The Fundraisinglens Podcast

Fundraisinglens

Welcome to The Fundraising Lens — the podcast where fundraising gets brought into focus. Hosted by Greg Potent, each episode explores the stories, strategies, triumphs, and tough lessons behind the world of philanthropy and nonprofit leadership. From capital campaigns and donor psychology to board governance, storytelling, digital fundraising, and sector trends, The Fundraising Lens features candid conversations with fundraisers, CEOs, creatives, consultants, and changemakers from Australia and around the globe. Every guest brings their own lens to the sector: the campaigns that soared 🚀, the ideas that flopped spectacularly 💥, and the insights that reshaped how they think about generosity and impact. Whether you’re a new or seasoned fundraiser, a nonprofit leader, or simply curious about what inspires people to give, this podcast offers practical ideas, fresh perspectives, and the occasional beautifully chaotic fundraising confession. Because fundraising isn’t just about asking for money. It’s about people, purpose, and the stories that connect them. 🎧

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    The Fundraising Lens – Episode 3: Fundraising Across Borders with Idan Goldberger

    What happens when you’re raising money in Australia for people and projects on the other side of the world?  In Episode 3 of The Fundraising Lens, Greg Potent speaks with Idan Goldberger, CEO of Australian Friends of Sheba Medical Centre, about the opportunities and challenges of international fundraising.  They explore how fundraisers build trust with donors when the impact is happening overseas, the importance of transparency and accountability, and the practical challenges around governance, tax, reporting and donor expectations.  Idan also shares his fundraising journey, lessons from campaigns that didn’t go to plan, the importance of storytelling and genuine donor alignment, and how fundraisers respond when global events suddenly change the fundraising landscape.  The conversation looks ahead too, with thoughts on international philanthropy, healthcare innovation, technology and AI.  Because when fundraising crosses borders, trust has to travel with it.  This is The Fundraising Lens.  Host: Greg Potent  Guest: Idan Goldberger, CEO, Australian Friends of Sheba Medical Centre  We’d love to hear what you think. Send your feedback, thoughts or suggestions for future episodes to thefundraisinglens@outlook.com.  Thanks for listening and keep looking at fundraising through a different lens.  #TheFundraisingLens #Fundraising #Philanthropy #InternationalFundraising #FundraisingAustralia #FundraisingNewZealand #Nonprofit #NotForProfit #Charity #HealthcarePhilanthropy #DonorEngagement #FundraisingLeadership #SocialImpact #PhilanthropyAustralia #FutureOfFundraising

  2. Aug 27

    The Fundraising Lens Episode 2 – Rachael Lance

    The Fundraising Lens – Rachael Lance What does it really take to be a great fundraiser? In this episode of The Fundraising Lens, Greg Potent sits down with Rachael Lance, an experienced fundraising leader whose career has included Marie Curie Cancer Care, Make-A-Wish Australia, the Leukaemia Foundation and WWF Australia, where she is Head of Supporter Mobilisation. Rachael shares the story behind her journey into fundraising, what keeps her passionate about the sector, and the lessons she has learned along the way. Greg and Rachael explore the campaigns she is most proud of, what happens when a campaign doesn't quite go to plan, the importance of storytelling and donor connection, and the realities of leading fundraising teams. They also take a look at the bigger picture: what makes a good fundraiser a great one, where the sector can improve, how we can support the next generation of fundraisers, and what Australasian fundraising might look like over the next decade. There are plenty of serious conversations, honest reflections and practical insights, with a little MMMBop-era Hanson energy thrown in for good measure. 🎧 From the origin story to the future of the profession, this is a conversation about fundraising as both a craft and a calling. In this episode: Rachael's unexpected journey into fundraising The campaigns that shaped her career What makes a campaign successful Lessons from campaigns that didn't go to plan Storytelling, data and donor connection Leadership and developing the next generation Avoiding burnout in an "always on" profession The future of fundraising in Australia Rachael's advice for people starting their fundraising careers And the big question: If you had $1,000 to donate today, where would it go? 🎙️ Listen to Rachael Lance on The Fundraising Lens. The Fundraising Lens explores the people, ideas, challenges and changing landscape of fundraising in Australia, one conversation at a time.

  3. Aug 6

    The Fundraising Lens Episode 1: Raising the Standard: The Future of Fundraising with Katherine Raskob

    What does the future of fundraising look like across Australia and New Zealand? And how do we build a stronger, more trusted, and more influential fundraising profession? In the very first episode of The Fundraising Lens, host Greg Potent sits down with Katherine Raskob, CEO of the Fundraising Institute Australasia, for an insightful conversation about the state of the sector and where it's headed. With more than 25 years of experience across commercial, government, and for-purpose organisations, Katherine shares her journey into fundraising leadership, the evolution of the Fundraising Institute Australasia following the merger with New Zealand, and why professional fundraising has never been more important. Together, Greg and Katherine explore: • Katherine's career journey and what inspired her to lead the Fundraising Institute Australasia. • The role of fundraising in strengthening communities across Australia and New Zealand. • The biggest challenges facing fundraisers today, including cost of living pressures, donor trust, regulation, and digital disruption. • How Australasia compares with fundraising around the world and where the biggest opportunities lie. • The impact of artificial intelligence, technology, and changing donor expectations. • Whether human connection will always remain at the heart of fundraising. • Katherine's advice for the next generation of fundraisers and her message to experienced professionals across the sector. Whether you're a seasoned fundraising leader, new to the profession, a charity executive, board member, volunteer, or simply passionate about creating impact, this episode offers practical insights and an optimistic vision for the future. About The Fundraising Lens The Fundraising Lens explores the people, ideas, and challenges shaping the future of giving across Australia and New Zealand. Each episode features conversations with leaders from across the charitable sector, sharing their experiences, lessons, and ideas to help strengthen fundraising for the future. If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Fundraising Lens, leave a review, and share it with your colleagues. Have feedback or a suggestion for a future guest? 📧 thefundraisinglens@outlook.com Because every great cause starts with a conversation... and sometimes, all it takes is the courage to ask.

About

Welcome to The Fundraising Lens — the podcast where fundraising gets brought into focus. Hosted by Greg Potent, each episode explores the stories, strategies, triumphs, and tough lessons behind the world of philanthropy and nonprofit leadership. From capital campaigns and donor psychology to board governance, storytelling, digital fundraising, and sector trends, The Fundraising Lens features candid conversations with fundraisers, CEOs, creatives, consultants, and changemakers from Australia and around the globe. Every guest brings their own lens to the sector: the campaigns that soared 🚀, the ideas that flopped spectacularly 💥, and the insights that reshaped how they think about generosity and impact. Whether you’re a new or seasoned fundraiser, a nonprofit leader, or simply curious about what inspires people to give, this podcast offers practical ideas, fresh perspectives, and the occasional beautifully chaotic fundraising confession. Because fundraising isn’t just about asking for money. It’s about people, purpose, and the stories that connect them. 🎧