What the Fundraising

This episode features a fascinating conversation with Ashley Budd, Senior Marketing Director at Cornell University and the author of Mailed It. She has spent over a decade leading digital innovation in advancement, helping organizations connect authentically with audiences and raise funds for meaningful causes.  Ashley shares her career journey from enrollment services to fundraising and explains how her work in digital marketing, mainly email marketing, became a key part of her success. She also talks about her first book on email marketing and her experience consulting and speaking with nonprofits and universities. A significant focus of the discussion is how digital marketing supports modern fundraising. Ashley explains why email remains powerful despite crowded inboxes, and how understanding human behavior and proven patterns leads to better results. She introduces a custom GPT tool she co-created to teach people how to write effective emails, emphasizing learning skills rather than depending on AI forever. The conversation also explores the balance between using AI tools and maintaining a human touch. Ashley highlights the importance of authenticity, consistency, and trust, introducing her "trust triangle" model of authenticity, empathy, and logic. She also discusses handling ghosting, managing unengaged audiences, adapting campaigns to changing conditions, and communicating during crises.   In this episode, you will be able to:  Understand how email marketing drives modern fundraising success. Discover the evolving partnership between humans and AI in communication. Learn how to write effective emails using proven behavioral patterns. Recognize the limits of AI tools and the need for human judgment. Apply authenticity, empathy, and logic to build audience trust. Balance quality and quantity in email communication. Handle unresponsive audiences with clarity and respect. Adapt campaigns to changing digital behavior and expectations. Respond confidently to crises while maintaining community trust. Access practical tools and resources to improve email performance. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Practivated. Practivated delivers AI-powered donor conversation simulations that let fundraisers practice in a private, judgment‑free space—building confidence, refining messaging, and improving outcomes before the real conversation even begins. Developed by fundraising experts with real‑time coaching at its core, it’s the smart way to walk into every donor interaction calm, prepared, and ready to connect. Learn more at practivated.com. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If 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.

Growth isn’t about doing more or filling checklists; it’s about doing what matters within your capacity and rhythm. In fundraising, true impact comes with honoring long-term engagement over quick monetary wins, creating space for transformation, and holding firmly to mission and values while adapting methods. When distraction, uncertainty, and external pressure are inevitable, leaders have to ground themselves, set boundaries, and act with purpose to cultivate clarity, resilience, and meaningful connections. Every action sends ripples, and you have to be mindful of what impact yours will create.  Joining us today is Floyd Jones, a speaker and coach who helps organizations to build sustainable communities that drive lasting impact. Believing that strong communities are the heart of any impactful mission, he collaborates with organizations and leaders to turn followers into dedicated supporters by centering on a community-first approach throughout his career. His specialization is on providing strategies to help leaders grow their reach, build deeper connections, and inspire consistent support. Floyd joined Mallory in this episode to discuss sustainable fundraising and leadership, where mission, values, and relationships guide growth and adaptability. In this episode, you will be able to: - Discover ways to align your fundraising strategies and leadership with mission and values. - Recognize the difference between transactional and relational donor engagement. - Apply grounding and self-regulation techniques in uncertain times as a leader. - Understand the effect of intentional actions that ripple through teams, communities, and the broader sector. - Understand how people-pleasing can distract you from mission-driven decision-making. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Practivated. Practivated delivers AI-powered donor conversation simulations that let fundraisers practice in a private, judgment‑free space—building confidence, refining messaging, and improving outcomes before the real conversation even begins. Developed by fundraising experts with real‑time coaching at its core, it’s the smart way to walk into every donor interaction calm, prepared, and ready to connect. Learn more at practivated.com. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If 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 Podcast, Today’s conversation focuses on Dana James’ thoughtful and human-centered approach to engagement, fundraising, and community building. Dana describes herself as an artist at heart who works as an engagement strategist within a capitalist system. She shares how her work is rooted in creating belonging and bringing people together through collective effort. Dana talks about her journey to Berkeley and how the university’s diverse community, along with music and art, helps connect people across different backgrounds. Dana and Mallory discuss the emotional side of fundraising, highlighting that it is deeply human work. They explore the vulnerability experienced by both donors and fundraisers and challenge the idea that money should be the main measure of value. Dana encourages rethinking wealth and generosity, recognizing time, care, and talent as meaningful forms of contribution. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of listening, asking good questions, and using language carefully when working with diverse groups. Dana explains how creativity and art help communicate across cultures and allow people to sit with discomfort. Finally, they reflect on the importance of having a healthy relationship with oneself, being a good human, and building real connections. Overall, the discussion presents fundraising as work based on trust, empathy, and belonging rather than transactions. In this episode, you will be able to:  - Understand how engagement and fundraising are rooted in human connection and belonging. - Recognize the value of generosity beyond money, including time, talent, and care. - Learn how listening and asking thoughtful questions strengthen relationships. - Explore the role of vulnerability in building trust with communities and donors. - Identify ways to challenge traditional ideas of wealth and success. - Appreciate how art and creativity support communication and healing. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Practivated. Practivated delivers AI-powered donor conversation simulations that let fundraisers practice in a private, judgment‑free space—building confidence, refining messaging, and improving outcomes before the real conversation even begins. Developed by fundraising experts with real‑time coaching at its core, it’s the smart way to walk into every donor interaction calm, prepared, and ready to connect. Learn more at practivated.com. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If 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.

As one of the most popular ways of contributing to philanthropy, Donor-advised funds are quietly changing the landscape, offering both unprecedented opportunity and unique challenges for nonprofits. By understanding the psychology behind DAFs, fundraisers can understand why donors act faster, give more generously, and engage differently than through traditional channels. Join with us and explore practical strategies for organizations to meet donors where they are, optimize relationships, and unlock the full potential of DAFs as a tool for sustained impact. Mitch Stein is the head of strategy at Chariot, a financial technology company focused on Donor Advised Fund payments. After having a career of 7 years at Goldman Sachs as an investment banker, Mitch joined the nonprofit space, bringing high-impact innovation that is much needed to the landscape of philanthropy. In 2020, he founded Pond, a marketplace connecting nonprofits with tools and service providers. This experience has given him a broad, practical view of the nonprofit ecosystem which he now brings to one of the fastest-growing and most complex areas of modern philanthropy. Key takeaways from the episode:  Culture is the most influential force on human behavior. Understanding culture requires a shared definition. Cultural lenses affect how we perceive and interact with the world. Social norms guide our behavior in various contexts. Fast culture changes quickly, while slow culture evolves gradually. Fundraising practices are deeply influenced by cultural beliefs. Positive experiences in giving can reshape perceptions of philanthropy. Storytelling is essential for nonprofits to connect with their audience. Small changes can lead to significant cultural shifts over time. Agency in giving is crucial for fostering genuine generosity. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Practivated. Practivated delivers AI-powered donor conversation simulations that let fundraisers practice in a private, judgment‑free space—building confidence, refining messaging, and improving outcomes before the real conversation even begins. Developed by fundraising experts with real‑time coaching at its core, it’s the smart way to walk into every donor interaction calm, prepared, and ready to connect. Learn more at practivated.com. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If 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.

What if in the future it is a possibility to build deeper connections with everyone who gives instead of raising more money from fewer people? In this episode Mallory is joined by Kalyan Varma, founder & CEO of Almabase, to discuss how AI and modern tools can help nonprofits better serve everyday givers. Originally from India, Kalyan Varma was introduced to fundraising in college after helping launch a student-led nonprofit to raise scholarship funds for classmates in need. With a neverending passion for nonprofits and a mission for making education more affordable, he founded Almabase 10 years ago. Today, Almabase helps schools and universities strengthen alumni engagement and fundraising, with a focus on making education more accessible through increased alumni giving. In this episode, you will be able to: Understand the reason for long-term fundraising sustainability depends on engaging the broad base, not just top donors Learn how to reframe technology and AI as tools for deepening human connection rather than replacing it. Challenge common myths around donor fatigue and gift size as indicators of donor commitment. Learn how identity and current interests shape donor engagement across sectors. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Practivated. Practivated delivers AI-powered donor conversation simulations that let fundraisers practice in a private, judgment‑free space—building confidence, refining messaging, and improving outcomes before the real conversation even begins. Developed by fundraising experts with real‑time coaching at its core, it’s the smart way to walk into every donor interaction calm, prepared, and ready to connect. Learn more at practivated.com Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If 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.

Generosity doesn’t begin with the ask; it begins with understanding. Joining with Mallory today is Kevin Schulman to discuss the role of behavioral science in reshaping how generosity is inspired, unmasking why people give far beyond the moment they’re prompted.  Kevin Schulman is the founder of DonorVoice, a behavioral science fundraising agency established in 2012 after a career in the commercial sector. Noticing a striking gap between the advanced practices used in commercial industries and the approaches used in fundraising early in his career led him to launch DonorVoice. His work is driven by commitment to apply behavioral science, donor understanding, and astute strategies to help organizations grow more effectively.  In this episode, you will be able to: Understand why giving is inspired by personal values, not simply by being asked. Learn how behavioral science deepens donor insight and strengthens long-term engagement. Acknowledge the role of indirect impact in omni-channel fundraising. Learn how organizations can attract, not persuade, by aligning messages to donor motives. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Practivated. Practivated delivers AI-powered donor conversation simulations that let fundraisers practice in a private, judgment‑free space—building confidence, refining messaging, and improving outcomes before the real conversation even begins. Developed by fundraising experts with real‑time coaching at its core, it’s the smart way to walk into every donor interaction calm, prepared, and ready to connect. Learn more at practivated.com Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If 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

Fundraising is commonly portrayed as challenging, but for mission-driven leaders, it’s also a privilege because they’ve got to be one of the helpers in this time period. In this episode, Dana Smiley joins Mallory to discuss donor stewardship through the lens of authenticity, purpose, and human connection. Join us as our guest dives into the exhaustion that comes with the role, the mindset shift that keeps teams grounded, and the power of transparent, genuine interactions.  Hilary Dana Smiley is a seasoned, result-driven fund development professional and currently the Assistant Vice President of Leadership Gifts at Boston Children's Hospital, where she oversees individual giving, direct response efforts, face-to-face fundraising, and volunteer board engagement. She leads with a genuine passion and purpose, believing in authentic enthusiasm strengthening donor relationships and fueling the mission of caring for children and families. In this episode, you will be able to: Learn how reconnecting with your purpose elevates donor communication. Understand the role of authenticity and passion in long-term donor relationships. Acquire new ways in navigating exhaustion and reframe hard fundraising moments. How to inspire generosity with transparent, human-centered communication.  Learn practices that strengthen stewardship and keep teams grounded in mission. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Practivated. Practivated delivers AI-powered donor conversation simulations that let fundraisers practice in a private, judgment‑free space—building confidence, refining messaging, and improving outcomes before the real conversation even begins. Developed by fundraising experts with real‑time coaching at its core, it’s the smart way to walk into every donor interaction calm, prepared, and ready to connect. Learn more at practivated.com Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If 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.

Change is built through purpose, innovation, and the people who keep showing up. Join with us and explore how social impact and fundraising are evolving beyond traditional boundaries, blending the strategy of business with the heart of philanthropy. Zachary Hynek is the founder of Morton Labs, a startup venture out of the University of Chicago, developing a multi-physics simulation platform specifically for the nuclear industry, and strategic adviser to Cadenza, an AI platform that helps impact-driven organizations with grant discovery, impact reporting, and fundraising support. Zach is also an MBA candidate at the University of Chicago and a social impact entrepreneur dedicated to reshaping how resources are allocated toward good. With experience in launching ventures, Zach helps organizations access the tools, funding, and alignment necessary to create meaningful change. Outside work, he is navigating life as a first-time dad; balancing purpose, innovation, and parenthood with humor and heart. In this episode, you will be able to: Learn how purpose-driven leaders are blending business strategy with social good. Discover why flexibility, not perfection, drives lasting impact. Understand how data and storytelling can strengthen fundraising. Learn why authentic relationships matter more than reach. Understand the importance of showing up with care.  Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Practivated. Practivated delivers AI-powered donor conversation simulations that let fundraisers practice in a private, judgment‑free space—building confidence, refining messaging, and improving outcomes before the real conversation even begins. Developed by fundraising experts with real‑time coaching at its core, it’s the smart way to walk into every donor interaction calm, prepared, and ready to connect. Learn more at practivated.com Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If 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.

GivingTuesday is more than just a calendar date; it’s a reminder of what generosity can do when people decide to show up for one another. Generosity isn’t always about money; it can be about time, support, sharing skills, or simply choosing kindness. It is a day to remember that small acts, multiplied by millions, can create lasting impact.  In this special episode, Mallory is joined by her daughter Emmie to read the book “How to Start Fundraising.” Emmie shares her experience participating in community activities like picking up trash and spreading kindness by cheering for friends in a basketball game, showing how the little act of showing up matters to people. Reading independently for the first time, Emmie reads us a story about Hannah and Steven, reminding us that we can spread kindness to a lot of people at the same time, however small it is. They concluded the episode with much-needed words of encouragement and good luck to fundraisers in their journey of creating lasting change.  Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If 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.

What does it mean when we say a fundraising approach is really ‘working’? In this episode, Mallory and Tammy talk about moving past the fixed camps of donor-centric versus community-centric models and call for a shift toward human-centered fundraising. From redefining heroism to making conscious choices about what we measure and what we prioritize, they invite listeners to rethink success through shared values, equity, and intention. Tammy Zonker is the founder & president of Fundraising Transformed, a passionate leader, strategic thinker, author, and recognized expert in major gift fundraising with nearly three decades of impactful experience. With the passion of empowering nonprofit organizations to achieve extraordinary results, she has guided and trained thousands of nonprofits, including social service organizations, private schools, universities, and healthcare institutions, which collectively raised more than a billion dollars. She won the Dr. John S. Lore Award for Outstanding Fundraising Executive of the Year from the AFP Greater Detroit Chapter in 2024.’ Her book, “Calling All Heroes,” was born from the growing realization that both donor-centered and community-centered models carry light and shadow.  In this episode, you will be able to: Learn what it truly means for a fundraising approach to “work”. Understand the shift from donor-centric or community-centric models to a more human-centered framework. Learn about the power of dialogue, partnership, and conscious decision-making in creating lasting change. How to reimagine heroism in fundraising as collective courage rather than individual acclaim. Grab Tammy's Book here. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Practivated. Practivated delivers AI-powered donor conversation simulations that let fundraisers practice in a private, judgment‑free space—building confidence, refining messaging, and improving outcomes before the real conversation even begins. Developed by fundraising experts with real‑time coaching at its core, it’s the smart way to walk into every donor interaction calm, prepared, and ready to connect. Learn more at practivated.com Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If 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… Change is the hardest thing to sustain but the most important thing in the nonprofit sector. Most of the time, leaders in nonprofit find themselves stuck between knowing what needs to evolve and struggling to make it happen. From outdated systems and burnout to scarcity mindset and fear of failure, the barriers to change are deeply human and structural. This conversation examines why good intentions aren’t enough, how leadership habits can either stall or spark transformation, and what it takes to combine mission, money, and mindset for lasting impact.  Our guest today is Andrew Olsen,  the Executive Vice President of Fundraising Solutions at DickersonBakker. He helps organizations strengthen their fundraising and impact with the knowledge he’s got from over 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and consulting. He lives with his family on a small farm in Knoxville, Tennessee. He joined us today to talk about the challenges and solutions for change in the nonprofit sector.  In this episode, you will be able to: Recognize the common barriers that keep nonprofits from turning awareness into real change. Learn how leadership habits, culture, and burnout shape an organization’s ability to evolve. Learn how undervaluing time and avoiding financial discomfort can quietly erode impact. Discover small but strategic steps to align vision, structure, and budget for sustainable growth. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Practivated. Practivated delivers AI-powered donor conversation simulations that let fundraisers practice in a private, judgment‑free space—building confidence, refining messaging, and improving outcomes before the real conversation even begins. Developed by fundraising experts with real‑time coaching at its core, it’s the smart way to walk into every donor interaction calm, prepared, and ready to connect. Learn more at practivated.com Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If 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 a world where leadership is often measured by individual success, today's episode shifts the spotlight to the strength found in unity and shared purpose. Joining us is Carmen James Randolph, the Founding President and CEO of the Women's Foundation of the South, to explore how collaboration, compassion, and collective power can transform communities and drive lasting change.  Carmen introduces the foundation's mission, which is to uplift the health, wealth, and power of women and girls across the South, and reflects on the challenges that nonprofit leaders face in sustaining their work amid funding cuts and burnout. Carmen emphasizes the vital importance of community and collective strength, urging leaders to rely on one another rather than operate in isolation. She shares insights on board engagement, highlighting how creative campaigns can inspire generosity and involvement. Throughout the discussion, Carmen advocates for clarity of vision, collaboration, and alliance-building as essential tools for social change. She emphasizes the importance of nonprofits forming strategic partnerships, exploring mergers, and collaborating to address the growing needs of their communities. The conversation concludes with mutual appreciation and a shared commitment to continue strengthening the sector through unity, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership. In this episode, you will be able to:  Understand the mission and impact of the Women's Foundation of the South. Recognize the importance of collective support in sustaining nonprofit leadership. Discover strategies to strengthen board engagement and donor participation. Learn how creative fundraising campaigns can inspire generosity. Examine how open communication fosters collaboration and mutual support. Embrace the power of unity and long-term planning for greater social impact. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Zeffy. Zeffy is a game-changing fundraising platform built exclusively for nonprofits. Zeffy is a game-changing fundraising platform built exclusively for nonprofits. Unlike other platforms that take a cut of your hard work through credit card and transaction fees, Zeffy is 100% free from transaction and platform fees. That means every dollar you raise goes directly toward fueling your mission. Trusted by more than 50,000 nonprofits, Zeffy empowers organizations of every size to streamline their fundraising with tools to collect donations, sell tickets, and manage donors all in one place. Getting started takes less than 15 minutes, and once you’re set up, you’ll have more resources to put toward what really matters: your cause. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If 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.

Fundraising is often considered to be transformational, but most of the time it’s designed to measure only transactions. Behind the scenes, a quiet disparity has begun to shape the fundraising sector: a major gift fixation, hierarchies of value within teams, and a culture that rewards revenue over relationships. It’s time to reimagine success by tracking what truly matters. Join us in our journey to prove that sustainable philanthropy grows from trust, equity, and care, not just numbers and spreadsheets.  Leslie (Jablonski) Carmona is Senior Director of Donor Experience and Individual Giving at Wayne State University, a major urban research institution in Detroit. As a rare soul who knew her passion lay in the nonprofit sector from the very beginning, Leslie brings a clear-eyed perspective on the sector’s challenges and opportunities for meaningful change. In this episode, you will be able to: Learn why every donor and every role in fundraising matters, not just major gifts. Discover how proportional giving can reshape donor relationships and build long-term engagement. Gain knowledge on how to flatten internal hierarchies and value all team contributions. Learn practical tips for leading with curiosity, calm, and thoughtful risk-taking to drive meaningful innovation. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Zeffy. Zeffy is a game-changing fundraising platform built exclusively for nonprofits. Zeffy is a game-changing fundraising platform built exclusively for nonprofits. Unlike other platforms that take a cut of your hard work through credit card and transaction fees, Zeffy is 100% free from transaction and platform fees. That means every dollar you raise goes directly toward fueling your mission. Trusted by more than 50,000 nonprofits, Zeffy empowers organizations of every size to streamline their fundraising with tools to collect donations, sell tickets, and manage donors all in one place. Getting started takes less than 15 minutes, and once you’re set up, you’ll have more resources to put toward what really matters: your cause. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If 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 an era of overloaded information, building genuine donor alignment is essential. Join with us and explore how curiosity, care, and flexibility help fundraisers uncover what truly motivates the donors. Let’s examine how AI can be a tool of support but never replaces the human connection at the heart of transformational philanthropic engagement.  Like most fundraisers, Tyler Mallory stumbled into the industry unexpectedly from a background of sales and business development. He is now a major gifts officer at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He is also experienced in working as an interim chief advancement officer and specializes in creating alignment between alumni, programs, and institutional needs.  In this episode, you will be able to: - Learn how genuine curiosity and flexibility help building lasting donor relationships. - Discover how to move past fear, pressure, and performance metrics that can block authentic connection. - Gain knowledge on how AI can support, but never replace the human touch in fundraising. - Learn how mistakes can be powerful teachers in shaping better fundraisers and leaders. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Zeffy. Zeffy is a game-changing fundraising platform built exclusively for nonprofits. Zeffy is a game-changing fundraising platform built exclusively for nonprofits. Unlike other platforms that take a cut of your hard work through credit card and transaction fees, Zeffy is 100% free from transaction and platform fees. That means every dollar you raise goes directly toward fueling your mission. Trusted by more than 50,000 nonprofits, Zeffy empowers organizations of every size to streamline their fundraising with tools to collect donations, sell tickets, and manage donors all in one place. Getting started takes less than 15 minutes, and once you’re set up, you’ll have more resources to put toward what really matters: your cause. Give your fundraising team more confidence — one conversation at a time. Learn more about Practivated. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If 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.

The emerging technologies force the social impact world to see an uncomfortable truth: progress requires both courage and conscience. This conversation highlights not only the ethics of using AI responsibly but also the responsibilities that come with choosing not to use it, the opportunity to let technology amplify human connection rather than erode it, and how institutions can prepare for a future where technology moves faster than our comfort. Joining Mallory today is Joe Manok, vice president for advancement at Clark University and founder of GlobalPhilanthropy.ai, a platform that guides nonprofits and academic institutions in leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance global fundraising outcomes. Born and raised in Beirut during the Lebanese Civil War, Joe’s path to higher education began with a scholarship funded by a donor he never met, an experience that ignited his lifelong commitment to philanthropy. With a background in computer science and leadership roles at the American University of Beirut and MIT, Joe now leads with a passion for the transformative potential of AI in advancement. In this episode, you will be able to: - Learn how to balance human connection and technology in fundraising for deeper donor engagement. - Discover strategies for building AI readiness while staying ethical and values-driven. - Uncover the importance of differentiating personal values from institutional ethics when adopting new tools. - Gain practical ways AI can empower fundraisers to work more efficiently without losing the human touch. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Zeffy. Zeffy is a game-changing fundraising platform built exclusively for nonprofits. Zeffy is a game-changing fundraising platform built exclusively for nonprofits. Unlike other platforms that take a cut of your hard work through credit card and transaction fees, Zeffy is 100% free from transaction and platform fees. That means every dollar you raise goes directly toward fueling your mission. Trusted by more than 50,000 nonprofits, Zeffy empowers organizations of every size to streamline their fundraising with tools to collect donations, sell tickets, and manage donors all in one place. Getting started takes less than 15 minutes, and once you’re set up, you’ll have more resources to put toward what really matters: your cause. Give your fundraising team more confidence — one conversation at a time. Learn more about Practivated. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 Give your fundraising team more confidence — one conversation at a time. Learn more about Practivated. If 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.

Systemic doesn’t happen in isolation; it begins when power is shared. By placing decision-making in the hands of communities most affected by inequity, collaborative funds are reshaping philanthropy. This approach redefines who leads, who decides, and how trust is built in the places that haven’t always been welcoming.  Rebecca Darwent is the founder and philanthropic advisor at Rebecca Darwent Global Inc. She is an internationally recognized expert in philanthropy, a champion of collaborative giving, and a social entrepreneur dedicated to advancing equity, liberation, and abundance through wealth and resource redistribution. She co-founded the Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC) in 2022 and led fundraising, community engagement, and advocacy that resulted in a historic $200 million capital transfer from the Canadian government to Black philanthropy. Through her advisory firm, Rebecca helps families and foundations channel their wealth and networks to empower the underfunded communities. She is also a 2024 Young Global Leader, a Women Leader for the World Fellow, and a Canadian Millennium Laureate.  In this episode, you will be able to: - Discover how collaborative funds are redistributing power and reshaping traditional philanthropy. - Learn why community-led decision-making creates more equitable and lasting impact. - Understand what it takes to build trust and partnership in historically unwelcoming spaces. - Learn why relationship-building is essential for breaking cycles of exclusion and mistrust. - Discover how Black leaders are navigating and challenging systemic barriers in philanthropy. 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/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If 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.

Building a nonprofit that genuinely connects with people requires more than a compelling mission; it demands empathy, strategy, and courage. Mark Dombkins, Founder at Forever Projects, shares insights from his journey leading a nonprofit dedicated to ending the Tanzanian orphan crisis through income creation for women. He and his wife Anna live in Australia with their six children, three of whom they adopted while working in Tanzania between 2010 and 2013. During the conversation, He mentions the importance of clarity and naivety in leadership, emphasizing storytelling as a powerful tool for inspiring generosity and trust. Mark emphasizes the importance of meeting donors where they are, understanding their realities, pressures, and motivations, rather than expecting them to adapt to an organization's mission. He describes how his team grew brand awareness and future demand through lean, abundance-minded strategies such as community events. These gatherings weren't designed to convert donors immediately but to create joy, hope, connection, and insight, trusting that value-driven experiences would naturally lead to deeper engagement. Mark also reflects on the constant tension between short-term fundraising pressures and long-term strategy, stressing the importance of supportive governance and the courage to say no to opportunities that don't align. For him, discomfort is a vital teacher, both in leadership immersion trips and in the discipline of reframing opportunity costs as signs of focus and progress. Finally, Mark explores how innovation, culture, and identity shape giving. He notes that many major donors are motivated as much by new ways of solving problems as by the cause itself. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how storytelling and empathy can transform donor engagement. Understand the power of meeting donors where they are and creating meaningful community experiences. Gain insights into balancing short-term fundraising pressures with long-term strategic vision. Explore the discipline of saying no and embracing discomfort as a tool for growth. Learn how innovation, culture, and identity shape giving and strengthen a nonprofit’s impact. Agency in giving is crucial for fostering genuine generosity. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Practivated. Practivated delivers AI-powered donor conversation simulations that let fundraisers practice in a private, judgment‑free space—building confidence, refining messaging, and improving outcomes before the real conversation even begins. Developed by fundraising experts with real‑time coaching at its core, it’s the smart way to walk into every donor interaction calm, prepared, and ready to connect. Learn more at practivated.com Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If 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 week, we have the honor of conversing with the board chairwoman of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, Cicley Gay. The foundation is now expanding its vision to center joy, love, and play as revolutionary practices and redefines what it means to build lasting social change. This conversation explores how transparency, truth-telling, and risk-taking are reshaping the landscape of philanthropy and fighting misinformation regarding marginalized communities.  Cicley Gay is the Board Chairwoman of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation and a social entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience serving under-resourced communities. Her expertise in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership allows her to empower Black-led organizations and advance systemic change. She is a proud mother of three and joined us today to give us a picture of the work of Black Lives Matter and how they are moving communities forward.  In this episode, you will be able to: - Learn about the role of transparency, truth-telling, and risk-taking in fighting against misinformation regarding marginalized communities.  - Discover how love can be a superpower in leadership and philanthropy.  - Learn how funding play, arts, and wellness programs can transform communities and empower youth. - Discover why joy is foundational, not optional in building lasting impact.  Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Practivated. Practivated delivers AI-powered donor conversation simulations that let fundraisers practice in a private, judgment‑free space—building confidence, refining messaging, and improving outcomes before the real conversation even begins. Developed by fundraising experts with real‑time coaching at its core, it’s the smart way to walk into every donor interaction calm, prepared, and ready to connect. Learn more at practivated.com Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If 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

The promise of technology is efficiency, but the core of community building still lies in authentic human connection. The current nonprofit sector finds it hard to balance automation with meaningful touchpoints that foster trust, vulnerability, and genuine relationships. This conversation explores the intersection of community and technology, emphasizing how nonprofit organizations can avoid over-engineering relationships, understand the ebb and flow of engagement, and harness the power of simple but personal gestures.  Tasha Van Vlack is the CEO of Community Hives, a global peer-connection platform that helps organizations to strengthen their communities, whether through technology, strategy, or hands-on consulting. With a passion for bringing people together and with the belief that right connections can change everything, Tasha’s diving headfirst into scaling relational tech and dreaming up what’s next for human-first connection tools. She sits down with Mallory to talk about how nonprofits can leverage modern technologies not to replace but to support authentic communities by blending automation with personal touchpoints.  In this episode, you will be able to: - Learn how to balance automation with authentic human touchpoints. - Learn the importance of embracing the natural ebb and flow of engagement. - Discover how simple but personal gestures can have an enormous impact on relationships. - Learn why vulnerability, flexibility, and active participation is essential in building trust.  Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Practivated. Practivated delivers AI-powered donor conversation simulations that let fundraisers practice in a private, judgment‑free space—building confidence, refining messaging, and improving outcomes before the real conversation even begins. Developed by fundraising experts with real‑time coaching at its core, it’s the smart way to walk into every donor interaction calm, prepared, and ready to connect. Learn more at practivated.com Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If 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 week’s episode, we welcome Woodrow Rosenbaum, founder and CEO of With Intent. This conversation focuses on the balance between productivity and efficiency with the help of AI in a world where speed often overshadows substance. Together, they shed light on how innovation can empower nonprofits to reimagine generosity for the future.   In this episode, you will be able to: - Learn how nonprofits can balance productivity and efficiency. - Discover practical approaches for ethical AI governance and responsible technology adoption. - Learn how to reduce AI overwhelm and fear. - Learn how AI can reach out to the donors who are often left out by the system.  - Get insights on the leadership roles in the age of AI.  Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Practivated. Practivated delivers AI-powered donor conversation simulations that let fundraisers practice in a private, judgment‑free space—building confidence, refining messaging, and improving outcomes before the real conversation even begins. Developed by fundraising experts with real‑time coaching at its core, it’s the smart way to walk into every donor interaction calm, prepared, and ready to connect. Learn more at practivated.com Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If 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.