In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Angelica Suarez-Trujillo, a seasoned advisor at Resilia specializing in nonprofit capacity building. The discussion centers on the crucial practice of relationship-based fundraising in higher education and beyond. Angelica defines this approach as shifting from transactional to transformational relationships, where nonprofits and donors collaborate to create lasting impact. She emphasizes the importance of genuine human connections amidst the distractions and fast-paced nature of modern nonprofit work, drawing from her extensive experience in both coaching nonprofits and leading fundraising efforts herself.

Angelica underscores the common pitfalls nonprofits face in prioritizing tasks over relationships, highlighting her own past mistakes and those she's observed in her coaching role. She advocates for fundraisers to start by understanding themselves and their attitudes towards relationships and money, suggesting introspective exercises to overcome barriers to effective donor engagement. Angelica shares practical strategies for fostering meaningful connections, such as active listening, personalizing interactions based on donor interests, and demonstrating genuine appreciation beyond financial contributions. She encourages fundraisers to balance organizational goals with the quality of donor relationships, navigating pressures for quick results by staying true to core values of stewardship and genuine connection.