The Fund Raising School

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., speaks with Travis D. Tester, CFRE, MA, Chief Development and Communications Officer for Foster Success, about innovative ways nonprofits can use artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance fundraising. Foster Success, a nonprofit supporting Indiana youth transitioning out of foster care, operates with a $5 million annual budget and a small fundraising team. Travis emphasizes that AI is not just for large institutions, sharing how his moderate-sized nonprofit is using accessible and often free tools to streamline operations and maximize donor engagement. Listen to the episode today 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eB4VRX9T

📚 Last week, I had the privilege of taking my first class at The Fund Raising School—Principles and Techniques of Fundraising. It was an affirming experience that left me energized and ready to deepen my knowledge of philanthropy. . For those interested, here are my biggest takeaways that I hope to incorporate into my day-to-day experience: . 1️⃣ Be People-Centered Fundraising is about placing people at the heart of everything we do—listening to their stories, understanding their motivations, and building authentic connections. Empathy and intentionality aren’t just strategies; they’re essential practices that foster trust and create sustainable partnerships rooted in shared values. . 2️⃣ Fundraising is a Journey Fundraising is a process that thrives on planning, patience, and presence. While there’s much to learn, success often comes down to the basics. By staying committed to my values, clear on my mission, and consistent in my approach, I can navigate challenges and create meaningful, lasting impact. . 3️⃣ Be Firm Yet Flexible A strong fundraising strategy is essential, but adaptability is just as important. Challenges and setbacks are part of the process, but they don’t define it. This course reminded me to trust my experiences, stay confident in my process, and keep moving forward, even when the road gets bumpy. . This class gave me a powerful foundation to build upon, and I’m already looking forward to my next course on Major Gifts to continue honing my skills and making a difference. 🌟 . . . #FundraisingJourney #PhilanthropyInAction #DevelopmentLeadership

The Advancing Indiana’s Nonprofit Sector program empowers Indiana nonprofit organizations with training and resources to enhance their fundraising capabilities and better serve their communities. ✅ Specialized training on donor acquisition, board engagement, and fundraising strategy ✅ Exclusive resources with ready-to-use templates and toolkits ✅ Direct access to fundraising experts through a support hotline 📅 Applications close November 27, 2024, at 5:00 PM EST—spots are limited, so don’t delay! 📥 Learn more and apply today https://lnkd.in/ewkA2fBQ

Indiana nonprofits—gain the essential knowledge and tools to build sustainable fundraising practices through Advancing Indiana’s Nonprofit Sector program. This program is here to help your organization succeed with: ✅ Expert-led training sessions focused on small and mid-sized nonprofits ✅ A resource library packed with templates, toolkits, and fundraising plans ✅ A direct hotline for ongoing expert support 📅 Apply by November 27, 2024, at 5:00 PM EST and take the first step toward more impactful fundraising. 📥 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/ewkA2fBQ

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., speaks with Christopher Beck, CAP®, Principal Gift Advisor for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, about practical strategies to diversify donor databases and foster inclusivity in philanthropy. Christopher shares insights into the current push for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in nonprofit work, emphasizing the importance of making potential donors feel represented and valued. He advocates for organizations to highlight diverse champions within their missions and ensure inclusive visuals in promotional materials to make people of color feel more connected to their causes. A key theme is the role of community relationships in fundraising. Christopher discusses the concept of "gatekeepers" within communities of color—individuals who hold trust and influence—and stresses the importance of engaging with them respectfully. He recounts personal experiences where persistence and trust-building turned skeptics into supporters. This relational approach, he notes, is essential in creating mutually beneficial partnerships and moving away from transactional interactions that have historically caused mistrust. The conversation also highlights structural changes nonprofits can make, such as diversifying boards of directors and celebrating donor inclusivity through initiatives like giving circles. Christopher explains that giving circles not only increase donor contributions but also foster a sense of community and mission alignment. He underscores that such strategies must evolve into broader integration of diverse donors into the organizational fabric, not just as separate activities. Christopher offers advice for fundraisers—especially those in a predominantly white profession—on leaning into conversations about diversity with humility and openness. He encourages connecting with affiliate organizations, acknowledging knowledge gaps, and building trust through genuine relationship-building. The episode wraps with Bill reminding listeners of the school’s comprehensive approach to integrating DEIB principles into all its courses, reflecting their commitment to fostering inclusivity in philanthropy.

Indiana nonprofits—gain the essential knowledge and tools to build sustainable fundraising practices through Advancing Indiana’s Nonprofit Sector program. This program is here to help your organization succeed with: ✅ Expert-led training sessions focused on small and mid-sized nonprofits ✅ A resource library packed with templates, toolkits, and fundraising plans ✅ A direct hotline for ongoing expert support 📅 Apply by November 27, 2024, at 5:00 PM EST and take the first step toward more impactful fundraising. 📥 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/ewkA2fBQ

Now accepting applications for the 2025 Hank Rosso Scholarship and Dottie Rosso Scholarship. The application deadline is December 1, 2024. The Hank Rosso Scholarship is a partial (50 percent) scholarship for a team of two nonprofit professionals and/or volunteers from a nonprofit organization with operating budgets of $1 million or less. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of teamwork and collaboration between staff and volunteers. The Dottie Rosso Scholarship is a partial (50 percent) scholarship for individuals working in nonprofits with operating budgets of $1 million or less. Learn more and apply today 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gUaZxb57

Last week I attended my fourth and final course through the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy The Fund Raising School and received my Certificate in Fund Raising Management (CFRM)! I am so grateful to have spent not only 4 days with these amazing nonprofit leaders in the photo (and a few others who we must have missed) but many others every November since 2021 in their various stages of the program. I always come away so inspired and rejuvenated in my work and I’m truly sad that this is my last one! Can’t wait to get to work raising more 💰💰 for the animals and our staff who deserve it so much. Thanks to our hosts every year, the Evansville Area Fundraising Council and USI, along with the Welborn Baptist Foundation who underwrites a portion of the cost to make it more affordable for the organizations involved. And, of course, to my awesome boss for never hesitating to give me the time to attend each year!

Indiana nonprofits—this is your chance to enhance your fundraising efforts 🎯 The Advancing Indiana’s Nonprofit Sector program offers: ✅ Tailored training sessions on donor acquisition, board engagement, and more ✅ A comprehensive resource library with templates and toolkits ✅ Direct access to fundraising experts through a support hotline 📅 Apply by November 27, 2024, at 5:00 PM EST to join this exclusive program and take your nonprofit’s fundraising to the next level. 📥 Start your application now: https://lnkd.in/ewkA2fBQ

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. welcomes Alyssia Coates, Ph.D., Senior Director of Development Inclusive Philanthropic Engagement at Brown University, to discuss the concept of "inclusive philanthropic engagement." Dr. Coates shares her role in expanding Brown’s donor base by focusing on inclusion and diversity, not only as a moral imperative but also as a path to more effective fundraising. Inclusive philanthropy, she explains, aims to authentically welcome individuals from all backgrounds and to create multiple avenues for their engagement and contributions, aligning these efforts closely with Brown’s mission to support underrepresented groups. Listen to the full episode 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eeCgW-eU