In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., is joined by Betsy Erickson, Head of Family and Individual Services at Arabella Advisors, to dissect the top obstacles donors face when it comes to charitable giving. Backed by a collaborative study from the Gates Foundation, Arabella Advisors, and others, the conversation dives into the psychological and logistical hurdles that deter even the most well-intentioned philanthropists. These include the paradox of too many choices, lack of urgency, and fear of public scrutiny—factors that reveal the complexity of modern giving. As Betsy puts it, "Donors are more connected to societal problems than ever, yet often feel paralyzed by the enormity of these issues."

The study identified ten key barriers to charitable giving, ranging from practical challenges—like an overwhelming number of nonprofit options and tedious administrative tasks—to deeper psychological concerns, such as perfectionism, fear of failure, and societal polarization. Notably, a lack of trust in nonprofit organizations also emerged as a significant hurdle, with donors often fixating on horror stories of misuse rather than success stories. Betsy highlights the behavioral science behind these challenges, explaining how biases like the "availability heuristic" influence donor behavior, making it harder for them to navigate the philanthropic landscape with confidence.

For fundraisers, the episode serves up a buffet of actionable insights. Betsy emphasizes the importance of building long-term, authentic relationships with donors, scaffolding their journey through education, and simplifying their decision-making process. Practical strategies include providing clear, concise communications, engaging peer donors to build trust, and pacing interactions to reduce the overwhelm many donors feel. By addressing donors’ barriers empathetically, fundraisers can transform daunting decisions into meaningful opportunities for impact.

Closing the episode, Bill underscores the moral imperative of treating donors as human beings rather than transactional sources of funding. Betsy echoes this sentiment, urging fundraisers to foster motivation and provide context for donors, particularly in unfamiliar issue areas. The conversation is a rallying call for fundraisers to act as trusted advisors, equipping donors to navigate their philanthropic goals with purpose and confidence. For more resources, listeners are directed to the study, housed on the National Center for Family Philanthropy’s website, and to Achieving Excellence in Fundraising, now in its fifth edition.

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. explores the trends and opportunities awaiting fundraisers in 2025. The episode begins on a high note, celebrating record-breaking charitable donations reported in 2024, despite inflation’s impact. Bill emphasizes that smart budgeting and realistic goal-setting remain key to navigating such challenges. With the S&P 500 ending 2024 on a positive note, Bill points out historical trends suggesting a fruitful year ahead for fundraising efforts.

The conversation then pivots to the oft-discussed statistic that only 50% of U.S. households donate annually. Bill demystifies this figure, emphasizing that many households alternate their giving year-to-year. Data from various surveys, showing 61% to 88% of households donating, underscores the breadth of opportunity for nonprofits. Millennials emerge as a focal point, now ranking second in giving by household, ahead of Gen X. With Millennials entering their prime earning years, nonprofits are urged to refine strategies tailored to this demographic’s unique preferences, such as a focus on impact investing and entrepreneurial philanthropy.

Looking ahead, Bill shares exciting updates from The Fund Raising School. New courses, including ones on Millennial-focused strategies, impact investing, and donor stewardship, aim to equip fundraisers with cutting-edge tools. He highlights the growing role of AI in streamlining administrative tasks, enabling fundraisers to focus on donor relationships. A compelling example includes a nonprofit leader who leveraged AI to add 100–200 more face-to-face donor meetings annually.

Finally, the episode touches on the ongoing wealth transfer from Baby Boomers, framing it as an urgent call to enhance planned gift fundraising. Bill introduces updates to the planned gift management certificate, including a more donor-centric approach to these sensitive conversations. As always, The Fundraising School reaffirms its commitment to supporting fundraisers at every stage of their career with comprehensive courses, webinars, and tailored training programs, ensuring they stay ahead in an evolving philanthropic landscape.

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., is joined by Anthony Heaven, Ph.D., professor at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, to discuss the experiences of African American fundraisers working within predominantly white institutions (PWIs). Drawing from his qualitative research, Dr. Heaven shares insights into the challenges, biases, and opportunities that Black fundraisers encounter, from navigating isolation to advocating for diversity and inclusion in their organizations.

A key theme of the conversation is the pervasive sense of isolation faced by African American fundraisers. Dr. Heaven discusses how these professionals are often the only Black voices in their teams, bearing the dual burden of representing diversity while navigating covert racism and microaggressions. He also highlights the importance of building strong relationships, including mentors, sponsors, and allies, to overcome these challenges and create pathways for career growth. These relationships are especially critical given the frequent need to counteract biases from both colleagues and donors.

The discussion also examines how race and identity shape the professional lives of African American fundraisers. Dr. Heaven reveals how race can serve as both an asset and a liability, with fundraisers using their experiences to connect with donors and advance racial equity, but also facing harmful stereotypes, such as hypersexualization or the "angry Black woman" trope. Through poignant anecdotes, he underscores the emotional toll these experiences take, while celebrating the resilience and advocacy of Black fundraisers who persist in their roles.

The episode concludes with actionable recommendations for nonprofits to foster more inclusive and equitable environments. Dr. Heaven emphasizes the need for cultural competency training, mentorship programs, and clear organizational standards, such as the Fundraiser Bill of Rights, to support fundraisers in addressing inappropriate donor behavior. Bill also encourages listeners to explore the Fundraising School’s offerings on diversity, equity, and inclusion to help organizations create stronger, more inclusive fundraising teams. Dr. Heaven leaves listeners with a powerful call to action: to embrace open dialogue and proactive change to ensure the future of philanthropy is equitable for all.

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., welcomes Christopher Beck, CAP, Principal Gift Advisor at ALSAC/St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, to demystify the complexities of planned gift fundraising. Often seen as daunting and overly technical, planned giving involves helping donors consider their legacy while navigating tax and estate planning strategies. Christopher shares insights on how fundraisers can overcome these challenges by focusing on relationships, listening for donor cues, and fostering meaningful conversations about long-term philanthropic impact.

A central theme of the discussion is the collaborative nature of planned giving. Christopher emphasizes that success in planned gift fundraising is a team effort. Donors typically involve family members, CPAs, and attorneys in their decisions, and fundraisers must also rely on colleagues and external experts to address technical complexities. While planned giving can be a lengthy process, its foundation lies in the trust built with donors, many of whom are long-time supporters already engaged in annual and major giving campaigns.

The conversation also explores diversifying planned giving efforts. Christopher highlights the importance of reaching younger donors, like Millennials, who are increasingly engaged in philanthropy, as well as donors from diverse racial backgrounds. He shares strategies for building trust, breaking down financial jargon, and tailoring approaches to different demographics. For example, engaging younger donors might involve discussing their legacy early, particularly during life milestones like starting a family or buying a home.

The episode concludes with a reminder that planned giving is an investment in the future of nonprofit organizations. Bill encourages listeners to explore The Fund raising School’s Planned Gift Management Certificate, a comprehensive resource designed to equip fundraisers with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this field. This program offers tools to help nonprofits unlock the transformative potential of planned gifts, all while centering the donor’s vision and legacy.

Watch the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ses4sTA93mE

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., speaks with Elaine Martyn, Senior Vice President, Private Donor Group, of Fidelity Charitable, to explore the role of donor-advised funds (DAFs) in modern philanthropy. Fidelity Charitable, the largest recipient of charitable donations in the United States, administers DAFs as a tool for strategic giving. Elaine explains how DAFs operate as “charitable investment accounts,” allowing donors to contribute assets, receive immediate tax benefits, and distribute grants to nonprofits over time, fostering a thoughtful and impactful approach to philanthropy.

A key topic in the discussion is the flexibility and accessibility of DAFs. Elaine highlights Fidelity’s efforts to democratize philanthropy by setting the entry point to open a DAF at zero dollars, with grants starting at just $50. This model appeals to a wide range of donors—from first-generation wealth earners to established philanthropists. Donors use DAFs to align their giving with personal values, support causes like education and healthcare, and involve their families in creating a legacy of generosity. On average, Fidelity Charitable donors give 23% of their DAF assets annually, surpassing the minimum 5% distribution required of private foundations.

Elaine addresses common criticisms of DAFs, such as concerns that they act as "parking lots" for funds. She counters with data showing that DAFs disburse a higher proportion of funds than private foundations and often prioritize multi-year and unrestricted funding—key priorities for nonprofits. The conversation also touches on how nonprofits can engage DAF donors effectively by fostering relationships and providing clear avenues for giving, such as highlighting DAF options on their websites and offering electronic fund transfer systems for seamless transactions.

The episode concludes with practical advice for fundraisers on leveraging DAFs to benefit their organizations. Elaine emphasizes the importance of building donor relationships over focusing on DAF host organizations like Fidelity. She encourages nonprofits to educate themselves about DAFs and consider them as a growing segment of philanthropic giving. Listeners are invited to explore resources from The Fundraising School, including courses and webinars, to deepen their understanding of DAFs and other fundraising strategies.

Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/3AThjP0X57M

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., speaks with Travis Tester, MA, CFRE, Chief Development and Communications Officer for Foster Success, about innovative ways nonprofits can use artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance fundraising. Foster Success, a nonprofit supporting Indiana youth transitioning out of foster care, operates with a $5 million annual budget and a small fundraising team. Travis emphasizes that AI is not just for large institutions, sharing how his moderate-sized nonprofit is using accessible and often free tools to streamline operations and maximize donor engagement.

A major focus of the conversation is how AI tools like Canva, Grammarly, and Otter AI save time and improve efficiency. Travis highlights Otter AI’s ability to record and summarize donor meetings, freeing up to 15 hours per week for direct donor engagement. He also discusses the role of Salesforce’s Einstein and Nintex tools in automating tasks like tracking donor communications and generating personalized thank-you letters or proposals, allowing for greater precision and personalization in donor stewardship.

Travis explains how AI enables tailored interactions by analyzing donor preferences and aligning them with specific programs and services. For example, Foster Success uses Salesforce’s Nonprofit Cloud to create customized donor proposals with minimal effort. This hyper-personalized approach enhances relationships, increases donor retention, and supports fundraising strategies rooted in intentionality and efficiency.

The episode wraps with a broader discussion on the importance of embracing AI in nonprofit work. Travis encourages listeners to overcome hesitations, experiment with free AI tools, and seek training through resources like CharityExcellence.co.uk and The Fundraising School’s courses. He underscores that AI is a game-changer for nonprofits of all sizes, allowing fundraisers to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time connecting with donors to advance their missions.

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., speaks with Christopher Beck, CAP, Principal Gift Advisor for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, about practical strategies to diversify donor databases and foster inclusivity in philanthropy. Christopher shares insights into the current push for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in nonprofit work, emphasizing the importance of making potential donors feel represented and valued. He advocates for organizations to highlight diverse champions within their missions and ensure inclusive visuals in promotional materials to make people of color feel more connected to their causes.

A key theme is the role of community relationships in fundraising. Christopher discusses the concept of "gatekeepers" within communities of color—individuals who hold trust and influence—and stresses the importance of engaging with them respectfully. He recounts personal experiences where persistence and trust-building turned skeptics into supporters. This relational approach, he notes, is essential in creating mutually beneficial partnerships and moving away from transactional interactions that have historically caused mistrust.

The conversation also highlights structural changes nonprofits can make, such as diversifying boards of directors and celebrating donor inclusivity through initiatives like giving circles. Christopher explains that giving circles not only increase donor contributions but also foster a sense of community and mission alignment. He underscores that such strategies must evolve into broader integration of diverse donors into the organizational fabric, not just as separate activities.

Christopher offers advice for fundraisers—especially those in a predominantly white profession—on leaning into conversations about diversity with humility and openness. He encourages connecting with affiliate organizations, acknowledging knowledge gaps, and building trust through genuine relationship-building. The episode wraps with Bill reminding listeners of the school’s comprehensive approach to integrating DEIB principles into all its courses, reflecting their commitment to fostering inclusivity in philanthropy.

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., welcomes Howard Husock of the American Enterprise Institute and E.J. McMahon of the Empire Center for Public Policy to discuss the impact of the 2017 federal tax reforms on charitable giving. They explore how the doubling of the standard deduction reduced the number of taxpayers who itemize, significantly diminishing the tax incentives for charitable contributions. While overall charitable giving has increased in nominal terms since 2017, the share of adjusted gross income dedicated to philanthropy, particularly by middle- and upper-middle-income households, has notably declined.

Howard and E.J. detail how the reforms affected donor behavior, especially among households earning $100,000 to $200,000—a critical demographic for many nonprofits. With fewer taxpayers itemizing deductions, the traditional end-of-year giving surge, driven by tax considerations, has weakened. Meanwhile, wealthier individuals earning $1 million or more have increased their giving, leveraging tax incentives tied to capital gains and higher incomes. This shift highlights a growing disparity in how different income groups approach charitable contributions under the current tax structure.

The conversation also looks ahead to 2025, when the 2017 tax policy is set to expire, potentially reopening the door to significant reforms. Howard and E.J. advocate for a universal charitable tax deduction, which briefly existed during the COVID-19 pandemic. They argue this policy could democratize tax benefits for giving, making it more inclusive and accessible across income levels, while protecting charitable incentives from being perceived as a "loophole for the rich." They also emphasize the potential of donor-advised funds (DAFs) to help donors bundle contributions for greater tax efficiency while maintaining consistent philanthropic support.

For fundraisers, the episode underscores the importance of understanding the evolving tax landscape and its influence on donor motivations. Howard and E.J. suggest strategies like promoting DAFs and discussing "bundling" techniques with donors to maximize their giving impact. By staying informed and adapting to these changes, fundraisers can better engage donors and sustain giving in an increasingly complex tax environment.

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. welcomes Alyssia Coates, Ph.D., Senior Director of Development Inclusive Philanthropic Engagement at Brown University, to discuss the concept of "inclusive philanthropic engagement." Dr. Coates shares her role in expanding Brown’s donor base by focusing on inclusion and diversity, not only as a moral imperative but also as a path to more effective fundraising. Inclusive philanthropy, she explains, aims to authentically welcome individuals from all backgrounds and to create multiple avenues for their engagement and contributions, aligning these efforts closely with Brown’s mission to support underrepresented groups.

Dr. Coates describes the foundational approach she and her team took in making inclusion a core part of their donor engagement strategy. A crucial first step was aligning the mission of inclusive giving with the university’s core values, like those in its Diversity and Inclusion Plan. She emphasizes the importance of representation: ensuring diverse voices are part of decision-making at all levels and consulting with alumni, parents, and community members to identify and remove barriers to giving. Dr. Coates points out that the success of this initiative required collaborative, cross-departmental efforts and responsive strategies, particularly when engaging during the pandemic—a time that also catalyzed new scholarship funds for African American students and other inclusive initiatives.

Drawing on her experience, Dr. Coates offers practical advice for fundraisers aiming to diversify their donor databases. She highlights the importance of data analysis, such as examining zip codes and donor engagement levels, and conducting listening sessions with alumni. These strategies helped her team understand who was missing from their outreach and how to more effectively engage potential donors. She also emphasizes the need to avoid assumptions about donor potential based solely on wealth, noting that some highly engaged alumni had simply never been asked to contribute. This inclusive, people-centered approach led to significant increases in both alumni engagement and donations, particularly among underrepresented groups.

Dr. Coates advises fundraisers to continually evaluate who is “at the table” and encourages them to ask, "Who is missing?" This approach has redefined the path toward building a more inclusive, engaged donor base at Brown, while her work offers valuable insights for the entire nonprofit sector.

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. welcomes Danny Gatling, Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations at Guilford College, to discuss strategies for fundraising with limited resources. With many nonprofits operating on tight budgets, Danny shares insights on how organizations can creatively maximize their impact by leveraging technology and adopting innovative fundraising techniques. He emphasizes that being resourceful is essential, especially for smaller institutions and organizations.

A key theme in their discussion is the use of technology to streamline operations. Danny describes how his team employed project management tools and automation to simplify processes like donor acknowledgments and correspondence. This "virtual conveyor belt" approach has freed up staff time for other critical activities. He notes that many of these technologies are surprisingly affordable, with tools costing as little as $5 per month, ensuring that even budget-conscious organizations can benefit from these efficiencies.

Danny also explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in fundraising. He explains how AI tools can assist with writing donor letters, analyzing donor data to target key prospects, and developing customized strategies for engagement. While addressing concerns about AI being “cheating,” Danny clarifies that AI serves as a starting point, enabling fundraisers to focus on higher-level relationship-building tasks. He stresses that investing in subscription-based AI tools provides greater value and scalability for nonprofits.

The conversation shifts to the importance of building relationships with diverse donor bases through affinity groups—such as alumni of color, LGBTQIA+ networks, or even academic groups like biology graduates. Danny highlights how cultivating these smaller, organically formed communities can lead to larger networks of support. He advises fundraisers to engage with affinity groups thoughtfully, emphasizing that understanding their interests and values can create lasting, mutually beneficial partnerships. This people-centered approach, Danny notes, remains the heart of successful fundraising, even in a world increasingly driven by technology.