What the Fundraising

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.

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

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

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.