What the Fundraising

Mallory Erickson
  • 4.9 (123)
  • Non-Profit
  • Updated Weekly

What the Fundraising is the podcast for impact leaders and change-makers who are tired of doing things the old school way and are looking for best practices to raise money, run their organization, and think about the nonprofit sector in a whole new way.  Every Tuesday for 40-60 min, your host, Mallory Erickson, will be having real and raw conversations with some of the best personal and professional development experts, many of whom are outside the nonprofit sector. These are bestselling authors, world-renowned researchers, and TEDx experts, most of whom have never spoken to a non-profit audience before. They have come ready to share expertise, lessons, and stories that will fundamentally change the way you show up as a leader and fundraiser. There are so many valuable lessons nonprofit leaders are missing because they are outside of their typical orbit, but no more. Mallory is bringing them in and helping to apply her guest's expertise to disrupt the nonprofit sector once and for all. So if you are ready to learn how to upgrade your fundraising strategy, leadership skills, energy, habits, and mindset to bring in more funding and actually have some fun doing it, then this is the right podcast for you. If you’re wanting to implement ideas you heard, visit MalloryErickson.com/Podcast for the top tips and tools, full transcripts, quotes, videos, and additional resources from each episode.

  1. 2d ago

    Philanthropy's Role in Preserving Black History with Kristi Williams & Emma Willis

    History doesn't only live in books. It lives in who gets remembered, who gets silenced, and who chooses to speak anyway! Meet Kristi Williams, a descendant of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and member of Historic Vernon AME Church, who brings a deeply personal lens to historical preservation, and Emma Willis, who complements this perspective by focusing on advocacy, ethical philanthropy, and the importance of treating lived experience with care and dignity. Together, they emphasize how community memory and historical truth are shaped by those closest to it. The discussion expands into the erasure of Black history in education, including policies such as Oklahoma's House Bill 1775, and the broader challenge of restricted narratives in schools. Kristi and Emma highlight practical ways everyday people can contribute, such as reading widely, including banned books, journaling present-day experiences, and preserving family and ancestral documents. They also explore philanthropy as a relational practice rather than transactional giving, stressing collaboration with communities. Ultimately, the conversation connects personal storytelling, institutional responsibility, and collective action as essential tools for preserving history and strengthening democracy. In this episode, you will be able to:  Understand how everyday people contribute to preserving history. Recognize the importance of descendant-led storytelling in historical preservation. Identify how oral histories and personal archives protect erased narratives. Analyze the impact of banning or restricting historical books. Appreciate the role of Black history in strengthening democratic understanding. Describe how philanthropy can support community-led cultural preservation. Distinguish between transactional giving and relational philanthropy. Apply journaling as a tool for documenting lived experience for future history. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Donor Perfect. Our friends at Donor Perfect really understand fundraising on so many levels. Stay aligned while working online with a seamless and secure payments experience for your donors and your team. Empower donors to give where they are, whenever they like, automate data entry, and process online, monthly, and mobile payments, and accept payments over the phone. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven’t already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you’re looking to raise more from the right funders, then you’ll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point.

    30 min

  2. May 26

    Building Values-Based Alumni Relationships in Higher Education with Howard Heevner

    In this episode of What the Fundraising Podcast, Alumni relationships are shifting from tradition-bound loyalty to something more dynamic, personal, and value-driven. In this conversation, the focus turns toward what institutions are getting wrong and how listening more carefully could reshape the future of fundraising and engagement. Howard Heevner brings deep experience from a 30-year career in higher education fundraising, beginning at the University of Iowa and later serving as executive director of annual programs at UC Berkeley. He is also a co-founder of the National Alumni Survey. This large-scale initiative has grown significantly over time, expanding from tens of thousands of responses across dozens of institutions to well over 150,000 surveys. His work centers on understanding donor behavior patterns and challenging long-held assumptions about alumni generosity and awareness. The discussion highlights key shifts: declining donor participation, the emergence of distinct giving cultures across age groups, and the misconception that non-donors are simply uninformed. Instead, many already give elsewhere, signaling a need for institutions to move from assumed loyalty to earned trust. The conversation also emphasizes personalization, better use of technology for listening rather than broadcasting, and the importance of making alumni feel seen, relevant, and considered. Ultimately, it calls for a more responsive, value-aligned approach to engagement and fundraising systems. In this episode, you will be able to:  - Understand shifting trends in alumni engagement and fundraising behavior. - Recognize the importance of moving from assumed trust to earned trust. - Identify how alumni giving patterns vary across age and value systems. - Learn why personalization improves relevance and alumni connection. - Understand the need to make alumni feel seen and considered. - Identify gaps between investment in student vs alumni experiences. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Donor Perfect. Our friends at Donor Perfect really understand fundraising on so many levels. Stay aligned while working online with a seamless and secure payments experience for your donors and your team. Empower donors to give where they are, whenever they like, automate data entry, and process online, monthly, and mobile payments, and accept payments over the phone. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven’t already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you’re looking to raise more from the right funders, then you’ll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point.

    31 min

  3. May 19

    Rethinking Nonprofits as Businesses: Earned Revenue, Sustainability & Innovation with Pradnya Haldipur

    The nonprofit world is changing faster than ever, and organizations are being forced to rethink how they survive and grow in uncertain times! This episode features Pradnya Haldipur, who brings more than 30 years of experience across the nonprofit landscape. Her career has spanned the arts, software, academic medicine, and global humanitarian work with Doctors Without Borders. Recently, she transitioned to running her own consultancy, advising mission-driven organizations on strategy and sustainability. Her diverse background gives her a unique intersectional perspective on funding, leadership, and organizational growth, making her insights both practical and deeply informed by real-world experience. In this conversation, Pradnya dives into the realities of modern fundraising, the pressure nonprofits face in today's economy, and why innovation can no longer be optional. From controversial revenue ideas to challenging long-held beliefs about mission-driven work, the discussion explores how organizations can remain financially sustainable without losing sight of their purpose. It is a conversation that pushes listeners to question traditional nonprofit thinking and consider bold new possibilities for the future of the sector. In this episode, you will be able to: Understand why nonprofits need diversified revenue streams. Learn how earned revenue can support long-term sustainability. Explore innovative funding strategies beyond traditional philanthropy. Learn why flexibility and innovation matter in the nonprofit sector. Explore the stigma around nonprofits generating revenue. Gain insights into building self-sustaining program models. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Donor Perfect. Our friends at Donor Perfect really understand fundraising on so many levels. Stay aligned while working online with a seamless and secure payments experience for your donors and your team. Empower donors to give where they are, whenever they like, automate data entry, and process online, monthly, and mobile payments, and accept payments over the phone. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven’t already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you’re looking to raise more from the right funders, then you’ll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point.

    25 min

  4. May 12

    What Most Fundraisers Are Doing Wrong Today with Meredith Johnston

    This conversation explores why modern fundraising still struggles with outdated systems despite living in a technology-driven world. It raises important questions about how fundraisers are expected to manage hundreds of donor relationships while spending hours on administrative tasks rather than building meaningful connections. The discussion challenges traditional fundraising methods and reveals how technology, automation, and better workflows can completely transform donor engagement and fundraising success. Meet Meredith Johnston, who serves as the Vice President of Development at Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD). Since 1970, FHCSD has been dedicated to delivering compassionate, affordable, and high-quality health care and supportive services to all individuals, with a strong focus on uninsured, low-income, and medically underserved communities. Today, FHCSD is recognized as one of the 10 largest federally qualified health centers in the United States, operating more than 90 locations throughout San Diego County. Each year, the organization serves over 227,000 patients, including 91% who are low-income and 29% who are uninsured. Throughout the conversation, Meredith shares practical insights from her career journey, explaining how fundraising has evolved and why organizations must adapt to changing expectations. Her experience gives credibility to the discussion around leadership, donor management, and operational efficiency. Meredith discusses the importance of using technology to support fundraisers rather than overwhelm them with manual tasks. She explains the value of tracking donor behavior, improving data quality, and focusing on active relationship-building. The conversation also addresses perfectionism, anxiety, and the fear of making mistakes, encouraging fundraisers to take action, embrace imperfection, and prioritize meaningful donor interactions over passive busywork. In this episode, you will be able to:  Recognize the importance of technology in modern fundraising. Understand how outdated systems limit fundraiser effectiveness. Identify tasks that should be automated to save time. Learn how data quality improves donor engagement and workflows. Recognize the value of focusing on relationship-building activities. Understand the difference between active and passive fundraising actions. Recognize how perfectionism can prevent meaningful action. Learn why major gift officers should focus on tasks only they can do. Understand how leadership support improves fundraiser productivity. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Donor Perfect. Our friends at Donor Perfect really understand fundraising on so many levels. Stay aligned while working online with a seamless and secure payments experience for your donors and your team. Empower donors to give where they are, whenever they like, automate data entry, and process online, monthly, and mobile payments, and accept payments over the phone. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven’t already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you’re looking to raise more from the right funders, then you’ll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point.

    34 min

  5. May 5

    What if Fundraising Were Really About Connection, Not Money? with Matt Roben

    Fundraising is often seen as simply asking for money, but it is much deeper than that. What makes people truly connect with a cause? How can fundraisers create moments that donors remember long after an event ends? Meet Matt Roben, benefit auctioneer & farm sanctuary co-founder, who brings a unique background to fundraising, shaped by diverse careers. Before working in fundraising, he spent time as a performer, personal trainer, dietitian, and even a police officer. In each role, his main goal was always the same! It was helping people. He explains that whether he was performing for a crowd or speaking with donors, creating a real human connection was always the most important part. The discussion focuses on how connection and presence are important in fundraising. Matt explains that fundraisers should create meaningful experiences, just like performers connect with their audience. He talks about being intentional by clearly understanding the purpose of an event, preparing well, and linking every fundraising activity to the mission. He also breaks common fundraising myths by reminding people that fundraising should be thoughtful, personal, and deeply connected to the cause, not just about collecting donations. In this episode, you will be able to:  Recognize how connections improve fundraising outcomes. Understand the importance of intentionality in fundraising. Identify common fundraising myths and how to challenge them. Recognize the importance of audience awareness in events. Learn how follow-up builds trust and lasting support. Understand how empathy improves donor experience and connection. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Donor Perfect. Our friends at Donor Perfect really understand fundraising on so many levels. Stay aligned while working online with a seamless and secure payments experience for your donors and your team. Empower donors to give where they are, whenever they like, automate data entry, and process online, monthly, and mobile payments, and accept payments over the phone. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven’t already, please visit our new What the Fundraising If you’re looking to raise more from the right funders, then you’ll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point

    26 min

  6. Apr 28

    Why Big Giving Falls Short and How Fundraisers Can Push Back with Glen Galaich

    What happens when philanthropy becomes more about control than community? Can generosity still be called generosity when tax benefits and personal recognition take center stage?   Join us for today's episode to question the hidden dynamics behind modern fundraising and explore what true public stewardship really looks like! This conversation features Glen Galaich, a respected philanthropy leader with more than 25 years of experience in donor education and fundraising. As the founder of the Stupski Foundation, which works across San Francisco, Oakland, and Hawaii, Glen has spent years examining how wealth shapes giving. He is also the author of the book Control: Why Big Giving Falls Short, in which he challenges traditional philanthropic systems and calls for greater accountability, trust, and honesty in the sector. Throughout the conversation, Glen unpacks the idea of donor-centric fundraising and its historical roots, tracing it back to Andrew Carnegie's "Gospel of Wealth." He discusses how philanthropy often becomes tied to power, ego, and tax advantages rather than genuine generosity. Glen explains the psychological shifts that can happen when people gain significant wealth, often leading to insecurity and a stronger desire for control. He also explores trust-based philanthropy, participatory grantmaking, and the importance of unrestricted funding.  Furthermore, Glen emphasizes that donors should act as public stewards, staying accountable to the communities they aim to serve, while fundraisers must create honest conversations and challenge unhealthy power dynamics within philanthropy. In this episode, you will be able to:  - Recognize the difference between generosity and philanthropy. - Learn how donor control can affect community impact. - Understand the importance of trust-based philanthropy. - Identify why unrestricted funding supports stronger outcomes. - Learn how tax benefits influence philanthropic decisions. - Recognize the role of fundraisers in guiding donor accountability. - Understand how wealth can shape donor behavior and mindset. - Learn why public stewardship should guide charitable giving. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Donor Perfect. Our friends at Donor Perfect really understand fundraising on so many levels. Stay aligned while working online with a seamless and secure payments experience for your donors and your team. Empower donors to give where they are, whenever they like, automate data entry, and process online, monthly, and mobile payments, and accept payments over the phone. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven’t already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you’re looking to raise more from the right funders, then you’ll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point.

    47 min

  7. Apr 21

    Real Talk on Confident Fundraising: Answering Your Questions with Mallory Erickson

    This episode takes a slightly different approach. Instead of the usual format, Mallory responds directly to a range of thoughtful questions from her community! She begins by discussing how to handle anxiety before donor conversations, encouraging fundraisers to acknowledge their feelings rather than push them away. Simple techniques, such as validating emotions with phrases such as "that makes sense," can help reduce stress more quickly. She also explains that preparation and practice are key to building confidence, introducing AI-based tools that allow fundraisers to rehearse conversations and develop strong muscle memory. Mallory also highlights how confidence impacts fundraising success, noting that low confidence can lead to missed opportunities and inefficiency. She further addresses burnout and loss of motivation, explaining the "freeze" response and suggesting that sometimes people need energizing activities rather than just rest to regain momentum. A key theme in the episode is a shifting mindset. Mallory encourages fundraisers to stop feeling guilty about asking for money and instead see it as an opportunity for donors to contribute to meaningful change. She also emphasizes curiosity when handling objections, focusing on understanding donors rather than persuading them. Overall, the episode reinforces the importance of practice, emotional awareness, and purpose. Mallory also points to the growing role of AI in supporting fundraisers, helping them build skills while keeping human connection at the center. In this episode, you will be able to:  Recognize practical ways to manage anxiety before donor conversations. Learn how validating emotions can reduce stress and improve performance. Understand the role of preparation and practice in building fundraising confidence. Explore how mindset shifts can transform asking for money into meaningful invitations. Gain insights into handling donor objections with curiosity and alignment. Identify the impact of confidence on time management and fundraising success. Understand the nervous system’s role in stress, burnout, and motivation. Learn simple grounding techniques to stay present during donor conversations. Discover the importance of consistent practice and role-play in skill development. Explore how AI tools can support training and enhance fundraising effectiveness. Get all the resources from today’s episode here.  Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven’t already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you’re looking to raise more from the right funders, then you’ll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point

    46 min
  8. 295: Breaking the Cycle: Empowerment, Stress Management, and Sustainable Leadership with Amanda Gulino

    Apr 17

    295: Breaking the Cycle: Empowerment, Stress Management, and Sustainable Leadership with Amanda Gulino

    Today's episode offers valuable insights into how to create more intentional, empowered, and balanced ways of working and living. Tune in to discover how to break the cycle of stress and start building a life and career that truly supports you! In this episode, Amanda Gulino delves into the complex world of stress management, emotional intelligence, and self-empowerment. Amanda is a dynamic facilitator and certified coach specializing in career design, team development, and leadership habits. She is passionate about reimagining how we work, lead, and connect, guiding individuals and teams to thrive through intentional practices and meaningful change.   In this episode, you will be able to:  Explore challenges in high-stress roles and nonprofit leadership. Recognize emotional responses as valuable information. Build habits for creating space and managing stress. Understand the "energy bank account" concept for better energy management. Value peer support and the sense of not being alone. Emphasize self-compassion and accountability in leadership. Support for this show is brought to you by Pledge. Our friends at pledge have just launched a super easy way to get your campaigns up and running using some pretty cool AI technology. Check out their newest tools ⁠pledge.to⁠ Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven’t already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation⁠ at this link⁠. If you’re looking to raise more from the right funders, then you’ll want to check out my⁠ Power Partners Formula⁠, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization.⁠ This free masterclass⁠ offers a great starting point

    51 min
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About

What the Fundraising is the podcast for impact leaders and change-makers who are tired of doing things the old school way and are looking for best practices to raise money, run their organization, and think about the nonprofit sector in a whole new way.  Every Tuesday for 40-60 min, your host, Mallory Erickson, will be having real and raw conversations with some of the best personal and professional development experts, many of whom are outside the nonprofit sector. These are bestselling authors, world-renowned researchers, and TEDx experts, most of whom have never spoken to a non-profit audience before. They have come ready to share expertise, lessons, and stories that will fundamentally change the way you show up as a leader and fundraiser. There are so many valuable lessons nonprofit leaders are missing because they are outside of their typical orbit, but no more. Mallory is bringing them in and helping to apply her guest's expertise to disrupt the nonprofit sector once and for all. So if you are ready to learn how to upgrade your fundraising strategy, leadership skills, energy, habits, and mindset to bring in more funding and actually have some fun doing it, then this is the right podcast for you. If you’re wanting to implement ideas you heard, visit MalloryErickson.com/Podcast for the top tips and tools, full transcripts, quotes, videos, and additional resources from each episode.

Information

  • Creator
    Mallory Erickson
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    310
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Mallory Erickson Coaching
  • Show Website
    What the Fundraising

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