First Day Podcast

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.

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. sits down with Genevieve Shaker, Ph.D., professor of philanthropic studies and Donald A. Campbell Chair in Fundraising Leadership at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, about the role of celebrities in fundraising. Dr. Shaker shares insights from her research into how celebrities influence nonprofit fundraising efforts. While it's common to see celebrities endorsing products in the private sector, their involvement in philanthropy requires careful alignment between their values and the nonprofit’s mission to have meaningful impact. Unlike product endorsements, philanthropic donations are driven by personal values, which makes authenticity and credibility key when involving celebrities.

Dr. Shaker explains that while celebrity involvement can help increase awareness for a cause, the financial impact is often modest, unless in cases of urgent crises such as natural disasters. She cites the example of NFL star J.J. Watt, who raised millions for Hurricane Harvey relief, but notes that in general, celebrities do not guarantee a significant boost in donations. Rather, their role is more about drawing attention and generating visibility, leaving the nonprofit to handle relationship-building and donor cultivation.

The discussion also touches on changes in the media landscape over time, comparing old models like the Jerry Lewis telethon to modern approaches, such as livestream fundraising by YouTubers. Dr. Shaker emphasizes the importance of selecting the right platform and celebrity based on where the nonprofit’s audience and the celebrity’s fan base intersect. With today's fragmented media landscape, the alignment between the nonprofit’s mission and the celebrity's personal brand is more crucial than ever.

Dr. Shaker offers practical advice for nonprofits considering a celebrity partnership. She warns of potential risks, particularly if the celebrity faces a scandal, and stresses the importance of strategic planning. Aligning with a local celebrity or influencer, rather than a national figure, can sometimes yield better results, especially if the individual has a deep connection to the community or cause. As with all fundraising efforts, nonprofits must carefully weigh the benefits and risks before engaging a celebrity.

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. sits down with Ann Fitzgerald, founder of AC Fitzgerald, to talk about the critical role of donor stewardship in nonprofit success. Fitzgerald emphasizes that nonprofits often struggle with donor retention, noting a staggering 70% of new donors never make a second gift. She explains that effective stewardship—building relationships with donors after their initial gift—is the key to improving retention and increasing donor lifetime value.

Stewardship, Fitzgerald explains, begins after the donation is received. It involves not only the appropriate use of the funds but also maintaining a strong, ongoing relationship with donors. This requires prompt and meaningful acknowledgment, proper recognition, and regular updates on how their gift has made an impact. She advises nonprofits to personalize their engagement strategies for higher-level donors, ensuring that they feel valued and appreciated.

A major takeaway from the discussion is that even a small improvement in donor retention—just 10%—can double the lifetime value of a nonprofit’s donor base. To achieve this, nonprofits must prioritize stewardship at every level, from new donors to major givers. Fitzgerald suggests segmenting donor bases into categories and tailoring communication accordingly, emphasizing the importance of showing gratitude and impact without always asking for another donation.

Finally, the episode touches on the organizational mindset needed to foster a culture of gratitude. Fitzgerald encourages nonprofits to be intentional about stewardship, investing time and resources into nurturing donor relationships, not just acquiring new donors. With advancements in technology, such as AI tools for donor engagement, even smaller nonprofits can improve their stewardship practices and deepen donor loyalty.

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. sits down with Miguel Lopez, CFRE, Senior Manager of Development at the San Diego Foundation, to discuss the organization’s innovative El Camino Fund. Miguel shares his personal motivation for launching the fund, rooted in his experience as a first-generation Mexican American in San Diego. He highlights the Foundation's mission to address the wealth gap within the Latino community, which makes up 1.1 million residents of San Diego County. The El Camino Fund aims to invest $5 million over five years to bolster economic mobility and wealth generation in this community.

Miguel outlines the initial steps of the El Camino Fund, which focused on engaging Latino donors, a group historically overlooked by the foundation as philanthropists rather than recipients of aid. He details his process of conducting feasibility studies with Latino community leaders and donors to gauge their perception of the Foundation, discovering that many felt excluded. By reaching out and inviting these leaders to participate, the Foundation began shifting its narrative towards inclusivity, fostering trust through personal, one-on-one connections and transparent conversations about past and present initiatives.

The episode further explores the mechanics of the El Camino Fund, which operates as a community-led, pooled philanthropic effort. A Leadership Council of Latino community leaders advises on fund allocation, ensuring that the projects funded—such as workforce development programs and financial education initiatives—are culturally relevant and impactful. Miguel emphasizes the importance of this grassroots approach in building trust and engagement among Latino donors and ensuring the Foundation’s long-term connection with the community.

Reflecting on his journey, Miguel advises other nonprofits to embrace a human-centered approach, emphasizing the importance of listening and engaging directly with marginalized communities. He highlights that building trust and fostering authentic relationships takes time and patience but can lead to meaningful, long-lasting partnerships. The podcast wraps up with a nod to the broader implications of the El Camino Fund’s success in making the San Diego Foundation more culturally relevant, aiming to diversify its philanthropic reach and ensure its initiatives are reflective of the communities it serves.

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. sits down with Hava Goldberg, Director of Corporate and Major Giving for Habitat for Humanity Canada, and discusses what motivates fundraisers to stay with nonprofit organizations. Goldberg, who recently celebrated her seven-year anniversary at Habitat, shares her reflections on retention and what organizations can do to foster long-term commitment among their fundraisers. She emphasizes that while passion for the cause is important, it’s the organization’s culture, leadership, and environment that truly encourage fundraisers to remain.

Goldberg highlights key organizational factors that impact fundraiser retention, beginning with values alignment. She explains that fundraisers are more likely to stay when they feel connected to the organization’s values and play a role in shaping them. A positive work culture, where values are lived out at all levels of the organization, is equally essential. Moreover, fundraisers need autonomy to succeed—trusting fundraisers to lead, make decisions, and pursue professional growth creates a more fulfilling and productive work environment.

Drawing parallels between donor relations and fundraiser relations, Goldberg notes the importance of investing in fundraiser retention in the same way organizations focus on donor retention. Losing a key fundraiser can be just as costly, if not more so, than losing a major donor. Building deep, meaningful relationships with fundraisers, where both sides feel valued and supported, can lead to long-term success for both the individual and the nonprofit.

Goldberg offers advice for CEOs and boards: trust your fundraisers, provide them with the tools they need, and resist the urge to micromanage. When fundraisers feel empowered and supported, they’re more likely to thrive and meet key performance indicators, leading to stronger results for the organization. Balancing quantitative goals with the qualitative aspects of relationship-building is key to long-term success.

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.