Let's Talk Fundraising

Ever wonder why so many fundraisers are burnt out and how to truly support their well-being? Join us as we engage with Raiya Sankari-Diaz, a global HR expert, to uncover the hidden causes of burnout in the fundraising sector. Forget superficial solutions like mindfulness apps; Raiya shares why authentic well-being programs, backed by genuine leadership buy-in, are essential. We explore the pitfalls of "care washing," where insincere initiatives lead only to dissatisfaction and disengagement, and we offer real-life insights and actionable strategies for fundraisers seeking more meaningful change.

Shift gears with us as we explore how smaller nonprofits can cultivate a healthy workplace culture that thrives on connection, creativity, and employee well-being. We dive into the importance of holistic approaches, emphasizing psychological safety, trust, and flexibility. Learn how to effectively engage stakeholders and gather meaningful data to tailor well-being initiatives to your organization’s specific needs. Even if you're not in HR, discover how you can influence positive change through cross-functional collaboration and data-driven approaches. Let’s break the culture of scarcity and work towards a thriving, inclusive workplace environment that stands the test of time.

HBR Article: Why Workplace Well-Being Programs Don't Achieve Better Outcomes

Sign up for the June 24, 2026 webinar on leading your organization in developing an AI policy that works for your development office. 

👉 www.LetsTalkFundraising.com/AIPolicy

💡 Want to take the next small step?

→ Free Download: 12 Fundraising Prompts You'll Actually Use

→ Course:  The Fundraiser's AI Starter Suite

Unlocking the secrets to managing effective nonprofit boards, our episode promises to transform your approach to board recruitment and engagement. With our insightful guest, Phelosha Collaros, we uncover how to transcend the traditional focus on financial capacity and instead recruit board members driven by passion and alignment with your mission. This discussion challenges the norm, advocating for a nuanced, staged pipeline approach to recruiting, where financial commitment is just the starting point for identifying true mission champions.

Prepare to rethink your onboarding strategy with lessons from the seasoned expertise of Phelosha Collaros. Transitioning from basic orientations to a more structured and comprehensive onboarding program, we detail the essential steps your organization needs to cultivate dedicated board members right from the start. By crafting tailored welcome emails, hosting informative orientation sessions, and setting up mentorship opportunities, your nonprofit can ensure a seamless integration that fosters long-term engagement and accountability.

Finally, delve into the intricacies of board engagement and governance with actionable strategies to elevate your board’s effectiveness. From candid conversations and peer counseling to utilizing anonymized surveys for honest feedback, this episode is packed with innovative ideas to keep board members motivated and mission-aligned. Discover how redefining fundraising roles and celebrating successes can transform your board’s fundraising potential without overwhelming them. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical advice from Phelosha Collaros on cultivating a board that not only supports but champions your organizational goals.

Association of Governing Boards

Sign up for the June 24, 2026 webinar on leading your organization in developing an AI policy that works for your development office. 

👉 www.LetsTalkFundraising.com/AIPolicy

💡 Want to take the next small step?

→ Free Download: 12 Fundraising Prompts You'll Actually Use

→ Course:  The Fundraiser's AI Starter Suite

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What if a single word could redefine your entire year? Join us as we challenge the all-or-nothing mindset of New Year's resolutions with a transformative approach to goal-setting. Instead of making fleeting promises, we invite you to select a "word of the year" that can guide your personal and professional journey throughout 2025. Picture your fundraising efforts and personal growth thriving on a foundation of consistency, intention, or engagement. Tune in to discover how small, sustainable actions can lead to meaningful results, from maintaining a steady fitness routine to enhancing donor relationships through regular updates or storytelling.

This episode encourages you to choose a word that truly resonates with you and use it as your compass for impactful change. We explore the essence of progress over perfection, emphasizing the power of consistent steps in building something significant. Share your chosen word with us on social media and become part of a community striving for a purpose-filled year. As we embark on this journey together, gear up for next week's episode where we'll uncover practical fundraising strategies to maintain your momentum. Here's to making 2025 a year of growth, intention, and engagement. Happy New Year and happy fundraising!

Need to write a contact report, prep for a donor meeting, or prioritize your week—but short on time? Grab my free guide: AI Prompts for  Major Gift Fundraisers. Five powerful prompts to help you stay donor-centered and get unstuck fast. Download now → https://downloads.letstalkfundraising.com/aiprompts

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We’re taking a little holiday break for the rest of the year, but don’t worry—Let’s Talk Fundraising will be back in January with fresh episodes to kick off 2025! In the meantime, make sure to visit www.letstalkfundraising.com to join the newsletter and stay updated on all things fundraising. And let’s connect on LinkedIn—follow Let’s Talk Fundraising for behind-the-scenes insights, tips, and resources to keep you inspired.

In this festive mini-episode, I celebrate you, the ambitious fundraisers working hard to close out year-end campaigns. I know this season can be both a sprint and a marathon, but your work matters—and your heart and hustle are helping to change lives. I also share a few personal holiday traditions, from sledding on snowy Mauna Kea in Hawaii to peaceful Christmas Eve walks among the farolitos in New Mexico.

So, whether you’re wrapping up appeals, sipping hot cocoa, or sneaking in a little rest, know that I’m cheering you on and wishing you a holiday season filled with joy, love, and a well-deserved break. Thank you for being part of this community. I’ll see you in January, ready to take on a brand-new year—together!

Happy Holidays, Ambitious Fundraisers! 🎄✨

Need to write a contact report, prep for a donor meeting, or prioritize your week—but short on time? Grab my free guide: AI Prompts for  Major Gift Fundraisers. Five powerful prompts to help you stay donor-centered and get unstuck fast. Download now → https://downloads.letstalkfundraising.com/aiprompts

Support the show

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!

Unlock the secret to unlocking donors' hearts and wallets with gratitude! Discover how practicing genuine appreciation can transform your fundraising efforts and create lasting partnerships. Dive into the "rule of seven" and learn how consistent, heartfelt gestures can make your supporters feel truly valued and connected to your cause.

Learn from Heidi Atkinson's insights as we explore strategies like thank-you phone calls and celebratory events that can boost donor loyalty. Uncover the power of personal interactions and find out how board members can directly impact donor retention by reaching out to first-time contributors. From intimate donor luncheons to personalized notes, we'll cover innovative ways to honor and inspire your donors, ensuring they feel cherished and essential to your mission.

Unlock the potential of CRM systems as more than just databases, but as tools to enhance donor relationships and automate gratitude reminders. Discover how to maintain authenticity and personalization, even in an automated world, with customized messages and strategic segmentation. Hear a compelling story of how a simple thank-you call turned a modest gift into a monumental donation, illustrating the unparalleled impact of genuine gratitude. Join us on Let's Talk Fundraising and become a champion of donor appreciation today!

Sign up for the June 24, 2026 webinar on leading your organization in developing an AI policy that works for your development office. 

👉 www.LetsTalkFundraising.com/AIPolicy

💡 Want to take the next small step?

→ Free Download: 12 Fundraising Prompts You'll Actually Use

→ Course:  The Fundraiser's AI Starter Suite

Unlock the transformative potential of AI in fundraising, as we explore how technology is reshaping the nonprofit landscape. From the initial skepticism and concerns of job security that accompanied the launch of ChatGPT, to the innovative strides made in aligning AI outputs with organizational values, this episode promises a journey through the evolving perceptions and uses of AI in the nonprofit sector. Discover how AI has transitioned from a misunderstood tool to a creative partner, opening new opportunities for fundraisers while enhancing the essential human elements of donor relationships.

We'll journey behind the scenes of crafting authentic nonprofit messages, shedding light on how AI is being integrated into communication strategies. By examining the parallels between human collaboration and AI assistance, we highlight the ethical considerations and transparency needed when scaling content across platforms. Learn about the concept of "hero content" and how AI plays a vital role in transforming these narratives into diverse formats, maintaining trust and alignment with organizational values.

The conversation also delves into the ethical use of AI chatbots and the importance of maintaining personal connections with donors. As AI becomes a thought partner in the fundraising world, this episode emphasizes the need for ethical integration and transparency in utilizing AI. Whether you're looking to brainstorm, draft, or engage in mass communications, we encourage listeners to share their experiences and foster a community of innovation, ensuring AI is used responsibly to enhance mission-driven relationships.

Sign up for the June 24, 2026 webinar on leading your organization in developing an AI policy that works for your development office. 

👉 www.LetsTalkFundraising.com/AIPolicy

💡 Want to take the next small step?

→ Free Download: 12 Fundraising Prompts You'll Actually Use

→ Course:  The Fundraiser's AI Starter Suite

Unlock the secrets of authentic leadership with Lasha Murray, the visionary founder of The Unapologetic Leadership Coach. Lasha introduces her groundbreaking BANG framework—Belonging, Authenticity, Networking, and Growth—designed to create meaningful professional connections. Together, we tackle the challenges young professionals face in maintaining their authenticity amidst workplace conformity and explore how leaders can foster individuality without compromising their organization's identity. Lasha's insights promise to transform the way you view leadership and community-building in the workplace.

Our conversation with Lasha highlights the critical role leaders play in creating inclusive spaces by setting aside personal biases. Tune in to discover practical strategies for promoting individual growth and team collaboration, including the "stop, start, and continue" feedback framework. With engaging stories, like a child's desire to dye their hair, we explore how unconscious biases shape decision-making. Lasha emphasizes the importance of building authentic connections and offers tips for leaders to immerse themselves in their teams' daily experiences, aligning leadership with the dynamic needs of modern workplaces.

Get ready for a dose of enthusiasm as we introduce the exciting series of live coaching sessions coming this November. Lasha shares how these transformative webinars will cover essential career development topics, from salary negotiation to mastering interviews, ensuring an open and inclusive atmosphere. As we gear up for the rapid-fire coaching sessions, the excitement is palpable—join us to experience firsthand the power of authentic leadership and community building. This episode promises an engaging journey toward fostering a more connected and thriving workplace.

Sign Up for Lasha's Webinar.
Email Lasha Murray at [email protected]

Sign up for the June 24, 2026 webinar on leading your organization in developing an AI policy that works for your development office. 

👉 www.LetsTalkFundraising.com/AIPolicy

💡 Want to take the next small step?

→ Free Download: 12 Fundraising Prompts You'll Actually Use

→ Course:  The Fundraiser's AI Starter Suite

Unlock the future of nonprofit success with ChatGPT as your intelligent ally. Ever wondered how artificial intelligence can do more than just draft emails? Dive into a world where ChatGPT revolutionizes nonprofit operations, from automating data tasks to crafting strategic plans and designing dynamic dashboards. We'll reveal practical insights on managing data with precision and creating powerful Excel formulas, freeing up your time to focus on what truly matters—driving your mission forward. If you're ready to transform your nonprofit's efficiency, this episode is your guide to harnessing AI's full potential.

Join us as we explore ChatGPT's role in optimizing nonprofit activities, particularly in volunteer and project management. Discover how AI can tailor onboarding materials, streamline scheduling, and generate customized checklists and timelines, ensuring smooth operations and effective communication. As your personal research assistant, ChatGPT simplifies complex reports and uncovers grant opportunities, all while adhering to essential ethical standards. We emphasize the importance of privacy, transparency, and inclusivity, ensuring your nonprofit's integrity remains intact. This comprehensive look at AI’s capabilities will inspire you to embrace technology as a strategic partner in your mission-driven journey.

Sign up for the June 24, 2026 webinar on leading your organization in developing an AI policy that works for your development office. 

👉 www.LetsTalkFundraising.com/AIPolicy

💡 Want to take the next small step?

→ Free Download: 12 Fundraising Prompts You'll Actually Use

→ Course:  The Fundraiser's AI Starter Suite

What happens when a job interview turns into an ethical quagmire? Join us as we unravel the story of a fellow fundraiser who faced an unsettling request during a job interview: to bring specific donors along to a new organization. This episode digs deep into the ethical complexities and challenges fundraisers face, especially when moving between jobs. We emphasize the critical need for genuine donor relationships, treating donors as partners in philanthropy rather than assets to be moved. Discover why maintaining ethical boundaries and focusing on long-term, sustainable growth is paramount in fundraising.

Professional boundaries are essential for ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of fundraising efforts. By staying true to our mission and fostering authentic connections, we drive meaningful change and enhance our impact. This episode encourages listeners to share their own experiences and stories, reinforcing the collective effort to align fundraising with the values and causes that inspire us. Tune in for compelling insights on nurturing donor relationships and remaining committed to ethical stewardship in the world of fundraising. Let's continue to build lasting connections and make a difference together.

Sign up for the June 24, 2026 webinar on leading your organization in developing an AI policy that works for your development office. 

👉 www.LetsTalkFundraising.com/AIPolicy

💡 Want to take the next small step?

→ Free Download: 12 Fundraising Prompts You'll Actually Use

→ Course:  The Fundraiser's AI Starter Suite

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.

Sign up for the June 24, 2026 webinar on leading your organization in developing an AI policy that works for your development office. 

👉 www.LetsTalkFundraising.com/AIPolicy

💡 Want to take the next small step?

→ Free Download: 12 Fundraising Prompts You'll Actually Use

→ Course:  The Fundraiser's AI Starter Suite