrace the need for adaptability in fundraising strategies.
Discover how gratitude and hope can create equitable fundraising practices.
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

Nov 12, 2024 • 26min
213: Embracing Compassion and Generative Power with Aayaan Singh Jamwal
In this episode of What The Fundraising, Mallory is joined by Aayaan Singh Jamwal, Founder and Lead Coach at Unearth Freedom. Aayaan is a seasoned social justice advocate and liberatory facilitator with a unique blend of experience in leadership coaching, philanthropy consulting, and holistic approaches to empowerment. He integrates ancestral wisdom, research, and curiosity to drive personal healing and social change. Aayaan is recognized as a 2021 Coaching for Everyone Fellow, andis known for being a compassionate, tailored coach for leaders.Learn practical strategies for cultivating compassion, creativity, and healing, both personally and collectively!In this episode, you will be able to:
Understand the essence of compassion.
Learn to turn inward for compassionate, value-aligned choices.
Develop strategies for self-compassion.
Discover the impact of self-compassion on fundraising.
Unleash the generative power and creativity.
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

Nov 5, 2024 • 31min
212: Overcoming Self-Sabotage and Aligning Actions with Intentions with Brian Ford
In this episode of What the Fundraising, Mallory dives deep with Brian Ford to explore the psychological barriers that keep us from translating good intentions into meaningful action. Brian sheds light on self-sabotage, the complex belief systems that shape our behavior, and how small, consistent actions can ultimately shift our mindset and redefine our identity. Together, they discuss practical strategies for nonprofit leaders and fundraisers to overcome internal resistance, implement disciplined action, and create supportive systems that foster real progress toward their goals.Brian Ford is the host and founder of Self Improvement Daily, a podcast where he has shared almost 2000 personal development tips and earned over 20 million downloads. He's also the founder of For Purpose Foundation where he uses self improvement as a fundraising vehicle for good.Key takeaways from the episode:
Identify key barriers to turning intention into action, including self-sabotage.
Learn how belief systems shape choices through the Identity Behavior Feedback Loop.
Recognize the impact of small, consistent actions in overcoming self-sabotage.
Redefine discipline as making the right choices despite challenges.
Distinguish self-sabotage from genuine intentions using self-reflection.
Adopt a growth mindset by learning from mistakes through self-compassion.
Apply practical strategies like inversion standards to support personal growth.
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.

Oct 29, 2024 • 48min
211: Systemic Change in Nonprofits with Michelle Flores Vryn
In this episode of What the Fundraising Podcast,Mallory is joined by Michelle Flores Vryn, Head of Development at iNaturalist, about systemic challenges within the nonprofit sector. Michelle brings insights from her 15+ years in marketing, communications, and fundraising, emphasizing the critical need for a shift in nonprofit approaches to problem-solving, retention, and scaling. She is currently head of development at iNaturalist, as well as a changemaker on the AFP global board of directors and a Texas chapter organizer for community-centric fundraising.Together, they delve into pressing issues like fundraisers' burnout, systemic structures that hinder nonprofits, and the sector’s struggle between scaling and driving real systems change. By setting achievable goals, embracing fresh ideas, and nurturing inner growth, fundraisers can tackle systemic challenges and drive meaningful change, transforming the nonprofit landscape into one that thrives on support and shared purpose!Key takeaways from the episode:
Recognize the role of community support in fundraising.
Explore the link between job stressors and burnout.
Distinguish between budget scaling and systems change.
Address root causes of nonprofit issues.
Promote sustainable practices through leadership.
Acknowledge generational shifts in workforce expectations.
Encourage cultural change in fundraising.
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

Oct 22, 2024 • 54min
210: Leveraging Behavioral Science to Overcome Fundraising Challenges with Piyush Tantia and Sarah Welch
Piyush Tantia, Chief Innovation Officer at ideas42, and Sarah Welch, Associate Managing Director at ideas42, join today's conversation to discuss how behavioral science principles can enhance fundraising efforts. Together, they explore strategies fundraisers can use to stay motivated, manage tasks effectively, and overcome stressors like fear and uncertainty.In this episode, you will be able to:
Learn how behavioral science improves fundraising effectiveness.
Discover strategies for staying motivated and managing tasks.
Understand how fear and uncertainty lead to task avoidance.
Explore techniques for reducing burnout and stress.
Recognize the power of storytelling in fundraising.
Reframe negative emotions like shame and pressure constructively.
Streamline communication and manage fundraising's emotional toll.
Address resistance by understanding underlying behavioral causes.
Design solutions to overcome stress and fear in fundraising.
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

Oct 17, 2024 • 36min
209: System Catalysts - How to Invest in a Moral Revolution with Jacqueline Novogratz
In this bonus episode of What the Fundraising, please enjoy an episode of the System Catalyst podcast with Jeff Walker and English Sall. They interview Jacqueline Novogratz, founder and CEO of Acumen, a global leader in impact investing. Jacqueline shares her journey over the past 30 years, exploring how Acumen uses innovative patient capital to create real systems change. By investing in companies that tackle critical issues like climate change, energy access, and poverty alleviation, Acumen has provided pathways for social entrepreneurs to thrive.In this episode, you'll hear:
The origins and evolution of impact investing, with Acumen at the forefront.
How patient capital fuels long-term social change.
The necessity of partnerships with governments, corporations, and investors.
Jacqueline’s reflections on building systems that prioritize people, dignity, and moral imagination.
If you like what you hear, Follow this link to subscribe to System Catalysts.System Catalysts is produced by Hueman Group Media. 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.