What the Fundraising

207: The Culture of Fundraising: Storytelling, Trust, and Identity with Marcus Collins


Listen Later

In this episode, Mallory and her guest, Dr. Marcus Collins, explores the profound influence of culture on human behavior in fundraising. They discuss how cultural norms shape our perceptions and actions, the distinction between fast and slow culture, and the importance of storytelling in redefining the nonprofit sector. 


The dialogue emphasizes the need for small, incremental changes to foster a more positive culture around giving and fundraising, ultimately aiming to create a more engaged and generous society.


Dr. Marcus Collins is an award-winning marketer and cultural translator. He is the former chief strategy officer at Wieden+Kennedy, New York, a marketing professor at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, and the author of the best-selling book, For The Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want To Be. 


Key takeaways from the episode: 

  • Culture is the most influential force on human behavior.
  • Understanding culture requires a shared definition.
  • Cultural lenses affect how we perceive and interact with the world.
  • Social norms guide our behavior in various contexts.
  • Fast culture changes quickly, while slow culture evolves gradually.
  • Fundraising practices are deeply influenced by cultural beliefs.
  • Positive experiences in giving can reshape perceptions of philanthropy.
  • Storytelling is essential for nonprofits to connect with their audience.
  • Small changes can lead to significant cultural shifts over time.
  • Agency in giving is crucial for fostering genuine generosity.

  • 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/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

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    What the FundraisingBy Mallory Erickson

    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9

    4.9

    121 ratings


    More shows like What the Fundraising

    View all
    Coaching for Leaders by Dave Stachowiak

    Coaching for Leaders

    1,461 Listeners

    The School of Greatness by Lewis Howes

    The School of Greatness

    21,282 Listeners

    Motivation with Brendon Burchard by Brendon Burchard

    Motivation with Brendon Burchard

    3,624 Listeners

    10% Happier with Dan Harris by 10% Happier

    10% Happier with Dan Harris

    12,513 Listeners

    Next Question with Katie Couric by iHeartPodcasts

    Next Question with Katie Couric

    4,931 Listeners

    The Goal Digger Podcast | Top Business and Marketing Podcast for Creatives, Entrepreneurs, and Women in Business by Jenna Kutcher

    The Goal Digger Podcast | Top Business and Marketing Podcast for Creatives, Entrepreneurs, and Women in Business

    12,059 Listeners

    Worklife with Adam Grant by TED

    Worklife with Adam Grant

    9,189 Listeners

    The Build Good Fundraising Podcast by BuildGood.com

    The Build Good Fundraising Podcast

    15 Listeners

    IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson by Higher Ground

    IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson

    12,348 Listeners

    The Daily Motivation by Lewis Howes

    The Daily Motivation

    901 Listeners

    The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

    The Mel Robbins Podcast

    20,541 Listeners

    The Fundraising Masterminds Podcast by Fundraising Masterminds

    The Fundraising Masterminds Podcast

    19 Listeners

    Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus by Lemonada Media

    Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus

    10,459 Listeners

    The Oprah Podcast by Harpo

    The Oprah Podcast

    1,392 Listeners

    The Protocol by The New York Times

    The Protocol

    608 Listeners