First Day Podcast

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Fundraising Starts With Your Strategic Plan Jul 14, 2024

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In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. emphasizes the critical role of a strategic plan as the foundation for successful fundraising efforts. He begins by likening the strategic plan to a "Big Bang" moment for nonprofits, stressing its pivotal role akin to the genesis of relationships or partnerships. Bill highlights a surprising statistic from his extensive nonprofit experience: many organizations lack a formal, written strategic plan, hindering their ability to articulate their mission, goals, and impact effectively. Drawing on his own leadership experience, Bill recounts the impact of strategic planning on nonprofits, citing a significant foundation's insistence on seeing a strategic plan before awarding grants. He underscores how a well-documented strategic plan not only guides organizational strategy and programmatic decisions but also serves as a vital tool for fundraising, enabling nonprofits to clearly demonstrate to donors and stakeholders where their contributions will make a meaningful difference. Bill walks listeners through the essential components of a strategic plan, including vision statements, mission statements, declarations, goals, and objectives. He emphasizes the importance of these elements in crafting compelling fundraising appeals and engaging with donors and volunteers effectively. By involving a broad range of stakeholders in the strategic planning process, including board members, staff, and external partners, nonprofits can ensure alignment with their mission and enhance their organizational governance and fundraising effectiveness. Ultimately, the episode underscores the strategic plan's foundational role in nonprofit sustainability and growth, positioning it as not just a document but a roadmap for achieving impactful results and fostering donor confidence and support.

Fifty Years Of Fundraising Wisdom Jul 07, 2024

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In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Dr. Gene Tempel, the founder of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Dr. Tempel shares the history and evolution of the Fund Raising School, which was established by Henry and Dottie Rosso in 1974 and later donated to Indiana University in 1988. He highlights how the School has transformed the field of fundraising by training nonprofit professionals to develop permanent fundraising infrastructures within their organizations, moving beyond the traditional reliance on external consultants. Dr. Tempel reflects on his own journey with the Fund Raising School, starting as a student in 1980, where he was impressed by the comprehensive training methods and the vision of its founders. He discusses how Hank Rosso's innovative concepts, such as the systematic approach to engaging donors and the importance of training practitioners, laid the foundation for the School's enduring success. Dr. Tempel emphasizes the significance of integrating fundraising within academic and research institutions, which has allowed the School to maintain a strong focus on evidence-based practices and the broader context of philanthropy. The episode also touches on the enduring principles of fundraising taught by the School, such as the joy of giving, the critical role of the Board, and the importance of a well-articulated case for support. Dr. Tempel highlights how technological advancements have evolved fundraising practices, yet the core concepts remain relevant. The Fund Raising School continues to adapt, offering a range of courses and certificates to meet the needs of today's nonprofit professionals, ensuring they are equipped with the latest tools and knowledge to effectively engage donors and support their missions.

Giving USA: The Latest Data Jul 01, 2024

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In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Anna Pruitt, Managing Editor for Giving USA and Adjunct Faculty Member from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. They discuss the 2023 findings from the Giving USA report. The total charitable giving in the United States reached a record high of $557 billion in current dollars, showcasing a 2% increase from the previous year. However, when adjusted for inflation, there was a slight decline, highlighting the impact of economic factors on philanthropic trends. The breakdown of charitable sources revealed a significant milestone as foundations surpassed $100 billion in donations for the second consecutive year, representing a steady increase in their share of total giving. Despite this growth, individual giving, which remains the largest segment at $374 billion, saw fluctuations influenced by economic conditions and personal income levels. Corporate giving also showed resilience, closely tied to GDP growth and corporate profits, although it did not keep pace with inflation-adjusted terms. Among the nine sub-sectors of charitable recipients, seven sectors experienced growth even after adjusting for inflation, with notable increases in areas linked to stock market performance and high-net-worth giving. Looking back at multi-year trends, the data indicated that charitable giving in 2023 surpassed pre-pandemic levels, reflecting ongoing support despite global uncertainties. The episode underscored the importance of strategic fundraising planning based on these insights, emphasizing the role of Giving USA data in guiding nonprofit strategies for donor engagement and sustainability.

Personalizing Donors Relationship Jun 23, 2024

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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.

What Do Nonprofit Fundraisers Need to Know About AI Jun 17, 2024

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In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Karen Boyd, Ph.D., Economist and Director of Research at the Policy and Innovation Center, and discuss the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and fundraising. She highlights the rapid advancements in AI technologies, emphasizing their potential to augment rather than replace human fundraisers. Addressing concerns around AI's capabilities and limitations, Boyd stresses the importance of understanding that AI tools are built on human-generated data, which inherently carries biases. She advocates for ethical use, urging fundraisers to leverage AI for tasks like initial draft writing and data analysis, thus freeing up time for more personalized donor interactions. Boyd underscores the concept of "moral imagination" as crucial in philanthropy, distinguishing human abilities from AI's computational processes. She discusses practical strategies for nonprofits, including careful consideration of AI's impact on donor privacy and the ethical implications of using AI-driven donor prospecting algorithms. Boyd encourages organizations to align AI policies with their missions to ensure transparency and ethical use of data. Ultimately, she positions AI as a powerful tool for enhancing efficiency in fundraising operations while reinforcing the irreplaceable role of human empathy and creativity in building meaningful donor relationships.

Household Giving & A Growth Mindset Jun 09, 2024

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In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. discusses the complexities of household charitable giving, aiming to dispel concerns regarding its purported decline. Stanczykiewicz begins by dissecting the oft-cited statistic that only 50% of households make charitable donations, suggesting that this figure may not accurately reflect the willingness of individuals to give. He challenges fundraisers to adopt a more inclusive approach, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to donors across all economic strata and recognizing the generosity of donors regardless of the size of their contributions. Furthermore, Stanczykiewicz explores alternative perspectives on household giving behavior, pointing to the phenomenon of "bunching" where donors strategically consolidate their contributions to maximize tax benefits. He highlights the significant increase in donor-advised funds as another factor influencing charitable giving patterns. Despite varying survey results, which paint a nuanced picture of giving rates, Stanczykiewicz urges fundraisers to maintain a growth mindset, emphasizing the potential for impactful fundraising efforts to inspire generosity. Drawing on real-life examples, such as the heartwarming story of Demar Hamlin's crowdfunding campaign, which raised millions for children in need, Stanczykiewicz underscores the power of storytelling and community engagement in driving philanthropic action. Through informative and insightful discussions, "The First Day" provides valuable insights and strategies for fundraisers seeking to navigate the evolving landscape of charitable giving.

Presidential Elections Impact on Fundraising Jun 02, 2024

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In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Patrick Rooney, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Economics and Philanthropy at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, to discuss the impact of presidential elections and other world events on charitable giving. Dr. Rooney shares insights from decades of research, revealing that presidential campaign contributions have a negligible effect on overall philanthropic donations. Despite record amounts spent on elections, these contributions remain a small fraction of total household giving, and people typically separate political donations from their charitable contributions. Dr. Rooney also addresses the effects of natural and man-made disasters on charitable giving. While such events often lead to a temporary increase in donations, this surge usually lasts only a few months and does not significantly impact long-term giving trends. He emphasizes that philanthropy is a core American value that persists through economic cycles and personal financial disruptions. Even during major economic downturns, like the Great Recession, charitable donations decrease but do not disappear, reflecting the resilience of philanthropic behavior. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of fundraisers maintaining an abundance mentality. Dr. Rooney encourages fundraisers to focus on building long-term donor relationships and to seize opportunities to engage donors, even during election years or in response to disasters. By adopting a proactive approach, fundraisers can ensure a steady flow of charitable contributions and continue to drive their missions forward, leveraging the robust and enduring nature of American philanthropy.

Major Gifts Are Not Enough May 26, 2024

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In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Jessica Browning, MBA, Principal and Executive Vice President at the Winkler Group. They discuss the complexities surrounding major and mega gifts in fundraising. Jessica acknowledges the significant contributions of major donors like McKenzie Scott while also highlighting the pitfalls of over-reliance on such gifts. She underscores the danger of neglecting mid-level and smaller donors, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a diverse donor pipeline to sustain long-term fundraising success. Moreover, Jessica discusses the shifting trends in philanthropy, including increased giving from foundations and the impact of changes in tax laws on donor behavior. She stresses the need for fundraisers to educate their boards on the importance of donor retention and the value of inclusive fundraising practices. By focusing on stewardship and understanding donors' passions beyond surface-level interactions, organizations can cultivate deeper relationships with donors across all income levels. Overall, the episode encourages fundraisers to adopt a balanced approach that values both major and smaller donors while prioritizing donor stewardship and inclusivity. By diversifying fundraising strategies and fostering meaningful connections with donors, organizations can build a sustainable foundation for long-term philanthropic success.

Need New Donors? Look To Millennials May 19, 2024

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In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., sheds light on the evolving landscape of donor demographics, particularly focusing on Millennials. Contrary to common misconceptions, recent economic data suggests that Millennials are not only financially stable but thriving. They are emerging as significant donors, surpassing Generation X in charitable giving per household. One key indicator of Millennials' growing influence is their increasing homeownership rates, signaling stability and potential for increased charitable contributions. Surprisingly, Millennials also show a preference for traditional fundraising methods, particularly direct mail, amidst the digital age. Furthermore, research highlights Millennials' inclination towards cause-driven and relational giving, emphasizing hands-on involvement and impact in philanthropy. They seek meaningful engagement and are eager to contribute their expertise and resources to charitable causes. The podcast emphasizes the importance of recognizing and engaging Millennials as prospective donors, challenging outdated perceptions, and tapping into their philanthropic potential. By understanding their preferences and motivations, organizations can effectively cultivate relationships and expand their donor base to ensure long-term sustainability and impact in the nonprofit sector.

Fundraising Together: The Power of Collaboration May 12, 2024

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In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Diane Kaplan, Senior Fellow at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. In a revealing discussion on the nuances of nonprofit collaboration, Diane shares her insights from her extensive experience with the Rasmuson Foundation. She illustrates the power of strategic partnerships in leveraging the foundation’s impact far beyond its initial financial capabilities. Starting from its roots as a small bank in Alaska, the Foundation under Kaplan’s leadership, utilized collaboration as a key mechanism to expand its influence and effectiveness in serving the community. Kaplan elaborates on the Foundation’s strategic approach to broaden its reach and impact through active collaborations across Alaska and beyond. By initiating the "educational tour of Alaska for grantmakers," the Foundation not only showcased the unique challenges faced by the Alaskan communities but also successfully attracted substantial external funding. This innovative approach resulted in over $400 million in contributions aimed at addressing local needs, demonstrating the significant potential of well-orchestrated partnerships in philanthropy. Highlighting the lessons learned through these collaborations, Kaplan stresses the importance of having all parties involved contribute and learn from the philanthropic process. She points out that physically bringing potential donors to see the challenges and opportunities firsthand radically improves understanding and commitment to support. This model of engagement has not only facilitated substantial financial support but has also fostered long-lasting relationships between various stakeholders, enhancing the overall effectiveness and sustainability of philanthropic endeavors in Alaska.

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