The Fundraising Talent Podcast
Business:Non-Profit
I am always grateful to our guests on The Fundraising Talent Podcast because sometimes they help me make sense of some of the ideas that are rolling around in my head. I, like many of you, am trying to reconcile what’s happening on the other side of the planet with the challenges of everyday life at home. Today, I asked Debra whether the unfolding tragedy in Ukraine was an opportunity for fundraising to live up to its potential and whether there will be things that play out in the weeks and months ahead that we will need to understand on a more existential level.
Before we dived deep into these questions, Debra introduced herself as someone who found her way into fundraising because she was “tired of selling high priced shoes to women who should know better.” Now, after having tried to retire, she finds herself in the trenches trying to help charities discover a bold, brave way of funding whatever it is they set out to do in the world.
Evidently, Debra and I prefer see fundraising through what is known as the symbolic lens. This is where we see the opportunity to nurture generosity, connectivity, and meaning. Debra wants us to understand that the meaning of what we’re doing can easily get lost in the tactics. She wants us to see ourselves as being more than master technicians who can ensure the most impressive outcomes from an appeal letter or our next special event. Debra insists that truly generous people don’t need their names out on the sides of buildings. At its best, fundraising should afford us an opportunity to stand alongside the people of Ukraine helping to feed and care for children in the midst of a war zone.
As always, we are especially grateful to our friends at CueBack for sponsoring The Fundraising Talent Podcast. If you’d like to learn more about hosting the Responsive Fundraising roadshow in your local community, email mefor more information. And, if you’d like to download Responsive’s latest edition of Carefully & Critically, just click here.
206 | What important lessons do two decades in fundraising have to offer?
205 | Will fundraisers mail their year-end appeals to a more diverse and inclusive audience this year?
Has contemporary fundraising become too much form over substance?
What do we do when the CEO insists on changing the name of our nonprofit?
Will discernment be among the most desirable skills for future fundraising professionals?
Why are some fundraisers so bad at scheduling meetings with their donors?
Is now a good time for nonprofits to hire (or fire) a fundraising professional?
How might agencies play a more strategic rather than tactical role in fundraising?
What can a brand say about an organization in such uncertain times?
Is the rising generation of fundraising professionals more thoughtful about their work?
Are fundraising professionals telling themselves and their donors the wrong story?
Is fundraising really ready for the Baby Boom generation of major donors?
Will fundraising part ways with some of its sacred practices in order to be a truly inclusive endeavor?
Is "keep asking" the only advice that fundraising experts really know how to give?
What lessons have AFP leaders learned about keeping their community vibrant and in tact?
Do feasbility studies curate a flawed sensibiity about how fundraising really works?
#190 | How do we get technology in the right place for higher ed fundraising?
#189 | Perhaps consumerism is not the right framework for fundraising?
#188 | Is now a great time to retool what has worked for fundraising the past?
#187 | Are fundraising professionals forgetting about their volunteers?
Join Podbean Ads Marketplace and connect with engaged listeners.
Advertise Today
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Commercial Edge: Unleash the Power of People
The emPOWERed Half Hour
Social Dallas Podcast
Change Church Podcast
Advocacy Scoop Podcast
Six Degrees with Kevin Bacon
Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications