Trapped in an endless cycle of drafting donor emails while meaningful connections take a backseat? The silent crisis of administrative drag is depleting fundraisers' energy and passion nationwide. What if reclaiming hours every week could be as simple as embracing the right technological tools? This transformative exploration reveals how AI tools like ChatGPT can revolutionize your fundraising practice—not by replacing the human touch, but by magnifying it. Discover how cutting your email dr...
Have you ever left a donor meeting wondering, “Why did I say it like that?” Or felt that quiet pressure to be more agreeable, more polished, more… perfect? In this episode, Keith shares a story fresh from the road—an alumni reception that turned into a powerful reminder: you don’t have to be everyone’s favorite to be an exceptional fundraiser. If you’ve ever struggled with people-pleasing, felt the weight of performance, or questioned your unique style in this work, this episode is your permi...
Ever poured hours into a project only to watch it get worse, not better? That frustrating cycle of diminishing returns might be fueled by a deeply-held belief that's actually holding you back. Growing up, I absorbed my father's working-class ethos that hard work—defined by time spent, effort exerted, and suffering endured—was the only path to success. This belief followed me through school and into my career, where I'd routinely second-guess myself, redo perfectly good work until it deterior...
Have you ever left a donor meeting, recorded quick thoughts on your phone, then spent hours translating those scattered notes into a proper contact report? There's a better way. At AFP Icon in Seattle last month, I watched a room full of fundraisers experience a collective "aha" moment. It wasn't sparked by fancy tech demos or pie-in-the-sky AI promises. It happened when they realized that tools like ChatGPT could immediately solve real problems they face every day. One fundraiser's words pa...
The journey from behind-the-scenes prospect researcher to frontline major gift officer can feel like jumping into the deep end without a life vest. In this illuminating conversation, Matt Stokes, Leadership Giving Officer at Yale University, shares his experience making this challenging career transition and the lessons he's learned along the way. Matt brings a unique perspective, having spent years analyzing data and identifying prospects before stepping across the table to build relationsh...
When you picture a successful fundraiser, do you imagine someone who commands the room, speaks eloquently without hesitation, and thrives in crowds of donors? That stereotype has dominated our field for decades—but what if the most powerful fundraising superpower isn't being heard, but truly hearing others? Carissa Konesky, CFRE and advancement officer at Simon Fraser University, challenges this outdated notion through her remarkable career journey. Recognized as a Top 30 Under 30 by BC Busi...
Fundraising shouldn’t feel like manipulation. It shouldn’t leave donors feeling drained, guilty, or pressured into giving. Yet, so much of our industry—especially certain political campaigns—leans into fear as a motivator. And while fear might work once, it doesn’t build relationships. It doesn’t make donors want to come back. You know what does? Joy. In this episode, I’m sharing two unforgettable stories from my time in hospice fundraising—one about a 102-year-old who became the town’s most ...
Can AI really enhance human connection in fundraising, or is it just a high-tech distraction? Let's tackle this question head-on, revealing how AI can be a transformative force in the nonprofit sector. This episode isn't about replacing the personal touch — it's about using AI to deepen it. As I prepare for my upcoming session at the AFP Icon conference in Seattle, I'll guide you through the ethical integration of AI, showing how it can streamline repetitive tasks and allow us to focus on wha...
Have you ever felt like fundraising was just begging for money? Like you were throwing out asks and hoping someone would say yes? If so, you’re not alone—but there’s a reason it feels that way. And it’s not just you. In this episode of Let’s Talk Fundraising, I break down the difference between real fundraising and what I call panhandling. It all started with a phone call that should’ve been about speaking at a conference—but instead turned into a hard sales pitch for sponsorship. And wh...
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Bri Gerzevske, an expert in nonprofit fundraising leadership, as she shares her transformative approach to creating high-functioning teams. Ever wondered how to step into a new leadership role and immediately start building trust and a positive team culture? Bri’s strategy centers around joy and belonging, and she shares how one-on-one meetings can help set expectations and understand team dynamics, all while maintaining healthy work-life boundari...
What if holiday generosity could transform lives beyond the festive season? Leanne Baumel, Chief Development Officer at Casa de Esperanza de los Niños, joins us to share her insights from the frontline of holiday fundraising. We'll unravel the complexities and joys of orchestrating campaigns like "Triple the Hope," which has successfully raised over $550,000, and explore the heartfelt process of bringing Christmas cheer to 350 children. Leanne's stories shed light on the power of donor suppor...
Ever wonder why so many fundraisers are burnt out and how to truly support their well-being? Join us as we engage with Raiya Sankari-Diaz, a global HR expert, to uncover the hidden causes of burnout in the fundraising sector. Forget superficial solutions like mindfulness apps; Raiya shares why authentic well-being programs, backed by genuine leadership buy-in, are essential. We explore the pitfalls of "care washing," where insincere initiatives lead only to dissatisfaction and disengagement, ...
Unlocking the secrets to managing effective nonprofit boards, our episode promises to transform your approach to board recruitment and engagement. With our insightful guest, Phelosha Collaros, we uncover how to transcend the traditional focus on financial capacity and instead recruit board members driven by passion and alignment with your mission. This discussion challenges the norm, advocating for a nuanced, staged pipeline approach to recruiting, where financial commitment is just the start...
Unlock the secret to unlocking donors' hearts and wallets with gratitude! Discover how practicing genuine appreciation can transform your fundraising efforts and create lasting partnerships. Dive into the "rule of seven" and learn how consistent, heartfelt gestures can make your supporters feel truly valued and connected to your cause. Learn from Heidi Atkinson's insights as we explore strategies like thank-you phone calls and celebratory events that can boost donor loyalty. Uncover the powe...
Unlock the transformative potential of AI in fundraising, as we explore how technology is reshaping the nonprofit landscape. From the initial skepticism and concerns of job security that accompanied the launch of ChatGPT, to the innovative strides made in aligning AI outputs with organizational values, this episode promises a journey through the evolving perceptions and uses of AI in the nonprofit sector. Discover how AI has transitioned from a misunderstood tool to a creative partner, openin...
Unlock the secrets of authentic leadership with Lasha Murray, the visionary founder of The Unapologetic Leadership Coach. Lasha introduces her groundbreaking BANG framework—Belonging, Authenticity, Networking, and Growth—designed to create meaningful professional connections. Together, we tackle the challenges young professionals face in maintaining their authenticity amidst workplace conformity and explore how leaders can foster individuality without compromising their organization's identit...
Unlock the future of nonprofit success with ChatGPT as your intelligent ally. Ever wondered how artificial intelligence can do more than just draft emails? Dive into a world where ChatGPT revolutionizes nonprofit operations, from automating data tasks to crafting strategic plans and designing dynamic dashboards. We'll reveal practical insights on managing data with precision and creating powerful Excel formulas, freeing up your time to focus on what truly matters—driving your mission forward....
What happens when a job interview turns into an ethical quagmire? Join us as we unravel the story of a fellow fundraiser who faced an unsettling request during a job interview: to bring specific donors along to a new organization. This episode digs deep into the ethical complexities and challenges fundraisers face, especially when moving between jobs. We emphasize the critical need for genuine donor relationships, treating donors as partners in philanthropy rather than assets to be moved. Dis...
What does it take to muster the courage to sing in front of an audience when fear grips you by the throat? Join us as we share a personal story that transforms a paralyzing fear into a triumphant moment, revealing profound parallels to the world of fundraising. We unpack the emotional journey fundraisers undertake, from the sting of rejection to the high stakes of advocating for causes that matter. This is a tale of resilience, emotional intelligence, and the unwavering focus on the mission t...
Year-end fundraising doesn’t have to feel like survival mode. If you’ve ever spent December scrambling — rushing appeals, juggling Finance deadlines, and showing up exhausted for donors and family — you’re not alone. The truth is, survival mode isn’t a strategy. Steady rhythms are. In this episode, I’ll share how to shift from frazzled to focused — and how AI can become the quiet assistant that keeps your year-end fundraising consistent, clear, and calm. You’ll hear practical steps you can ...