What the Fundraising
Mallory Erickson
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Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best What the Fundraising episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to What the Fundraising for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite What the Fundraising episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
59. What the Fundraising Season 2 Recap with Dana Snyder
What the Fundraising
07/12/22 • 50 min
It’s dizzying to look back on this past season of What the Fundraising and try to encapsulate all the brilliant advice, life lessons, and wisdom that my guests have shared – which is why I was fortunate to have my good friend Dana Snyder, CEO of Positive Equation, on deck to help out! Together we’re deconstructing some of the big themes impacting nonprofits today as well as the many innovative new ways organizations are approaching donor partnerships.
A lot of our conversations in this space seem to be trending towards pausing – whether for self-reflection, celebration, or recalibration in the face of fast-paced, relentless technological and social change. This episode provides highlights (and links) for some of our most compelling What the Fundraising conversations and favorite topics from perfectionism to donor retention and everything in between. Listen now to hear a thought-provoking, lively, and information-packed episode.
Episode Highlights:
(02:35) – About the brainstorming and support that Mallory and Dana offer each other.
(04:47) – Ep. 37 Highlight: Vanessa Bohns and the Science of Influence. Click here to hear the podcast in its entirety.
(10:40) – When you are afraid of being too “sales-y.”
(13:20) – Defining the word “influencer”
(14:39) – Episode 29 Highlight: Dominique James has thoughts to share on the power of everyday experts. Click here to listen.
(16:00) – Episode 28 Highlight: Shukurat Adamoh-Faniyan shares thoughts on the important expertise and stories that nonprofits need to own! Click here to listen.
(17:02) – Dealing with impostor syndrome
(21:25) – Episode 36 Highlight: Dethra Giles talks about dropping perfectionism in order to get to a place of ownership. Click here to listen.
(22:58) – What happens when we avoid discomfort
(24:25) – Why are we so fearful of looking at things like donor or ad data?
(30:45) – Episode 05 Highlight: Habits expert BJ Fogg explains the concept of “shine”. Click here to hear more.
(31:46) – Dana believes the metrics for “success” in fundraising must change.
(32:01) – Episode 38 Highlight. About the psychology of motivation and how it relates to donor behavior. Listen to the episode here.
(33:05) – Donor stewardship/cultivation can present a “middle problem”.
(37:27) – Finding the space for integration.
(40:54) – Episode 47 Highlight: Fascinating conversation with Donor Relations Guru Lynne Wester about why we see people turn away from nonprofits. Click here for the episode.
(42:40) – Dana touts the innovative partnering opportunities generated by new giving forums.
(45:10) – Two great podcasts to check out on the topic of creative partnering:
Episode 41:
104. Unsiloed: How to Leverage Behavioral Science to Market Your Mission and Raise More with Evelyn Gosnell
What the Fundraising
02/08/23 • 46 min
When it comes to making consumer choices, it’s well known that humans don’t always act rationally. In fact, as amply documented by economists, we very often actually act against our own best interests! On this episode of What the Fundraising, we’re getting down to the science of giving. Behavioral science, that is! If you haven’t been using the powerful tools and research out there, Evelyn Gosnell, managing director at Irrational Labs, is here to demonstrate all the ways in which you and your nonprofit might be missing out. She shares a ton of fascinating research and practical tools for tackling common fundraising issues, like building organizational trust and recapturing lapsed contributors. Understanding the evolutionary conditioning and reflexive responses behind human decision-making is key – and a first step towards unlocking what motivates donors, who after all are also the everyday users of Lyft, Google and other platforms that Evelyn and her team advise.
You’ll learn how to build specificity and concrete bite-sized goals into calls to action as well as why we fundraisers don’t always have to project perfection. Flaws are fine with constituents, says Evelyn, so long as we can demonstrate at least incremental progress. We also explore how to design in-house pilot studies that pinpoint why some pitches appeal to our base of supporters while others do not. What are their norms, what resonates with their identity? Are you communicating something personal and immediate? There’s so much packed into this episode that you might need to listen twice. And you’ll definitely want to follow up by checking out all the resources (and behavioral science food for thought!) available at Irrational Labs.
- (01:55) About the mission of Irrational Labs and how it helps large organizations
- (02:58) The core principles behind behavioral economics.
- (04:49) The science behind human irrationality.
- (05:53) Warm-Glow Giving
- (07:10) Goal Gradient Effect
- (09:20) Creating goals through the lens of behavioral science.
- (12:11) The evolutionary roots of the human tendency to react to things that are personally relatable, identifiable and immediate.
- (13:46) About the impacts of “recency bias” and the tension between transactional versus marketing-oriented fundraising campaigns
- (18:58) Evelyn highlights an Irrational Labs case study
- (20:46) How to reconnect with lapsed donors:
- (27:09) About norms and keeping our nonprofits relevant even when they are displaced by other compelling world events.
- (28:04) Considering demographic and behavioral norms as possible leverage in targeting and building up donor identity online and elsewhere.
- (29:01) Behavioral science-based strategies for building donor identity
- (30:45) What is donor trust really about and how do we maintain it?
- (32:39) Thoughts on using behavioral science to challenge the Overhead Myth
- (37:31) Don’t miss out on all the tools, research and other eye-opening info available at the Irrational Labs website!
Get all the resources from today’s episode here.
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Connect with Mallory on LinkedIn
Many thanks to our sponsor, Feathr for making this episode possible. Our friends at Feather help nonprofits like yours level up their digital campaigns every day through their nonprofit marketing platform. Don’t rely on magic this year. Check out Feathr to streamline your digital marketing campaigns and exceed your goals. Learn more and get started today at Feathr.co.
If you haven’t already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation
122: The People Behind the Products: Using AI for Content Creation with Cherian Koshy
What the Fundraising
04/22/23 • 30 min
112: Creating Donor Personas and Why They Matter with Priscilla McKinney
What the Fundraising
03/10/23 • 38 min
Looking to increase donor trust and recruit more aligned donors to your non-profit? The key lies in your marketing. That might sound obvious, but non-profit marketing goes deep. So, let’s dive in.
Priscilla McKinney, CEO of Little Bird Marketing, is a sought-after keynote speaker, prolific blogger, podcast host, industry innovator, and diversity champion. She personifies creativity, entrepreneurship, and authentic leadership – inspiring others to carve out their own path to success. With a fiery passion for marketing and sustainable lead generation, Priscilla has quite a few gems of wisdom to share with you about fundraising for non-profit organizations.
In this episode, Priscilla shares powerful insights on defining your donor persona, finding balance between operational transparency and storytelling, and getting out of the harmful scarcity mindset that runs rampant in the non-profit sector.
You’ll learn how to connect to your ideal donors en masse, the reality of how the scarcity mindset is impacting your non-profit, and why you don’t need to be as transparent with donors about certain things but you definitely need to be open about others.
In this episode:
Get all the resources from today’s episode here.
Many thanks to our sponsor, Neon One for making this episode possible. When it comes to building strong and stable organizations, it’s all about a connected generosity experience. Our partners at Neon One have built software that makes it easier for you to connect with people and grow a community of generosity. Check them out at neonone.com/mallory today!
Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatthefundraising_
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
32: Giving Moments: Creating a Strong Monthly Giving Program Through Education & Storytelling with Becky Straw
What the Fundraising
02/10/22 • 36 min
Becky Straw is the Co-Founder of The Adventure Project, and a true believer in the ability to build community through entrepreneurship and move people out of poverty for good. There are so many amazing elements of The Adventure Project but in this episode, we look into their monthly giving program because it uses some innovative strategies to create strong memory peaks with the members of The Collective (both when donors are first inspired to join and throughout their time in The Collective). We go deep into why storytelling is so effective to build a sense of belonging for the donor and real impact on the ground. Join in and listen to this nonprofit leader that is creating a new partnership and international development model that we can all learn from.
This series is inspired by Neon One’s new donor report: titled ‘ Donors: Understanding The Future Of Individual Giving’. Get early access to the report by going to neonone.com/mallory.
Episode highlights :
02:28 - A passionate volunteer with a dream job: Becky Straw’s first experiences working in the nonprofit sector.
8:28 - The Adventure Project’s partnership model: Becky’s process of knowing, engaging and retaining funders.
13:43 - The collective adventure: How monthly giving became a sustaining force for The Adventure Project throughout the pandemic.
18:23 - Exploring the donor’s experience: Personalization, touchpoints and fundamental aspects of The Adventure Project’s monthly giving program.
22:10 - Addressing the right message: How Becky approaches storytelling to engage with donors looking for alternative models of investment.
27:41 - Supporting female founded organizations in Africa: How did the nonprofit’s new initiative for the women’s fund arised?
217: Reshaping Systemic Change with Dr. Kevin Sansberry
What the Fundraising
12/10/24 • 47 min
In this powerful episode of What the Fundraising, we dive into the intricacies of systems change with Dr. Kevin Sansberry
founder of KEVRA Consulting LLC, who empowers organizations worldwide through evidence-based strategies rooted in behavioral science. Specializing in fostering inclusive workplace cultures, Kevin coaches leaders across industries, from sports to nonprofits, driving sustainable growth.
Mallory and Kevin explore the relationship between individual accountability, organizational culture, and systemic barriers to equity and justice in the nonprofit sector. With fresh perspectives and actionable strategies, this conversation equips listeners with insights to confront the "elephants in the room" and build systems that are equitable, inclusive, and sustainable
Key takeaways from the episode:
- Understand the Person-Role-System Framework for systemic change.
- Balance personal accountability with systemic change.
- Recognize how financial instability causes mission drift.
- Use the "five whys" to uncover hidden issues.
- Leverage personal power to drive systems change.
- Define a new vision to guide lasting change.
Get all the resources from today’s episode here.
Support for this show is brought to you by GiveButter. GiveButter is the easiest-to-use fundraising platform.
Your favorite fundraising tools, supercharged! Never miss a fundraising opportunity again. Givebutter Plus takes this award-winning platform to the next level with advanced automation, deeper donor insights, and eye-popping supporter engagement tools to help your nonprofit get ahead—and stay there.
Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatthefundraising_/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/
Website: https://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
220: Redefining Nonprofit Success: Insights on Fractional Fundraising with Cindy Wagman
What the Fundraising
12/31/24 • 28 min
Many fundraisers are motivated by a desire to help organizations make a difference, as well as a goal for personal development and financial stability. However, the path to attaining both can appear difficult, particularly when working in an environment that does not necessarily correspond with those objectives. This is where fractional executives step in. As experienced experts, fractional fundraisers provide strategic counsel and hands-on knowledge to organizations in need of assistance without incurring the overhead expenditures of a full-time employee. For NGOs, this is an opportunity to get leadership and guidance from experienced fundraisers who can help maximize efforts and resources. For consultants, fractional assignments provide the opportunity to establish a successful business that matches their personal objectives for abundance while also providing freedom and financial incentives.
Meet Cindy Wagman, a dynamic figure in the fundraising sector who teaches experienced fundraisers how to start consulting as fractional executives. Throughout the conversation, Cindy discusses her transition to fractional executives in nonprofits, who is fractional executives, their role, and their growing popularity, the challenges and benefits of fractional fundraising, the impact of fractional fundraisers on organizations, identifying the right organizations for fractional fundraising, consulting as a career path for experienced fundraisers, and more.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Learn about who fractional executives are.
- Discover the types of organizations that are fit for fractional executives.
- Learn about the essentials of fractional fundraising.
- Explore how to build a successful consulting career.
- Learn about breaking the cycle of burnout in the fundraising sector.
Fractional Fundraiser Academy waitlist: https://www.fractionalfundraising.co/waitlist
Find a Fractional Fundraiser: https://www.fractionalfundraising.co/inquiry
Fractional/Shift Summit: https://www.nonprofitfractionals.com/
Get all the resources from today’s episode here.
Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/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
171: Reimagining Fundraising: Vulnerability, Authenticity, and Mental Health in the Nonprofit Sector with Patrick Kirby
What the Fundraising
02/20/24 • 36 min
This episode is a rallying cry for change within the nonprofit sector—an invitation to embrace vulnerability, authenticity, and mental well-being as essential components of effective fundraising. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that challenges the status quo and offers hope for a more compassionate future in fundraising!
Patrick Kirby, Founder of Do Good Better Consulting and author of "Fundraise Awesomer!", is a dynamic figure in the nonprofit sector. Patrick has dedicated more than ten years to various roles within the nonprofit sector, spanning organizations of diverse scales and scopes. Moreover, he sincerely believes in challenging traditional approaches and champions the mantra that "we've always done it this way" is perilous.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Explore the tender balance between vulnerability and professionalism in fundraising.
- Learn about the human side of fundraising.
- Challenge the notion that fundraisers must suppress their emotions.
- Discuss the topic of mental health in the nonprofit world.
- Address the pressures faced by fundraisers.
- Advocate for a shift in mindset prioritizing self-care.
- Consider practical strategies for fostering a healthier work environment.
Get all the resources from today’s episode here.
Support for this show is brought to you by Instil. Our friends at Instil really understand what it means to build and manage relationships in a holistic and human-first way. The platform’s advanced UX design and real-time analytics smooth donor management to make it easy for you to connect every supporter to the impact of your work. To learn more head on over to www.instil.io/mallory.
Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatthefundraising_
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.
236: Leading With Bravery and Courage with Candice Mama
What the Fundraising
04/22/25 • 28 min
In this episode of What The Fundraising, Mallory is joined by Candice Mama, a global thought leader in forgiveness, healing, and post-conflict transformation. They dive deep into the heart of personal growth, resilience, and navigating challenges in life. Life isn’t always about figuring everything out. It’s about embracing vulnerability, learning from both success and failures, and stepping into the known with determination. In this episode, they discuss how to face hardships with courage, use feedback as a tool for improvement, and find the strength to rise above obstacles.
Candice Mama is a passionate advocate for peace and reconciliation who has nearly a decade of experience in the NGO and MPO space. Having started her journey in an unexpected and deeply personal way sparked a deep commitment to understanding the impact of war and helping others break free from the pain of their pasts within her. She was praised by Vogue as one of the world’s top 33 most inspiring women alongside icons like Michelle Obama. She was also named among the Top 20 African women by the African Union and the United Nations.
In this episode you will be able to,
• Learn what bravery really means, and when it matters most.
• Discover the potential of new technologies like Artificial Intelligence
• Learn the intersection of ethics, equity, and emerging tech in a world of conflict.
• See how nonprofits and social change leaders can embrace imperfection and still take action.
• Discover self-coaching strategies for pushing through discomfort and doubt.
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
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FAQ
How many episodes does What the Fundraising have?
What the Fundraising currently has 251 episodes available.
What topics does What the Fundraising cover?
The podcast is about Non-Profit, Management, Podcasts and Business.
What is the most popular episode on What the Fundraising?
The episode title '01: Harnessing Your Inner Voice for Fundraising Success' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on What the Fundraising?
The average episode length on What the Fundraising is 41 minutes.
How often are episodes of What the Fundraising released?
Episodes of What the Fundraising are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of What the Fundraising?
The first episode of What the Fundraising was released on Jul 1, 2021.
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