Let's Talk Fundraising

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What does it take to muster the courage to sing in front of an audience when fear grips you by the throat? Join us as we share a personal story that transforms a paralyzing fear into a triumphant moment, revealing profound parallels to the world of fundraising. We unpack the emotional journey fundraisers undertake, from the sting of rejection to the high stakes of advocating for causes that matter. This is a tale of resilience, emotional intelligence, and the unwavering focus on the mission that keeps fundraisers moving forward.

Shifting gears, we delve into the true essence of courage—not as the absence of fear but as the decision to act despite it. Fundraising isn't just about asking for money; it's about raising hope, possibilities, and futures. We humorously flirt with the idea of a new career in singing "Closing Time" at bars, all while underscoring the messy, imperfect, yet powerful nature of courage. If you're seeking inspiration to stay bold, tackle your fears, and make a meaningful impact, this conversation is your motivational call to action. Tune in, laugh a little, and come away inspired to support the causes close to your heart.

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Can you imagine fostering genuine understanding between political opponents in today's polarized climate? In this episode, we promise you'll gain the tools to do just that by learning from Dawn Strauss, Director of Development at Braver Angels. Dawn shares her remarkable journey of bringing Trump and Clinton supporters together through Braver Angels’ innovative Red Blue Workshops, which have grown into over a hundred alliances nationwide. We dive into how these initiatives not only heal personal and community relationships but also empower organizations to transcend political divides.

Fundraising in such a divided landscape presents unique challenges, especially when engaging donors with starkly different viewpoints. We recount a gripping real-life example where a conversation with a donor about January 6th could have gone awry but instead turned into a lesson on the power of active listening and respectful dialogue. Make sure to check out the Trustworthy Elections Report Braver Angels has put together. This chapter underscores that while discomfort is inevitable, it is also essential for depolarization and fostering mutual respect. Supporting organizations for their mission, rather than the political stance of their leaders, is a crucial takeaway that can revolutionize your fundraising approach.

Listening is an art, especially when engaging with those who hold opposing views. We explore how attentive listening not only builds bridges but can also correct misinformation and lead to unexpected alliances. By embodying these principles, fundraisers can enhance their organization’s mission and expand their reach. We also provide valuable resources from Braver Angels to further your understanding and encourage you to foster respectful human interactions for the greater good. Don't miss this episode if you want to transform your approach to fundraising and community building.

The Ultimate Guide to Fundraising Metrics https://www.letstalkfundraising.com/metrics

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Kevin L. Brown's LinkedIn Post that caught my eye.

Ever felt like you're chasing donors who just aren’t that into you? It's time to rethink your strategy. This episode of Let's Talk Fundraising takes a deep dive into why some donors remain elusive and how to stop wasting your time. Inspired by Kevin L Brown's thought-provoking LinkedIn post and insights from sales expert Liz Wendling, we explore the signs that it's time to move on from unresponsive donors. Discover practical tips on maintaining your dignity and confidence, turning your focus to those who truly resonate with your mission. 

Drawing wisdom from the resilient gardeners of New Mexico, we emphasize the principle of "cultivating what grows." Not every donor relationship is worth the chase, just as not every plant thrives in the desert. By aligning our efforts with those who are genuinely interested, we can foster meaningful relationships that lead to transformative support for our communities. Tune in to learn how to break free from desperation cycles and invest in connections that truly matter.

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Unlock the secrets to successful major gifts and capital campaigns with Paul Johnson, the visionary founder of Creative Fundraising Advisors. With over 30 years of experience, Paul shares his invaluable strategies and real-world examples, perfect for both small nonprofits and large institutions. We discuss the critical readiness factors that can make or break your campaign, and the necessity of having a big vision—your North Star—that drives transformative changes like new buildings, endowments, or programs. Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or a novice, this episode promises insights that will elevate your fundraising efforts.

We dive into the importance of building a culture of philanthropy within your organization, especially crucial for smaller nonprofits. Paul offers practical advice on coordinating campaign plans with annual giving to prevent cannibalizing funds. We discuss how right-sizing your campaigns can build donor confidence and highlight the power of celebrating significant gifts to nurture a philanthropic spirit among staff and board members. By incorporating mission moments in board meetings and involving the entire staff in donor acknowledgments, you’ll see how these practices can reinforce the central role of philanthropy in achieving your mission.

Get ready to be inspired by Paul's tips on strategic planning and maximizing fundraising success. He outlines the key elements of a robust strategic plan, emphasizing clear mission, vision, and guiding values, coupled with actionable goals. Learn why individual philanthropy is pivotal in campaigns and how to harness the power of a strong individual donor base. For small fundraising teams, Paul shares strategies to leverage board members and leadership effectively. We end on an uplifting note, celebrating the nobility of the fundraising profession and encouraging boldness and confidence in your efforts. This episode is a treasure trove of actionable tips and inspiring stories, making it a must-listen for anyone committed to advancing their organization's mission through effective fundraising.

The Ultimate Guide to Fundraising Metrics https://www.letstalkfundraising.com/metrics

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Ever wondered how a college internship could lead to a fulfilling career in fundraising? Discover the transformative story of how an internship at Walt Disney World shaped skills in guest relations, trust-building, and creating magical moments, which seamlessly transitioned into a rewarding trajectory in fundraising. This episode uncovers why understanding people's motivations and resolving their concerns is crucial, not just in hospitality but also in nurturing donor relationships.

We explore the elements that make a career truly satisfying: joy, purpose, and fair compensation. Whether you're embarking on a new career path or a seasoned fundraiser, learn why it's essential to identify what makes your work meaningful and never settle for anything less. Hear candid reflections on how meeting your core needs can make any challenge more manageable, and why everyone deserves to feel happy, fulfilled, and secure in their roles. Tune in for valuable insights that could reshape your approach to finding long-term happiness and success in your professional life.

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Can expressing genuine gratitude transform your fundraising efforts? In this episode, we promise to reveal how the simple act of saying thank you can enhance donor relationships, reduce stress, and reinvigorate your passion for your mission. Explore practical strategies for making your gratitude heartfelt and impactful, plus get inspired by resources like "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin and the "10% Happier" podcast that can give your gratitude practice a meaningful boost.

We'll also tackle the common obstacles fundraisers face when trying to incorporate gratitude into their daily routines, from time constraints to emotional exhaustion. Learn how keeping a gratitude journal, starting meetings with gratitude sharing, and personalizing your thank yous can make a world of difference. We conclude with an invitation to implement a new gratitude practice and share your experiences, fostering a supportive and appreciative fundraising community. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to transform your well-being and the success of your philanthropic efforts through the power of gratitude.

10% Happier Podcast with Dan Harris
The Happiness Story - Stanford Report
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin - This link is an Amazon Affiliate Link, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through it at no additional cost to you.

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Ready to transform your Giving Day fundraising efforts? Join me as I share my personal journey from early setbacks to a triumphant campaign that raised over $74,000 in the first attempt at launching a giving day campaign. We'll uncover the five essential steps to ensure your campaign's success, including setting ambitious yet achievable goals, devising a comprehensive marketing strategy, building complementary campaigns, maintaining momentum with real-time updates, and pre-planning evaluation metrics. These insights are crafted to help you not only hit your targets but also attract a wave of new supporters.

Ever wondered what makes a Giving Day campaign truly effective? This episode dissects the strategic elements you need to master, from analyzing donor patterns to deciding whether specific projects or unrestricted funds are more compelling. I'll show you how to set both monetary and non-monetary goals, and why a targeted marketing approach is crucial. We’ll delve into the power of personal touches, emotional storytelling, and how to create easy entry points for new supporters. Plus, we’ll explore the dual focus of fundraising and awareness campaigns to ensure your message resonates across all channels.

Finally, we emphasize the importance of pre-planning your campaign evaluation metrics to accurately measure success and refine future strategies. Learn how aligning metrics with your goals can keep your team focused and cohesive. We’ll discuss detailed tracking methods for donations, donor acquisition, and engagement metrics, as well as the value of qualitative feedback. And don’t miss out on the Giving Day Sprint—a fast-paced program designed to help you create a successful multi-channel campaign in just five days. Register now and elevate your fundraising game to new heights.

https://www.letstalkfundraising.com/sprint

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Ever wondered how to turn your personal network into a powerhouse donor base for your nonprofit? Discover how to engage co-workers, family, and friends who already trust you, and transform them into dedicated supporters. We'll walk you through the art of hosting intimate parlor meetings where you can connect deeply with potential donors, share your mission compellingly, and foster long-term relationships. This episode highlights the essentials of genuine communication and the importance of maintaining transparency to build a solid foundation for growth.

Uncover the secrets of identifying and engaging major donors to propel your cause forward. By leveraging wealth screening tools and understanding donor history, you can pinpoint individuals with the capacity and inclination to give. Learn proven techniques for personalized engagement through exclusive events, one-on-one meetings, and tailored follow-ups. Additionally, we dive into the benefits of recurring giving programs and corporate partnerships to create a reliable income stream and boost donor retention. Get ready for actionable insights that will transform your fundraising challenges into successful endeavors.

The Ultimate Guide to Fundraising Metrics https://www.letstalkfundraising.com/metrics

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Hey there, hi, and welcome back to Let’s Talk Fundraising! Have you ever felt like you’re just throwing spaghetti at the wall with your newsletters and appeals, hoping something sticks? In this episode, we dive into a game-changing concept that can transform the way you connect with your donors: donor personas.

Join us as we break down what donor personas are and why they’re essential for effective fundraising. We'll explore how to create these personas, the steps to gather meaningful insights, and the magic that happens when you speak directly to your donors' hearts and passions.

Imagine crafting messages that resonate so deeply with your supporters that they feel you’re speaking directly to them. Learn how to celebrate the small victories, nurture a sense of belonging, and foster long-term loyalty with your donors. Whether you’re dealing with diverse donor bases or targeting specific segments, this episode will equip you with the tools to tailor your communications and inspire greater engagement and donations.

Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s unlock the power of donor personas together. Tune in to "Speak to Their Hearts: The Power of Donor Personas" and discover how personalized messaging can transform your fundraising efforts.

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Hey there, hi, and welcome back to Let’s Talk Fundraising! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of fundraising events. Before the pandemic, traditional events like galas often felt like a chore—expensive, repetitive, and sometimes even a punchline. But as the landscape has shifted, so have our opportunities to create meaningful, engaging events that align with our missions and resonate with our supporters.

Join me as we explore how to reimagine fundraising events to better connect with donors, engage communities, and build lasting relationships. We’ll discuss the evolution of donor expectations, the hidden costs of traditional events, and innovative ideas to transform your approach. Whether you’re looking to enhance donor stewardship, boost donor acquisition, or strengthen community ties, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

We’ll also share a heartfelt story about a hospice event that not only honored loved ones but brought an entire community together in a profound way. You can watch the video of this beautiful event here: Lantern Floating Ceremony.

If you find this episode helpful, please share it with your friends and colleagues. Let’s inspire more fundraisers to rethink their events and make a greater impact. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas, so feel free to reach out and share your success stories.

Thanks for tuning in to Let’s Talk Fundraising. Until next time, keep striving for greatness and making a difference in the world.

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Love the show? Support Let's Talk Fundraising and help us continue bringing you top strategies and insider tips. Join our Let's Talk Fundraising Insider today!