First Day Podcast

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.

In this episode of The First Day from The Fundraising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., brings a dose of optimism as he dives into the newly released Giving USA 2025 report, spotlighting charitable giving in 2024. The big headline? Americans donated a record-breaking $592.5 billion, a 6.3% increase in current dollars and a healthy 3.3% bump after adjusting for inflation. It’s a hopeful sign for fundraisers everywhere, proving that the spirit of giving hasn’t just survived, it’s thriving.

Bill zeroes in on individuals and corporations as the twin engines powering this philanthropic boom. Individual giving soared by 8% in current dollars (5% after inflation), despite the lingering psychological cloud of inflation hanging over many households. Corporations also stepped up with their most generous year yet, contributing $44 billion, up 9% in current dollars and 6% inflation-adjusted. Even with uncertainty in the air, the data reflects a confident commitment to giving from both people and businesses alike.

Foundations, while still doling out over $100 billion for the third year running, saw a slight dip after inflation, down just half a percent. But context is key: their giving had ballooned during the pandemic, so this modest decline is more of a breather than a backslide. Even better news? Every single one of the nine charitable sub-sectors saw growth in current dollars, an all-subsector upswing that’s happened only 14 times in 40 years.

So what’s a savvy fundraiser to do with all this good news? For starters, keep the momentum going. Bill urges fundraisers to tap into the enduring generosity of individuals and corporations, focus on stewardship (that’s fundraising between the asks), and expand outreach beyond just affluent households. With millennials rising in generosity ranks and AI tools freeing up time for more personal donor engagement, the moment is ripe. And remember: planning for multiple scenarios, economic boom, bust, or somewhere in between, keeps your strategy agile and your outlook optimistic.

In this episode of The First Day from The Fundraising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by philanthropic power duo Una Osili, Ph.D. and Jon Bergdoll, M.A., to unpack the freshly minted Giving USA 2025 report. Spoiler alert: Americans gave over $590 billion in 2024. Adjusted for inflation, giving grew a solid 3.3%, with a hefty assist from a booming stock market, low unemployment, and a collective sigh of economic relief post-pandemic.

Dr. Osili brings the analytical fire, grounding her insights in decades of data while reminding us that while 2024 hit a record in current dollars, inflation-adjusted giving still trails some pandemic-era highs. Still, the philanthropic glass is more than half full. Giving from individuals surged 8% (5% after inflation), and corporate generosity followed suit with a 9% bump. Foundations held steady after three fat years, showing that even giving giants need to catch their breath.

On the receiving end, religious institutions still top the charts, though their share has dipped below 30%. Human services climbed to second place, nudging education to bronze, thanks to ongoing support for basic needs post-COVID. All nine subsectors of charitable giving saw growth in current dollars, a feat achieved only 14 times in the last 40 years. Even donor-advised funds (DAFs) got their moment in the sun, showing up everywhere and nowhere all at once.

But the big question: So what? Dr. Osili offers three golden takeaways for fundraisers. First, Americans are consistently generous, even in uncertain times. Second, diversify your donor base: individuals, foundations, corporations, and planned gifts. And third, it’s innovation time. As giving methods evolve, nonprofits must sharpen their skills, adapt their tools, and embrace the future. Because in fundraising, staying still is the fastest way to fall behind.

In this episode of The First Day from The Fundraising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., sits down with executive search guru Bill Peterson of CarterBaldwin to unpack the high-stakes world of CEO transitions, and their ripple effect on fundraising. Think of it as succession planning with heart, spreadsheets, and maybe a few tissues. Drawing from the recent Compassion International case study, Peterson emphasizes that a successful handoff isn't just about filling a seat; it's about preserving mission momentum, minimizing disruption, and setting the new leader up for a heroic entrance.

Peterson drops some wisdom for both boards and outgoing CEOs, stressing the importance of clear communication, humility, and board engagement. “This is a board-led process,” he says, cautioning against over-reliance on the outgoing CEO, no matter how legendary. And for those veteran leaders? It’s time to channel your inner Zen master and begin the art of letting go. “Great leaders don’t just know when to leave, they help others walk in,” Peterson notes, highlighting the delicate dance of influence without control.

From personalized office redesigns to tear-jerking public ceremonies, the Compassion International story reads like a case study in grace. Peterson shares how outgoing CEO Wes Stafford quite literally made space for his successor Jimmy Miato; moving offices, updating nameplates, even reaching out to Jimmy’s wife to make his new digs feel like home. Meanwhile, Jimmy returned the favor with humility and gratitude, underscoring the importance of honoring legacy while charting a fresh course.

And fundraisers, listen up: donor communication is not optional, it’s vital. Peterson outlines how keeping donors in the loop before, during, and after a leadership change can make or break your fundraising continuity. “Donors love stability,” he reminds us, and stability comes from thoughtful, strategic transition planning. With 14 practical insights from CarterBaldwin’s study and a healthy dose of humanity, this episode is a goldmine for anyone navigating the leadership baton pass, because in fundraising, the handoff might just be your most important move.