You don't need to have all the answers to be a successful fundraiser – but you do need the confidence to ask better questions and the right community to support you along the way.

In this episode, hosts Cathy Mann and Erin Boyce sit down with Sarah Bass, former Manager of Fundraising Communications at Community Counseling Resource Center (CCRC) in Peterborough. Sarah shares her honest journey of falling into fundraising, inheriting a program without strategy, and navigating a database migration during the pandemic. From discovering her donor data wasn't as organized as she thought to learning how to communicate impact without client testimonials, this conversation is full of practical wisdom and reassurance that we're all "fumbling through" together. We cover:

• How to gain clarity on what actually moves the needle versus what just fills your calendar when you inherit a fundraising program

• The transformative power of strategic fundraising guidance and understanding what will "maximize your bang for your buck"

• Why your fundraising database and finance system serve different purposes and how to separate fundraising metrics from accounting reports

• Developing outcome-focused messaging that resonates when you can't use testimonials or client stories

• The importance of fundraising community and mentorship for combating isolation as a solo fundraiser

If you're a solo fundraiser feeling overwhelmed, struggling with data management, or trying to refine your approach without clear direction, this episode offers practical advice and the reminder that you're not alone in this work.

Resources and links:

• Check out Sarah Bass, Erin Boyce and host Cathy Mann on LinkedIn

• Book your Fundraising Growth Game Plan call

• Email us at [email protected]

• Subscribe to our email list

• Share this episode with a friend!

Podcast editing and post-production by: Daniella Sorrentino at Feral Culture Lab (feralculturelab.com)

Music:

Intro and Outro Music is Fancy Free by Reveille https://app.soundstripe.com/songs/16267