What the Fundraising

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.

Nathan Chappell, an AI expert and author, and Scott Rosenkrans, an AI evangelist, dive into how nonprofits can harness artificial intelligence to enhance their impact. They share insights from their co-authored book, discussing the necessity of curiosity and a flexible mindset for adopting AI technology. The conversation highlights AI's transformative potential in streamlining donor engagement and fundraising strategies. They emphasize the importance of innovation over incremental changes, encouraging nonprofits to embrace creativity and experimentation.

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.

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/whatthefundraisingYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/Website: malloryerickson.com/podcastLoved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652If 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 Jeremy Brown, the visionary behind Social Impact World, a vibrant global community of over 2,000 corporate social impact professionals. Together, they explore what it takes to sustain social impact initiatives inside corporations, especially as the economic landscape shifts and companies reassess their values. Jeremy’s journey into social impact began after working in corporate America, where he saw a small priority on giving back. The spark of his passion for fostering social responsibility happened when he joined a startup with a Salesforce-inspired culture of volunteering. He founded Startups Get Back in 2014, eventually leading to Social Impact World, a platform where social impact leaders can connect, learn, and collaborate, leading to its first in-person conference in 2024. In this episode, you will be able to, Learn about the challenge of isolation faced by the social impact leaders.  Discover the role of commitment in long-term relationships.  Learn how to transform social impact into a revenue generator.  Learn how to adapt to the evolving social impact landscape. 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/whatthefundraisingYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/Website: malloryerickson.com/podcastLoved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652If 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, we’re joined by Lauren Isbell, an executive director at Nevus Outreach Inc., a non-profit patient advocacy based out of Jonesboro, AR, United States. With nearly two decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, Lauren has been building community, connecting people & ideas, and advocating for healthcare access, reform, and inclusion. Her passion is to raise awareness, provide support, and find cures for people with CMN and other related diseases. She joined us today to talk about the challenges and growth she experienced in the industry as a nonprofit leader. In this episode, you will be able to: Learn how to navigate unforeseen challenges in life. Discover the importance of consistent effort and learning over time. Learn the importance of treating donor funds with care. Discover why having a strong support system is important? 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/whatthefundraisingYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/Website: malloryerickson.com/podcastLoved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652If 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

Kerrie Mitchell, a seasoned philanthropic strategist and Managing Partner at FSO Partners, dives into the intricate world of family office philanthropy. She explains what family offices are and their unique relational dynamics. Kerrie highlights the crucial role of trust in building these connections, especially in today's uncertain climate. She offers practical guidance for fundraisers on engaging wealth advisors and creating compelling donor experiences, emphasizing that understanding these networks can unlock significant funding opportunities.

In this episode of What The Fundraising, Mallory dives deep into a conversation with the trailblazing Birgit Smith Burton. With nearly four decades of experience in fundraising, Birgit has broken barriers, created spaces for belonging, and pushed for systemic change in the nonprofit sector. She shares her journey—from being the first frontline fundraiser of color at Georgia Tech to founding the African American Development Officers (AADO) network, now a thriving community of nearly 4,000 members.Birgit and Mallory discuss the challenges of leadership, the weight of being a change-maker, and the importance of diverse voices in decision-making spaces. She also gets candid about the personal experiences that shaped her resilience and the mentors who encouraged her to stay the course.Birgit Smith Burton is the founder and CEO of the African American Development Officers Network and the Immediate Past Chair of the AFP Global Board. She is a seasoned fundraising professional with nearly four decades of experience in the field. She dedicated 11 years of her career to the United Negro College Fund, where they developed their foundational skills in fundraising. Following that, she spent 26 years at the Georgia Institute of Technology, specializing in foundation relations. After retiring from Georgia Institute in 2021, she continued to contribute as a consultant. She joined us today to talk about the challenges and personal impact of addressing systemic inequities in the fundraising sector.In this episode, you will be able to; Learn how life changes can be painful but also build resilience and adaptability at the same time. Discover the racism and systemic issues in the nonprofit landscape. Learn about the importance of surrounding yourself with good mentors. Learn why it is important to learn to make hard decisions as a leader. Discover the merits of diverse voices in leadership positions. 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/whatthefundraisingYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/Website: malloryerickson.com/podcastLoved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652If 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

Empathy, respect, and ethical responsibility are rooted in the practice of Trauma-Informed Storytelling. It recognizes that individuals who have experienced trauma often face challenges in regaining control, safety, and agency in their lives. This approach emphasizes giving people the power to decide how and when their stories are shared, ensuring that their dignity is upheld throughout the process. It's about striking a balance between crafting captivating narratives that inspire social change and fundraising while also protecting the well-being of storytellers and listeners. This approach encourages organizations to slow down, embrace small victories, and acknowledge that real change takes time.Maria Bryan is a speaker, and podcast host who helps storytellers safely gather and tell painful stories by speaking about trauma-informed storytelling. She assists storytellers in safely gathering and telling painful stories. She offers engaging virtual or in-person training for your upcoming conference, summit, retreat, or team/members. Storytellers will feel empowered with actionable insights and resources rooted in kindness and empathy. She joined us today to talk about the power of trauma-informed storytelling and guide us to tell stories ethically. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover the importance of trauma-informed storytelling. Understand what trauma is. Learn about the ethical considerations of storytelling. Learn about the importance of having a harm-repair plan.  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/whatthefundraisingYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/Website: malloryerickson.com/podcastLoved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652If 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 Christina Martin Kenny, a career fundraiser, consultant, and nonprofit changemaker, who is tackling some of the most persistent challenges in the sector. From unsustainable fundraising models to the high turnover of development staff, Christina is unafraid to speak candidly about the deeply ingrained systemic issues that make fundraising feel so hard—and why she still remains hopeful and optimistic about the future.Mallory and Christina explore burnout, misaligned expectations, and the harmful "martyrdom mindset" that has been baked into nonprofit culture for too long. This conversation isn’t just about identifying the problems—it’s about solutions. They dive into how to create sustainable change, break cycles of fundraiser turnover, and build healthier, more effective organizations that actually support the people doing the work.If you've ever felt like fundraising is an impossible, pressure-cooker of a job, this episode will make you feel seen—and hopefully, leave you with a sense of possibility for a better way forward.In this episode, you will be able to,- Learn the importance of addressing the hard truths within the nonprofit sector.- Discover the impact of isolation on mental health and the importance of addressing it to prevent burnout.- Learn about the systemic issues within the nonprofit sector.- Learn about the need for organizations to adopt more humane and flexible policies.- Discover the importance of building relationships in fundraising.Get all the resources from today’s episode here. Support for this show is brought to you by GiveButter. GiveButter is the easiest-to-use fundraising platform. Your favorite fundraising tools, supercharged! Never miss a fundraising opportunity again. Givebutter Plus takes this award-winning platform to the next level with advanced automation, deeper donor insights, and eye-popping supporter engagement tools to help your nonprofit get ahead—and stay there.Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraisingYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/Website: malloryerickson.com/podcastLoved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652If 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