In this wide-ranging episode of The First Day from The Fundraising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., sits down with rural fundraising champion Julie Bianchi, CFRE, Campaign Practice Director at Cloudbreak Collective. With deep roots in small towns and a career spanning both urban and rural philanthropy, Julie brings a fresh and honest perspective on what it really takes to fundraise where the tractors outnumber the Teslas. From the quiet generosity of anonymous donors to the untapped power of community-led campaigns, Julie makes one thing clear: rural fundraising isn’t underdeveloped, it’s under-celebrated.

Julie kicks things off by breaking down the “rural funding divide,” pointing out that while 20% of Americans live in rural areas, only 8% of philanthropic dollars go there. But she doesn’t dwell in scarcity, she flips the narrative. In towns where resources are limited, collaboration is a way of life. From barn-raising mentalities to in-kind giving and deep volunteerism, rural communities are masters of making something from nothing. “We ask, who’s the spark plug?” Julie says. “Who’s the local champion who can rally the neighborhood and light the fire?”

The conversation dives into the nuances of recognition in small communities, where humility often trumps headlines. Julie shares how major donors frequently choose to remain anonymous, not because they don’t care, but because they do. In tight-knit towns, you’re just as likely to bump into a million-dollar donor at the grocery store as you are to share a church pew with them on Sunday. Public recognition, she explains, can feel more like a spotlight than a thank-you, so fundraisers are rethinking how to honor gifts with sensitivity and meaning.

Bill and Julie also explore how digital tools and peer-to-peer fundraising are helping rural nonprofits reach supporters far beyond their borders. And for anyone wondering how to be a better ally to rural organizations, Julie’s advice is simple: show up year-round, not just during tourist season. Whether you’re a local leader or a vacation-home owner, sustainable support means investing in the long-term health of the community. Because at the end of the day, fundraising in small towns isn’t about scarcity, it’s about abundance, creativity, and people showing up for each other when it matters most.

In this heartwarming episode of The First Day from The Fundraising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., welcomes certified fundraising dynamo Jennifer Oyer, CFRE, MA, Founder & Chief Joy Officer at Community Impact Advisors. Joy lives and breathes The Fund Raising School’s signature mantra: Fundraising is the gentle art of teaching the joy of giving. Broadcasting straight from her home base in Honolulu, Jennifer shares how that single sentence flipped the script on her entire career, and why she’s made it the bedrock of her consulting practice at Community Impact Advisors. Spoiler alert: this isn’t your average donor pitch session, we’re talking full-on joy engineering.

Jennifer recounts her early days trying to connect with attorneys who treated meetings like billable hours: short, sharp, and transactional. But when she embraced the idea of inviting them to campus events as guest lecturers or moot court judges, something clicked. By showing, not telling, them the impact of their philanthropy, she turned six-minute chats into six-figure donations. “Fundraisers are creative and innovative,” she explains, “and a mission experience doesn’t have to break the bank, it just needs to be meaningful.”

The episode dives into a real-world example from her time at the Salvation Army, when a lava disaster on Hawaii Island inspired her team to fly major donors to the site. The result? A powerful, immersive experience that led to transformational giving, and stories still being shared years later. For Jennifer, these aren’t just field trips, they're masterclasses in stewardship. As she puts it, the magic happens when you stop chasing revenue and start cultivating relationships that spark joy on both sides of the giving equation.

Bill and Jennifer also touch on why this mindset is more vital than ever in today’s uncertain times. Whether it’s economic anxiety or post-pandemic fatigue, fundraisers must resist the urge to go silent. Jennifer’s advice? Never assume your donors are too busy, too broke, or too burdened to care. Instead, bring them into your mission with courage, clarity, and compassion. Because when you help donors align their passions with your purpose, you’re not just raising funds, you’re delivering joy.

In this episode of The First Day from The Fundraising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., sits down with veteran fundraiser and Scouting America CEO Andy Price, who is blazing a trail through the digital frontier with his trusty sidekick… an AI assistant named Cassie. Yes, Cassie. Named after a Netflix thriller, because why not? In this lively conversation, Bill and Andy explore how artificial intelligence is turbocharging everyday fundraising tasks, without replacing the humans who make it all meaningful.

Andy walks us through his first encounter with AI as more than just a buzzword. It was January, he was in training, and boom; the floodgates opened. Since then, he and his team in Arizona have gone full warp speed. From daily donor emails to personalized thank-you notes that include fun tidbits like fishing and basketball references, Andy has trained ChatGPT (a.k.a. “Cassie”) to speak in his voice, remember his style, and save him time, lots of time. As Andy puts it, these are “30-second miracles” that used to take 15-20 minutes each.

But it's not just about efficiency, it’s about clarity, tone, and confidence. Andy explains how AI helps him fine-tune language to better reflect his intent, turning “robot-speak” into warm, human communication. He even uses Cassie as a digital rehearsal partner before donor meetings, role-playing pitch sessions and receiving real-time feedback that makes him a better communicator. That’s right; AI as coach, not just copywriter. The result? More mental space, deeper donor relationships, and a staff that’s working smarter, not harder.

Bill and Andy also tackle the elephant in the fundraising room: Is AI coming for your job? Not even close. Andy’s message is clear, AI isn’t replacing fundraisers; it’s empowering them. By automating routine tasks and standardizing messaging, staff can focus on what really matters: building genuine connections with donors. And with grant writing, branding, and even internal training getting the AI treatment, the possibilities are endless. So grab your digital notebook (or your favorite AI assistant) and tune in to find out how to work faster, write better, and fundraise smarter, with a little help from Cassie.

In this episode of The First Day from The Fundraising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined once again by fundraising researcher and nonprofit rockstar Ruth Hansen, PhD, Associate Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Together, they dive into Ruth’s latest co-authored paper, “A Literature Review of Experimental Studies in Fundraising,” which combs through 187 academic studies to answer one burning question: what really works in annual fund fundraising? Spoiler alert, it’s not just your gut feeling. This episode is a masterclass in evidence-based philanthropy, breaking down complex research into practical nuggets fundraisers can use right now.

Ruth and Bill unpack some truly mind-bending findings, like the fact that donors respond more to percentages than numbers. Five out of ten (50%) feels more impactful than eight out of twenty (40%), even though the latter helps more people. Why? Our brains love shortcuts, and percentages are easier to grasp. They also wade into the murky waters of negative imagery; yes, sad puppy photos do boost one-time gifts, but could turn off donors long-term. This leads to a golden takeaway; fundraisers must balance emotional impact with long-term relationship building. A little “warm glow” goes a long way in keeping donors connected and inspired.

Speaking of warm glow, Ruth reminds us that smaller donors often give because it feels good, not just out of pure altruism, and that’s okay. In fact, appealing to that emotional satisfaction is a powerful way to start building those donor pipelines. The conversation also busts some long-standing myths around special events. Turns out, there’s science behind why folks give more when they’re surrounded by others: peer pressure, reputation, and that sweet social buzz all play a part. It’s not just networking; it’s neuroscience.

From social proof in direct mail to gender-matched testimonials, Dr. Hansen and her research offer a toolkit of small tweaks that lead to big results. At the heart of it all? Donors want to know they’re making a difference; regardless of income, background, or cause. Ruth sums it up perfectly: fundraisers aren’t just talking to people with wallets; they’re talking to people with values. So if you’re looking to make your annual fund stronger, smarter, and more donor-friendly, this episode is your evidence-based jam.

In this episode of The First Day from The Fundraising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. welcomes Dr. Kraig Kinchen, Executive Director of 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, for a conversation on how this impactful nonprofit is embracing the power of planned giving. From a career in medicine and corporate America to nonprofit leadership, Dr. Kinchen shares his journey and explains how his organization, rooted in decades of youth mentorship and community empowerment, is now planting seeds for long-term sustainability. With signature programs like summer academies, leadership development, and financial literacy workshops, the 100 has a deep legacy, and now, they're working to ensure their impact extends well into the future through intentional planned giving strategies.

Kinchen explains that a recent consultation with a fundraising agency opened the organization’s eyes to the untapped potential of legacy gifts. While annual giving is essential, he emphasizes that planned gifts; including bequests, IRA distributions, and insurance policies, offer a unique opportunity to deepen donor commitment and maximize tax-friendly contributions. Armed with data showing that 90% of donors who give $500 or more annually have not made a planned gift, Kinchen and his team recognized a golden opportunity: meet supporters where they are today, while helping them plan for how they can support tomorrow.

As Kinchen outlines, one of the biggest hurdles is simply starting the conversation. Many donors assume planned giving is only for the wealthy, or they hesitate to address end-of-life planning. But with support from Endowment Development Services and resources like the Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy, the 100 is taking an education-first approach, building trust, especially within the Black community where wills and estate plans are less common due to systemic and cultural barriers. Planned giving isn’t just about paperwork; it’s about storytelling, relationship-building, and showing donors they can leave a legacy.

Dr. Kinchen leaves listeners with practical advice: start small, tell your story, and lean on expert partners. Legacy gifts don’t have to be seven-figure estate transfers, sometimes they’re IRAs, insurance policies, or even a car. The point is to open the door to possibility. As he puts it, the motto of the organization, "What they see is what they'll be," applies to donors as much as to youth. When donors see peers giving in meaningful, lasting ways, they’re more likely to follow suit. It’s not just fundraising, it’s future-proofing.

In this episode of The First Day from The Fundraising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., sits down with Muhsin Hassan, Managing Director at Lever for Change, to unpack the power, and practicality, of nonprofit collaboration. Drawing from his role advising the Community Collaboration Initiative led by the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Hassan explains why partnerships aren’t just nice-to-have, they’re mission multipliers. From maximizing impact during economic downturns to sparking innovation across issue areas, collaboration can create better ideas, stronger fundraising, and more efficient service delivery.

Hassan shares how the initiative brought together 21 Muslim-led nonprofits from across the U.S., ranging from local to national reach, to explore shared solutions. The three-year effort wasn’t donor-driven from the top down, but intentionally designed to listen to community needs and prioritize equity among partners. Common threads emerged between seemingly different missions: healthcare access, education, civic engagement, and refugee support leading to big-picture strategies like “one-stop shop” service models for new Americans. And yes, there was a built-in incentive: each participating organization received a $250,000 grant to implement their collaborative plans.

The conversation digs into what makes collaborations work: intentional design, time to build trust, and intermediaries who handle logistics so nonprofits can focus on the work. The CCI team acted as that connective tissue, setting agendas, facilitating conversations, and ensuring equity between grantees and donors. This created space for candid dialogue, something that doesn’t always happen in traditional philanthropy, and fostered genuine partnerships rather than compliance-driven alliances. Challenges? Of course. Some organizations realized the timing wasn’t right and bowed out gracefully, underscoring the need for flexibility and openness to think beyond one’s own program lane.

Hassan closes with advice for any nonprofit, regardless of cause area or cultural context; there are always lessons to learn from others. Whether you share a target population or simply share the nonprofit experience, collaboration offers unexpected insights and fresh approaches. Skeptics often leave such partnerships with new allies, new knowledge, and stronger strategies. The key is creating opportunities for cross-sector dialogue, maintaining equity among all players, and giving collaborations the time, and resources, to thrive. The full white paper, Collaboration in the U.S. Muslim Nonprofit Sector: Lessons from the Community Collaboration Initiative, is available at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s Muslim Philanthropy Initiative page.

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., welcomes digital fundraising expert Michelle Boggs, MBA, CFRE, Executive Nonprofit Industry Adviser at Classy from GoFundMe, to explore the ever-shifting world of online giving. With 20 years of frontline fundraising experience and insider knowledge from one of the biggest names in crowdfunding, Michelle helps listeners understand how digital strategies are evolving, and what nonprofits must do to keep up. From peer-to-peer campaigns to influencer-driven generosity, today’s giving landscape looks more like TikTok than a gala dinner.

Michelle breaks down the rising cost of donor acquisition and the fading returns of traditional outreach, urging fundraisers to embrace earned media and social trust. Owned channels like email lists and websites still matter, but it’s those earned interactions, influencers sharing your mission and online communities buzzing about your cause, that now pack the biggest punch. And no, you don’t need Beyoncé to back your annual fund. A board member, a volunteer, or a passionate donor can be just as effective if they’re well-positioned and engaged online.

Trust, Michelle explains, is the beating heart of digital fundraising. GoFundMe’s Social State of Giving Report shows that over half of Gen Z trusts “impact creators” to guide their giving, individuals who use their networks to mobilize support. Sharing a campaign online isn’t just good vibes; it translates to real dollars. In fact, each share can yield an average of $100 more toward a fundraiser’s goal. It’s not just about who gives, it’s about who shares the giving opportunity and how easy you make that experience.

Speaking of ease, Michelle stresses the importance of a frictionless donation process. If your donation page isn’t mobile-friendly or doesn’t accept multiple payment options like Venmo, PayPal, or digital wallets, you’re missing out. Today’s donors expect their giving experience to be as smooth as ordering their morning coffee. Bottom line: generosity isn’t fading, it’s changing. And nonprofits that adapt by embracing digital tools, online influencers, and trust-based engagement are the ones poised to thrive in this new philanthropic era.

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., welcomes fundraising trailblazer Ann Updegraff Spleth to discuss one of the most inevitable, and nerve-wracking, aspects of nonprofit life: change. With decades of experience and a suitcase full of real-world examples, Ann explores how effective change management can strengthen an organization’s stability and, in turn, its fundraising capacity. Whether it’s adapting to new technologies, shifting donor demographics, or restructuring outdated policies, one thing’s clear: resisting change is like trying to run a capital campaign using a fax machine. It’s not gonna end well.

Ann dives into the reasons why people, and organizations, often resist change. Spoiler alert: it’s not just stubbornness. Comfort, fear of inadequacy, mistrust of leadership, and a good ol’ fashioned case of organizational inertia can all gum up the works. But when nonprofits ignore these dynamics, they risk stalling progress and alienating staff and donors alike. Drawing from her experience at Kiwanis International, Ann recounts a pivotal moment where reevaluating donor recognition practices led to breakthroughs in fairness, inclusion, and, yes, big gifts. Because if your system only credits the husband, your fundraising strategy might be stuck in 1954.

To guide nonprofits through the stormy seas of transition, Ann introduces a tried-and-true model from sociologist Kurt Lewin: unfreeze, change, refreeze. First, identify what’s holding you back and prepare your team for what’s coming. Then implement the change with clear roles, transparency, and compassion; especially since anxiety tends to spike during this stage. Finally, lock in those changes with updated policies and systems so everyone doesn’t snap back to the “old way” like a rubber band. Communication, training, and inclusive decision-making are critical throughout and, if needed, a gentle nudge (or push) for those who just can’t adjust.

And what about donors, you ask? Ann’s answer: communicate thoughtfully. If the change affects donor experience say, new recognition processes or giving channels, then yes, share early and often. But internal staff reorganizations? Probably not their business. The key is transparency with purpose. Ultimately, change is not just about what’s new, but what’s better for mission, for staff, and for the generous folks who fuel the work. As always, this episode is packed with practical guidance for fundraising leaders committed to growth, and just might make you rethink how your organization embraces what’s next.

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. dives into the big, shiny (and slightly confusing) changes in federal tax law passed in July 2025, and what they mean for your fundraising plan in 2026 and beyond. Bill brings clarity with his signature blend of research, wisdom, and a dash of humor. The laws don’t take effect until 2026, which gives fundraisers time to plan. His top-line takeaway? Don’t panic. This isn’t the end of charitable giving as we know it, nor a sudden waterfall of donations.

One of the headliners in the new law is the return of the Universal Charitable Deduction (UCD). Everyone can now claim a tax deduction for their giving. Singles can deduct up to $1,000, and married couples filing jointly can deduct up to $2,000, starting with their 2026 giving. Research, and our collective memory of the COVID-era UCD, suggests this could spark an uptick in donations from lower- and middle-income donors. So go ahead, fundraisers: invite gifts at all levels, and make sure your donors know they can give generously and get a tax break.

New “ceiling and floor” limits for high-income donors could put a slight damper on larger gifts. Those in the top 1%, earning over $626K (single) or $751K (joint), can only deduct at the 35% rate instead of the usual 37%, potentially shrinking their incentive to give. But Bill urges fundraisers to stay calm and start conversations. Talk with major donors about how this may or may not change their giving. Likewise, the new "floor" rule, which removes deductions on the first 0.5% of adjusted gross income, is unlikely to affect generous donors giving in the $20K–$30K range. In short: tax math may change, but generosity often stays the course.

Bill also touches on a sleeper hit of the new law: the expanded SALT deduction limit, from $10,000 to $40,000, which could lead to more folks itemizing their taxes and, therefore, giving more charitably. Business owners with S-corps and those filing jointly might find fresh incentives to give. Even though businesses can no longer deduct the first 1% of giving, Bill reminds us that corporate philanthropy isn’t just about taxes; it’s about community goodwill, employee engagement, and customer loyalty. And hey, if all else fails, there’s always IRS Section 513(i), your best friend when turning sponsorships into tax-deductible marketing. Bottom line? Your mission still matters. The tax landscape may shift, but relationships and purpose are still your most powerful fundraising tools.

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., sits down with fundraising powerhouse John Zeller, former Senior Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Pennsylvania, to unpack the behind-the-scenes magic of major gift fundraising. While the headlines may tout seven- and eight-figure gifts, Zeller emphasizes that consistent cultivation, stewardship, and relationship-building are the real power players behind any billion-dollar campaign. Case in point: nearly a third of gifts during Penn’s $5.4 billion campaign came from donors giving less than $50,000. The message? Every gift counts, and every donor deserves attention.

Zeller shares how he and his team shifted from a transactional mindset to a holistic approach, ensuring donors were involved long before and after the ask. At Penn, they implemented a strategy called “non-financial objectives,” inviting people to volunteer, serve on committees, and participate in university life without writing a check. It wasn’t just nice, it was strategic. By formalizing volunteer roles with job descriptions and term limits, they attracted over 32,000 volunteers across two campaigns. Volunteers became passionate advocates, and many transitioned into donors, with research showing that 80% of engaged volunteers go on to give financially. Bonus stat: over half of high-net-worth individuals volunteer, making this a double win for fundraisers.

Of course, the million-dollar (sometimes literally) question is: When do you make the ask? Zeller offers his “8-question method” as a roadmap. The first four help determine donor capacity, interest, relationship strength, and philanthropic inclination. The next four zoom in on specifics: gift area, amount, timing, and potential assets involved (like IPOs or business sales). If you can confidently answer all eight, go ahead and pop the question, because if you’ve done your homework, it shouldn’t come as a surprise. And if the timing's off, donors will let you know.

Zeller closes by underscoring that stewardship isn’t just a step in the giving cycle, it’s a mindset. From matching students with donors to hosting impactful scholarship receptions and “Engaging Minds” events featuring top researchers, Penn created moments that made donors feel connected, appreciated, and inspired to give more. Even in today’s fast-paced, AI-infused fundraising world, Zeller insists the essentials remain the same: data-informed strategies and genuine human relationships. In fundraising, as in life, it’s all about showing up, saying thank you (often), and making people feel like part of the mission.