What the Fundraising

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.

Did you know a scarcity mindset can drain energy and limit your impact, but a strategy mindset builds stability, confidence, and growth?  In this episode, Mallory and Karen from Infinity Giving explore how nonprofits can break free from a scarcity mindset and embrace a strategy mindset that prioritizes financial stability. They focus not only on the importance of challenging assumptions, normalizing money conversations, and meeting donors where their wealth truly lies, but also on the importance of building reserves, creating infrastructure for non-cash gifts, and hinting at the readiness of the right partnerships to donors, which are essential steps to a long-term sustainability.  Karen Houghton is the CEO of Infinite Giving, a leading nonprofit technology and investment advisory firm that helps nonprofits raise, invest, and steward their money. Through her firm, she provides nonprofits across the nation with tools, strategies, and the confidence needed to build financial sustainability. Karen and her team believe that the more sustainable nonprofits there are, the better our communities and the world will be. With a lifelong connection to nonprofits and a career crossover into technology and venture capital, she brings a unique perspective on bridging the gap between nonprofit needs and financial tools.  In this episode, you will be able to:  Learn how to shift from a scarcity mindset to a strategy mindset in nonprofit finance. Discover why building and protecting reserves is essential for long-term stability. Discover practical ways to prepare for and accept non-cash gifts like stock, crypto, and donor-advised funds. Learn strategies to signal readiness and build donor confidence.  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.

Have you ever wondered why your hiring process is not as effective as you want it to be? In this week’s episode, Mallory and Kishshana discuss the critical importance of the alignment of health, well-being, and transparency in hiring with organizational needs. In a field where people expect different results from doing the same thing over and over again, they highlight the need for leaders to break from the traditional, task-force approaches and create roles that empower professionals to thrive, innovate, and sustain mission impact. Mallory and Kishshana challenge the limiting beliefs in the system while encouraging providing structural support and designing an onboarding and coaching system that promotes engagement and longevity. Meet Kishshana Palmer, CFRE, a proven executive leader, transformational coach, and keynote speaker with 15+ years of experience in driving organizational excellence in nonprofit, social impact, and mission-driven sectors. Kishshana is the CEO of ManageMint, Inc., an organizational development firm focused on helping everyday leaders live and lead well. She helps leaders scale operations, navigate change, and achieve breakthrough performance. Not limited to organizations, Kishshana coaches high-performing leaders also. She is mother to a teenage girl and currently resides in Atlanta.  In this episode, you will be able to: - Learn why health and well-being matter as much as skills in hiring. - Discover how to build roles that let talent shine naturally.  - Learn how to build trust through relationships centered recruitment.  - Get information on breaking limited beliefs about money, location, or size.  - Learn the importance of structured support and intentional coaching 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 that often demands perfection in every role, it’s necessary to explore the courageous work of being transparent about limits. In this week’s conversation, from the emotional and physical weight of motherhood to the pressure of leadership, we dive into the challenges of managing personal and professional life with care. This episode is fully packed with honest reflections on navigating impossible choices, setting clear boundaries, and maintaining relationships through the chaos of life.  Meet Stacy Huston, the Executive Director of SixDegrees.Org, a nonprofit founded by the actor, musician, and philanthropist Kevin Bacon. Their work gravitates toward youth empowerment, justice and equality, and enhancing sustainable living environments. With over 8 years of experience in this role, Stacy leads a creative team that supports grassroot U.S. organizations to reach wider audiences and drive impact. Her work sits at the intersection between philanthropy, content creation, and community change. Stacy is also the CEO of Entertain Change, a social impact agency dedicated to creating transformational solutions by collaborating with entertainers and organizations. Honored with the Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award, she is a driven leader, committed to making a difference daily through strategic philanthropic efforts. Outside Stacy’s career, she is a wife and a proud mom of two beautiful girls. She joined us today to talk about the importance of transparency and clear communications in maintaining relationships, especially in a demanding lifestyle.  In this episode, you will be able to: Learn the importance of vulnerability and open communication. Understand how to clear expectations and do honest check-ins.  Learn the importance of building empathy and understanding. Discover the value of being a role model. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by iDonate!  Their donor-first giving suite, including mobile pop-ups, A/B testing, recurring prompts, makes it easy to convert more donors, faster. Easy to set up & publish with no tech team required! Launch custom giving forms that sync seamlessly with your CRM. Smarter data, better donor journeys. Check them out at iDonate.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 fundraising, success relies less on perfection and more on continuous improvement. This conversation evaluates how nonprofits can balance vision with pragmatism, prioritizing embracing continuous growth instead of unattainable ideals. From identifying what not to do to relationship intelligence, we cover the importance of understanding households, leveraging employer connections, recognizing non-linear donor journeys, and spotting early signs of donor disengagement. Together, these insights offer a blueprint for building stronger relationships and achieving lasting impact in the fundraising sector.  Our guest today is Adam Miller, social entrepreneur, tech founder, and philanthropist dedicated to leveraging technology and innovation for social good. Adam is the founder and CEO of Instill, a technology platform designed to help nonprofits maximize impact. Before launching Instill, he founded Cornerstone OnDemand, growing it from his apartment into the world’s largest educational technology company, empowering over 75 million people in the process. Apart from his tech career, Adam spent two decades involved in the nonprofit sector and helped grow Team Rubicon into a leading global humanitarian aid and veteran service organization. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and three children and joined us today to talk about the importance of focusing on the right things rather than perfection. In this episode, you will be able to: - Learn how the nonprofits can balance vision with pragmatism. - Get an idea about the illusion of perfectionism.  - Discover the power of relationship intelligence. - Learn about the importance of understanding household dynamics. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by iDonate!  Their donor-first giving suite, including mobile pop-ups, A/B testing, recurring prompts, makes it easy to convert more donors, faster. Easy to set up & publish with no tech team required! Launch custom giving forms that sync seamlessly with your CRM. Smarter data, better donor journeys. Check them out at iDonate.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 doing good, and business isn’t in opposition? Ethical fundraising, value-driven sales, and authentic relationships can thrive in the powerful space created by the intersection of doing good and business. In this episode, we explain how viewing money as a tool rather than a corrupting force aligns with purpose-led work. From rethinking donor fatigue to the value of storytelling, this episode challenges the recurrent assumptions about what it really means to ask, give, and grow. Whether you are a nonprofit leader or a goal-oriented entrepreneur, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on how to lead with value while still achieving growth.  Tamara Jackson is a consultant, advisor, investor, and the founder of Beaconship and LeadReviver™, an advisory and consultancy service. As a former banking executive turned purpose-driven entrepreneur, Tamara brings over 25 years of corporate experience and a lifelong passion for giving back. Through volunteering, philanthropy, and value-aligned business, she used her skills to advance causes she cares about. Her love to operate at the intersection between doing good and doing business is to show that both can be done at the same time. She joined us today to talk about how aligning purpose with profit allows fundraising and sales to become an act of service instead of a transaction.  In this episode, you will be able to:  - Learn how to attract donations by creating values. - Learn about donor motivations and relationship building. - Discover the difference between persuasion sales vs. service-oriented sales. - Learn how to honor silence as a part of the decision-making process.  - Discover how to write with intentionality and clarity.  Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by iDonate!  Their donor-first giving suite, including mobile pop-ups, A/B testing, recurring prompts, makes it easy to convert more donors, faster. Easy to set up & publish with no tech team required! Launch custom giving forms that sync seamlessly with your CRM. Smarter data, better donor journeys. Check them out at iDonate.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.

Challenging the outdated assumptions about who gives and how in fundraising, research has found that women are not only more generous than men, but they also give differently, diversely, and collaboratively. In this week’s episode, we break down the myths and misconceptions about women donors and examine the importance of relationship-building, storytelling, and recognition. Women seem to redefine philanthropy from giving across various causes to wanting deeper engagement beyond just writing a check.  Jacqueline Ackerman is the interim director of the Women's Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. The institute believes that gender matters in philanthropy and that perspective, leadership, and generosity are required from women and men in solving the world's complex problems. After joining the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy in 2012, she has grown her career supporting and leading research on various aspects of charitable giving. Jackie enjoys developing relationships and using her knowledge and experience to deliver research with real-world applications. She brings a deep expertise in women donors, gendered giving trends, and the evolving role of women in nonprofit leadership. She joined us today to talk about how to shift your strategies, build authentic relationships, and tap into the real power of women's generosity.  In this episode, you will be able to: - Discover the myths and misconceptions about working with women donors. - Learn about the importance of relationship-based philanthropy. - Learn about the seven Ts of philanthropy. - Discover why it’s important to keep a continuous communication with the donors.  Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by iDonate!  Their donor-first giving suite, including mobile pop-ups, A/B testing, recurring prompts, makes it easy to convert more donors, faster. Easy to set up & publish with no tech team required! Launch custom giving forms that sync seamlessly with your CRM. Smarter data, better donor journeys. Check them out at iDonate.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 on What The Fundraising, Mallory is joined by Lindsey Fuller, a human-centered leadership coach, keynote speaker, and executive director of The Teaching Well, an education administration program based in Oakland, CA. Together they explore a crisis that too many of us are navigating: burnout. Together, we unpack the intersection of workplace wellness, self-awareness, accountability, and systemic barriers to healing. Lindsey doesn’t just name the problem, she offers a path forward. From reimagining self-care to fostering collective accountability in organizational culture, Lindsey shares micro-wellness practices that can help leaders and teams sustain themselves through turbulent times. . Lindsey taught in both South Central LA and North Oakland, and then served as a site administrator at a school in deep East Oakland. Lindsey has been a trainer in restorative practices for over a decade and is state certified in mediation, working to build adult working cultures we don’t need to heal from. Under Lindsey’s visionary leadership, the organization has experienced extraordinary growth in just 4 years—more than doubling its staff, increasing its budget from $800K to $2.6M, and expanding its transformative support for educators from 4 states to 24 nationwide She is a true believer that in order to reach collective liberation, it’s a must to find ways to sustain adults in schools to ensure trauma-sensitive continuity of care. She joined us today to talk about the ongoing staffing and burnout crisis in the social sector and philanthropy.  In this episode, you will be able to; - Learn about the importance of mindset shift in the workplace. - Discover practical steps for microdosing wellness.  - Learn about the importance of recognizing and reclaiming individual agency. - Learn about the role of accountability in self-care.  Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by iDonate!  Their donor-first giving suite, including mobile pop-ups, A/B testing, recurring prompts, makes it easy to convert more donors, faster. Easy to set up & publish with no tech team required! Launch custom giving forms that sync seamlessly with your CRM. Smarter data, better donor journeys. Check them out at iDonate.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 does it mean to lead and fundraise with honesty, especially in uncertain times? In this week’s episode, we address how to build donor trust, resist action bias, and push back on the scarcity-driven leadership in times like this. Starting from ethical storytelling, we look at what fundraisers can do to stay grounded, strategic, and value-aligned, no matter what challenges arise.  Maria Rio is the CEO and founder of Further Together, a consulting firm started in 2023. Her passion for nonprofit work came as a result of witnessing charitable services as a refugee who arrived in Canada. She begun fundraising in 2011 as a face-to-face fundraiser and transitioned into in-house roles later. In Further Together, they help community-led nonprofits increase their revenue without burning out or risking their values. She joined us today to talk about staying grounded and value-driven in the face of uncertainty.  In this episode, you will be able to,  - Learn about the importance of continuous fundraising in difficult times. - Discover the importance of continuous storytelling. - Understand why it’s important to share impact without waiting for the finish line. - Learn how to push through scarcity culture in the workplace.  Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by iDonate!  Their donor-first giving suite, including mobile pop-ups, A/B testing, recurring prompts, makes it easy to convert more donors, faster. Easy to set up & publish with no tech team required! Launch custom giving forms that sync seamlessly with your CRM. Smarter data, better donor journeys. Check them out at iDonate.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… Mallory is joined by Kathy Archer, a leadership development coach who helps women confidently lead their nonprofit. What does it mean to lead with authenticity, integrity, and alignment? Women in mission-driven roles are always praised for handling it all while silently losing and disconnecting from their own values. Reclaiming the values you lost due to the external expectations will make the pathway to being both the best version of yourself and a leader who promotes authenticity.  Kathy hosts The Surviving to Thriving Podcast and is also the author of the best-selling book “Mastering Confidence: Discover your leadership potential by awakening your inner guidance system.” Her mission is to empower nonprofit women leaders with her online training library that offers affordable, relevant, and practical content to keep leaders engaged and excited, and boost their leadership capacity and personal growth. She joined us today to talk about the importance of self-reflection, aligning actions with values, and the need to process emotions for the women in mission-driven fields.    In this episode, you will be able to: - Discover the key components of becoming an authentic leader. - Learn how to recognize the incongruences in leadership. - Learn about the role of self-reflection in character development. - Notice the importance of creating a safe space to process emotions.  Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Many thanks to our sponsor, Neon One for making this episode possible. I love partnering with Neon One because I believe they care for the whole nonprofit, and I know that my clients will be well taken care of. I also love how they work with consultants to value our time and expertise. They pay for speaking at their events, and they understand how consultants support the entire sector. To learn more about Neon One’s partner program CLICK 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.

Digital transformation isn’t just about adopting new tools; it’s about establishing the right environment for change to take root. The human-first approach of digital transformation values curiosity over control and sees innovation as something grown, not forced. This episode is a great opportunity to witness what’s possible when people, not platforms, are at the center of progress.  Matt Leta is the CEO and partner at Future Works, a next-gen digital transformation services company that drives speed, value, and results. Matt is also a creative director who has over 15 years of experience, a digital generalist, and an entrepreneur. In 2020, he started Future Horizon, a community and non-profit organization, gathering business & community leaders, indigenous leaders, artists, and investors to solve problems of tomorrow.  In this episode, you will be able to, - Learn the importance of having an ideal external presence. - Discover the relationship between core messaging and strategic planning. - Learn why you need to extract and codify the founder’s vision. - Discover the role of clarity and consistency in core messaging.  Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Many thanks to our sponsor, Neon One for making this episode possible. I love partnering with Neon One because I believe they care for the whole nonprofit, and I know that my clients will be well taken care of. I also love how they work with consultants to value our time and expertise. They pay for speaking at their events, and they understand how consultants support the entire sector. To learn more about Neon One’s partner program CLICK 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.

In this episode of What the Fundraising Podcast… In today’s landscape of fundraising, where pressure and performance often obscure purpose, value alignment is more crucial than ever. Restorative philanthropy, embedded in authenticity, mutual respect, and shared purposes, can transform donor relationships and support healthier, more sustainable practices. Rather than centering persuasion, fundraisers can focus on clarity and connection and build trust through honest conversations. This approach not only boosts the impact but also protects fundraisers against burnout, allowing organizations to invest in relationships that truly reflect their values.  Tanya Rumble is an inclusive fundraising and restorative philanthropy thought leader, award-winning executive director of development, facilitator, researcher, writer, and speaker. Tanya possesses nearly 15 years of experience in leading high-performing teams to raise millions for respected institutions and was recognized as one of Canada’s top 100 most powerful women in 2023. She currently works as the executive director of development for University-Wide Initiatives at TMU. She joined us today to talk about the importance of values alignment in fundraising relationships.  In this episode, you will be able to:  - Learn the importance of an abundance mindset and shared values. - Discover the role of restorative philanthropy in building honest, value-aligned relationships. - Learn how to balance the fundraising ecosystem. - Learn about the burnout, stress, uncertainty, rejection, isolation, and power dynamics experienced by fundraisers. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Many thanks to our sponsor, Neon One for making this episode possible. I love partnering with Neon One because I believe they care for the whole nonprofit, and I know that my clients will be well taken care of. I also love how they work with consultants to value our time and expertise. They pay for speaking at their events, and they understand how consultants support the entire sector. To learn more about Neon One’s partner program CLICK 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.

This week on the What the Fundraising podcast, Mallory is  joined by Boomer Anderson, a health optimization practitioner, investor, husband, podcast host, entrepreneur, and the CEO of Smarter Not Harder, Inc.  Mallory and Boomer explored how nonprofit leaders, often stretched thin and managing chronic stress, can rethink their approach to personal well-being, not just for themselves, but for the sustainability of their mission-driven work. This conversation is a masterclass in alignment. Aligning your health practices with your leadership values, and understanding that optimizing yourself is foundational to optimizing your impact. Boomer is  the CEO of Health Optimization Medicine and Practice, a nonprofit focused on educating doctors and practitioners on how to optimize health instead of treating the disease. He also serves as a strategic advisor to Welldium and is a TEDx speaker. In this episode, you will be able to: Learn about the empowered responsibility in health. Learn about the issue of overwhelm in the age of information. Discover the anxiety around giving up alcohol. Learn about the cultural and social implications of health choices. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Many thanks to our sponsor, Neon One for making this episode possible. I love partnering with Neon One because I believe they care for the whole nonprofit, and I know that my clients will be well taken care of. I also love how they work with consultants to value our time and expertise. They pay for speaking at their events, and they understand how consultants support the entire sector. To learn more about Neon One’s partner program CLICK 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.

Joining Mallory today is the CEO of Stearns Bank National Association, Kelly Skalicky, a majority women-owned and governed financial services institution. Stearns Bank’s dedication lies in enabling individuals, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and local communities to reach their maximum financial potential. Nonprofit organizations across the United States face unique financial challenges in times of economic uncertainty. Often working with limited resources, they must navigate the challenges of fulfilling urgent community needs while maintaining strong financial planning. Banking relationships, access to capital, and creative partnerships are vital tools not just for survival but also for long-term impact. Flexibility, trust, and continuous focus on the impact are essential in times like this.  Kelly earned her juris doctorate from the William Mitchell College of Law and her B.S. in Education from the University of Minnesota. She joined us today to talk about how to navigate financial uncertainty with confidence, how to build a strong banking relationship, and how to find opportunities amid challenges.  In this episode, you will be able to: - Discover the importance of shared prosperity and the impact of financial empowerment. - Learn why it’s crucial to choose the right bank for nonprofits. - Explore the role of respect, understanding, and sharing values in uncertain times. - Learn about the importance of building connections before potential crises.  Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Donor Perfect. Our friends at Donor Perfect really understand fundraising on so many levels. Stay aligned while working online with a seamless and secure payments experience for your donors and your team. Empower donors to give where they are, whenever they like, automate data entry, and process online, monthly, and mobile payments, and accept payments over the phone. 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… Joining Mallory today are Bill Cummings and Todd Hiestand, the co-founder and director of branding and the co-founder and director of web strategy at Liminal, a branding and messaging agency with 50 years of combined nonprofit experience. They specialize in branding, strategy, and engagement.  In the nonprofit landscape, a clear and consistent core message is not a luxury but a necessity. Most of the founders carry the vision in their heads, which leads to staff and board members guessing and external audiences receiving mixed signals unless you codify the message. Having strong core messaging helps nonprofits to communicate their purpose effectively, stand out from others, and build trust. It gives everyone, including the frontline staff members and donors, an easy understanding of what the organization does and why it matters. Messaging will become the foundation of strategy, storytelling, and long-term growth when done well. Listen as Bill, Todd and Mallory go searching for the importance of core messaging and branding in nonprofits In this episode, you will be able to, - Learn the importance of having an ideal external presence. - Discover the relationship between core messaging and strategic planning. - Learn why you need to extract and codify the founder’s vision. - Discover the role of clarity and consistency in core messaging.  Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Donor Perfect. Our friends at Donor Perfect really understand fundraising on so many levels. Stay aligned while working online with a seamless and secure payments experience for your donors and your team. Empower donors to give where they are, whenever they like, automate data entry, and process online, monthly, and mobile payments, and accept payments over the phone. 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… In today’s rapidly evolving landscape of nonprofits, it’s a necessity that leaders lead with more bravery and boldness than ever before. Such courage means moving beyond their safe zones and well-worn paths and embracing risks that reflect the urgency of missions. Brave leadership is no longer an option but a necessity, whether it’s challenging misconceptions, building authentic relationships with donors, or daring to imagine a future beyond the next 12 months.   This week, we are joined by Tammy Zonker, a leader, strategic thinker, and renowned expert in major gift fundraising with nearly three decades of impactful experience. She is also the founder and president of Fundraising Transformed and host of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast. She has led and trained thousands of nonprofits, including social service organizations, colleges & universities, private schools, and healthcare organizations to raise nearly a billion dollars. She is devoted to empowering nonprofit organizations to achieve exceptional results. She joined us today to talk about how nonprofit leaders can harness their courage to drive change, build meaningful relationships, and show up as their best selves in service of the communities they represent.  In this episode, you will be able to, Learn about the fear of failure and disappointment among nonprofit leaders. Discover micro actions for braver fundraising leadership. Learn about the difference between knowing and understanding. Learn how to take smaller steps toward braver, more authentic conversations. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Donor Perfect. Our friends at Donor Perfect really understand fundraising on so many levels. Stay aligned while working online with a seamless and secure payments experience for your donors and your team. Empower donors to give where they are, whenever they like, automate data entry, and process online, monthly, and mobile payments, and accept payments over the phone. 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, Mallory is joined by T. Clay Buck. The existing donor data is one of the most underutilized assets in your fundraising toolkit. While most people are chasing ‘new’ donors, we are diving deep into exploring the importance of the relationships that you’ve already started. We are on the path to make you understand it’s about identifying the generous, kind hearts behind each gift, rather than names and numbers. Join us if you are ready to turn your database into a relationship-building engine.  T. Clay Buck is a certified fundraising executive and founder & principal of Next River Fundraising Strategies. With over 30 years of experience in fundraising, Clay struggled with the same challenges of outdated systems, incorrect data, and goals that seem impossible, which led him to create Next River. He has worked on the annual funds, database management, wealth intelligence, prospect development, and capital & endowment campaigns. Having witnessed firsthand what can happen when fundraising isn’t so hard and stressful, he is on a mission to help people create that.  In this episode, you will be able to,  - Learn, acknowledge, and accept the information that is already in your database. - Learn to avoid channel-based segmentation. - Discover the importance of a solid, written fundraising plan. - Learn how to put in an input you can control. - Learn how to balance human connection with data efficiency in fundraising.  Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Donor Perfect. Our friends at Donor Perfect really understand fundraising on so many levels. Stay aligned while working online with a seamless and secure payments experience for your donors and your team. Empower donors to give where they are, whenever they like, automate data entry, and process online, monthly, and mobile payments, and accept payments over the phone. 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… Fundraising and community-building are more about transformation than transactions. Real, lasting impact begins with authenticity and connection. When we invite people to our work, we are not just asking them for donations; we are inviting them to believe, belong, and build. Belief is earned through trust and care. People stay when they feel valued and seen. They will help carry your vision forward.  Joining us today is Floyd Jones, speaker, coach & community builder, and social impact leader. His mission is to help nonprofits and goal-oriented entrepreneurs build sustainable, committed communities that drive lasting impact. He believes that a strong community is the heart of an impactful mission. He joined us today to talk about the importance of authenticity and deep connection in fundraising and community building.  In this episode, you will be able to,  - Discover the difference between a transactional connection vs. a transformational connection. - Learn how to create a lasting connection with people. - Learn how to nurture connection into belonging.  - Discover how to stay grounded in hard times.  Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Donor Perfect. Our friends at Donor Perfect really understand fundraising on so many levels. Stay aligned while working online with a seamless and secure payments experience for your donors and your team. Empower donors to give where they are, whenever they like, automate data entry, and process online, monthly, and mobile payments, and accept payments over the phone. 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.

On this episode on What The Fundraising, Mallory is joined by  Michelle Flores Vryn and Evan Wildstein, the two leaders of the Social Impact Staff Retention Project. Together they explore how nonprofits can build a culture where the prioritization of both mission and people is rooted in its core. They discuss why taking care of your people is not just the right thing to do, but also a clever business decision. With increasing burnout and turnover, Mallory, Michelle and Evan dive into how organizations can foster growth beyond outdated promotions by prioritizing flexibility, purpose-driven work, and empowered leadership. We also discuss low-cost strategies for building a positive, sustainable work culture that improves retention and satisfaction.  In this episode, you will be able to, Discover the top three reasons for staff turnover. Learn about the systemic challenges in the nonprofit sector. Learn the importance of approaching support as a systemic responsibility rather than an individual burden. Discover the importance of flexibility and a supportive network in the workplace. See the Social Impact Staff Retention Project reports : https://www.thenonprofiteers.com/sisr Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Donor Perfect. Our friends at Donor Perfect really understand fundraising on so many levels. Stay aligned while working online with a seamless and secure payments experience for your donors and your team. Empower donors to give where they are, whenever they like, automate data entry, and process online, monthly, and mobile payments, and accept payments over the phone. 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.