In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. welcomes back the ever-insightful Lindsay Marciniak, MPA, Managing Director of CCS Fundraising, to dissect the latest edition of CCS’s Philanthropy Pulse Report. Broadcasting from the heart of Chicago, Lindsay dives into this year’s fundraising pulse check, highlighting trends, triumphs, and the occasional head-scratcher. The survey gathered insights from nearly 650 organizations worldwide, with about 70% of respondents in senior fundraising or leadership roles. The report reveals that 62% of organizations experienced revenue growth in 2024, with 30% enjoying growth of 10% or more. Lindsay calls this a testament to philanthropy’s resilience.

As Lindsay and Bill unravel the data, they shine a spotlight on the ever-present challenge of "dollars up, donors down." The report notes an uptick in revenue but a dip in donor numbers, a puzzle that’s been baffling fundraisers for years. Yet, there’s a silver lining: organizations that managed to attract new donors (53% of survey participants) saw promising revenue boosts. Lindsay emphasizes the importance of working the entire donor pyramid, from major givers to the everyday heroes who make smaller contributions. She underscores how AI is beginning to play a role in customizing donor communications, ensuring every donor, from digital-savvy Gen Z to loyal boomers, feels seen and valued.

The conversation then turns to digital fundraising, where the report uncovers both growth and growing pains. Digital giving rose post-pandemic, but the most recent data shows a dip, suggesting that while digital strategies are essential, they’re not a magic bullet. Lindsay highlights that 63% of surveyed organizations used digital or social media campaigns to connect with donors, especially younger generations who want more than just a “click and give,” they want to be part of the mission. She reminds us that digital fundraising isn’t just about the tech; it’s about creating genuine connections, encouraging board members, staff, and even volunteers to tap into their social networks and spread the word.

Wrapping up, Bill and Lindsay remind us that fundraising is as much art as it is science. From diversifying revenue streams to stewarding donors with personalized outreach, the message is clear: philanthropy isn’t going anywhere. Yes, digital is changing the game, and yes, challenges like donor retention and acquisition are real, but so is the opportunity for growth and impact. As Lindsay puts it, it’s all about meeting donors where they are and ensuring they feel part of something bigger.

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., reconnects with his longtime mentor and fundraising sage, Tim Seiler, Ph.D., Director Emeritus of The Fund Raising School. Together, they dive into a topic that’s more relevant than ever: how to navigate the stormy seas of fundraising during uncertain times. Dr. Seiler shares war stories from his early fundraising days, reflecting on crises from the 1987 stock market crash to today’s mix of economic and social uncertainties. His message? While fundraisers can’t control the turbulence, they can control their approach, and it starts with what he calls “rational hope.”

Dr. Seiler unpacks this idea of rational hope, steering us away from the siren song of blind optimism. Instead, he champions a clear-headed, proactive mindset: keep reaching out to donors, but with empathy and creativity. Forget about relentless asks, instead, update them on your mission’s progress, share ideas, and show them you’re still standing tall. He shares his own experiences as a donor receiving thoughtful “just checking in” messages from nonprofits, illustrating how these gestures reinforce connection and purpose. As Seiler says, it’s about reminding donors not just of the need, but of the joy and satisfaction that comes from making a difference.

The conversation also explores a delicate, often unspoken challenge in the nonprofit world: fundraisers’ hesitancy to admit when times are tough. Dr. Seiler and Stanczykiewicz shine a light on this vulnerability, encouraging transparency and authenticity. They argue that sharing struggles, whether it’s a budget cut or a missed goal—doesn’t signal failure; it signals humanity. This honesty not only builds trust but also invites donors to become part of the solution. As Seiler puts it, “If it were easy, we wouldn’t need fundraisers.” Or in the words of A League of Their Own: “The hard is what makes it great.”

Wrapping up, the episode channels a rousing spirit of resilience, celebrating the enduring generosity of donors who bounce back time after time, through recessions, crises, and even pandemics. With references to the classic wisdom of Henry Rosso and a dash of literary flair from William Faulkner and Walt Whitman, this episode offers fundraisers a playbook for tough times: stay hopeful but realistic, be persistent, and never forget the shared humanity that fuels philanthropy. Bottom line? Keep swinging for the fences. Fundraising’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s worth every pitch.

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., welcomes Dr. George Newman, Associate Professor of Management and Marketing at the University of Toronto, to explore one of the most deceptively simple questions in fundraising: Should we give donors gifts? Backed by years of research and a background in psychology, Dr. Newman offers a compelling and somewhat counterintuitive answer, those tote bags and coffee mugs might actually be hurting more than helping.

Drawing from a series of six studies, Dr. Newman and his colleagues found that offering thank-you gifts in advance of a charitable contribution often results in lower donations. Why? Because it shifts the donor’s mindset. Rather than giving out of altruism, they begin to interpret their action as transactional. This subtle psychological shift, known as motivation crowding, can reduce both the likelihood and amount of giving. “It raises a question that’s not there when people are simply asked to give,” Newman explains.

But all gifts are not created equal. Dr. Newman emphasizes that the timing and framing of a gift matters. When gifts are unexpected, given after the donation, they don’t seem to trigger the same psychological conflict. And when the gift is tied to the organization’s mission, such as a product made by program participants, the donor sees the item not as a perk but as a meaningful expression of the cause. Even simply reframing a thank-you gift as a tool to spread awareness can reverse the negative effect.

The episode closes with practical advice for fundraisers navigating the delicate dance of donor appreciation. Dr. Newman encourages organizations to focus on understanding how donors perceive incentives, and to consider what a gift might unintentionally communicate about the nonprofit's values or efficiency. “It’s not that all gifts are bad,” he says, “but how, when, and why they’re given can make all the difference.” Bottom line: the best gifts support the story, not distract from it.

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., sits down with Virginia Harrison, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at Clemson University, to dig deep into a question many nonprofit professionals fear to ask out loud: Why do donors leave? With a background in public relations and firsthand fundraising experience, Dr. Harrison brings both academic insight and real-world perspective to the increasingly vital topic of donor stewardship.

Drawing from her research, Dr. Harrison outlines the seven reasons long-time donors walk away, even after years of involvement. From lack of responsible reporting to weak engagement, poor recognition, legal and policy missteps, organizational instability, and a fading sense of social fit, the message is clear: stewardship is not fluff, it’s strategy. “I don’t want to just be a checkbook,” one donor told her. They want impact, community, and communication that goes beyond the thank-you letter and holiday fruit basket.

Dr. Harrison emphasizes the power of meaningful engagement. It’s not about inviting donors to every ribbon-cutting and hoping they post it on LinkedIn, it’s about tailoring involvement to their passions and skills. Whether it’s mentoring a scholarship recipient or lending financial expertise to a capital campaign, donors want to feel useful, respected, and connected. And for smaller nonprofits feeling under-resourced, Dr. Harrison reassures that personalization doesn’t mean perfection, small groups and natural social connections can still build a powerful community of philanthropy.

The episode closes with a reminder that stewardship isn’t something that happens after the gift, it’s what makes the next one possible. In a world where fundraisers are often pushed to “just go get the money,” Dr. Harrison’s research reframes stewardship as the fuel, not the fluff, of long-term fundraising success. Or as a colleague succinctly put it: “Stewardship is the fundraising that happens in between the asks.”

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., welcomes back Dan Heist, Ph.D. and Gen Shaker, Ph.D., to explore new research on how fundraisers are navigating relationships with donors who give through donor-advised funds (DAFs). With nearly 2 million DAF accounts holding $250 billion and distributing over $50 billion annually, these philanthropic vehicles are now a central feature of the fundraising landscape. The study, presented at AFP ICON, sheds light on the unique opportunities and challenges DAFs present for building meaningful donor relationships.

While the data shows that only a small percentage of DAF grants are truly anonymous, fundraisers report consistent struggles with identifying and stewarding DAF donors. Gen and Dan highlight that these issues are often tied to data entry and internal processes rather than actual donor secrecy. When gift entry and CRM systems are not optimized for DAF giving, opportunities to connect with donors, and properly thank them, are lost. This creates barriers not only to stewardship but also to long-term relationship-building. Fundraisers who’ve adapted their systems and collaborated closely with back-office teams are better positioned to maintain strong connections with DAF donors.

The study also emphasizes that DAFs can be powerful indicators of donor intent and capacity. Fundraisers reported that knowing a donor uses a DAF gives them confidence to engage in deeper conversations about giving goals, major gift potential, and long-term philanthropy. Despite common skepticism about DAFs being used as “parking lots,” the researchers point to data showing DAF donors are among the most strategic givers, granting a higher proportion of their assets annually than private foundations. With the right approach, fundraisers can transform these gifts into lasting relationships that fuel mission-driven work.

Finally, Gen and Dan identify key roles fundraisers play in working with DAF donors: educator, facilitator, and compliance guide. These roles require fundraisers to be adaptable, strategic, and highly relational. The research team has even updated the traditional major gift cycle to reflect the nuances of DAF fundraising, offering a customized roadmap for cultivating DAF donors. As always, the episode underscores a core truth: no matter the tool or vehicle, fundraising remains deeply rooted in relationships. And with the right systems and strategies, DAFs can become a bridge, not a barrier, to transformational giving.

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., welcomes back the legendary Kay Sprinkle Grace to tackle a critical topic: staying resilient in fundraising during turbulent times. Kay emphasizes that the nonprofit sector becomes even more essential when the world feels shaky. She reminds fundraisers that their steadiness provides the strength communities crave, and that their role is to radiate hope, not hoard anxiety. Rather than surrendering to fear, she calls on leaders to embody "radical amazement," seeing each day and each impact as a phenomenal gift.

Kay highlights a key shift: nonprofits shouldn’t just "diversify" during hard times, they need to solidify. By collaborating with like-minded organizations and reinforcing their core missions, nonprofits can weather the storm stronger together. She shares the powerful story of New Orleans’ AIDS organizations banding together after Hurricane Katrina, a vivid example of unity and resilience. Fundraisers, she says, must anchor their work not in scarcity, pleading for help because things are bad, but in abundance, celebrating and showcasing the transformative impact they already have. In tough times, abundance is the secret sauce that keeps the spirit, and donations, flowing.

Zooming in on individual fundraisers, Kay throws down some real-world advice: don’t be a lone wolf marooned at your desk. Seek community, lean on coaching, and don’t be shy about asking for help. Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s survival. She warns that harboring anger corrodes resilience and stresses that fundraisers must live the very values they champion. And if your organization becomes a hot mess of broken values and endless negativity? Be brave enough to fix it, or walk away with your spirit intact.

Wrapping up, Kay and Bill shine a light on the enduring power of nonprofits through decades of crises, from the civil rights movement to economic downturns to global disasters. In the end, resilience is about renewal: the beautiful dance between stability and change, anchored by purpose and sprinkled with radical joy. Nonprofits are here not just to exist, but to solve problems, and by standing together, focusing on mission, and celebrating the good, fundraisers can be the steady, luminous force their communities need most.

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., welcomes back Rick Dunham, founder and chair of Dunham+Company, for an insightful breakdown of donor confidence heading into 2025. Drawing on a fresh national survey of 1,500 active donors (each having given at least $20 in the past year), Dunham reports that 91% of donors plan to continue giving, an encouraging signal in a landscape often marred by doom-and-gloom headlines. Even more uplifting? A robust 79% intend to give the same or more this year, marking one of the strongest confidence ratings since 2020.

The study reveals that this wave of confidence is largely buoyed by an improving economic outlook. Donors’ optimism about the future, especially in the wake of recent elections, appears to be boosting charitable intent. But Dunham emphasizes that while economic conditions matter, nonprofits themselves still carry the torch. Communication is king, or at least, the royal herald. Donors reported that consistent, clear messaging from organizations significantly influenced their giving decisions. The takeaway? Don’t ghost your supporters, keep them in the loop and show them how their gifts are making a difference. Even in uncertain times, a compelling case for support remains your fundraising MVP.

Of course, economic anxieties haven’t vanished entirely. Inflation has resurfaced as a top reason why 14% of donors expect to give less, despite the rate sitting under 3% at the time of the study. It’s not just math, it’s mindset. Dunham points to the psychological impact of inflation, suggesting that how people feel about the economy often outweighs the actual numbers. Generational giving also enters the spotlight, with millennials stealing the show by donating 18% more than Gen X, despite earning an average of $23,000 less.

Wrapping things up, Dunham serves a double scoop of strategic advice: don't underestimate boomers, who still control the majority of wealth, and make your online giving experience stupid simple. With 70% of respondents giving online and mobile usage on the rise, your website needs to be donor-friendly and frustration-free. And yes, even in our digital world, younger donors are oddly thrilled to receive physical mail. So whether it’s an email, a postcard, or a perfectly timed text, keep the relationship warm and the giving process easy. Because at the end of the day, confidence isn’t just about numbers, it’s about connection.

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. sits down with Mark Mayer, Ph.D., clinical associate professor at the Kelley School of Business and former brand manager turned humor scholar, to explore the serious power of being funny in fundraising. Mayer’s deep dive into advertising and branding reveals that humor isn’t just a crowd-pleaser, it’s a message-multiplier. “You don’t want it just to be funny,” Mayer notes, “you want it to achieve something, like increasing donations or building trust.” It’s not about getting laughs for laughs’ sake. It’s about crafting meaningful connections, with a wink and a smile.

But before you throw on a clown nose at your next gala, hold your horses. Humor, Mayer warns, is a double-edged sword, one that can charm or cut depending on how it’s wielded. Missteps in tone can make a joke go from “ha-ha” to “uh-oh” real quick. The key is context. Know your audience, stay far away from controversial topics, and when in doubt, test that punchline on a trusted friend first (ideally one who doesn’t control your payroll). And for the love of all that is professional, avoid trying your tight-five comedy routine on donors unless you’re sure it won’t backfire like a bad dad joke at a funeral.

One of Mayer’s golden rules? Start with self-deprecating humor. It's safe, it's humanizing, and hey, it’s the one place where making yourself the punchline can earn respect instead of ridicule. Mayer uses it all the time in the classroom, poking fun at his age or his bafflement with TikTok reels (Relatable™). It breaks the ice without breaking trust. And if a joke flops? Well, joke about that too. Embrace the awkward, just don’t drag anyone else down with you, especially if there's a power dynamic at play.

Ultimately, Mayer reminds us that fundraising is about relationships, not transactions. Humor, when used thoughtfully, can transform a sterile donor interaction into a warm, authentic connection. As relationships deepen, shared laughter, even those beloved “inside jokes,” can build the kind of trust that keeps gifts coming year after year. But remember: you're not Dave Chappelle, you're a fundraiser. Keep it light, keep it kind, and keep your mission at the heart of every chuckle. Because when done right, a well-placed joke isn’t just funny, it’s fundraising gold.

In this episode of The First Day podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz welcomes Jaclyn Piatak, Ph.D., professor at UNC Charlotte and co-author of Volunteer Management: A Strategic Approach, to bust the myth that volunteers are just free labor. Piatak lays the groundwork for a new way of thinking about volunteers, not as warm bodies to do the grunt work, but as essential, diverse contributors who require thoughtful management, planning, and engagement. And yes, that includes job descriptions, onboarding, and believe it or not, offboarding too. Strategic volunteerism isn’t about saving money. It’s about building capacity.

Piatak dives into the inequities surrounding volunteerism, noting that folks who are unemployed, lack internet access, or are outside your usual social circles may be less likely to volunteer, not because they don't want to, but because they’re not being asked. “The number one reason people volunteer is because they’re invited,” she explains, urging nonprofits to cast a wider, more inclusive net. Volunteer roles must also match skills and motivations, whether that’s retirees looking to give back, professionals flexing their muscles post-recession, or someone who just really wants to make friends while stuffing envelopes.

And let’s not forget what’s in it for them, volunteering doesn’t just benefit nonprofits. Turns out it’s great for your health, your social life, and maybe even your blood pressure. Some mental health professionals are literally prescribing it. Nonprofits that understand these benefits can create richer, more engaging experiences that keep volunteers coming back. Engagement, Piatak says, is more than just a smile and a clipboard, it’s about making people feel seen, valued, and connected to the mission. And please, for the love of all that is strategic, don’t ghost your former volunteers. Keep in touch.

Finally, we get into the juicy stuff: fundraising. Can volunteers also be donors? Absolutely, and they’re often your biggest champions. Piatak encourages nonprofits to stop underestimating this powerful group. They’re not just spreading mulch; they’re spreading the word, influencing peers, and yes, potentially writing checks. Volunteers who feel invested, emotionally and strategically, can become some of your most reliable financial supporters. So remember: a well-managed volunteer is not just a helper. They're a mission multiplier.

In this episode of The First Day podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., is joined by Geah Pressgrove, Ph.D., professor at West Virginia University and public relations maven-turned-research powerhouse, to explore the mighty mechanics of donor stewardship. Dr. Pressgrove pulls back the curtain on her groundbreaking 2017 research that distilled 26 donor engagement practices into five clear stewardship buckets: relationship nurturing, reporting, responsibility, regard, and recognition. These aren’t just academic abstractions—they’re real-deal tools nonprofit professionals can use to build better relationships with their donors, based on both personal touch and public acknowledgment.

The discussion dives deep into the nuance of reciprocity, revealing that while public recognition might seem like a win, it can actually backfire, sparking donor mistrust if they suspect funds are being funneled into fancy galas rather than mission impact. Dr. Pressgrove emphasizes the difference between “regard” (a warm, personal thank you) and “recognition” (public displays of appreciation) and how both influence donor loyalty in different ways. Her research shows these stewardship dimensions don’t just make donors feel good, they actually predict key outcomes like trust, satisfaction, and long-term commitment. Bonus points: the tools she developed are so practical, even nonprofits without research budgets can use them.

Since publishing her original study, Dr. Pressgrove has expanded the research into global contexts—testing the stewardship model with museums, on websites, and through social media. She’s observed how different nonprofit sectors (education vs. health, pets vs. religion) and generations of donors value different stewardship elements. For instance, younger donors crave responsibility and personal connection, they want to see their impact and be treated as partners, even if they’re only giving $10. Meanwhile, older and high-capacity donors may appreciate traditional recognition, but only when it's thoughtfully tied to mission outcomes. One size most certainly does not fit all.

The episode wraps with a passionate reminder that donor stewardship isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s the linchpin of effective fundraising. If we chase new donors without nurturing the ones we have, we’re basically buying new plants while forgetting to water the old ones. Bill backs this up with data: first-time donor retention hovers around 40%, but that shoots up to 70–80% after a second gift. In other words, love your donors and they’ll love you back. Dr. Pressgrove urges fundraisers to embrace stewardship as a long game; personal, intentional, and research-informed.