First Day Podcast

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Pat Danahey Janin, Ph.D. and Angela Logan, Ph.D. as they discuss the intricacies of fundraising and foundation engagement. Learn why foundations should be a part of your nonprofit's fundraising strategy but not the sole focus, as the hosts emphasize the importance of diversifying your funding sources.

Gain valuable insights into the different types of foundations, including private, family, and community foundations, and discover how each has a unique role in the grantmaking landscape. Understand the various approaches that foundations take when making grants, from setting agendas to supporting existing initiatives and strengthening communities.

This episode also provides practical tips on conducting thorough research, following foundation guidelines, and building meaningful relationships with foundation staff. Explore the nuances of foundation fundraising and unlock new opportunities for your nonprofit. Tune in now to sharpen your fundraising skills and navigate the complex world of grantmaking foundations with confidence.

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Una Osili, Ph.D. and Jon Bergdoll from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, to dissect the findings from the Bank of America Philanthropy Study. Explore how affluent donors are sustaining high rates of giving, the recovery in volunteering post-pandemic, and the notable role of women in philanthropic decision-making. Discover how younger donors are broadening the philanthropic landscape and the diverse donation vehicles affluent households are leveraging.

This episode offers invaluable insights and operational strategies for fundraisers eager to engage with affluent donors effectively. Dive into an enlightening discussion on the recent trends in charitable giving among affluent households in our latest podcast episode.

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Kathleen Loehr, a leading fundraising consultant, to explore the proven practices that empower fundraisers to tap into the incredible potential of women donors. Kathleen shares her deep passion for women's philanthropy and reveals fascinating insights from the Women's Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University's Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

Discover the key takeaways from years of research, including how gender differences profoundly influence motivation, behavior, and charitable decision-making. Did you know that women now make or influence a staggering 75% of household philanthropic decisions?

Kathleen introduces the game-changing "Proven Practices" website, a treasure trove of resources designed to equip fundraisers with the knowledge and tools to engage women donors effectively. Explore the user-friendly assessment tool to gauge your organization's readiness to attract women donors.

Discover the six principles outlined on the website, offering a clear roadmap for success:

• Start with finding insights.

• Seek input from women donors.

• Design for broad support and sustainability.

• Involve leadership.

• Don't wait for perfection; start and evolve.

• Embrace cultural change by including historically underrepresented groups.

Kathleen's inspiring stories of success demonstrate how intentional engagement with women donors leads to increased support, community involvement, and broader impact.

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by experts Danielle Vance-McMullen, Ph.D. and Dan Heist, Ph.D. as they look into the world of Donor Advised Funds (DAFs). They explore the fundamentals of DAFs, offering a comprehensive guide for fundraisers looking to tap into this unique giving vehicle.

Discover what a Donor Advised Fund truly is and how it functions as a charitable checking account hosted by organizations like Community Foundations or Fidelity Charitable. Learn how donors can contribute, receive immediate tax deductions, and make strategic gifts to nonprofits over time.

Explore the diverse landscape of DAF donors, debunking the myth that they are exclusively ultra-wealthy individuals. Find out how to engage with DAF donors, recognize them among your existing supporters, and cultivate meaningful relationships.

Unlock the nuances of acknowledgment and stewardship when receiving DAF gifts. Understand the importance of thanking DAF donors and the unique considerations around tax implications.

This podcast equips fundraisers with actionable strategies for navigating the world of Donor Advised Funds, ensuring they maximize their fundraising potential. Whether you're a nonprofit professional or a curious donor, this episode provides valuable insights into the evolving philanthropic landscape.

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. sits down with Rashad Zakee Nelms, Associate Vice President for Strategy and Innovation at Indiana University, as he shares his profound insights on the coaching mindset in leadership, especially within the realm of fundraising.

Rashad's remarkable background spans 18 years of service with the United Nations World Food Program, where he worked in challenging locations across the globe, ensuring food resources reached those in need. In this enlightening discussion, Rashad delves into the coaching mindset, unveiling three key principles that can transform leadership in times of change.

Discover the power of:

• Crafting emotionally compelling narratives to drive decision-making beyond mere facts and figures.

• Sharing power with your team, empowering them to contribute innovative ideas and strategies.

• Establishing accountability through clear performance metrics and timelines, fostering a culture of excellence.

• The profound connection between leadership and philanthropy, emphasizing the importance of donor-centric approaches and the art of listening to donors' unique needs and aspirations.

Whether you're a seasoned leader or an aspiring one, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and actionable insights that can elevate your leadership skills and help you steer your fundraising team toward greater success.

In this captivating episode, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. sits down with Susan Madon, MBA, CFRE, a seasoned fundraiser and the author of "The Disappearing Donor." Susan shares her unconventional approach to teaching fundraising through her suspenseful novel, offering invaluable insights into planning, leadership, and adaptability in the nonprofit sector. Discover the art of inferring fundraising lessons while exploring the intriguing plot set in a quirky Museum of Vegetable Culture, where theft sets the stage for mystery and fundraising challenges.

Whether you're a fundraising professional or simply curious about the world of nonprofit fundraising, this episode promises a delightful blend of storytelling and practical expertise that you won't want to miss.

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz is joined by renowned guest Russell James III, an authority on planned gift fundraising. Together, they explore the world of planned giving principles, offering valuable insights for nonprofits and fundraisers alike.

Russell, the author of Chapter 36 in Achieving Excellence in Fundraising, 5th Edition, shares his journey from law school to becoming a leading expert in planned giving. The conversation highlights the transformative potential of planned giving, challenging misconceptions and emphasizing its role in wealth sharing. Discover practical strategies for identifying prospective planned gift donors, initiating positive conversations, and integrating planned giving into your nonprofit's fundraising plan. Learn how planned giving can lead to remarkable long-term fundraising growth, revolutionizing your organization's ability to make a lasting impact.

In this informative episode, we explore digital fundraising worldwide with our guest, Shivant Shrestha. Shivant discusses the findings of the groundbreaking study titled "Digital for Good," which explores emerging philanthropic trends across eight diverse countries, including Brazil, China, India, Kenya, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How contactless giving, including mobile and online donations, witnessed significant growth, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Insights into the state of cryptocurrency giving in different nations, with varying levels of adoption and regulatory factors.

• The rise of donor-advised funds as a popular philanthropic vehicle, with examples from Singapore and the UK.

• The unique landscape of impact investing in different countries, reflecting their economic and social environments.

• The evolving nature of workplace giving, considering the changing work dynamics in the digital age.

Gain valuable insights into the global digital fundraising landscape and learn how these trends can inform your philanthropic efforts, whether you're a fundraiser in the United States or engaged in cross-cultural fundraising worldwide. Don't miss this engaging discussion on the future of philanthropy in the digital era.

In the latest episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz unpacks the highlights from the Giving USA 2023 report, recent data on charitable giving, and its implications for your nonprofit's fundraising strategy.

Bill addresses the anxieties and concerns that have emerged in the philanthropic community due to this report's headline feature—a decline in charitable giving. This decline, the fourth in 40 years, rings alarm bells, especially when inflation-adjusted numbers show nearly an 11% drop. Bill encourages nonprofits not to view this as a reason to panic but rather an opportunity to reevaluate their strategies.

The episode offers invaluable insights for nonprofit organizations, emphasizing the importance of responsible budgeting practices, maintaining strong fundraising fundamentals, and engaging your board as donors and fundraisers. Bill also underscores the significance of crafting a compelling case for support and nurturing donor relationships.

In this episode, Tina Nugent, President of S.I. Events, engages in a deep conversation about the crucial aspects of fundraising, diversity, and effective leadership. This episode delves into Tina's diverse background, encompassing experiences in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Her journey includes working with the Orlando Magic and the mayor's office in Orlando, providing her with a unique perspective on the dynamics of successful organizations.

Tina and Bill explore the concept of "leading up," a critical skill for fundraisers who often don't occupy the top positions within their organizations. They discuss the nuanced forms of power, emphasizing that expertise, information, and reference power are equally valuable alongside hard power. These types of power empower fundraisers to influence decision-making effectively, even without formal authority.

The conversation also looks at the challenges faced by fundraisers from underrepresented groups, including women and individuals from diverse racial backgrounds. Tina shares her insights on navigating these challenges, stressing the importance of backing up ideas with facts and statistics. She advocates for presenting multiple options, each supported by thorough SWOT analyses, allowing leaders to make informed choices while acknowledging the complexities.

Tina's advice for fundraisers striving to lead up includes being bold in sharing knowledge, embracing one's expertise, and preparing for various scenarios. The conversation also underscores the significance of diversity in the fundraising profession and provides strategies to overcome obstacles faced by women and individuals from underrepresented communities.

As a seasoned professional, Tina Nugent's practical wisdom and experienced perspective provide listeners with invaluable insights into effective fundraising strategies, leadership dynamics, and promoting diversity within the sector. Tune in to this thought-provoking episode to gain a deeper understanding of fundraising's multifaceted landscape and the art of leading up within organizations.