The Beacon

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, fundraising leader Roger D. Ali, chair of AFP Global, joins Jeff Jowdy to explore how community and belonging are reshaping philanthropy. He shares why retention-first fundraising, authentic storytelling, and thoughtful use of AI are key to stronger donor engagement and lasting impact. A fresh look at the future of nonprofit leadership and fundraising strategy.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Bill Stanczykiewicz, senior assistant dean for external relations at Indiana University’s Lily Family School of Philanthropy, talks with Lighthouse Counsel Senior Advisor Dr. Lilya Wagner about changes in tax laws and in donor motivation.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Bill Stanczykiewicz, senior assistant dean for external relations at Indiana University’s Lily Family School of Philanthropy, talks with Lighthouse Counsel Senior Advisor Dr. Lilya Wagner about the Fund Raising School and its role in the charitable sector and the resources it offers to those in fundraising and nonprofit leadership; where the charitable sector is now in the evolution of its perception as being an ad hoc volunteer-based activity into a recognized, skilled profession with clear standards, training, ethics and career pathways; and what trends or changes in philanthropy he sees coming.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Birgit Burton, founder and CEO of the African American Development Officers Network, discusses the power of mentoring and its critical role in helping fundraisers reach their highest potential both for their own success and that of the organizations they serve.

In her discussion with Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Susan Hosbach, Birgit talks about how mentoring has shaped her own professional development, how leaders can build a culture of mentoring—even when time is tight—and how mentors can be intentional about recognizing and nurturing talent that may not come from traditional backgrounds or networks.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Advisor Lilya Wagner welcomes Art Taylor, president and CEO of AFP Global.

In their discussion, Art talks about AFP and why members of the charitable sector should join, changes in the charitable giving landscape, how AFP has evolved to address those changes and what he hopes to accomplish during his tenure as CEO.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Content Coordinator Margaret Gardner talks with Alan Clayton about organizations that “get it” and excel at raising the money needed to make their mission a reality.

In their conversation, the author of the book “Great Fundraising Organizations: Why and How The World's Best Charities Excel at Raising Money” talks about the research that helped formulate the insights found in the book, some surprising findings, what a great fundraising organization looks like and the kind of leadership needed to help an organization excel at fundraising.

In part 2 of our interview with entrepreneur and philanthropist Maxine Clark, special guest host Parker Middleton speaks with the founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop about:

• The founding of her community impact organization, Delmar DivINe

• The benefits of nonprofit organizations collaborating and sharing a central location

• How “taking the call” resulted in a wildly successful partnership

• The importance of creating connections and nurturing relationships

• How   acquiring donors in the nonprofit world is like acquiring investors in the business world?

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, special guest host Parker Middleton speaks with visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist Maxine Clark, founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop.

In their discussion, Clark shares insights into her career, including:

• How her mother influenced her lifelong passion for entrepreneurship and problem solving

• Her community impact organization Delmar DivINe

• How communities can build to ensure sustainability

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy speaks with Dr. Russell James, author of “The Storytelling Fundraiser,” about storytelling and behavioral economics and how they affect fundraising.

In their conversation, Russell addresses:

• Insights on the storytelling arc as it pertains to fundraising

• How fundraisers can craft a compelling story

• How storytelling affects the brains and the actions of donors and potential donors

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy talks with Texas Tech’s Russell James about getting inside the mind of the planned giving donor.

During their conversation, James answers questions including:

• Why traditional fundraising methods don’t work for planned gifts

• Fascinating research on how emotions and areas of the brain are triggered by planned gift solicitations

• Top insights into how to overcome objections to planned gift conversations.