Wisdom from the Field By Tzviki Krasnjansky

Join us for a live Year-End Fundraising Q&A. Shmuli Rothman and I will be hosting a live Q&A - on thursday Beis kislev, November 12, 12pm EST - for shluchim who want to bring their real fundraising questions—about donors, campaigns, pledges, increases, and more. Register here for the live Q&A. Click here for EOY fundraisng document from Rothman Coaching Year-end can be a major opportunity for fundraising. But it can also bring up real questions: How do I approach a donor who already gave earlier in the year? How do I reconnect with past supporters? What do I do with outstanding pledges? Should I run a crowdfunding campaign? And how do I ask someone to increase their support? In this special episode, I sit down with Shmuli Rothman of Rothman Coaching to talk through these questions practically and honestly. We discuss how to approach year-end from a place of confidence and service, rather than pressure or fear. We speak about inviting donors into a conversation, following up on pledges, building a strong campaign, and creating a fundraising experience that strengthens relationships. I’m also grateful to share that I will be joining Shmuli and the Rothman Coaching team. I’m looking forward to the work we will be doing together to support more shluchim. In this episode: Why year-end is an important opportunity for giving How to approach donors who already gave earlier in the year Reconnecting with past supporters How to follow up on outstanding pledges How to ask for an increase in support Matchers, anchors, and the foundations of a strong crowdfunding campaign Why campaign goals and bonus rounds need to be handled thoughtfully Why crowdfunding is not necessarily the right move for every shliach How gratitude and stewardship create stronger fundraising relationships

In this episode of Wisdom from the Field, I sit down with Rabbi Yossi Grossbaum, shliach to Folsom, California, for a conversation about nearly 20 years on shlichus and the lessons he's learned along the way. One of the central themes of our conversation is the importance of genuine connection. Taking the time to listen, getting to know people, and caring about them without an agenda. As Rabbi Grossbaum puts it, “Be a lighthouse, not a tugboat.” Our job isn't to pull people, but to inspire them through who we are and the relationships we build. We also discuss: Why listening is one of the most important things a shliach can do. Building relationships without an agenda. Fundraising with confidence, handling rejection, and responding when someone says no. Thinking big, having bitachon, and making keilim for greater brachos. Prioritizing shalom bayis and family while balancing the demands of shlichus. Focusing on your strengths and doing what works for you. An honest conversation with plenty of practical lessons and food for thought.

  In this episode, I sit down with my uncle, Rabbi Bentzion Krasnianski, who has led Chabad of the Upper East Side for 35 years—and is now entering a historic new collaboration with Park East Synagogue.   But this conversation goes far beyond the announcement.   At its heart is one powerful conviction: Give people the real deal.   Don’t water down Yiddishkeit or underestimate the people you are trying to reach. Become immersed in the wellsprings of Chassidus, allow them to transform you, and then communicate them with authenticity and conviction. Because people aren’t only listening to what you say—they’re watching how you live.   That same principle shapes Rabbi Krasnianski’s approach to fundraising. Meaningful institutions aren’t built by collecting donations. They are built by developing genuine relationships and cultivating partners who take ownership of the mission—people who stop asking, “What are you doing?” and begin asking, “What are we doing?”   But there are no shortcuts. It takes years of giving, serving, building trust, and responding to one need at a time.   We explore the unique challenges of shlichus on the Upper East Side, the difference between donors and true partners, why communicating Yiddishkeit transforms the shliach himself, and how 35 years of consistent work ultimately opened the door to an opportunity Rabbi Krasnianski never could have imagined.   A passionate conversation about being emes, cultivating ownership, the long game of leadership, and what becomes possible when a shliach remains faithful to the mission.   ---   If this episode was meaningful, please share it with someone who might benefit!   For ongoing insights on fundraising, leadership, and the inner work of shlichus, join my email list here: https://mailchi.mp/c0f254880cc4/new-subscribers    To learn more about my work with shluchim, visit: www.coachingbytzviki.com   If you would like to share some feedback you can reach me via email at: [email protected]   Or via WhatsApp: 808-499-5850     Follow on LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook 

Are you really afraid of hearing “no”—or of what you believe that “no” would mean? In this Field Note, I share a coaching conversation about uncovering the hidden beliefs behind our fears—and how questioning those beliefs can help us become freer and move forward. To register for the upcoming workshop, Mastering the Inner Game of Fundraising, using the link below. https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/5U9xqtFvQ72DLhUvNPuQvg

In this Field Note, I reflect on a short maamar of the Alter Rebbe and a teaching attributed to Reb Mendel Bar, a disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, that sparked a powerful insight about fundraising, leadership, and authenticity. When our mission and fundraising become intertwined, how do we remain authentic? How do we ensure that our genuine care for the person in front of us doesn't get overshadowed by our need for support? The reminder is simple, but profound: keep the ikar the ikar. Be there for the person first. Let everything else remain secondary. I'd love to hear your thoughts after listening.   -   Free Workshop Mastering the Inner Game of Fundraising Discover how to overcome the fears, beliefs, and inner patterns that hold us back from fundraising with more confidence, authenticity, and freedom. 📅 Monday, August 24 - Yud Alef Elul 🕐 1:00 PM Eastern Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/5U9xqtFvQ72DLhUvNPuQvg   -   Connect If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear from you. Website: coachingbytzviki.com Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: 808-499-5850