First Day Podcast

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New Data on DAFS: Significant Growth Feb 22, 2026

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In this data-packed episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., welcomes back philanthropic powerhouses Genevieve Shaker, Ph.D., and Dan Heist, Ph.D., to unpack the brand-new Donor Advised Fund Research Collaborative report. And folks, the headline is clear: DAFs are not just “a thing,” they are a major thing. With $90 billion flowing into donor advised funds in 2024 and a record-setting $65 billion flowing back out in grants. Contributions rebounded sharply after a 2023 dip, mirroring stock market recovery, and now represent roughly 15% of all charitable giving in the U.S. That’s not pocket change, that’s a seismic shift in how philanthropy moves. One of the biggest evolutions? The rise of “donation processors.” Think workplace giving platforms and online tools quietly powering charitable accounts behind the scenes. These platforms have helped push the total number of DAF accounts to 3.6 million, doubling in just five years. Some of these accounts are smaller and transactional, but together they’re transforming access to philanthropy. The barrier to entry has dropped so low that opening a DAF can require little to no initial investment. Translation: this isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy anymore. The “millionaire next door” may now be the “DAF holder next door.” The episode also tackles the payout debate, and yes, there’s math, but the good kind. The reported payout rate of 25% (compared to private foundations’ typical 5–6%) reflects grants made relative to assets held at the start of the year. Meanwhile, the “flow rate,” dollars out compared to dollars in, shows even more velocity. While most DAFs are actively granting, about 8–10% remain relatively inactive over time, sparking ongoing policy discussions. But the data tell a powerful story: when contributions rise, grantmaking rises too. DAF donors aren’t just storing wealth, they’re moving it. For fundraisers, the takeaway is crystal clear: get in the game. Ask donors if they have a DAF. Add it to your event forms. Include it in major gift conversations. Use the publicly available data to identify sponsors in your region and benchmark your results. DAFs are increasingly central to philanthropic strategy across income levels, and fundraisers who understand payout rates, flow dynamics, and donor motivations will be better equipped to engage today’s strategic givers. Bottom line? The money is moving, and the fundraisers who are informed, curious, and proactive will be right there to help direct it toward mission.

Fundraising Leadership: From Ideas to Donations Feb 15, 2026

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In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. welcomes fundraising veteran Rick Shadyac, JD, former longtime leader of ALSAC, the fundraising powerhouse behind St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Major donors love bold vision. But how do leaders decide which big ideas are brilliant… and which are just bonkers? Rick’s advice is refreshingly practical: start with the problem you’re trying to solve and the audience you’re trying to reach. High-wealth strategy? Mass marketing? Different tools for different tribes. Big ideas aren’t about flash, they’re about fit, feasibility, and fearless execution. Rick shares the jaw-dropping case study of partnering with billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman on a space mission tied to a $100 million (eventually $125 million) challenge gift. The catch? ALSAC had to match it. The risk? Enormous. The reward? Potentially transformational. Instead of auctioning off a seat, they democratized giving, raffle tickets for a dollar, opening the door to entirely new donors, especially younger, space-loving supporters who’d never given to a children’s hospital before. The result? A $250 million fundraising triumph, a successful mission featuring St. Jude patient ambassador Hayley Arceneaux, and global exposure, including a Netflix documentary. Not exactly your standard bake sale. But here’s the leadership lesson behind the rocket fuel: courageous ideas require courageous cultures. Rick describes intentionally hiring people who would challenge him, not nod politely while doodling in meetings. Drawing from his background as a lawyer, he encouraged constructive disagreement, diverse perspectives, and even role-playing in interviews to test whether candidates would push back. Debate in the room? Absolutely. Lock arms when you leave? Non-negotiable. The formula: hire smart, mission-driven people who think differently than you do, and then actually listen to them. That diversity of thought, age, background, and expertise becomes the engine that powers bold, informed decisions. Finally, the episode lands squarely on the CEO-board dynamic. Boards are often risk-averse, but Rick urges leaders to be transparent, inclusive, and above all, communicative. Educate your board. Prepare them. Build trust before you need it. And when it’s time to fundraise, confidence follows preparation. Donors can sense when an idea has been stress-tested and mission-aligned. As Rick reminds us, fundraising happens at the speed of trust, and the donor is the hero of every story. Big ideas may capture attention, but disciplined leadership, shared ownership, and relentless focus on mission are what ultimately turn bold vision into transformational gifts.

Strategic Plans to Inspire Donors Feb 08, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. welcomes Mladenka Majerić, CEO of the Yellow Dot Foundation in Croatia and a respected voice in philanthropy across Central and Eastern Europe. Right out of the gate, the duo tackles a deceptively simple but often neglected truth: fundraising doesn’t start with an appeal, a gala, or a clever email subject line, it starts with a strategic plan. Or, as this episode gently but firmly argues, with the process of building one. Mladenka makes the case that while organizations can raise money without a strategic plan, doing so is like driving cross-country with passion but no map. Strategic planning aligns mission, vision, goals, and activities, giving teams structure, clarity, and confidence. More than that, she frames it as a leadership and team-building tool. When boards, staff, and leadership are meaningfully involved, through workshops, surveys, and candid conversations, the process becomes a kind of organizational group therapy (the healthy kind). People communicate more honestly, understand their roles better, and walk away owning the plan instead of shelving it to collect dust. The conversation then zeroes in on how strategic plans fuel effective fundraising. A good plan is a living document that feeds directly into operational, communications, and fundraising plans. Mladenka highlights the importance of tools like a theory of change, showing how programs lead to outcomes and real-world impact. That clarity makes it far easier for fundraisers to answer donors’ favorite question: “So… how exactly are you changing the world?” Donors, foundations, and funders increasingly expect to see a clear, public-facing strategic plan, and yes, they really do check your website. Finally, the episode lands on inspiration, the secret sauce. Beyond structure and accountability, strategic planning helps organizations articulate why they exist, how they’re unique, and what values guide their work. Vision, mission, and values, when expressed in clear, human language, shift mindsets from “we deliver services” to “we create change.” Bill and Mladenka remind listeners that in a world of millions of nonprofits, distinctiveness matters. The idea is already in your head and the passion is already in your heart. The strategic plan simply brings them together, turning clarity into confidence, and confidence into inspiration for donors, staff, boards, and communities alike.

Benchmarking Donor Data Feb 01, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., sits down with Carly Berna, Vice President of Marketing (and the impressively titled “Fundraiser in Residence”) at Virtuous. Carly shares findings from the latest Virtuous Benchmark Report, a treasure trove of data gleaned from over 570 nonprofits using the platform for at least three years. The result? A layered look at donor trends across sectors and revenue sizes, from faith-based orgs to human services, all the way from scrappy sub-million-dollar shops to the $10M+ fundraising heavyweights. “Flat doesn't mean bad,” Carly notes, sometimes staying steady means you’ve weathered the storm. Bill and Carly dig into the meaty data highlights, starting with online giving. The average online gift increased by $5 in the last year and is up a whopping $22 since 2020, showing just how powerful digital channels are becoming, no surprise given Boomers are now a driving force online (61% of them give that way!). Meanwhile, Carly waves the mid-level donor flag with pride, celebrating growth in this oft-ignored group. Nonprofits are learning not to put all their donor eggs in one major gift basket. The conversation turns to recurring giving, a favorite of sustainability-minded fundraisers everywhere. While the average nonprofit sees 13% of their revenue coming from recurring donors, Virtuous’ top quartile of performers boasts a hefty 33%. Donor retention is also slowly rebounding post-pandemic, reaching a six-year high of 50%. But Carly urges listeners not to settle, “Top performers hit 67%, so shoot for the stars!” Finally, the duo dives into donor acquisition and lifetime value. New donor acquisition is slipping, now around 30%, but those who do give are investing more over time, with average donor lifetime value rising to $784. Carly’s message is clear: nonprofits need to be smart, not just generous: track your data, find your gaps, and don’t just pat yourself on the back for being average. With the right balance of stewardship, segmentation, and sustainability, nonprofits can build donor relationships that last longer than most gym memberships.

Financial Advisors and the Fundraising Process Jan 25, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., welcomes back the ever-insightful Michele Dole, MS, CFP, Senior Vice President at Key Private Bank and cherished faculty member. Michele brings her unique perspective as both a former fundraiser and a current financial advisor, helping to demystify the world of wealth and financial advising for those in the nonprofit sector. From her origins in hospital foundations to earning her Certified Financial Planner certification, Michele shares how her deep understanding of financial strategy intersects beautifully with charitable giving. “It’s not just about tax efficiency,” she emphasizes, “but about helping clients make meaningful, effective gifts.” The conversation shines a light on how fundraisers and financial advisors can, and should, collaborate. Advisors, Michele explains, aren’t gatekeepers; they’re partners. With full visibility into a client’s financial picture, they can help determine not just if a gift should be made, but how, when, and with what assets. Whether it’s a cash donation, a stock transfer, or a required minimum distribution from a retirement account, financial advisors are instrumental in making philanthropic dreams a financially sound reality. And yes, Michele confirms, she and her colleagues often raise the topic of philanthropy with clients, driven by their role in supporting holistic financial and personal goals. For fundraisers wondering whether to engage with a donor’s advisor, Michele has one golden rule: ask for the donor’s permission first. Once that’s secured, sharing a comprehensive gift proposal with the advisor can be immensely beneficial. Advisors often know what else is on a donor’s financial horizon: other commitments, business sales, or major expenses, that could impact the timing or structure of a gift. And if you’re hosting breakfast events for local planners? Keep it up! While they may not be gatekeepers, financial professionals are key connectors in the community and valuable allies in understanding and championing your mission. This episode also introduces an exciting new offering: Philanthropy for Advisors, a course designed to equip financial professionals with a deeper understanding of charitable giving and the nonprofit sector. Michele is stepping in as lead faculty, bringing her full-circle experience to bear in educating a new generation of philanthropic partners. As always, Bill closes the episode with a hearty reminder; when fundraisers team up with informed financial advisors, donors win, missions grow, and generosity thrives.

Will AI Financing Affect Your Fundraising? Jan 18, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., digs into the booming world of artificial intelligence and what its rapid rise might mean for your fundraising future. Bill highlights the many ways AI is already helping fundraisers: writing donor letters, prepping for meetings, and identifying potential major donors; all with greater efficiency and effectiveness. He shares real-life examples from colleagues like Travis Tester and Andy Price, who are saving hours of prep time each week, allowing them to meet with significantly more donors and deepen relationships. But while the AI-powered present looks promising, Bill turns our gaze toward a looming challenge: the potential financial instability behind AI’s rapid expansion. Drawing on historical parallels like the railroad boom, the 1929 crash, the dot-com bubble, and the housing crisis, Bill warns that the current pattern of over-investment in AI, particularly in data centers and tech infrastructure, could lead to another economic downturn. High debt, investor expectations, and revenue shortfalls are forming a familiar and risky cocktail. And if AI financing collapses, the ripple effect could reach nonprofits everywhere. What does this mean for fundraisers? Bill reminds us that recessions tend to dampen charitable giving, not dramatically on average, but enough to warrant strategic planning. Different sectors feel the impact differently: human services often hold steady or rise, while the arts may see sharp declines. He encourages organizations to review their operating reserves and endowments, consult with financial advisors, and engage their boards in proactive scenario planning. Whether the market soars, stalls, or stumbles, it pays to be ready. As always, Bill centers the core truth: giving is driven by donor values and passion. But the “wealth effect,” how much and when people give, is shaped by the broader economy. So yes, keep watching those economic indicators, but don’t lose sight of your mission.

Next Gen Fundraising: Bridging the Gap Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., sits down with sits down with A.J. Steinberg, CFRE, CEO of Queen Bee Fundraising and certified nonprofit rockstar, to talk about the not-so-small challenge of engaging Millennials and Gen Z as donors, volunteers, and board members. AJ opens with a truth bomb: nonprofits have talked about multi-generational giving for decades, but fear of change has kept many stuck in their ways. Older generations may be clinging to legacy and routine, but younger folks want impact and involvement. A.J. brings the empathy and the strategy. Her secret weapon? Creating cross-generational task forces with influential voices from each age group to spark collaboration and build relationships. It's not about token seats at the gala table, it’s about co-creating something new. And speaking of galas, Steinberg makes it crystal clear: Gen Z doesn’t want to dress up for rubber chicken. Let them lead their own events and watch engagement soar. As A.J. says, Millennials and Gen Z aren’t disengaged, they just engage differently. Give them space to create, and they’ll show up, selfies and all. But where do you find these elusive next-gen leaders? A.J. suggests you start by looking under your nose; your volunteer list and your staff. If you’re a smaller nonprofit, even better: there’s less red tape and more room to innovate. And if you’re lucky enough to have Millennial or Gen Z staff already on board, ask them who else might care about your mission. Gen Z wants to serve causes, not just organizations; so your mission better be front and center. A.J. reminds us that attracting younger generations isn’t just a “nice to have,” it’s a matter of survival. Be clear, be inclusive, and let your mission shine through the noise. Legacy giving? That starts younger than you think, with 55 being the average age people start thinking about it. So don’t wait. Be intentional, be open-minded, and remember, t’s your impact that’ll keep them coming back.

Federal Taxes & Business Sector Giving Jan 05, 2026

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In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., rings in the new year with a bang, and a tax code, diving headfirst into the new federal tax policies that officially took effect on January 1, 2026. While the legislation passed in mid-2025, the real fireworks are just starting for fundraisers. Bill breaks it all down, starting with the triumphant return of the Universal Charitable Deduction (UCD), now juiced up to $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for joint filers. That’s right: even if your donors don’t itemize, they can still get tax credit for their generosity. The new policy also brings in the “ceiling and floor.” High-income donors can now only itemize at the 35% rate, and folks outside that bracket can't deduct the first 0.5% of their adjusted gross income. Sound confusing? Maybe. But Bill reassures fundraisers: unless your donor database is loaded with ultra-wealthy supporters, this might not move the needle much. Still, if you're courting those high-capacity givers, these changes are worth a donor-friendly conversation. Speaking of deductions, the SALT (State And Local Taxes) cap got a spicy upgrade too, up from $10,000 to $40,000. That’s a potential game-changer for itemization and, by extension, charitable giving. While taxes are never the main motivator for giving, they do play a supporting role in the drama of generosity. More itemizers = more donors who might feel nudged to give, or give more. Fundraisers, your mission is to weave this into donor conversations with a healthy dose of donor appreciation and mission alignment. The biggest “will-they-won’t-they” question hangs over the business sector. New rules make the first 1% of pre-tax profit donations non-deductible, since businesses typically give 1%. But before anyone panics, Bill reminds us: business giving isn’t just about tax perks. It’s about government relations, employee morale, community goodwill, and, of course, good ol' fashioned marketing. The four R’s: regulations, retention, reputation, and ROI aren’t going away. If a business hints at cutting donations, maybe it’s time to pivot: is your partnership a charitable gift or a marketing opportunity? IRS Publication 513 can help you draw the line. So cue the confetti, fundraisers; new year, new tax rules, and new reasons to stay connected, adaptable, and mission-driven.

Standout Stories for Distracted Donors Dec 14, 2025

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In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., sits down with Nicholas Kristock, Executive Director of Fleece & Thank You, to talk about how storytelling isn’t just an art, it’s a survival skill for nonprofits in the age of distraction. Nicholas shares how his blanket-making nonprofit went from a heartfelt request by his twin sister into a statewide movement that delivers 30,000 personalized blankets each year to pediatric patients in Michigan. But these aren’t your grandma’s quilts; each one includes a video message from the blanket maker to the child, creating a full-circle moment of warmth, gratitude, and healing. Nicholas dives deep into the neuroscience of donor engagement and explains why breaking the script is essential if you want your message to actually make it past someone’s mental gatekeeper. Forget “Your donation helped buy 2,847 books,” we’re talking vivid, goosebump-inducing stories like a child giggling through Charlotte’s Web for the very first time. The key, he says, is connecting the gift not just to impact, but to outcomes. It’s not just about giving Miguel spaghetti, it’s about how that meal helped his mother overcome her pride and feed her family. Now that’s how you make a donor feel like a superhero. At Fleece & Thank You, personalization is baked into the DNA, not just for recipients, but for donors too. With only four full-time staff, they’ve built a tech-savvy storytelling engine that responds to donor behavior with laser precision. Whether through text, email, or an old-fashioned phone call, Nicholas emphasizes knocking on every door until you find the one your donor opens. Enter: the “Donor SWAT Outreach Team,” a genius low-cost, high-impact engagement strategy that enlists board members and volunteers to deliver heartfelt thank-you calls and share fresh weekly stories. It’s board engagement, donor retention, and warm fuzzies, all rolled into one. So what’s the result of this storytelling symphony? Fleece & Thank You has more than tripled its revenue since 2020 without significantly expanding its staff. The secret sauce: a donor journey mapped like a Plinko board, where every click, gift, and volunteer hour triggers a personalized path. Nicholas leaves us with two takeaways: build your donor SWAT team and dig deep for your true outcomes. Because sometimes, it’s not just about a blanket, it’s about giving hope to a child on the starting line of a race they never signed up for. And that, friends, is a story worth telling.

Board Chair + CEO = Better Fundraising Results Dec 07, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., is joined by Martin Georgi, Board Chair of the German Fundraising Association, to explore the powerful partnership between board chairs and CEOs, and how that dynamic drives better fundraising results. Martin, with a resume that spans continents and causes, shares how rebuilding trust, clarifying mission, and hiring the right CEO transformed a once-floundering organization into a thriving hub for philanthropic progress. As he puts it, “It’s not just about fundraising. It’s about changing society.” Turns out, being a great fundraiser doesn’t automatically make someone a great board member, or CEO. Martin walks us through the German Fundraising Association’s early struggles with infighting and low-impact leadership, and how a shared purpose among new board members sparked a cultural shift. At the heart of it all was alignment with the CEO. It wasn’t about agreeing on everything, but about agreeing on what matters: passion for the mission, mutual respect, and clear communication. From WhatsApp check-ins to well-prepared agendas, Martin and Association leadership show what real teamwork looks like. And the secret ingredient? Diversity of thought, age, gender, background, and experience. Martin emphasizes that strong boards aren’t built by cloning skill sets, but by curating contrasts. He also reminds us that leading isn’t barking orders, it’s asking the right questions. “Not everyone is good at everything,” he says. “Even great CEOs need support.” That’s why this collaborative model isn’t just more pleasant, it’s more effective. Regular touchpoints, transparency, and trust create the kind of culture where even the hard conversations lead to forward motion. So what does all this mean for fundraising? A well-oiled board-CEO relationship creates confidence, and confidence unlocks generosity. Martin shares how they launched new giving streams, including a fund to help young professionals attend their first conference. And yes, the board leads by example, every member contributes. Because if you want others to give, the call starts at home. With wisdom, warmth, and just the right amount of tea, Martin reminds us that whether you're in Indiana or in Berlin, good governance isn’t about power, it’s about partnership.

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