Fundraising Growth Now!

What can AI actually do for an arts fundraiser—and what should remain firmly in human hands?

In this episode of Fundraising Growth Now!, Catherine Heitz New talks with RSC Associates Project Consultants Nicki Inman and Katie Ellis about using AI where it can make a practical difference.

The challenges facing arts organizations haven’t disappeared. But this conference season, we heard more forward-looking, positive perspectives.

In this episode of Fundraising Growth Now!, Catherine Heitz New shares what RSC heard across the country—from Board engagement and the Annual Fund to bridge funding, planned giving, and sustainable fundraising.

Planned giving doesn’t need to be complicated.

In this episode of Fundraising Growth Now!, Catherine Heitz New breaks down planned giving to its fundamentals and offers practical ways to make it part of the fundraising work your organization is already doing.

In this episode of Fundraising Growth Now!, RSC Associates CEO Catherine Heitz New discusses one of today's fastest-growing charitable giving options and provides practical advice to help arts and cultural organizations better understand Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs), strengthen donor stewardship, and prepare for the opportunities today.

Development director turnover is inevitable. Whether it happens next month or five years from now, every arts organization will eventually face the challenge of replacing a key fundraising leader.

The good news? Staff turnover doesn't have to become a fundraising setback.

In this week's episode of Fundraising Growth Now!, RSC Associates CEO Catherine Heitz New shares a practical framework for navigating one of the most significant transitions an arts organization can experience. Rather than reacting to change, you'll learn how to prepare for it—and emerge even stronger.

The most successful arts fundraising programs do not see direct mail as yesterday’s tactic. They use it to welcome new donors, strengthen annual giving, and build the pipeline that leads to tomorrow’s major gifts.

In this week’s episode of Fundraising Growth Now!, RSC Associates’ Nicki Inman and Nuri Kye explain why direct mail continues to deliver strong results, how it amplifies digital fundraising rather than competing with it, and why thoughtful, consistent communication is one of the smartest investments an arts organization can make.

Some fundraising advice sticks because it is clever. Better advice sticks because it works.

That is why Bob Swaney’s “Bob-isms” have lasted at RSC Associates. They are memorable, yes, but they are more than one-liners. They point to a disciplined approach to fundraising: shared leadership, stronger donor relationships, clearer priorities, and better judgment when the work gets noisy.

In the latest episode of Fundraising Growth Now!, Bob joins Catherine Heitz New to talk through the “Bob-isms” that have shaped RSC’s counsel for decades, and why they continue to hold up.

Do some of these "Bob-isms" feel familiar? Schedule a 30-minute conversation with Catherine to discuss where you are, what may be getting in the way, and practical next steps to strengthen your fundraising.

Tax laws have changed, and we continue to be asked: what does this actually mean for fundraising?

The answer is less dramatic than the headlines suggest. In this episode, we look at why fundraisers should stay focused on relationship-based fundamentals, what to watch for in major donor conversations, and how to respond to hesitation.

Where is this question showing up most for your organization right now: donor conversations, Board discussions, campaign planning, or Development team strategy?

Artificial intelligence has rapidly changed how people work, communicate, search online, write, and make decisions. And it's here to stay. 

For arts and cultural organizations, the questions now are: how can AI help fundraising, and where can only the human element advance philanthropy?

In this episode, RSC CEO Catherine Heitz New speaks with Founder Bob Swaney about that question. Bob’s view is practical and measured: AI can help fundraisers prepare better, communicate more clearly, and reduce unnecessary friction. It cannot, however, replace trust, judgment, timing, or the human element needed to grow donor relationships.

We're continuing our podcast series, Hear From Your Peer. This week, RSC Principal Consultant Jeremy Hatch sat down with Jonathan Martin, an arts leader who has helped various organizations through growth, financial pressure, Board dynamics, audience change, and long-range planning. Listen in for a few steady lessons that apply to Development staff, Executives, and Board members alike.