First Day Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Campaign Essentials Jul 16, 2023

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In this episode, Aaron Conley, Ed.D. explains why the term "campaign" goes beyond capital campaigns and encompasses comprehensive campaigns in various nonprofit organizations. Learn how campaigns not only raise crucial funds but also serve as a catalyst for strategic growth and organizational improvement. Dr. Conley highlights the significance of board engagement and volunteer involvement in driving campaign success. He shares insights into the different phases of a campaign, from the silent phase to the public phase, campaign closing, and the subsequent stewardship and evaluation. Discover the different types of campaigns, including capital initiatives, endowment campaigns, and even giving days. Dr. Conley emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and campaign readiness before embarking on a fundraising campaign. He introduces the campaign readiness test, a valuable tool for organizations to assess their preparedness.

The Case For Saying No Jul 09, 2023

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Alexis Buchanan Thomas, representing Black Voters Matter, delves into the importance of saying no in fundraising. Alexis emphasizes the need to remain nonpartisan and true to your organization's mission, even when faced with substantial gifts that may not align with their values. She highlights the significance of conducting thorough research, engaging in team discussions, and creating a gift acceptance policy to ensure that the organization's fundraising efforts are in line with their mission and the communities they serve.

The Invitation To Give Jul 03, 2023

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Dr. Gen Shaker, the Donald A. Campbell Chair in Fundraising Leadership at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, explores the crucial role of the invitation to give in effective fundraising. The conversation delves into various aspects of donor engagement, emphasizing the significance of understanding donors' motivations and cultivating genuine connections that go beyond valuing their money. Dr. Shaker highlights that while some charitable gifts may be given without a formal ask, a significant majority, around 90%, are generated following a request or prompt from an organization. This underscores the vital role fundraisers play in generating gifts that enable the fulfillment of missions. Fundraisers are encouraged to develop a strong sense of self-knowledge, acknowledging their own feelings about money and addressing any anxieties or reservations they may have. By recognizing the value of their role and embracing enthusiasm, fundraisers can approach gift conversations with confidence. The episode also explores the importance of valuing donors as individuals. Cultivating relationships with donors goes beyond merely valuing their financial contributions. Active empathic listening, treating them fairly, and representing the organization in an authentic manner are emphasized as ways to make donors feel valued for their beliefs, confidence, commitment, and legitimacy, in addition to their monetary support. Dr. Shaker discusses the traits of a successful fundraiser, including strong listening skills, empathy, emotional intelligence, and professionalism. Actively listening, paying attention, and treating donors with respect are highlighted as crucial aspects of building satisfying relationships. Professionalism encompasses both fundraising competencies and interpersonal skills.

Giving USA 2023 Annual Report Jun 25, 2023

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Giving USA with Anna Pruitt, Ph.D.

The Fundraising Reader Jun 18, 2023

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Pamala Wiepking, Ph.D., Stead Family Chair in International Philanthropy; Associate Professor of Philanthropic Studies at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, discusses the groundbreaking book "The Fundraising Reader," which offers a comprehensive and accessible resource on fundraising. Pamala highlights the challenges faced in fundraising education across different countries and cultures, emphasizing the importance of bridging the knowledge gaps. They explore the diverse topics covered in the book, including fundraising techniques, ethics, and the future of fundraising in the digital age. This episode provides valuable insights for fundraisers globally and showcases the significance of "The Fundraising Reader" as a transformative resource. The Fundraising Reader Edited by Beth Breeze, Donna Day Lafferty, and Pamala Wiepking The Fundraising Reader draws together essential literature establishing a one-stop body of knowledge that explains what fundraising is and covers key concepts, principles, and debates. The book shines a light on the experience of being a fundraiser and answers an urgent need to engage with the complexities of a facet of the nonprofit sector that is often neglected or not properly understood. *20% Discount Available - enter the code AFL02 at checkout

Why Do Donors Give Jun 11, 2023

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Una Osili, Ph.D., Associate Dean at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, discusses research findings from a recent study on how donors make their giving decisions. The study aimed to understand the changes in giving decisions amidst the global pandemic, social justice movement, and economic uncertainty. The study emphasizes the importance of meeting donors where they are, particularly in the digital space, as many donors, especially younger ones, prefer digital giving methods and expect both convenience and frictionless experiences. The episode highlights the generosity of households and the opportunities for fundraisers to connect donors with causes and organizations, acknowledging the high expectations while recognizing donors’ active engagement and desire to make a difference.

LGBTQ Philanthropy Jun 04, 2023

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Elizabeth J. Dale, Ph.D. discusses the philanthropic behaviors of the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing that being LGBTQ+ is not the only factor influencing their giving. She advises fundraisers to get to know donors personally and avoid making assumptions about their motivations and interests. Additionally, she dispels the myth that LGBTQ+ donors only give to LGBTQ+ organizations and notes that they support various causes, including advocacy, arts and culture, and health. Finally, she recommends that fundraisers recognize LGBTQ+ donors and keep their data management up-to-date and inclusive.

Fundraising in the Fourth Quarter May 29, 2023

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Erik Daubert discusses the decline in smaller donors and the continued reliance on major donors in traditional philanthropy, with a decline in donor retention rates and a concerning dependency quotient. He emphasizes the need to focus on new donor acquisition and overall retention, while building good foundational donor bases and annual campaigns. Daubert also highlights the importance of thanking donors personally and sincerely, reporting back on how their donations are being used, and recognizing the value of smaller gifts and donors. He discusses the potential of small donors to eventually rise into wealth and the opportunity of legacy giving for wealth transformation. While the fourth quarter data is a concern, there are still effective ways to raise funds with an abundance mentality, which can be learned through courses and training offered by organizations such as The Fundraising School.

Major Gift Fundraising May 21, 2023

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Maarten Bout and James Hodge discuss the eight-step process of effective major gift fundraising, emphasizing the importance of a benefactor-centric approach, relationship-building, and understanding the philanthropic behaviors of donors to achieve philanthropic inevitability. They stress the significance of values-based fundraising, building a team around the donor to ideate and explore their passions, and maintaining relationships with donors rather than solely focusing on fundraising goals. By asking the right questions and being a moral trainer for donors, fundraisers can connect benefactors to projects that carry on beyond their lifetime and accomplish something important in the world.

Giving By Generations May 14, 2023

Show notes

The Giving by Generations study shows that since 2016, Millennial giving has increased by 40%, with faith-based organizations being the second most important use of their charitable giving after places of worship. Donors are increasingly supporting para-Church or para-religious organizations. While Boomers and Gen X are showing a decline in volunteering, Millennials and Gen Z are the most engaged in charitable and online giving, with direct mail still being their preferred means of engagement. Rick Dunham advises nonprofits to optimize their fundraising methods by focusing on mobile optimization, multi-channel communication, and proper engagement of younger generations to ensure healthy growth in the charitable sector.

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