First Day Podcast

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Philanthropy and Climate Change Dec 03, 2023

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In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Shivant Shrestha, a research associate at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. The episode looks at a study aimed at mapping nonprofit spending on climate change in the United States. This research seeks to understand the amount of money U.S.-based nonprofits are allocating towards climate change initiatives, dividing these efforts into two primary categories: mitigation, which focuses on preventing the impacts of climate change, and adaptation, which involves adapting to its effects. The primary purpose of the study is to establish a baseline for understanding which efforts receive the most attention and funding, aiding fundraisers, funders, and policymakers in directing resources effectively. The methodology of the study involved a survey of 130 U.S. nonprofit organizations of various sizes and budgets, ranging from under $500,000 to over $20 million. These organizations were selected to represent a broader spectrum of about 3,200 U.S.-based nonprofits partly or wholly involved in climate change or environmental work. The survey data was weighted against this larger sample to ensure representativeness. The sample included not only environmental nonprofits but also organizations from other sectors like education and arts, which have programs related to the environment or climate change. This comprehensive approach underscores the interconnected nature of different sectors in addressing climate issues. The study's findings reveal significant insights into nonprofit spending on climate change. It estimates that U.S. nonprofit organizations spend between $7.8 and $9.2 billion annually on climate change-related programs and activities, with philanthropic sources contributing approximately 88% of this funding. The breakdown of climate expenditure shows that about 49% is spent on mitigation activities, 14% on adaptation, and 15% regranted to other organizations. An interesting aspect highlighted is the reliance of the climate change sector on philanthropic funding, which is significantly higher than in other sectors of U.S. nonprofits. Additionally, the study identified a funding gap in certain tactics, with policy-based approaches being the most utilized yet also the most in need of additional funding. This comprehensive analysis provides a valuable baseline for understanding and enhancing philanthropic efforts in combating climate change.

Business Sector Fundraising Nov 26, 2023

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In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Dr. Dwight Burlingame, Professor Emeritus of Philanthropic Studies and Glenn Family Chair in Philanthropy at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Dr. Burlingame, recognized as a pioneer in this field, co-authored Chapter 39 of "Achieving Excellence in Fundraising," which covers the nuances and strategies of business sector fundraising. This episode provided a comprehensive overview, illuminating the historical context, theoretical frameworks, and practical applications of corporate giving to nonprofit organizations. Historically, corporate giving has evolved significantly, influenced by various models that Dr. Burlingame and his peers have identified through extensive research since 1996. Four primary models were highlighted: corporate responsibility, ethical and altruistic, political, and stakeholder. The corporate responsibility model underscores a company's societal obligations, linking its community contributions to its core mission of profitability. The ethical and altruistic model debates the true nature of altruism in corporate giving, focusing on community well-being. The political model explores corporate giving as a means to gain political advantage, either internally within the company or externally. Lastly, the stakeholder model, which has gained popularity over the last three decades, emphasizes the importance of considering all stakeholders of a company, including customers, vendors, and employees, and how these relationships intertwine with the company's overall business strategy. The discussion also ventured into the practical realm, addressing how nonprofits can effectively approach and engage with the business sector for fundraising. Emphasizing the alignment of nonprofit missions with corporate philanthropic values, the podcast underlined the importance of developing a strategic fundraising plan that caters specifically to the business sector. This involves understanding the historical and current philanthropic activities of companies and identifying common points of contact, such as shared vendors or board members. The episode concluded with the notion that understanding and aligning with the various philanthropic motivations of businesses can greatly enhance the effectiveness of fundraising efforts in the nonprofit sector.

Donors of Color: The Next Chapter Nov 20, 2023

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In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Una Osili, Ph.D and Sitashma Thapa to dive into a groundbreaking research study focusing on charitable giving trends by race and ethnicity. They discuss the research findings, revealing that economic downturns have affected donors of all backgrounds, leading to declining rates of giving. Particularly, the Great Recession had a lasting impact on donors of color, taking them longer to recover. This highlights the importance of understanding how economic shocks affect philanthropy and the need for discussions around wealth-building, financial literacy, and economic resilience. The study examines charitable giving among five racial and ethnic groups: Caucasian, Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native Indian. It unveils a significant decline in household giving among all these demographics, both before and after the Great Recession. The podcast emphasizes that philanthropy is not a one-size-fits-all approach and highlights the often-overlooked informal forms of philanthropy, such as private transfers, giving circles, and Mutual Aid, which play a crucial role in communities of color's generosity. Furthermore, the podcast underscores the importance of diversifying donor databases for nonprofit organizations. It urges fundraisers to reach out to a more diverse pool of donors and engage with them authentically, respecting their preferences and motivations for giving. The podcast concludes by highlighting a successful case study, the Smithsonian African-American Museum, which engaged donors from various backgrounds, showcasing the potential for organizations to build meaningful partnerships and exceed their fundraising goals. The research study and podcast offer valuable insights for nonprofits navigating the evolving landscape of philanthropy in a diverse and changing America.

Fundraising Update – 1st Quarter 2023 Nov 12, 2023

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In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Ben Miller, Senior Vice President of Data Science and Analytics at Bonterra. The duo discuss the latest trends in charitable giving for the first quarter of 2023, providing valuable insights for nonprofit professionals. Miller explains the role of the Fundraising Effectiveness Project, which, in collaboration with AFP and GivingTuesday, analyzes anonymized data from over 20,000 organizations to understand donor behavior. The discussion highlights the project's methodology, focusing on its unique approach to data collection that excludes large medical and educational institutions, thereby offering a more representative analysis of trends in the broader nonprofit sector. Miller reveals a concerning decline in both the number of donors and the total amount of donations, contextualizing these figures against the significant increases seen during the COVID-19 pandemic and social justice movements of the past years. They discuss long-term trends observed since 2012, which indicate a shift towards fewer donors contributing larger amounts, likely influenced by socio-economic factors and changes in societal engagement. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding these trends and adapting fundraising strategies accordingly, to ensure inclusive and effective philanthropy across all sectors of society. The podcast concludes by highlighting the need for further research and data analysis to navigate the evolving landscape of charitable giving.

Overview Of Grantmaking Foundations Nov 05, 2023

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In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Pat Danahey Janin, Ph.D. and Angela Logan, Ph.D. as they discuss the intricacies of fundraising and foundation engagement. Learn why foundations should be a part of your nonprofit's fundraising strategy but not the sole focus, as the hosts emphasize the importance of diversifying your funding sources. Gain valuable insights into the different types of foundations, including private, family, and community foundations, and discover how each has a unique role in the grantmaking landscape. Understand the various approaches that foundations take when making grants, from setting agendas to supporting existing initiatives and strengthening communities. This episode also provides practical tips on conducting thorough research, following foundation guidelines, and building meaningful relationships with foundation staff. Explore the nuances of foundation fundraising and unlock new opportunities for your nonprofit. Tune in now to sharpen your fundraising skills and navigate the complex world of grantmaking foundations with confidence.

Charitable Giving By Affluent Households Oct 29, 2023

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In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Una Osili, Ph.D. and Jon Bergdoll from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, to dissect the findings from the Bank of America Philanthropy Study. Explore how affluent donors are sustaining high rates of giving, the recovery in volunteering post-pandemic, and the notable role of women in philanthropic decision-making. Discover how younger donors are broadening the philanthropic landscape and the diverse donation vehicles affluent households are leveraging. This episode offers invaluable insights and operational strategies for fundraisers eager to engage with affluent donors effectively. Dive into an enlightening discussion on the recent trends in charitable giving among affluent households in our latest podcast episode.

Proven Practices In Women's Philanthropy Oct 22, 2023

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In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Kathleen Loehr, a leading fundraising consultant, to explore the proven practices that empower fundraisers to tap into the incredible potential of women donors. Kathleen shares her deep passion for women's philanthropy and reveals fascinating insights from the Women's Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University's Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Discover the key takeaways from years of research, including how gender differences profoundly influence motivation, behavior, and charitable decision-making. Did you know that women now make or influence a staggering 75% of household philanthropic decisions? Kathleen introduces the game-changing "Proven Practices" website, a treasure trove of resources designed to equip fundraisers with the knowledge and tools to engage women donors effectively. Explore the user-friendly assessment tool to gauge your organization's readiness to attract women donors. Discover the six principles outlined on the website, offering a clear roadmap for success: • Start with finding insights. • Seek input from women donors. • Design for broad support and sustainability. • Involve leadership. • Don't wait for perfection; start and evolve. • Embrace cultural change by including historically underrepresented groups. Kathleen's inspiring stories of success demonstrate how intentional engagement with women donors leads to increased support, community involvement, and broader impact.

Donor Advised Fund (DAF) Basics Oct 15, 2023

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In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by experts Danielle Vance-McMullen, Ph.D. and Dan Heist, Ph.D. as they look into the world of Donor Advised Funds (DAFs). They explore the fundamentals of DAFs, offering a comprehensive guide for fundraisers looking to tap into this unique giving vehicle. Discover what a Donor Advised Fund truly is and how it functions as a charitable checking account hosted by organizations like Community Foundations or Fidelity Charitable. Learn how donors can contribute, receive immediate tax deductions, and make strategic gifts to nonprofits over time. Explore the diverse landscape of DAF donors, debunking the myth that they are exclusively ultra-wealthy individuals. Find out how to engage with DAF donors, recognize them among your existing supporters, and cultivate meaningful relationships. Unlock the nuances of acknowledgment and stewardship when receiving DAF gifts. Understand the importance of thanking DAF donors and the unique considerations around tax implications. This podcast equips fundraisers with actionable strategies for navigating the world of Donor Advised Funds, ensuring they maximize their fundraising potential. Whether you're a nonprofit professional or a curious donor, this episode provides valuable insights into the evolving philanthropic landscape.

Coaching Your Fundraising Team Oct 08, 2023

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In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. sits down with Rashad Zakee Nelms, Associate Vice President for Strategy and Innovation at Indiana University, as he shares his profound insights on the coaching mindset in leadership, especially within the realm of fundraising. Rashad's remarkable background spans 18 years of service with the United Nations World Food Program, where he worked in challenging locations across the globe, ensuring food resources reached those in need. In this enlightening discussion, Rashad delves into the coaching mindset, unveiling three key principles that can transform leadership in times of change. Discover the power of: • Crafting emotionally compelling narratives to drive decision-making beyond mere facts and figures. • Sharing power with your team, empowering them to contribute innovative ideas and strategies. • Establishing accountability through clear performance metrics and timelines, fostering a culture of excellence. • The profound connection between leadership and philanthropy, emphasizing the importance of donor-centric approaches and the art of listening to donors' unique needs and aspirations. Whether you're a seasoned leader or an aspiring one, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and actionable insights that can elevate your leadership skills and help you steer your fundraising team toward greater success.

The Disappearing Donor Oct 01, 2023

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In this captivating episode, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. sits down with Susan Madon, MBA, CFRE, a seasoned fundraiser and the author of "The Disappearing Donor." Susan shares her unconventional approach to teaching fundraising through her suspenseful novel, offering invaluable insights into planning, leadership, and adaptability in the nonprofit sector. Discover the art of inferring fundraising lessons while exploring the intriguing plot set in a quirky Museum of Vegetable Culture, where theft sets the stage for mystery and fundraising challenges. Whether you're a fundraising professional or simply curious about the world of nonprofit fundraising, this episode promises a delightful blend of storytelling and practical expertise that you won't want to miss.

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