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Fundraising is as much an art as it is a science, requiring an understanding of donor psychology, strategic engagement, and institutional needs. In this episode of Fundraisers Friday, our cohosts dig into the nuanced realities of donor relations, tackling pressing questions about board membership, fundraising portfolios, donor engagement, and wealth screening tools.
The lively conversation begins with an ethical debate: Should major donors automatically be granted board seats? Co-host Tony Beall’s response is resolute—financial contributions should not be a ticket to governance. Instead, board membership should be earned through demonstrated commitment, expertise, and alignment with an organization’s strategic vision. He and co-host Julia Patrick explore alternative ways to recognize and honor significant donors, reinforcing the idea that influence should be wielded responsibly and not purchased outright.
Transitioning to other aspects of donor engagement, the hosts examine a frequently asked question: How many donors should a fundraiser manage in their portfolio? Tony breaks it down with precision—"major gift officers typically handle 75-150 donors, mid-level fundraisers manage 200-400, and annual fund managers may oversee up to 1,000 donors”. He points to the importance of organizational resources in determining manageable caseloads, describing how technology can play a vital role in optimizing donor stewardship.
Post-pandemic donor engagement strategies get the duo’s attention too. Tony advocates for quarterly in-person meetings with major donors, stressing that nothing replaces face-to-face interactions in fostering authentic relationships. He highlights creative and cost-effective ways to meet donors beyond formal settings, reinforcing the idea that ‘real’ engagement is about connection rather than transaction.
Finally, their chat turns to wealth screening tools—a topic that often gets mixed reactions from fundraising professionals. Tony offers a pragmatic view: while such tools provide valuable donor insights and improve targeted messaging, they should be evaluated based on an NPO’s revenue structure and fundraising strategy. For orgs heavily reliant on special events, wealth screening may not be a priority, whereas those seeking to expand individual giving programs might find it indispensable.
Throughout this fast-paced session, Julia and Tony blend expertise with humor, making complex fundraising topics engaging fun.
#FundraisingStrategy #DonorEngagement #NonprofitLeadership
In the world of nonprofits, the journey often begins with a single moment—an unexpected turn that forever alters the trajectory of one's life. For Karen Olson, founder and CEO Emeritus of Family Promise, that moment came when she reached out to a homeless woman outside Grand Central Station with a simple act of kindness—a ham and cheese sandwich and a heartfelt conversation. That exchange illuminated a path she had never envisioned, leading her from a corporate marketing career to a life dedicated to addressing family homelessness in America.
In this recent conversation with host Julia Patrick, Karen shares how an impulse to connect with a stranger ultimately transformed not only her own life but also the lives of countless families across the country. "I knew at that point I had crossed an invisible line," she recalls. "I’d always wanted to help people, but I wasn’t sure how. Meeting Millie changed that—I saw her humanity, and it moved me to action."
That action led to FamilyPromise.org, an organization that now spans nearly 200 affiliates nationwide, providing critical support services, housing solutions, and volunteer-driven assistance to families experiencing homelessness. But as Karen shares, homelessness is often misunderstood. "For many people, homelessness is the man lying on the subway grate or the woman pushing a shopping cart," she explains. "But actually, 35% of all people experiencing homelessness are members of families—and they are invisible."
Through Family Promise, Karen has harnessed the power of small acts of kindness, demonstrating how even the simplest gestures—like an early-morning latte given by a volunteer to a struggling mother—can have profound effects. "You never know how people can be moved by small acts of kindness," she reflects . . . . . "That’s what changes lives."
Karen’s story serves as both a call to action and a reminder: Change does not require grand gestures—it begins with recognizing another’s humanity, taking that first step, and allowing purpose to unfold.
This sparkling conversation addresses the enduring and evolving challenges of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). Gordon begins with illuminating the organization’s nearly century-long history, rooted in combating hate and fostering inclusivity since its founding in 1927.
Reflecting on the origins of the Diversity Center, Gordon shares, “For 97 years, this organization has been fighting the forces of violence and exclusion.” He elaborates on how the mission has adapted to societal changes, emphasizing how DEIB practices today are about acceptance and creating workplaces that reflect diverse communities.
Amidst national debates surrounding DEIB, Gordon encourages reframing conversations: “Diversity doesn’t have to be about social justice—it’s about acceptance and embracing people for who they are.” With a focus on transparency and education, the center actively involves donors, hosts transformative events, and builds bridges across generations.
The conversation between these two will give you a hopeful outlook toward engaging unity and open communication as a pathway to overcoming DEIB challenges.
#DEIB #NonprofitLeadership #DiversityMatters
Rather than focusing on overdone predictions, this conversation unveils groundbreaking insights about donor trust and the role of AI and influencers in the sector. In this compelling episode discussing unexpected trends shaping nonprofit fundraising, host Julia Patrick welcomes Melaina Chromy, Senior Manager of Brand Marketing at Bloomerang.
They begin with AI's increasing prevalence. As Melaina starts with, "Over half of all nonprofits in the U.S. are using AI to write and inform their digital fundraising." While AI offers immense efficiencies, it also presents challenges. A third of donors hesitate to give if they know AI is in use. To mitigate this, Melaina talks about transparency, suggesting nonprofits create an AI usage statement or include metrics like time saved in annual reports.
This fun and timely chat then shifts to influencer and peer-to-peer fundraising. “An influencer doesn’t have to be a celebrity,” Melaina remarks. “It could be the mayor of your town or a local blogger with a dedicated following.” This democratized approach to influence can transform outreach strategies, connecting organizations with untapped audiences.
With several practical examples and actionable ideas, Melaina brings home the importance of storytelling, trust-building, and leveraging modern tools to connect you with your donors.
#FundraisingTrends #DonorTrust #NonprofitInnovation
Nonprofits, brace yourselves--host Julia Patrick sits down with Katie Warnock, CEO and founder of Staffing Boutique, to dive into the challenges of nonprofit staffing in 2025. Against the backdrop of a multi-generational workforce and the increasing integration of AI, Katie offers helpful strategies for navigating these complexities.
Katie highlights the nuances of managing a workforce spanning five generations, opining, “You need to be able to manage such a different range of thinkers… how do you maneuver around that?” This challenge is compounded in nonprofits, where older board members often struggle to relate to younger staff, especially regarding hybrid work models and digital communication preferences.
Katie also shares her own journey of embracing #AI to enhance efficiency. Initially resistant, she eventually leveraged AI tools to create marketing videos, demonstrating the power of adaptability. As she puts it, “Once we swallow the pill… we need to look at AI as a tool to make our jobs more efficient.”
From communication chaos to staffing dramas, Katie’s insights are the survival guide nonprofit leaders didn’t know they needed. With a blend of wit, wisdom, and real-world examples, she delivers actionable advice for navigating the complex, multi-generational, AI-enhanced, hybrid-working, slightly-stressed-out world of nonprofit leadership!
#NonprofitLeadership #WorkforceTrends #nonprofithr
Our cohosts don their metaphorical fortune-teller hats to peer into the "2025 Crystal Ball and Prophecies" of nonprofit fundraising. Tackling hot topics like AI ethics, the silver tsunami, Gen Z engagement, and inter-organizational collaboration, the duo blends humor with insight.
Tony Beall, aka ‘The Nonprofit Prophet’, reveals "AI is not a human replacement; it’s a tool for collaboration." Meanwhile, Julia Patrick, ‘Madam Fundyraz’, shows the urgency of embracing change, and what’s to come for nonprofits!
Their fun prognostications peer deep into donor retention, legacy giving, and the critical role of metrics in an increasingly data-driven sector. With a dash of humor and a call to action, this episode motivates fundraisers to embrace the future.
#FundraisingTrends #NonprofitLeadership #fundraisersFriday
In an era where diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are often polarized, Raël Nelson, Partner and Head of Equity at the Bridgespan Group, brings clarity and hope to the nonprofit sector. Joining Julia Patrick, Raël shares insights rooted in years of experience leading DEI efforts.
“We live siloed lives,” Raël begins, “but it’s in the workplace where most of us interact across lines of difference. This is our opportunity to learn and grow together.” These moments are pivotal in fostering understanding and collaboration, especially within mission-driven organizations.
Raël’s leadership at Bridgespan demonstrates how nonprofits can lead the charge in addressing systemic inequities—not just externally, but within their own structures. As she points out, “It’s not just about hiring diverse teams; it’s about building an environment of equity and inclusion where everyone thrives.”
This timely episode reframes DEI as a mutual benefit rather than an obligation. Raël explores with us how nonprofits, regardless of their mission, are inherently tied to DEI, from dog shelters addressing systemic poverty to libraries serving diverse communities. Her message will be clear to you: inclusivity strengthens organizations and their impact.
#DiversityLeadership #EquityInAction #NonprofitDEI
Dr. Tiffany Slater, founder and CEO of HR TailorMade.com, discusses why auditing HR practices is essential for nonprofits and businesses alike. With nearly 30 years of HR expertise, Dr. Tiffany (sic) emphasizes a proactive, positive approach to managing human resources. She challenges traditional HR practices, advocating for a cultural shift that prioritizes workplace well-being and strategic alignment.
“We’re anti-traditional HR,” she begins. “We want to bring joy back into the workplace and ensure HR is not just tactical but truly strategic.” Dr. Tiffany describes how proactive HR audits can address compliance issues, improve workplace culture, and foster employee satisfaction. She encourages organizations to align policies with their desired culture, such as replacing terms like "probationary period" with more supportive alternatives like "orientation period."
One of her key points is the ‘vulnerability of nonprofits’, which often neglect compliance due to limited resources. "Nonprofits are sometimes more vulnerable than for-profits because they lack the infrastructure to navigate employment laws across states and cities," she explains. Dr. Tiffany advocates for creative solutions to retain talent, like flexible schedules and employee-centered benefits that don’t break the budget.
This episode will challenge you to rethink your HR strategies, by emphasizing a supportive culture essential for retention and overall success of your nonprofit’s mission!
#nonprofithr #NonprofitLeadership #WorkplaceCulture
Aging is universal, and it's time we view it as an opportunity, not a limitation. Julie Kline, Director of Program Strategy at Lifetime Arts, discusses "creative aging" and its transformative impact. Julie highlights the necessity of embedding creativity into aging, emphasizing that “all of us are creative and should have opportunities to be creative across the entire span of our lives.”
LifetimeArts.org takes a multi-level approach, empowering communities to embrace creativity for older adults while addressing systemic issues of ageism. With engaging insights, Julie shares staggering statistics: by 2034, adults over 65 will outnumber children under 18 in the U.S. This demographic shift demands a cultural change. “We’re not just running programs; we’re changing the culture,” she says passionately, pointing to the importance of integrating creative aging into every nonprofit's mission.
Whether you're a library, an arts organization, or a community group, this episode challenges nonprofits to view aging services as central to their work. Watch and explore actionable steps to connect with older adults, build inter-generational relationships, and create a more inclusive future at your nonprofit!
#CreativeAging #HealthyAging #NonprofitImpact
Welcome Jeffrey Wilcox and Joan Brown from Third Sector Company, as they deliver new ideas in 2025 about the pivotal role of ‘interim leadership and board training’ in today’s nonprofit sector. Jeffrey kicks off this informative conversation by defining the concept of interim leadership as "helping not-for-profit organizations to take a pause in building a bridge between their prideful past and a hopeful future." The discussion amplifies how interim leadership is not merely a stopgap but a profound, transformational process that helps organizations align with their mission and prepare for sustainable growth.
Joan describes how successful board training goes beyond checking boxes; it’s about creating a learning environment that engages and empowers board members, saying, "We know that learning has taken place when we see the needle moved… If there's no difference, that was us talking to someone." Their insights will challenge you and your nonprofit to rethink traditional approaches to governance, focusing instead on iterative processes, tailored strategies, and preparing for inevitable leadership transitions.
Don’t miss some of these key takeaways, including the necessity of a dynamic board training agenda, the importance of involving senior staff in governance learning, and how to cultivate future board and organizational leaders. The fast paced dialog, hosted by Julia Patrick, also underscores the role of boards in navigating external changes like AI, generational transitions, and evolving funding landscapes.
#NonprofitLeadership #BoardTraining #InterimLeadership
The arts sector is in peril, teetering on a precipice of elitism and irrelevance, according to Alan Harrison, author of Scene Change and Scene Change 2. In this provocative discussion, Alan argues that many nonprofit arts organizations have lost their way, prioritizing exclusivity over impact. “Donors donate so that donors may attend,” he notes, criticizing the entrenched culture of elitist perks and private access. His biting analysis is a call to action: arts organizations must become true charities that serve their communities, or risk obsolescence.
Alan ’s critique doesn’t stop there. He tackles the fallacy of "art for art's sake," labeling it a luxury nonprofits cannot afford. He champions organizations like Arts Capacity, which blend art and service by using music to rehabilitate incarcerated individuals, reducing recidivism rates to unprecedented lows. “If you’re not serving the community, you’re not essential,” he declares, urging nonprofits to embrace measurable impact.
The conversation, with host Julia Patrick, also looks into diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), an area where many organizations falter. Harrison’s metaphor of DEI as a bathtub resonates: “It’s okay to lose the water on the floor—those who resist change—because the new water you add will be more abundant and engaged.” This bold stance challenges arts leaders to let go of outdated, exclusionary practices.
With humor, insight, and a “touch of snark”, Alan gives us a roadmap for reinventing the arts sector, . . . . . .but it’s clear the road ahead requires courage. Learn more at: 501c3.guru
#ArtsImpact #NonprofitLeadership #SaveTheArts
Passion can inspire change, but it takes more than inspiration to lead. In his insightful book, Passion Isn't Enough: A Practical Guide for Nonprofit Leaders, David Rhode unpacks the realities of nonprofit leadership. Drawing on 20+ years of experience and interviews with 22 leaders, David presents a transformative guide for nonprofit executives looking for actionable advice. He challenges the notion that passion alone drives success, stating, “Passion can help attract resources, but it won’t sustain you as a leader. Leadership requires skills, strategy, and adaptability.”
From his chat with co-host Julia Patrick, you’ll hear why his practical insights resonate across organizations of all sizes, whether they operate with million-dollar budgets or grassroots teams of three. He shares how isolation often plagues nonprofit leaders, urging them to build connections: “Create a cohort of peers, even if it’s just two or three people. Leadership is lonely, but it doesn’t have to be isolating.”
Filled with actionable steps, interactive QR codes, and snippets of wisdom from a diverse group of leaders, this book is a lifeline for those navigating the complexities of nonprofit work. Whether you’re managing crisis communications, engaging your board, or strategizing growth, Passion Isn't Enough equips you to lead with confidence. Check it out!!
#NonprofitLeadership #PassionAndAction #NonprofitGrowth
A master class for the year-end!! . . . . . about the importance of data-informed personalization’s and donor stewardship and emphasizing how technology and some human-centered strategies can transform your nonprofit donor relationships. You’ll hear a wealth of actionable recommendations, provided by Diana Otero, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Bloomerang.com.
There’s a lot to learn from this episode, explaining the need to revisit and optimize donor experiences, particularly through personalization. Diana begins by reminding us that even simple gestures, like addressing donors by name, can foster meaningful connections. "Using the donor's name is a great way to build that rapport," she explains. Yet, she urges nonprofits to go deeper, referencing past donor activities to demonstrate genuine understanding and appreciation. This level of engagement, she recommends, doesn’t require individual tailoring for every donor but can be achieved by grouping donors with shared interests or histories.
Another key focus is the intersection of technology and donor relationships. Diana emphasizes the importance of continuously refining digital touchpoints, such as donation pages and year-end giving statements. "Put yourself in the donor’s shoes and see what that experience is like," she advises, pointing out that outdated or cumbersome processes can alienate supporters. She encourages nonprofits to make giving ‘frictionless’, incorporating advancements like digital wallets and mobile-friendly designs to improve accessibility.
Diana also challenges the traditional separation between volunteers and financial donors, advocating for a more integrated view. "Most volunteers are among your most loyal supporters," she says, encouraging nonprofits to recognize and steward all forms of support—be it time, skills, or funds—as part of a ‘holistic relationship’ strategy. By acknowledging the breadth of donor contributions, organizations can inspire deeper and broader engagements.
Diana’s insights are a clarion call for nonprofits to think strategically about data, technology, and personalization. Her advice to regularly revisit systems and practices, coupled with her passion for donor engagement, serve as an energizing reminder of the opportunities for more success combining tech with your mission!
#Nonprofitfundraising #DonorEngagement #YearEndGiving
For nonprofits, managing a common purpose is no small feat, yet Adam Luecking, CEO of Clear Impact and author of Social Sector Hero: How Government and Philanthropy Can Fund for Impact, offers a masterclass on achieving measurable change in the nonprofit sector. During his conversation with host Julia Patrick, Adam highlights the transformative power of aligning stakeholders toward a shared goal and implementing data-driven strategies.
Through a couple captivating stories, he showcases the importance of defining and measuring success. "Measurement brings precision to your passion," Adam begins, stressing that without metrics, organizations risk misdirecting their efforts. His insights reveal that successful collaboration stems from clarity, measurement, and commitment to a common vision.
One standout case involved the state of Maryland's focus on child well-being, which saw significant improvements in school readiness over a decade—rising from 49% to 83%. Similarly, Baltimore's initiatives to address infant health disparities reduced the city's black-white disparity in teen birth rates by 75%. These stories he shares demonstrate the profound impact of shared objectives paired with data-informed action plans.
For nonprofit organizations eager to join this movement, Adam offers some practical advice: start with one to three measurable goals, iterate as needed, and focus on progress over perfection. As Julia adds in, his approach transforms what might seem like daunting data work into an accessible, empowering process.
For those inspired to act on all this, his book, Social Sector Hero is available for free at socialsectorhero.com. By taking the first step to align on a common purpose, your nonprofit can drive even more measurable change that benefits your communities!
#MeasurableImpact #NonprofitLeadership #nonprofitimpact
An electrifying conversation with Robert Lewis, Jr., Nicholas President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Boston. With charisma and a passion rooted in lived experience, Robert shares his remarkable journey and the impactful work of his organization, which serves over 14,000 teens and touches the lives of 40,000 families annually.
From his upbringing in public housing to his leadership today, Robert embodies resilience and hope. “I remind them I grew up in the projects...I am them, just years older,” he reflects, connecting deeply with the youth he serves. His dedication isn’t just about addressing gaps in service—it’s about empowering young people to achieve greatness, providing them with resources for health, education, and workforce readiness. “Do you believe in these young people? This is not about fixing them—they don’t need fixing. It’s the systems around them that do,” Robert emphasizes, disrupting traditional narratives.
This fun episode to watch, hosted by Julia Patrick, tackles profound issues: educational disparities, health inequities, and the need for systemic change. But Robert’s message is clear—collaboration and investment in young people’s potential are the cornerstones of a thriving community. He invites donors, board members, and community leaders to engage firsthand with the Boys and Girls Club’s mission, emphasizing that this is about building a “return on community,” not just an ROI.
This heartening discussion redefines leadership, challenges assumptions, and inspires action.
#YouthEmpowerment #BridgeBuilding #NonprofitLeadership
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