The Experiences of African American Fundraisers

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., is joined by Anthony Heaven, Ph.D., professor at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, to discuss the experiences of African American fundraisers working within predominantly white institutions (PWIs). Drawing from his qualitative research, Dr. Heaven shares insights into the challenges, biases, and opportunities that Black fundraisers encounter, from navigating isolation to advocating for diversity and inclusion in their organizations. A key theme of the conversation is the pervasive sense of isolation faced by African American fundraisers. Dr. Heaven discusses how these professionals are often the only Black voices in their teams, bearing the dual burden of representing diversity while navigating covert racism and microaggressions. He also highlights the importance of building strong relationships, including mentors, sponsors, and allies, to overcome these challenges and create pathways for career growth. These relationships are especially critical given the frequent need to counteract biases from both colleagues and donors. The discussion also examines how race and identity shape the professional lives of African American fundraisers. Dr. Heaven reveals how race can serve as both an asset and a liability, with fundraisers using their experiences to connect with donors and advance racial equity, but also facing harmful stereotypes, such as hypersexualization or the "angry Black woman" trope. Through poignant anecdotes, he underscores the emotional toll these experiences take, while celebrating the resilience and advocacy of Black fundraisers who persist in their roles. The episode concludes with actionable recommendations for nonprofits to foster more inclusive and equitable environments. Dr. Heaven emphasizes the need for cultural competency training, mentorship programs, and clear organizational standards, such as the Fundraiser Bill of Rights, to support fundraisers in addressing inappropriate donor behavior. Bill also encourages listeners to explore the Fundraising School’s offerings on diversity, equity, and inclusion to help organizations create stronger, more inclusive fundraising teams. Dr. Heaven leaves listeners with a powerful call to action: to embrace open dialogue and proactive change to ensure the future of philanthropy is equitable for all.