It Doesn't Hurt to Ask!

The Data Isn't Broken—Your System is: Why Good Fundraising Plans Fail in Bad Databases

Fundraising data problems aren't just annoying – they're strategic barriers to your fundraising success. In this episode, we're joined by Erin Boyce, Fundraising Lab's Data and Digital Director aka in-house database expert, who shares deep insights into why even the best fundraising plans can unravel without the right systems and processes in place. Together, we get real about the messy reality of managing fundraising data – from mismatched reports and inherited spreadsheets to donor management systems (CRMs) that don't integrate with your finance software. We also explore: Why your donor database is more than just a fancy Excel spreadsheet The often-tense but critical relationship between fundraising and finance teams What really matters when choosing and managing a fundraising database How investing in infrastructure saves time and enables better data analysis Strategies for bridging the gap between fundraising and finance data needs If you're struggling to get clean, usable fundraising data to report to leadership or your board, this episode is for you. Learn how smart systems and clear communication can make your fundraising stronger, smoother, and more strategic. Resources and links: Check out Erin Boyce and host Cathy Mann on LinkedIn Book your Fundraising Growth Game Plan call Email us at hello@fundraisinglab.ca Subscribe to our email list Share this episode with a friend! Podcast editing and post-production by: Daniella Sorrentino at Feral Culture Lab (feralculturelab.com) Music: Intro and Outro Music is Fancy Free by Reveille https://app.soundstripe.com/songs/16267

Corporate Courtship: Attracting Sponsors to Your Program with Logan Stengel

Landing corporate sponsorships isn't just about having the perfect sponsorship deck – it's about building relationships and understanding what businesses actually need from their investment. In this episode, we're joined by Logan Stengel as we discuss branching out from small-town sponsors to bigger corporate partnerships. If you've ever sent sponsorship packages into the void or struggled to get past online portals, this conversation explores how to shift from transactional asks to strategic business-to-business relationships that deliver real value for both parties. We cover: Why leading with a sponsorship deck can actually hurt your chances and how relationship-building creates better outcomes Understanding corporate sponsorship as a marketing investment and speaking to business goals and ROI Strategies for corporate donor cultivation including in-person networking, digital visibility, and getting in front of decision-makers before their budgets are spent How to customize sponsorship opportunities based on what sponsors actually care about, rather than presuming their needs Evaluating whether pursuing larger corporate sponsors is worth the additional time and sophistication required for your fundraising program If you're looking to grow your nonprofit sponsorship program beyond local businesses or struggling to connect with corporate decision-makers, this episode offers practical advice on building authentic corporate partnerships that support both your mission and their business objectives. Resources and links: Check out Logan Stengel and host Cathy Mann on LinkedIn Book your Fundraising Growth Game Plan call Email us at hello@fundraisinglab.ca Subscribe to our email list Share this episode with a friend! Podcast editing and post-production by: Daniella Sorrentino at Feral Culture Lab (feralculturelab.com) Music: Intro and Outro Music is Fancy Free by Reveille https://app.soundstripe.com/songs/16267

Fundraising Culture from the Inside Out an Interview with ED Ainsley Chapman

Fundraising isn't just about telling your story and making the ask – it's a deeply collaborative process that starts inside your organization. In this episode, we're joined by Ainsley Chapman, Executive Director of Evangel Hall Mission, a downtown Toronto mission providing services for people experiencing homelessness. With over 20 years in the sector, Ainsley shares how she went from avoiding fundraising entirely to confidently leading an organization that raises $1.3-$1.5M in philanthropy each year. We cover: How to bridge the gap between fundraising, finance and program teams by building trust, understanding shared values, and creating genuine internal partnerships What authentic, reciprocal donor relationships actually look like Why fundraising training demystifies development work and gives nonprofit leaders confidence to lead fundraising initiatives, redirect board energy, and hire the right people Creating a fundraising culture across your organization through clear policies and procedures, cross-departmental collaboration, and helping every team member understand the "why" behind their work If you're a nonprofit leader who feels intimidated by fundraising, struggling with siloed departments, or looking to build more authentic partnerships with your donors, this episode offers practical insights on transforming your approach from transactional to relational and creating an organizational ecosystem where fundraising, finance, and programming truly work together. Resources and links: Check out Ainsley Chapman and host Cathy Mann on LinkedIn Book your Fundraising Growth Game Plan call Email us at hello@fundraisinglab.ca Subscribe to our email list Share this episode with a friend! Podcast editing and post-production by: Daniella Sorrentino at Feral Culture Lab (feralculturelab.com) Music: Intro and Outro Music is Fancy Free by Reveille - https://app.soundstripe.com/songs/16267

The Shift Hits the Fan - Dealing with Systems Change

We've all heard the phrase "culture of philanthropy." But what does it really mean? And how do you build one when you're already knee-deep in grant deadlines, donor meetings, and database cleanup? In this episode, we unpack the elusive culture of philanthropy through a systems change lens – and explain why strong fundraising success isn't just about strategy. It's about shifting the way your entire organization thinks, acts, and works together. We'll talk about: Why fundraising cuts across every part of your organization How to recognize if your organization's culture is quietly undermining your fundraising efforts What systems change really means – and how to use it to create the conditions for fundraising growth Why fundraising can't - and shouldn't - operate in isolation The implicit values, habits, and assumptions that shape outcomes more than any plan Why building a culture of philanthropy is a continuous, organization-wide effort – not just a checklist If you've ever wondered how to make a culture of philanthropy real – not just aspirational – this episode offers a fresh, honest starting point for nonprofit leaders and fundraisers alike. Resources and links: Check out host Cathy Mann on LinkedIn Download our Four Pillars of Fundraising Guide for free Book your Fundraising Growth Game Plan call Email us at hello@fundraisinglab.ca Subscribe to our email list Share this episode with a friend! Podcast editing and post-production by:
Daniella Sorrentino at Feral Culture Lab Intro and Outro Music: Fancy Free by Reveille at Soundstripe  

Stewardship: How to Maximize Donor Reporting with Brooke Erickson

Your annual report shouldn't just check a box – it's a powerful donor stewardship opportunity to celebrate impact, engage supporters, and make them feel proud to be part of your mission.   In this episode from the Fundraising Lab archives, we're joined by Brooke Erickson as we provide expert guidance on creating a donor impact report. Whether you're launching your first report back to donors or rethinking your annual report strategy, this conversation explores how to create donor-centered communications that maximize donor engagement and strengthen donor retention.   We cover:  Creating donor-centered impact reports that make supporters feel proud and part of the team  The art of impact storytelling: sharing client stories safely through amalgams, staff experiences, and volunteer testimonials  Building a strategic stewardship program that balances donor appreciation with fundraising appeals   If you're planning donor communications or impact reporting, this episode offers practical advice on transforming standard reporting into meaningful stewardship that strengthens donor relationships and retention. Check out Brooke Erickson and host Cathy Mann on LinkedIn Resources and links: Check out Brooke Erickson and host Cathy Mann on LinkedIn Download our Four Pillars of Fundraising Guide for free Book your Fundraising Growth Game Plan call Email us at hello@fundraisinglab.ca Subscribe to our email list Share this episode with a friend! Podcast editing and post-production by: 
Daniella Sorrentino at Feral Culture Lab Music: Intro and Outro Music is Fancy Free by Reveille at Soundstripe