What the Fundraising

What happens when philanthropy becomes more about control than community? Can generosity still be called generosity when tax benefits and personal recognition take center stage? Join us for today's episode to question the hidden dynamics behind modern fundraising and explore what true public stewardship really looks like! This conversation features Glen Galaich, a respected philanthropy leader with more than 25 years of experience in donor education and fundraising. As the founder of the Stupski Foundation, which works across San Francisco, Oakland, and Hawaii, Glen has spent years examining how wealth shapes giving. He is also the author of the book Control: Why Big Giving Falls Short, in which he challenges traditional philanthropic systems and calls for greater accountability, trust, and honesty in the sector. Throughout the conversation, Glen unpacks the idea of donor-centric fundraising and its historical roots, tracing it back to Andrew Carnegie's "Gospel of Wealth." He discusses how philanthropy often becomes tied to power, ego, and tax advantages rather than genuine generosity. Glen explains the psychological shifts that can happen when people gain significant wealth, often leading to insecurity and a stronger desire for control. He also explores trust-based philanthropy, participatory grantmaking, and the importance of unrestricted funding. Furthermore, Glen emphasizes that donors should act as public stewards, staying accountable to the communities they aim to serve, while fundraisers must create honest conversations and challenge unhealthy power dynamics within philanthropy. In this episode, you will be able to: - Recognize the difference between generosity and philanthropy. - Learn how donor control can affect community impact. - Understand the importance of trust-based philanthropy. - Identify why unrestricted funding supports stronger outcomes. - Learn how tax benefits influence philanthropic decisions. - Recognize the role of fundraisers in guiding donor accountability. - Understand how wealth can shape donor behavior and mindset. - Learn why public stewardship should guide charitable giving. 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.

Today's episode offers valuable insights into how to create more intentional, empowered, and balanced ways of working and living. Tune in to discover how to break the cycle of stress and start building a life and career that truly supports you! In this episode, Amanda Gulino delves into the complex world of stress management, emotional intelligence, and self-empowerment. Amanda is a dynamic facilitator and certified coach specializing in career design, team development, and leadership habits. She is passionate about reimagining how we work, lead, and connect, guiding individuals and teams to thrive through intentional practices and meaningful change. In this episode, you will be able to: Explore challenges in high-stress roles and nonprofit leadership. Recognize emotional responses as valuable information. Build habits for creating space and managing stress. Understand the "energy bank account" concept for better energy management. Value peer support and the sense of not being alone. Emphasize self-compassion and accountability in leadership. Support for this show is brought to you by Pledge. Our friends at pledge have just launched a super easy way to get your campaigns up and running using some pretty cool AI technology. Check out their newest tools ⁠pledge.to⁠ 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

As a fundraiser, your ability to handle stress is constantly tested. Fundraising requires lot of hard work, sacrifice, rejection, and honestly, sometimes trauma. If you have a sensitive nervous system, like many fundraisers do, you’re more prone to burnout, anxiety, and chronic stress. So, how can we prevent that? Today’s guest is here to help! Dr. Linnea Passaler is the Founder and CEO of Heal Your Nervous System, a digital health startup that uses a combination of neuroscience and somatic work to help those struggling with overwhelm, trauma, burnout, and anxiety to heal their dysregulated nervous systems and thrive. This episode is particularly important to me because the more I have learned about the nervous system over the years, the more I have realized that one of the main barries that fundraisers face is that the work of fundraising can be very disregulating. And without the right understanding, tools and framework we don’t understand why we’re constantly experiencing low energy, dread, and burnout. We keep trying to manage our time, but I really think it’s all about how we manage our nervous system. During this conversation, Linnea teaches you how to regulate your nervous system so that you can handle stress and accomplish more without it leading you to dysregulation and burnout. She details the connection between trauma and burnout and shares her 5-step framework for healing your nervous system. Because of your brain’s neuroplasticity, we can reverse the damage that’s done when we feel overwhelmed or powerless. If you’ve been feeling powerless, constantly overwhelmed, or a lack of purpose in your role as a fundraiser, don’t worry. You’re not alone and there is a light at the end of the tunnel! These tips are just what you need. A big shout out to our sponsor⁠ Instil⁠, the holistic tool that reimagines nonprofit technology in ways that deepen community relationships and nonprofit processes to magnify impact. The platform’s advanced UX design and real-time analytics supercharge donors, increase volunteer engagement, and smooth donor management and operations across your entire organization. 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.

Do you hear negative, nagging, bullying voices in your head? Are they telling you you’re a bad leader or fundraiser? That you’ll never raise what you need to grow your organization? In this week’s episode, I talk to Dr. Ethan Kross, psychologist, neuroscientist, professor, and the author of Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters and How to Harness It. There is so much chatter that inhibits action, like negative thoughts and limiting beliefs about perfectionism, scarcity or what someone will think if we ‘ask them for money’. Tune in as Dr. Kross explains a few of the tools from his book to help reduce toxic mental chatter and how we can apply them as leaders and fundraisers in the nonprofit world to move more money into our organization and the sector as a whole. Episode highlights: (02:28) - Dr. Ethan Kross and all the work that went into his amazing book: Chatter (04:27)- Why turning your attention inward can help us solve problems or make us miserable. (06:32) - What does “chatter” refer to? The amazing things our inner voice allows us to do and the negative dark side of it. (10:39) - One of Chatter’s tools: Distance self-talk, using your name and the second person pronoun to coach yourself through a problem. (16:44) - Why single quick fixes don’t exist!: How to mix and match different tools to find healing. (24:03) - Cultivating the witness: Distancing yourself and the ability to step back to approach the problem with more objectivity. (27:40) - Stop zooming into negativity: How the nonprofit fundraising space can benefit from changing the narrative. (33:04) - How to find resources hidden in plain sight for your unique chatter triggers. (40:34) - Minimize the toxic effects of chatter: Why negative emotions aren’t something we want to avoid completely. (47:49) - Shout out to Dr. Kross’s favorite nonprofit: Angela Duckworth’s The Character Lab. If you’re wanting to implement ideas you heard, visit ⁠MalloryErickson.com/Podcast⁠ for the top tips and tools, full transcripts, quotes, videos, and additional resources from each episode.

What if the very technology that feels overwhelming today could become the strongest ally for nonprofits tomorrow? Meet Darian Rodriguez Heyman, an experienced fundraiser, social entrepreneur, and best-selling author. His work has always focused on "helping people help." He began this journey during his five years as Executive Director of the Craigslist Foundation, where he created the Nonprofit Boot Camp and expanded it into the largest nonprofit gathering in history within just one year. This success led to his best-selling books, including Nonprofit Management 101 (now in its second edition), Nonprofit Fundraising 101, and AI for Nonprofits. He also served as Editor-in-Chief of Blue Avocado, a well-known online magazine for nonprofits. Today's discussion covers both the benefits and challenges of using AI. Darian explains how AI can help nonprofits build better relationships with supporters, save time by automating tasks, and communicate more personally. At the same time, he highlights concerns such as data security, bias, and ethical use. He stresses the importance of starting with clear values, addressing fears, and focusing on practical uses instead of technical details. The conversation also highlights the role of funders in supporting AI adoption, demonstrating how AI can help nonprofits achieve more while staying true to their mission. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how AI can support nonprofit missions and values. Recognize AI as a practical tool, not just a technical concept. Explore responsible AI use, including ethics and data concerns. See how starting small helps build AI confidence and adoption. Identify ways to reduce fear and resistance toward AI. Understand how AI frees time for relationship-building work. Explore how funders can support nonprofits' AI readiness. 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.

Technology may be a powerful tool of fundraising, but human connection seems far superior to anything else. Fundraising is a sector shaped by digital tools, automation, and constant urgency, but the real work of fundraising always comes to its roots: relationships. Organizations that are smart enough to slow down and focus on people create stronger, more sustainable support from their donors. At its heart, fundraising isn’t just about strategy or tools but remains a deeply human practice built on connection and care. Trevor Nelson is the Chief Gratitude Officer at HGA Fundraising, a family-run company that helps nonprofits raise money through auction items and event fundraising. HGA has grown into a 20+ person team built around collaboration, humor, and shared purpose, beginning only as a small partnership with his best friend. Through Hey Nonprofit, his media platform, including a podcast, weekly webinars, and free coaching, Trevor works to uplift fundraisers and share practical insights that help organizations strengthen relationships and raise more for their missions. He joined Mallory today to talk about the importance of personal connection, gratitude, and genuine interactions in fundraising. In this episode, you will be able to: Understand why, even in a tech savvy world, fundraising remains a relationship-driven profession. Learn why gratitude and intentional appreciation are essential for building lasting donor relationships. Understand how overwhelm and urgency can affect fundraisers. Grasp why uninterrupted time for oneself is crucial for thinking and reflection. Learn the importance of pausing when overwhelm hits. 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.

Generosity is a muscle that must be trained, but in the nonprofit sector, we often wait for donors to find us rather than building the bridges they need to cross. Real progress requires shaking up the status quo and recognizing that philanthropy does not exist in a vacuum; it is complemented by finance, psychology, technology, and tax law. In this conversation, Mallory is joined by Meg George to explore how to move away from "rinse and repeat" fundraising toward a model of sophisticated curiosity. They dive into the necessity of treating major gift solicitation with the rigor of a business plan while maintaining the soulful, emotional connection that drives true generosity. Join them to gain insight into the art of "qualification" through open-ended questioning, the role of leadership in reducing "ask" anxiety, and how to leverage interdisciplinary knowledge to solve social problems at scale. Key takeaways from the episode: Stop using "rinse and repeat" fundraising manuals and start prioritizing personalized, human-to-human curiosity. Solve problems at scale by bringing experts in finance, psychology, and technology to the fundraising table. View yourself as a facilitator matching a donor’s soulful goals with a rock-solid business plan. Use open-ended questions to uncover the perfect intersection of a donor's financial capacity and their personal values. Shift leadership focus from high-pressure dollar targets to meaningful, well-categorized donor interactions. 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.

When the relationships stop evolving, so does the donor interest. Overlooked due to time constraints, fear of personal outreach, and assumptions, the mid-level donors are sitting in plain sight with loyalty, consistency, and readiness for more. Now is the time to explore the importance of personalized communication rather than polished campaigns, identifying donors with unrealized potential. From phone calls and stewardship touchpoints to reframing discomfort and prioritizing readiness, join with us and find out practical ways to build trust, deepen engagement, and unlock meaningful growth without overcomplicating the work. Our guests today are Ashley Hardt and Jeff Grandy. Ashley Hardt, CFRE, is a front-line fundraiser who weaves ideas into strategy through thoughtful connection and discernment. Her work with everyday and mid-level donors is grounded in moments that matter and the trust they inspire. Ashley invests in how fundraising is understood and practiced, so fundraisers work with greater clarity and donors encounter care, competence, and meaning wherever they give. Jeff is the vice president of client development at Catapult Fundraising. With over 10 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Jeff has first-hand experience in planned giving, major gifts, fund development, and also donor stewardship. He is creating vital resources for nonprofit organizations by leveraging his passion for philanthropy and expertise in development. He currently is in the lead of the Catapult team across the Greater Gulf Coast. In this episode, you will be able to: Learn to rethink how mid-level donors are defined beyond gift size. Understand how to find donors with unrealized potential hidden in your data. Figure out how to use phone calls and stewardship touchpoints without fear of “over-asking”. Understand the shift from passive communication to intentional relationship-building. 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.

This episode features a fascinating conversation with Ashley Budd, Senior Marketing Director at Cornell University and the author of Mailed It. She has spent over a decade leading digital innovation in advancement, helping organizations connect authentically with audiences and raise funds for meaningful causes. Ashley shares her career journey from enrollment services to fundraising and explains how her work in digital marketing, mainly email marketing, became a key part of her success. She also talks about her first book on email marketing and her experience consulting and speaking with nonprofits and universities. A significant focus of the discussion is how digital marketing supports modern fundraising. Ashley explains why email remains powerful despite crowded inboxes, and how understanding human behavior and proven patterns leads to better results. She introduces a custom GPT tool she co-created to teach people how to write effective emails, emphasizing learning skills rather than depending on AI forever. The conversation also explores the balance between using AI tools and maintaining a human touch. Ashley highlights the importance of authenticity, consistency, and trust, introducing her "trust triangle" model of authenticity, empathy, and logic. She also discusses handling ghosting, managing unengaged audiences, adapting campaigns to changing conditions, and communicating during crises. In this episode, you will be able to: Understand how email marketing drives modern fundraising success. Discover the evolving partnership between humans and AI in communication. Learn how to write effective emails using proven behavioral patterns. Recognize the limits of AI tools and the need for human judgment. Apply authenticity, empathy, and logic to build audience trust. Balance quality and quantity in email communication. Handle unresponsive audiences with clarity and respect. Adapt campaigns to changing digital behavior and expectations. Respond confidently to crises while maintaining community trust. Access practical tools and resources to improve email performance. 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 episode of What the Fundraising Podcast, Today’s conversation focuses on Dana James’ thoughtful and human-centered approach to engagement, fundraising, and community building. Dana describes herself as an artist at heart who works as an engagement strategist within a capitalist system. She shares how her work is rooted in creating belonging and bringing people together through collective effort. Dana talks about her journey to Berkeley and how the university’s diverse community, along with music and art, helps connect people across different backgrounds. Dana and Mallory discuss the emotional side of fundraising, highlighting that it is deeply human work. They explore the vulnerability experienced by both donors and fundraisers and challenge the idea that money should be the main measure of value. Dana encourages rethinking wealth and generosity, recognizing time, care, and talent as meaningful forms of contribution. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of listening, asking good questions, and using language carefully when working with diverse groups. Dana explains how creativity and art help communicate across cultures and allow people to sit with discomfort. Finally, they reflect on the importance of having a healthy relationship with oneself, being a good human, and building real connections. Overall, the discussion presents fundraising as work based on trust, empathy, and belonging rather than transactions. In this episode, you will be able to: - Understand how engagement and fundraising are rooted in human connection and belonging. - Recognize the value of generosity beyond money, including time, talent, and care. - Learn how listening and asking thoughtful questions strengthen relationships. - Explore the role of vulnerability in building trust with communities and donors. - Identify ways to challenge traditional ideas of wealth and success. - Appreciate how art and creativity support communication and healing. 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.

What if in the future it is a possibility to build deeper connections with everyone who gives instead of raising more money from fewer people? In this episode Mallory is joined by Kalyan Varma, founder & CEO of Almabase, to discuss how AI and modern tools can help nonprofits better serve everyday givers. Originally from India, Kalyan Varma was introduced to fundraising in college after helping launch a student-led nonprofit to raise scholarship funds for classmates in need. With a neverending passion for nonprofits and a mission for making education more affordable, he founded Almabase 10 years ago. Today, Almabase helps schools and universities strengthen alumni engagement and fundraising, with a focus on making education more accessible through increased alumni giving. In this episode, you will be able to: Understand the reason for long-term fundraising sustainability depends on engaging the broad base, not just top donors Learn how to reframe technology and AI as tools for deepening human connection rather than replacing it. Challenge common myths around donor fatigue and gift size as indicators of donor commitment. Learn how identity and current interests shape donor engagement across sectors. 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.

Fundraising is commonly portrayed as challenging, but for mission-driven leaders, it’s also a privilege because they’ve got to be one of the helpers in this time period. In this episode, Dana Smiley joins Mallory to discuss donor stewardship through the lens of authenticity, purpose, and human connection. Join us as our guest dives into the exhaustion that comes with the role, the mindset shift that keeps teams grounded, and the power of transparent, genuine interactions. Hilary Dana Smiley is a seasoned, result-driven fund development professional and currently the Assistant Vice President of Leadership Gifts at Boston Children's Hospital, where she oversees individual giving, direct response efforts, face-to-face fundraising, and volunteer board engagement. She leads with a genuine passion and purpose, believing in authentic enthusiasm strengthening donor relationships and fueling the mission of caring for children and families. In this episode, you will be able to: Learn how reconnecting with your purpose elevates donor communication. Understand the role of authenticity and passion in long-term donor relationships. Acquire new ways in navigating exhaustion and reframe hard fundraising moments. How to inspire generosity with transparent, human-centered communication. Learn practices that strengthen stewardship and keep teams grounded in mission. 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.

Donors make decisions regarding generosity faster than you may think. It’s crucial that fundraisers understand how much those split-second decisions matter. This episode delves into the hidden psychology behind giving, the impact of choosing the right words, the signs that shut conversations down, and subtle mistakes even the skilled professionals make. Grab a copy of Cherian's book: http://amazon.com/Neurogiving-Science-Decision-Making-Cherian-Koshy/dp/1394370458 Grab your special listener bonus: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yKTTzY5da6SJ-4YfhcnnFRatDAz9MVrT/view?usp=sharing Meet Cherian Koshy, a globally recognized expert in the science of generosity, decision-making, and leadership. He brings nearly three decades of fundraising experience molded by curiosity, frustration, and unrelenting drive to understand why donors do what they do. His new book, ‘Neurogiving,’ is the outcome of years of research and real-world testing, offering a comprehensive resource for fundraisers to understand the generosity that already lives inside every donor. In this episode, you will be able to: Understand how donors make split-second decisions shaped by neuroscience and language. Discover the hidden barriers fundraisers create without realizing it. Learn the importance of choosing the right words in donor conversations. Figure out why urgency often backfires and what actually motivates giving. Learn how to make donor conversations into moments of clarity and 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.