What the Fundraising

276: Unlocking Donor Motivation Through Behavioral Science with Kevin Schulman


Listen Later

Generosity doesn’t begin with the ask; it begins with understanding. Joining with Mallory today is Kevin Schulman to discuss the role of behavioral science in reshaping how generosity is inspired, unmasking why people give far beyond the moment they’re prompted. 

Kevin Schulman is the founder of DonorVoice, a behavioral science fundraising agency established in 2012 after a career in the commercial sector. Noticing a striking gap between the advanced practices used in commercial industries and the approaches used in fundraising early in his career led him to launch DonorVoice. His work is driven by commitment to apply behavioral science, donor understanding, and astute strategies to help organizations grow more effectively. 

In this episode, you will be able to:

  • Understand why giving is inspired by personal values, not simply by being asked.

  • Learn how behavioral science deepens donor insight and strengthens long-term engagement.

  • Acknowledge the role of indirect impact in omni-channel fundraising.

  • Learn how organizations can attract, not persuade, by aligning messages to donor motives.

    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

    ...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

    122 ratings


    More shows like What the Fundraising

    View all
    Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life by Tim Keller

    Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life

    16,142 Listeners

    Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications by Joan Garry

    Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications

    322 Listeners

    How I Built This with Guy Raz by Guy Raz | Wondery

    How I Built This with Guy Raz

    30,236 Listeners

    The Lazy Genius Podcast by Kendra, The Lazy Genius

    The Lazy Genius Podcast

    6,697 Listeners

    The Daily by The New York Times

    The Daily

    112,952 Listeners

    Up First from NPR by NPR

    Up First from NPR

    56,991 Listeners

    Today, Explained by Vox

    Today, Explained

    10,284 Listeners

    The Peter Attia Drive by Peter Attia, MD

    The Peter Attia Drive

    8,667 Listeners

    Life Kit by NPR

    Life Kit

    4,852 Listeners

    The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast by Tammy Zonker

    The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast

    15 Listeners

    A Bit of Optimism by Simon Sinek

    A Bit of Optimism

    2,180 Listeners

    We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits by We Are For Good

    We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits

    260 Listeners

    Financial Feminist by Her First $100K

    Financial Feminist

    6,457 Listeners

    The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

    The Mel Robbins Podcast

    21,375 Listeners

    Good Hang with Amy Poehler by The Ringer

    Good Hang with Amy Poehler

    13,014 Listeners