First Day Podcast

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. chats with Woodrow Rosenbaum, Chief Data Officer for GivingTuesday, about the "Giving Pulse" tool—a data-driven approach to tracking generosity trends in the U.S. Woodrow explains that Giving Pulse provides weekly insights into American giving behaviors, helping nonprofits understand how and why people give. This tool surveys a representative sample of U.S. adults and reports quarterly on these trends, offering a real-time pulse on generosity.

The conversation looks at how this data is gathered and made representative. Woodrow highlights the use of census data to ensure diversity in the survey panel and discusses how income is factored in after data collection. He notes that generosity extends beyond donations to nonprofits, encompassing informal acts like mutual aid and community support. This broader perspective is essential for understanding how to engage more people in giving, especially those not typically targeted by traditional fundraising methods.

Woodrow also touches on a significant finding: nonprofit solicitation efforts have a direct impact on generosity. In Q2 2024, both solicitation and giving saw a downturn, showing how reduced engagement can limit opportunities for people to give. He stresses that fostering generosity isn’t just transactional but should be seen as a dialogue that invites diverse participation.

The episode wraps up with practical advice for fundraisers on using Giving Pulse data. Woodrow encourages nonprofits to shift away from focusing solely on high-net-worth donors and to embrace a more inclusive approach to fundraising. This inclusive strategy can unlock the potential for greater community support and foster a culture of generosity. For those interested, Giving Pulse data is available at https://www.givingtuesday.org/, alongside a helpful field guide for using this information to enhance fundraising efforts.

In this episode of "The First Day from the Fund Raising School," host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. discusses the key findings of the 2024 Giving USA report with Josh Birkholz, CEO of BWF and Board Chair of the Giving USA Foundation. The conversation kicks off with the staggering headline figure—$557 billion in charitable donations, the highest ever. Adjusted for inflation, however, most donation sources show a decline, except for bequests. Birkholz clarifies that, unlike the stock market, these donations are "new gifts" each year, underscoring the sector’s continued resilience despite economic pressures like inflation.

Inflation plays a big role in the analysis of charitable giving, affecting both donor behavior and the perceived value of contributions. While everyday donors may feel the pinch, high-net-worth individuals continue to contribute significantly, often through structured vehicles like foundations and donor-advised funds (DAFs). Birkholz also emphasizes that giving has remained around 2% of the U.S. GDP, a consistent trend through economic highs and lows, signaling the cultural value Americans place on philanthropy.

A key topic of discussion is how charitable giving has evolved, especially with the rise of DAFs and other structured mechanisms that may distort perceptions of individual giving. Birkholz highlights that while mega-donors like Mackenzie Scott and Michael Bloomberg continue to make headlines, the ultra-high net worth segment saw fewer mega-gifts this year. However, he stresses that generosity remains robust, even if the methods of giving are changing, with more people opting for innovative ways to contribute.

The episode closes on a thoughtful note about the broader definition of generosity. Beyond the Giving USA data, Birkholz reminds us that acts of kindness, such as tipping generously or supporting GoFundMe campaigns, also reflect the American spirit of giving. Stanczykiewicz encourages nonprofits to adjust their fundraising strategies by factoring inflation into their goals, while continuing to connect with donors at all levels, reinforcing the joy and purpose behind charitable giving.

In this celebratory episode of "The First Day from the Fund Raising School," host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. welcomes Lilya Wagner, Ed.D., CFRE, a pioneer in the world of professional fundraising, as they commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Fund Raising School. Lilya reflects on her early days in the profession, particularly when she transitioned from teaching to become Vice President for Advancement. She shares anecdotes from her first courses in the 1980s, taught by industry leader Hank Rosso, and emphasizes how far the field has come in gaining professional respect, credibility, and adopting ethical practices.

A significant part of the conversation focuses on the evolution of fundraising as a respected profession, both in the U.S. and globally. Lilya notes that discussions about whether fundraisers are merely technicians or professionals started decades ago and have led to the establishment of formal training and standards. She highlights how the Fund Raising School has played a key role in promoting accountability, sustainability, and transparency in the sector. Wagner's international perspective is particularly rich, as she shares her experiences teaching fundraising in over 101 countries, including former Soviet territories like Estonia, where the American fundraising model provided valuable insights.

Lilya also dives into her award-winning work on diversity in philanthropy, emphasizing the importance of recognizing generosity in underrepresented communities. She notes that although different cultures may give in various ways, the core principles of successful fundraising—building relationships, making a compelling case, and stewarding donors—remain universal. She shares how groups like Hispanics in Philanthropy and African-American Foundation Executives have helped amplify the diversity of voices in the sector and stresses the need for fundraisers to respect and adapt to cultural differences.

Lilya offers advice for the future of fundraising, urging professionals to stay grounded in evidence-based training and to avoid "quick fixes" in a saturated market of professional development resources. She encourages fundraisers to see themselves as leaders within their organizations, regardless of titles, by projecting professionalism and focusing on the larger impact of their work. As the Fund Raising School enters its next 50 years, the episode stands as a testament to the vital role that ethical, inclusive fundraising plays in building stronger communities worldwide.

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Chad Gobel, MBA, a renowned fundraising consultant, about a novel approach to identifying major gift donors, particularly within healthcare organizations. Gobel, who has over 30 years of experience in philanthropy, discusses the importance of shifting the focus from traditional wealth-based identification methods to a more nuanced approach that combines wealth with gratitude. He emphasizes that while wealth might determine how much a donor can give, gratitude is a powerful driver in the decision to give in the first place, especially within healthcare settings where patients and families often feel thankful for the care received.

Gobel introduces a cutting-edge tool his firm has developed, which utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict which patients or families are most likely to give, based on a “gratitude score.” This tool assesses about 2,000 data points, including factors like the distance traveled for care, the length of stay, and the intensity of the care received. The model, which has proven to be three times more effective than traditional wealth screening methods, allows organizations to better allocate resources and identify the best prospects for major gifts.

The conversation also touches on how this gratitude-based approach can be applied beyond healthcare to other nonprofit sectors. Gobel suggests that organizations should first evaluate the role of gratitude in their relationships with constituents and then determine how to measure and score that gratitude. This approach could be especially beneficial for sectors like animal welfare, where the emotional bonds formed through services provided could translate into significant donor potential.

Stanczykiewicz connects the concept of gratitude to broader fundraising principles, such as linkage, interest, and ability, as taught at The Fund Raising School. He and Gobel agree that gratitude could be a key element in donor involvement and advocacy, enhancing the overall effectiveness of fundraising strategies. The episode underscores the importance of emotional intelligence and empathy in fundraising, aligning with the School’s philosophy of viewing these as “strong skills” rather than “soft skills.”

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Sara Konrath, Ph.D., a social psychology expert recognized for her research on empathy and its connection to philanthropic behavior. The conversation centers on recent findings from a study tracking empathy trends among Gen Z and Millennials. Initially, research from 1979 to 2009 revealed a concerning decline in empathy among young Americans, which was coupled with an increase in narcissism. However, new data shows a surprising "V-shaped" recovery in empathy starting around 2008, leaving researchers intrigued and searching for explanations.

Dr. Konrath explores possible factors behind this unexpected rise in empathy, ruling out economic conditions and social media as primary causes. Despite the popular belief that social media contributes to declining empathy, the study suggests otherwise, showing an increase in empathy even as social media use grew. Dr. Konrath discusses the complex relationship between loneliness and empathy, suggesting that rising loneliness might be driving a heightened sense of empathy among young people, as they seek connection and respond to the distress of others.

The episode also touches on the implications of these findings for the nonprofit sector. With empathy being a key motivator for charitable giving, the resurgence of empathy among younger generations offers a hopeful outlook for the future of philanthropy. Dr. Konrath emphasizes the importance of engaging Gen Z through meaningful volunteer opportunities, as their hunger for connection and desire to make a difference could translate into sustained philanthropic involvement, even if their current financial resources are limited.

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. celebrates the 50th anniversary of The Fund Raising School with a special guest, Tim Seiler, Ph.D., who led the School for 20 years. Together, they take a nostalgic trip through the evolution of fundraising, sharing key insights from the school's history and the enduring principles that have shaped the field. Dr. Seiler fondly recalls the teachings of the School's founder, Dr. Henry Rosso, emphasizing the timeless mantra: "Fundraising succeeds when you plan, plan, plan, and ask." This strategy remains vital, though Dr. Seiler notes that modern fundraising requires additional focus on stewardship, accountability, and donor engagement.

The conversation shifts to how fundraising has adapted over the years, particularly in response to generational changes. Dr. Seiler highlights the growing skepticism of institutions among Millennials and Gen Z, which contrasts with the trust Baby Boomers once had. This shift has led to a greater emphasis on proving organizational worth and aligning missions with donors' personal values. He also touches on the changing techniques in fundraising, such as the rise of social media and the decline of reliance on large events, advocating for more intimate, meaningful gatherings that foster a sense of community.

One of the core themes of the discussion is the importance of ethical fundraising. Dr. Seiler passionately discusses how language and approach matter in building genuine, transformational relationships with donors. He underscores the idea that fundraising is not just about transactions but about inviting people to join in fulfilling a shared mission. This, he argues, is a key component of what makes fundraising a "gentle art" and a deeply rewarding experience for both fundraisers and donors alike.

The episode wraps up with a reflection on the ongoing relevance of foundational fundraising principles, such as the importance of relationships and the "four I's"—inform, invite, involve, and invest. Despite technological advances and new methods, these core tenets remain crucial to successful fundraising. The podcast also highlights the continued evolution of The Fund Raising School, with updated courses and resources designed to equip fundraisers with evidence-based practices rooted in both tradition and modern research.

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. looks at the uncertain economic climate of mid-2024 and its potential impact on fundraising efforts. The big question on everyone’s mind: are we on the brink of a recession, or is it just a distant possibility? With conflicting signals from various economic indicators—like the rise in unemployment to 4.3%, fluctuations in the stock market, and a mixed performance in sectors like construction and manufacturing—Stanczykiewicz explores the nuances of these trends and what they might mean for nonprofit organizations.

Stanczykiewicz emphasizes that while the economy shows signs of both strength and potential decline, the principles of effective fundraising remain consistent. The key takeaway for fundraisers is to maintain strong, trust-based relationships with donors, focusing on their philanthropic values and motivations, which don’t waver with economic conditions. He notes that during economic downturns, organizations with solid donor relationships often retain support, even as overall charitable giving might see minor declines, typically just half a percent after inflation.

Additionally, Stanczykiewicz highlights the importance of preparing for potential recessions by building an operating surplus. While this may sound daunting, he reassures listeners that it’s a skill that can be learned and implemented, pointing to the training offered by The Fund Raising School as a resource. Moreover, he underscores the idea that fundraising should be a constant effort—recession or not—where every day presents an opportunity to share your nonprofit’s story and make a compelling case for support.

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Abby Jarvis, Head of Content for Neon One. They discuss Neon One's new Recurring Giving Report, revealing significant trends and insights into the world of repeat donations. Abby breaks down the concept of recurring giving, explaining it as donations set to repeat at regular intervals, typically monthly. Surprisingly, the report shows a 127% increase in recurring donors between 2018 and 2022, suggesting that many donors are opting into these programs organically, without targeted fundraising efforts.

One standout finding is the remarkable long-term value of recurring donors. While annual donors might give more in a single year, they typically engage for just under two years. In contrast, recurring donors stay engaged for an average of eight years, creating a more stable and reliable funding stream for nonprofits. Abby emphasizes the emotional and personal connection these donors have with their chosen causes, which fosters long-lasting relationships. This deep connection is further evidenced by an analysis of over 13,000 donor notes, showing that recurring donors often express their personal identities and emotional investments in their contributions.

The conversation then shifts to the nonprofit organizations themselves. The data encompasses over 2,000 nonprofits of various sizes and sectors, revealing that larger nonprofits tend to capitalize more on recurring donations due to their greater resources and staff dedicated to these programs. However, Abby encourages smaller and mid-sized nonprofits to take cues from their larger counterparts and begin asking for recurring gifts. She highlights the importance of simply starting – enabling recurring donations on forms and communicating this option to donors through various channels.

As they wrap up, Bill and Abby discuss practical advice for fundraisers. The key takeaway is to start asking for recurring donations and to incorporate this option into regular fundraising appeals. By doing so, nonprofits can build deeper, long-term relationships with donors, leading to sustained support and increased funding over time. The episode underscores the potential of recurring giving programs to transform fundraising efforts and ensure the longevity and stability of nonprofit organizations.

In this special 50th-anniversary episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. welcomes Amir Pasic, Ph.D., Dean of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. The discussion begins by reflecting on the Fundraising School’s impactful journey over the past half-century. Dr. Pasic emphasizes the importance of this milestone, noting the School’s significant contributions to the field and the global reach of its alumni, who consistently report increased fundraising success due to their education.

Dr. Pasic highlights the symbiotic relationship between higher education and professional development. He recalls how the School’s founder, Henry Rosso, integrated academic research into the curriculum to ensure a robust foundation for practical fundraising skills. This model, unique to the Fundraising School, allows for continuous innovation and adaptation in the field. Dr. Pasic points out that having academic and professional development programs under one roof enables immediate collaboration and synergy, enhancing the relevance and application of their research.

As the conversation unfolds, Bill and Dr. Pasic discuss the evolution of fundraising as a global profession. Dr. Pasic reflects on the international growth and professionalization of the field, fueled by cultural exchanges and the universal human inclination towards generosity. He discusses the dynamic nature of fundraising, likening its development to the global expansion of industries like music and film. This analogy underscores the burgeoning opportunities for learning and innovation in diverse cultural contexts, driven by shared principles of relationship-building and public service.

Looking ahead, Dr. Pasic offers a thoughtful perspective on the future of fundraising amidst rapid technological advancements and societal changes. He underscores the importance of choice and agency in philanthropy, encouraging fundraisers to embrace the evolving landscape with a sense of purpose and adaptability. Bill wraps up by highlighting the academic pathways available at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, including online Master’s programs and professional Doctoral degrees designed to integrate academic rigor with practical application. This episode not only celebrates past achievements but also inspires listeners to consider their role in shaping the future of philanthropy.

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Julia Campbell, a fundraising consultant specializing in digital communications and storytelling for nonprofits. They discuss the art of storytelling to enhance fundraising efforts, emphasizing its power in connecting with donors on a human level. Julia underscores that stories are fundamental to human communication and processing complex information, which is why they are so effective in fundraising.

Julia addresses common challenges fundraisers face, such as determining which stories are worth sharing and navigating confidentiality issues. She highlights the importance of focusing on the "why" of an organization’s mission—its vision for the future and the problem it aims to solve—over the "what" and "how." She suggests thinking like journalists and looking for everyday anecdotes that reflect the mission’s impact, even if they don't involve direct client interviews.

The conversation moves to the ethical considerations of storytelling in fundraising. Julia advocates for a "Storyteller Bill of Rights" to ensure the subjects of stories have control over their narratives. Trust between the organization and the storytellers is crucial, as is the respect for their autonomy. She shares her own experience in developing trust with program participants and stresses the importance of evaluating whether the stories would make the storytellers proud if shared publicly.

Finally, Julia discusses the value of stories that don’t have happy endings. These narratives can be powerful fundraising tools by illustrating the ongoing challenges and needs within the organization’s mission. Authenticity about the difficulties faced and the progress being made helps donors understand the complexity of the issues and motivates continued support. The episode wraps up with a reminder of the practical courses offered by the Fundraising School, designed to equip nonprofit professionals with skills to enhance their fundraising strategies.