Podcasts about Fundraising

We've officially entered what I'm calling the retention era. Recurring GivingTuesday gifts are growing year over year, and nonprofit benchmarks are showing 80%+ retention rates for monthly donors.In this solo episode, I'm breaking down three powerful signals that are shaping monthly giving RIGHT NOW across the subscription economy and in the nonprofit sector.I'm covering Recurly's 2025 State of Subscriptions analysis of 67 million subscribers, including what brands are doing to combat slow acquisition and churn, and the GivingTuesday trends emerging around mobile-first, recurring signups.This conversation sets the foundation for the next few episodes, where I'll share my 2026 monthly giving predictions.Resources & LinksCheck out Recurly's 2025 State of Subscriptions report.Register now for the FREE Monthly Giving Summit on February 25-26th, the only virtual event where nonprofits unite to master monthly giving, attract committed believers, and fund the future with confidence. The Mini Monthly Giving Mastermind: A high-touch Mini Mastermind + optional in-person retreat (May 6-8) for nonprofit leaders that have an existing monthly giving program and ready to take it to the next level with 1:1 and peer support. Apply now! Let's Connect! Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show! My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good. Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!

Stephen Garten sits down with Cyndi Court to mark the TGR Foundation's 30th anniversary and unpack how the foundation evolved from golf clinics into a scaled education model centered on “Learning Labs.” Cyndi explains how TGR built a repeatable program framework, standardized curriculum, and modern measurement systems before expanding to new cities. The conversation also covers durable skills, partnerships that actually work, earned revenue through events, and what makes a strong nonprofit board.Key topics coveredThe origin story of TGR Foundation (1996) and Tiger Woods' family values of “sharing and caring”The post 9/11 shift toward education and deep community investmentWhat a “Learning Lab” is, and why it is not a school or a drop-in centerProgram pillars: STEAM, health and well-being, career and college readinessWhy TGR added the “A” in STEAM, creativity and curiosity in the AI eraScaling responsibly: standardization, tech infrastructure, and measurement before expansionHow TGR measures outcomes, including durable (soft) skillsPartnerships: how to say no, avoid mission creep, and use guiding principlesEarned revenue and sustainability through TGR Live eventsLeadership lessons and building an engaged board that understands nonprofit economicsHow listeners can volunteer and support the Learning LabsTGR Foundation timeline and growth1996: Foundation launched as Tiger turns proEarly years: Golf clinics and introducing golf to youth from under-resourced communitiesPost 9/11: Tiger refocuses foundation on education and invests deeply in his hometown communityAnaheim Learning Lab: First flagship model, 35,000 sq ft, operating for 20 yearsPhiladelphia Learning Lab: Opened April 1, 30,000 sq ft on Cobbs Creek campusPlanned expansion:Los Angeles: Early 2027 (Lulu's Place campus)Atlanta: Later 2027 (with proximity to Atlanta Technical College)Augusta: Early 2028 (in partnership with Augusta National)What makes the Learning Lab model differentStructured programming, not a hangoutFree access for kids and familiesMultiple delivery formats:School field trips (plus teacher professional development)After school programming (critical hours for youth safety)Summer camps (preventing summer learning loss) ---------------------------About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

What if in the future it is a possibility to build deeper connections with everyone who gives instead of raising more money from fewer people? In this episode Mallory is joined by Kalyan Varma, founder & CEO of Almabase, to discuss how AI and modern tools can help nonprofits better serve everyday givers. Originally from India, Kalyan Varma was introduced to fundraising in college after helping launch a student-led nonprofit to raise scholarship funds for classmates in need. With a neverending passion for nonprofits and a mission for making education more affordable, he founded Almabase 10 years ago. Today, Almabase helps schools and universities strengthen alumni engagement and fundraising, with a focus on making education more accessible through increased alumni giving. In this episode, you will be able to: Understand the reason for long-term fundraising sustainability depends on engaging the broad base, not just top donors Learn how to reframe technology and AI as tools for deepening human connection rather than replacing it. Challenge common myths around donor fatigue and gift size as indicators of donor commitment. Learn how identity and current interests shape donor engagement across sectors. Get all the resources from today's episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Practivated. Practivated delivers AI-powered donor conversation simulations that let fundraisers practice in a private, judgment‑free space—building confidence, refining messaging, and improving outcomes before the real conversation even begins. Developed by fundraising experts with real‑time coaching at its core, it's the smart way to walk into every donor interaction calm, prepared, and ready to connect. Learn more at practivated.com Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven't already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you're looking to raise more from the right funders, then you'll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point.

Getting an investor to fund your business isn't just about your idea, industry, team, or even your business model.  What can help or tank your efforts often comes down to how you show up in the room.  Your mindset, how you handle the power dynamics, and whether you actually see yourself as the one offering value, not asking for it. The truth is that many founders operate from a place of desperation, and investors can sense it immediately. You lose sight of the fact that you and your business are the prize. You treat the investor like a boss, not a peer, or you say your schedule is completely open. You come across as overly eager or grateful for the opportunity.  These are all things that quietly make an investor pull back, even if the idea itself is strong. If you walk into investor conversations acting like you're asking for permission instead of offering an opportunity, getting funding is harder.  This is something founder-turned-angel investor Shefqet Avdullau knows all too well. As a super-connector with deep experience on both sides of the table, he brings a rare perspective shaped by building, exiting, and now backing companies. How should founders actually show up in investor conversations? How do you know when an investor will help you build something, or quietly make things harder? In this episode, we unpack the parts of fundraising no one puts on the pitch deck: why desperation is detectable (and deadly), why treating investors like they're above you destroys leverage, and why confidence is often what really moves a round forward.    Topics Covered; Why fundraising fails before the pitch even begins How to avoid looking desperate to investors  The subtle signals investors read instantly, including desperation and lack of leverage How to engineer FOMO using calendar density and scarcity Why "owning the elephant in the room" builds more trust than perfect metrics ever will The soft-commit strategy founders should use before officially opening a round Why a bad investor is often 10x worse than no investor The SAFE agreement mistake that can cost you your company Why easy yeses are a red flag, not a win The "two-week vacation test" reveals if you've got a company or a stressful job How founders accidentally become bottlenecks About the Guest  Shefqet Avdullau is a founder, active angel investor, board advisor, and "super connector," primarily in the tech ecosystem. He has made 17 investments in the last four years, with two successful exits. Today, he backs advisors and mentors tech startups, using his experience to help new founders navigate the challenges with strategic funding and real-world guidance. Having started his career as a software engineer and later founding, scaling, and exiting his own ventures, he brings an operator-first perspective to early-stage investing. For more of Shefqet's insights, find him on LinkedIn. About Your Host Jayla Siciliano, Shark Tank entrepreneur turned real estate investor, excels in building brands, teams, and products. CEO of a bi-coastal luxury short-term rental company, she also hosts the Seed Money Podcast, where she's on a mission to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality!    Connect: Website: https://seedmoneypodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylasiciliano/ Subscribe and watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@seedmoneypodcast/    Subscribe, Rate, & Review Please rate, follow, and review the podcast on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seed-money/id1740815877 and https://open.spotify.com/show/0VkQECosb1spTFsUhu6uFY?si=5417351fb73a4ea1/! Hearing your comments and questions helps me come up with the best topics for the show!   Disclaimer The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice.    

In Part 2 of my 2026 Fundraising Trends series, we're going deeper into the tools, tech, and leadership shifts that will define nonprofit growth this year. If Part 1 was about strategy and visibility, this episode is about the systems and decision-making that actually make those strategies possible. I discuss upgrading outdated CRMs and donation tools, the rise of AI-assisted fundraising, the acceleration of donor-advised fund (DAF) giving, why leaders must color outside the lines to stay relevant, and how decision speed has become a key competitive advantage for nonprofits. I close with a look at the tech-driven donor experience, a world where frictionless giving, mobile-first design, SMS, and fast follow-up matter more than ever. If you're committed to modernizing your fundraising and leading boldly in 2026, these two-part episodes are your roadmap.Topics:Why Q1 is the perfect time to evaluate and upgrade CRMs, donation tools, and ESPsHow outdated tech silently kills conversion, retention, and reportingThe rise of AI-assisted fundraising as a normal acceleratorHow to use AI without losing your voice, authenticity, or accuracyDonor-Advised Funds (DAFs) are becoming a mainstream giving vehicleWhy nonprofits must “color outside the lines” and break legacy rulesThe need to drop slow, outdated tactics (raffles, auctions, galas) for modern, efficient onesDecision speed is a leadership advantage that drives revenuePerfectionism and committees as momentum killers in 2026The shift toward frictionless giving: SMS, mobile-first donations, automations, and welcome flowsFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.Resources: Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

Host Dr. Emily Walsh Martin welcomes Dr. Niki Paulk, CEO and Founder of Siren Biotechnology, for a timely conversation on turning scientific promise into commercial success. Dr. Paulk offers perceptive insights into the complex world of biotech entrepreneurship, covering essential fundraising strategies from Seed and Series Rounds to Community Rounds and beyond. This episode is a must-listen for both industry professionals and academic innovators. Music: ‘Bright New Morning’ by Steven O’Brien – released under CC-BY 4.0. https://www.steven-obrien.net/Show your support for ASGCT!: https://asgct.org/membership/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Luke discusses Trump's recent gaggle with the press, the real reason for Trump's actions in Venezuela, and more!Fundraising link: https://give.miraclefoundation.org/campaign/750148/donateOrder your PEP now!https://drinkpep.com/Get connected below!Twitter - https://twitter.com/lukepbeasleyInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/lukebeasleyofficial/TikTok -https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdSfpPHw/YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM05jgFNwoeXvWfO9GuExzAl

What if the secret to being a better fundraiser is taking better care of yourself first? Fear and stress for fundraisers is REAL. In this conversation, fundraising expert and CEO of Practivated, Mallory Erickson, shares how prioritizing your well-being isn't just good for you—it's essential for creating authentic, lasting relationships with donors. If you're exhausted from transactional fundraising, struggling to build genuine connections, or feeling like you have to sacrifice your health to hit your goals—this episode will give you the tools to overcome these challenges. Boost your fundraising confidence with the help of practivated.comOvercome fundraising challenges by reading Mallory's book, What the Fundraising! Get your copy here: malloryerickson.com/bookListen to Mallory's podcast for cutting-edge fundraising strategies https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on new questions surrounding Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's campaign fundraising.

Vu Le, founder of Nonprofit AF, joins Stephen Garten to talk about a problem many nonprofit leaders quietly live with: we are trained to tell funders half-truths because we fear losing funding. Vu breaks down how risk-averse philanthropy, obsession with overhead, and competitive grantmaking push nonprofits into scarcity and performance instead of honesty and impact.The conversation makes the case for better communication, collective organizing, and specific reforms like multi-year, general operating support and funder pledges. It also tackles boards, donor dynamics, and why the sector needs bigger imagination and bigger asks.What you will learnWhy nonprofits often feel forced to “sound fine” to funders even when things are not fineHow risk aversion and overhead fixation distort how nonprofits operateWhy collective action, open letters, and naming bad behavior can move fundersThe case for multi-year funding and general operating supportWhy nonprofit boards are frequently ineffective and how governance could be reimaginedHow wealth and power dynamics shape fundraising, especially for orgs led by marginalized communitiesKey takeawaysNonprofits often tell funders half-truths because the power imbalance is real.Many funders are risk-averse and unintentionally punish honesty.Better communication is necessary, but collective organizing is stronger than going it alone.Multi-year funding and general operating support are the practical fixes that matter most.“Crappy funding practices” waste nonprofit time and should be called out.Boards can be effective, useless, or mission-destructive. Too many fall into the last two categories.The sector needs bigger imagination and bigger asks, not tiny grants with giant expectations. ---------------------------About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

Today, Luke discusses all the updates surrounding the US capture of President Maduro.Fundraising link: https://give.miraclefoundation.org/campaign/750148/donateOrder your PEP now!https://drinkpep.com/Get connected below!Twitter - https://twitter.com/lukepbeasleyInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/lukebeasleyofficial/TikTok -https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdSfpPHw/YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM05jgFNwoeXvWfO9GuExzAl

Breath to Breath Film that celebrates the contributions by Dr. Michael WelshA Conversation with Dr. Michael Welsh: The Science That is Saving LivesIt's always such a privilege to feature CF icons on the podcast. Over the years, we've been fortunate to host some of the most influential names in cystic fibrosis research, including Dr. Francis Collins, the former director of the NIH and one of the authors of the Human Genome Project, and his longtime friend Dr. Mitch Drumm, who was working on his doctorate when the CF gene was discovered back in 1989.I actually saw Mitch recently at a dinner, and as many of you know, Dr. Collins continues to be a tireless advocate for good science and for sharing its importance with the world.And now, we add another legend to that list: Dr. Michael Welsh from the University of Iowa.Dr. Welsh tells his story beautifully in the University's film Breath by Breath: Living with Cystic Fibrosis. In it, he describes how his curiosity about the CFTR protein led to groundbreaking discoveries that ultimately laid the foundation for CF therapies, the very treatments that have changed (and saved) thousands of lives, including the lives of my daughters.Dr. Welsh's career is extraordinary, spanning decades of research, mentorship, and discovery. He's the Carver Professor of Internal Medicine and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Iowa, and from 1989 to 2024, he served as an Investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. He currently directs both the Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Cystic Fibrosis Research Center.We've linked both his full bio and the film in the show notes, and I highly encourage you to check them out. His accolades could fill pages, actually, an entire book! We had so many laughs too in this podcast! So much fun. You'll really enjoy it.Dr. Welsh shared insights not only into his scientific journey, but also the heart behind the work. He recently received the Lasker Award for pioneering CF research that led to life-saving therapies, a recognition that celebrates decades of persistence, curiosity, and collaboration.We discussed so much:How his team began unraveling the mystery of the CFTR protein and what that breakthrough moment felt likeWhat it's like to see patients thriving because of the treatments that grew from that workWhy the University of Iowa decided to produce Breath by Breath, and what the film means to him personallyWhat new treatments and discoveries he's exploring nowHearing Dr. Welsh describe the intersection of science, hope, and humanity is powerful. You can tell that for him, this work isn't just research, it's a mission.As the documentary shows, CF isn't just a disease studied under a microscope. It's a lived experience for patients and families, one that now includes real hope thanks to the breakthroughs made by scientists like Dr. Michael Welsh.Biography:Dr. Michael Welsh is the Carver Professor of Internal Medicine and Molecular Physiology andBiophysics at the University of Iowa. From 1989-2024, he was an Investigator of the HowardHughes Medical Institute. He directs the Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Cystic FibrosisResearch Center.Dr. Welsh obtained an MD and completed an internal medicine residency at the University ofIowa. He then trained in pulmonary medicine and research at the University of California, SanFrancisco and physiology at the University of Texas, Houston.Dr. Welsh and his colleagues discovered that the protein affected in cystic fibrosis is an anionchannel, elucidated its functional mechanisms, discovered ways that mutations disrupt function,and showed that mutations can be rescued. This work led directly to development of medicinesthat target CFTR and are highly effective for most cystic fibrosis patients. To understand diseasepathogenesis, he and his collaborators developed cystic fibrosis pigs, the first mammal, otherthan mice, in which a gene was targeted to generate a disease model.His clinical activities focused on pulmonary diseases. He has trained many physicians andscientists and received the Distinguished Mentor Award, University of Iowa Carver College ofMedicine.To watch the film, click here:  https://uihealthcare.org/cystic-fibrosis-research-iowa#documentaryTo learn more about Dr. Welsh: https://internalmedicine.medicine.uiowa.edu/profile/michael-welsh Please like, subscribe, and comment on our podcasts!Please consider making a donation: https://thebonnellfoundation.org/donate/The Bonnell Foundation website:https://thebonnellfoundation.orgEmail us at: thebonnellfoundation@gmail.com Watch our podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@laurabonnell1136/featuredThanks to our sponsors:Vertex: https://www.vrtx.comViatris: https://www.viatris.com/en

Today, Luke discusses the latest on Trump's health, a recent video of a KKK leader being interviewed, and more!Fundraising link: https://give.miraclefoundation.org/campaign/750148/donateOrder your PEP now!https://drinkpep.com/Get connected below!Twitter - https://twitter.com/lukepbeasleyInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/lukebeasleyofficial/TikTok -https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdSfpPHw/YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM05jgFNwoeXvWfO9GuExzAl

Fundraising events often get a bad rap in higher education. Too much work, too little return, and a whole lot of stress. But what if events could actually work as a meaningful part of your fundraising strategy? In this episode of Higher Ed Conversations, GradComm CEO Cheryl Broom sits down with Roger Devine, founder of SchoolAuction.net, to unpack how experience-driven fundraising events can generate real results for colleges and universities, but without ice sculptures, endless lines, or burned-out staff. Devine shares his journey from publishing and tech to launching a fundraising platform born out of PTA frustration, and explains why so many institutions make events more complicated than they need to be. Together, Cheryl and Roger explore how putting the guest experience at the center of event design can improve donor satisfaction, boost participation, and increase long-term giving.What You'll Learn:Why fundraising events don't have to just break even, and how to make them a meaningful revenue stream.How focusing on the guest experience directly impacts donor satisfaction and future giving.The role small and mid-level donors play in building long-term fundraising success.How to start with a simple event and scale strategically over time.The pros, cons, and hidden costs of common fundraising software pricing models.Connect with Roger at roger@schoolauction.net.Thanks for listening!Connect with GradComm:Instagram: @gradcommunicationsFacebook: @GradCommunicationsLinkedIn: @gradcommSend us a message: GradComm.com

Today, Luke discusses Pam Bondi's latest blunder, the recent rhetoric surrounding JD Vance on the extreme right, and more!Fundraising link: https://give.miraclefoundation.org/campaign/750148/donateOrder your PEP now!https://drinkpep.com/Get connected below!Twitter - https://twitter.com/lukepbeasleyInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/lukebeasleyofficial/TikTok -https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdSfpPHw/YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM05jgFNwoeXvWfO9GuExzAl

In this special year-end recap episode, I'm revisiting seven of the most inspiring, quotable, “steal this idea” stories from 2025. You'll hear the real numbers, tested strategies, and leadership insights you can carry straight into 2026.Here's who you'll hear from:Courtney Johnson from Culinary Care, who generated $300,000 across 20 corporate eventsChad Nelsen from Surfrider Foundation, who invested in recurring giving technology to reach 91% retention on auto-renew donorsLiz Bohannon, a keynote speaker & author, who talks about “pluck ups” and how to reframe failure as courage-in-actionHeather Sager, a speaking coach, who shares a powerful mindset shift to help you build confidence in public speaking Ashlyn Jones from Houston Food Bank, on growing their monthly giving program to 5,200 sustainers with human-centered storytellingTrovon C. Williams from NAACP, about why leading with solutions can create stronger donor empowermentMaddie Ward from End Overdose, about how they scaled from a single campus to 70+ cities nationwideResources & LinksHear the full episodes with each of today's featured guests:How 20 Cook-Offs Raised $300k from Corporate PartnershipsHow Surfrider Foundation's CEO Amplifies Impact Through Thought LeadershipCelebrating Failures: A New Approach to “Pluck-Ups”How to Craft a Signature Talk to Amplify Your MissionHow Houston Food Bank Grew 5,200 Monthly Donors - The Importance of a Sustainer RoleNAACP's Bold Shift Toward Sustained ImpactFrom UCLA to 70+ Cities: End Overdose Sparked a College Campus MovementAlready have a monthly giving program? The Mini Monthly Giving Mastermind starts in January and is just for you. Register now for the FREE Monthly Giving Summit on February 25-26th, the only virtual event where nonprofits unite to master monthly giving, attract committed believers, and fund the future with confidence. Let's Connect! Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show! My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good. Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!

In this Cents of Security podcast, I'm joined by Jeffrey Fidelman, CEO of Fidelman & Company, to unpack what's really driving today's IPO pipeline—and how founders should think about fundraising in an AI‑first world.

Generosity doesn't begin with the ask; it begins with understanding. Joining with Mallory today is Kevin Schulman to discuss the role of behavioral science in reshaping how generosity is inspired, unmasking why people give far beyond the moment they're prompted.  Kevin Schulman is the founder of DonorVoice, a behavioral science fundraising agency established in 2012 after a career in the commercial sector. Noticing a striking gap between the advanced practices used in commercial industries and the approaches used in fundraising early in his career led him to launch DonorVoice. His work is driven by commitment to apply behavioral science, donor understanding, and astute strategies to help organizations grow more effectively.  In this episode, you will be able to: Understand why giving is inspired by personal values, not simply by being asked. Learn how behavioral science deepens donor insight and strengthens long-term engagement. Acknowledge the role of indirect impact in omni-channel fundraising. Learn how organizations can attract, not persuade, by aligning messages to donor motives. Get all the resources from today's episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Practivated. Practivated delivers AI-powered donor conversation simulations that let fundraisers practice in a private, judgment‑free space—building confidence, refining messaging, and improving outcomes before the real conversation even begins. Developed by fundraising experts with real‑time coaching at its core, it's the smart way to walk into every donor interaction calm, prepared, and ready to connect. Learn more at practivated.com Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven't already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you're looking to raise more from the right funders, then you'll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point

If you want to grow in 2026, you cannot rely on outdated playbooks or wait for a perfect case study to tell you what to do. In this two-part series, I'm breaking down the real fundraising trends I'm seeing across every organization in my ecosystem, not theory, not headlines, not generic Google wisdom. These trends are based on live data, donor behavior, digital strategy sessions, leadership conversations, and thousands of campaigns across my programs, and they're already reshaping how nonprofits grow.In Part 1, I cover six strategic and visibility shifts that will define the highest-performing organizations in 2026, from audience growth as a core revenue engine to the rise of laptop fundraising, human amplifiers, scrappy leader-driven content, superfan retention, and the ROI of LinkedIn thought leadership. If you want to reduce lag time, lead with clarity, and raise more with less friction, this episode provides the roadmap.Topics:Audience growth as a primary revenue engine for 2026The rise of laptop fundraising and email-first digital campaignsShort, fast “sprint” campaigns outperforming long, traditional plansThe power of human amplifiers and Social Street Teams®Why authenticity-driven, “break the fourth wall” content converts betterCreating long-term superfans instead of one-time donorsLinkedIn is the most underutilized high-ROI visibility channelWhy clarity, action, and visibility will outperform caution in 2026For a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.Resources: Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

Today, Luke discusses a creepy post from Elon Musk, Marjorie Greene's NYT profile, and more!Fundraising link: https://give.miraclefoundation.org/campaign/750148/donateOrder your PEP now!https://drinkpep.com/Get connected below!Twitter - https://twitter.com/lukepbeasleyInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/lukebeasleyofficial/TikTok -https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdSfpPHw/YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM05jgFNwoeXvWfO9GuExzAl

Overview:In this high-energy episode, Alex Rawlings is joined by Brad Pilcher, Partner and Co-Founder at Bonaccord Capital Partners, a leading mid-market GP Stakes investor. Brad shares his fascinating journey from aspiring concert pianist to private equity investor, and dives deep into how the private equity world is evolving — particularly around culture, capital, talent, and growth.They explore how mid-market firms can scale successfully, the five principles guiding Bonaccord's strategy, and why “professionalization” is now essential across PE — from investor relations and origination to team structuring and multi-product growth.

Andrew Egger, White House correspondent and Morning Shots co-author for The Bulwark, joins Chris and Amy with a mix of light banter and serious analysis. The conversation starts with misleading political fundraising tactics, including recurring donations that often trap older supporters, and how texts and emails tied to Donald Trump and various PACs fuel confusion and cynicism. Egger also breaks down reported U.S. strikes on ISIS targets in Nigeria, the complicated religious and political dynamics in the region, and uncertainty surrounding the situation on the ground. The discussion then turns to the war in Ukraine, examining Trump's desire to quickly end the conflict, concerns from Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders, and how Vladimir Putin continues to influence the diplomatic landscape.

NYC Pride, the organization most notable for producing The New York City Pride March in June, has a new executive director. Im Lynde talks about the significance of Pride for him, what's in store for 2026, and how they're responding to the significant challenges facing DEI projects and the LGBTQIA+ community. 

Tyler Whitcomb jumps on the Hoop Heads Podcast to discuss Give with Hoops, a groundbreaking initiative that fuses basketball analytics with modern sponsorship. Built for teams who see data as opportunity from AAU programs and high school programs to college powerhouses.By tying on-court performance directly to community and sponsor engagement, Give With Hoops helps programs raise more while deepening support from those who believe in the game.During his career Tyler has been a professional basketball team owner, athletic director, college coach, and now a KuyperWorks Specialist and Adjunct Professor of Sports Management at Kuyper College. He has also produced best-selling basketball playbooks and videos with Championship ProductionsOn this episode Mike & Tyler discuss Give with Hoops, a revolutionary initiative designed to enhance fundraising for basketball programs by seamlessly integrating on-court performance with community sponsorship. This innovative platform employs advanced analytics to facilitate financial support from local businesses, thereby enabling teams—from youth leagues to collegiate institutions—to raise funds in a manner that is both efficient and engaging. The platform's user-friendly interface, developed by former NASA engineers, allows coaches and players to track statistics and directly link them to sponsorship contributions, thus fostering a deeper connection between teams and their supporters. Throughout our discussion, we explore the multifaceted advantages of this approach, including the potential for ongoing community engagement and the ease with which teams can mobilize resources. We invite listeners to consider the transformative impact of Give with Hoops on their fundraising efforts, emphasizing the accessibility and simplicity that this groundbreaking tool offers to the basketball community.Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.Make sure you're subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts and while you're there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you're hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation.Learn about an innovative new way to fundraise for your basketball program as you listen to this episode with Tyler Whitcomb from Give With Hoops.Website - https://givewithhoops.com/hoop-heads-podcastEmail - twhitcomb@kuyper.eduTwitter/X - @GiveWithClick

Philipp Schröder, Gründer von 1KOMMA5°, spricht über authentisches Fundraising. Er teilt, warum man nie seine Story für Investoren anpassen sollte, wie sie über 300 Millionen Euro einsammelten und warum es wichtig ist, die richtigen Investoren für jede Phase zu finden. Was du lernst: Wie du authentisch pitchst Die richtige Investorenauswahl Warum Anpassung gefährlich ist Den richtigen Mix aus Story und Substanz ALLES ZU UNICORN BAKERY: https://stan.store/fabiantausch   Mehr zu Philipp: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipp-schr%C3%B6der-b94b6576/  Website: https://1komma5.com/de/  Join our Founder Tactics Newsletter: 2x die Woche bekommst du die Taktiken der besten Gründer der Welt direkt ins Postfach: https://www.tactics.unicornbakery.de/ 

This year held some of my highest highs and lowest lows, and much of it happened faster than I expected. In this solo episode, I'm reflecting honestly about what 2025 looked like for me, both personally and professionally. You'll hear what surprised me most, the growth of the Monthly Giving Summit, what it was like working 1:1 with 14 organizations through VIP intensives, the unexpected speaking gigs (including international!), and the journaling questions I'm sitting with.Of course, I couldn't leave out the data, and we also dig into insights from this year's M+R Benchmarks Report, including the stat that monthly giving now accounts for 31% of all online revenue. If you've been waiting for permission to prioritize sustainable, recurring giving, this is your sign!My hope is that this episode helps you reflect on where you spent your energy this year as you build, prioritize, and prepare for the year ahead.Resources & LinksAlready have a monthly giving program? The Mini Monthly Giving Mastermind starts in January and is just for you. Register now for the FREE Monthly Giving Summit on February 25-26th, the only virtual event where nonprofits unite to master monthly giving, attract committed believers, and fund the future with confidence. Let's Connect! Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show! My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good. Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!

Kurt Luidhardt is the Co-founder and CEO of Prosper Group Corp., a digital agency that develops online strategy, media, and fundraising for Republican political campaigns and conservative advocacy. Under his leadership, The Prosper Group has raised over $500 million, helped elect more than 100 Members of Congress, 15 US Senators, 15 Governors, and a President, and earned Inc. Magazine's 2019 Fastest-Growing Company recognition. Beyond politics, Kurt is an investor and expert in marketing to Christian and conservative audiences and a Co-founder of Liberty Business Alliance, which helps businesses reach the $5 trillion Liberty Spenders market. In this episode… Political fundraising has evolved into a high-speed, high-stakes digital game where timing, messaging, and emotion determine success. Some campaigns raise millions from small-dollar donors while others barely move the needle using the same tools. What separates fundraising that scales fast from efforts that quietly fail? Drawing from years of direct response and political fundraising experience, Kurt Luidhardt explains that the most successful campaigns combine urgency, emotional storytelling, and disciplined testing. He highlights how engagement signals and list hygiene matter more than sheer audience size, and why compelling offers like donation matching dramatically increase response rates. These principles transform passive supporters into active donors, enabling campaigns to scale quickly without compromising trust. He also notes that experimentation and audience awareness are what keep fundraising effective over time. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Kurt Luidhardt, Co-founder and CEO of Prosper Group Corp., to discuss political fundraising success secrets and direct response strategy. They break down building digital fundraising operations, creating irresistible offers, and using urgency to drive action. Kurt also shares insights on applying these tactics to values-driven business marketing.

Fundraising is commonly portrayed as challenging, but for mission-driven leaders, it's also a privilege because they've got to be one of the helpers in this time period. In this episode, Dana Smiley joins Mallory to discuss donor stewardship through the lens of authenticity, purpose, and human connection. Join us as our guest dives into the exhaustion that comes with the role, the mindset shift that keeps teams grounded, and the power of transparent, genuine interactions.  Hilary Dana Smiley is a seasoned, result-driven fund development professional and currently the Assistant Vice President of Leadership Gifts at Boston Children's Hospital, where she oversees individual giving, direct response efforts, face-to-face fundraising, and volunteer board engagement. She leads with a genuine passion and purpose, believing in authentic enthusiasm strengthening donor relationships and fueling the mission of caring for children and families. In this episode, you will be able to: Learn how reconnecting with your purpose elevates donor communication. Understand the role of authenticity and passion in long-term donor relationships. Acquire new ways in navigating exhaustion and reframe hard fundraising moments. How to inspire generosity with transparent, human-centered communication.  Learn practices that strengthen stewardship and keep teams grounded in mission. Get all the resources from today's episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Practivated. Practivated delivers AI-powered donor conversation simulations that let fundraisers practice in a private, judgment‑free space—building confidence, refining messaging, and improving outcomes before the real conversation even begins. Developed by fundraising experts with real‑time coaching at its core, it's the smart way to walk into every donor interaction calm, prepared, and ready to connect. Learn more at practivated.com Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven't already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you're looking to raise more from the right funders, then you'll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point.

If you believed the headlines this year, you'd think generosity was shrinking. Inflation up. Layoffs everywhere. Grant budgets tightening. Every sector talking about a downturn and uncertainty. But inside my world (thousands of podcast listeners, email subscribers, clients, and community members), the story was completely different. This year was record-breaking! Record-breaking campaigns, major gifts, digital fundraising wins, growth for my clients, and for my own business.In this episode, I share the seven biggest lessons that created growth in a year everyone expected to be hard, lessons about donor behavior, clarity, courage, visibility, momentum, risk, and the kind of leadership that drives revenue even when the headlines say otherwise. If you want a roadmap for your next year (one grounded in data, psychology, and lived experience), this is the episode to bookmark.Topics:Why donor behavior outperformed negative economic headlinesHow fast, clear digital sprint campaigns outperformed long, traditional fundraising plansWhere donor friction still kills revenue (and what to fix immediately)Why decisive, courageous action beats cautious planning in a slow economyHow confidence compounds (and fear compounds) in fundraising leadershipWhy do the biggest revenue days happen at the very end of a campaignThe relationship between bold visibility, clear messaging, and attracting the right donorsWhy criticism is a normal (and often healthy) sign of growthThe importance of letting go (donors, systems, or staff) to make room for the next levelWhy you must stop putting donors in boxes and upgrade based on relationship, not assumptionsFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.Resources: Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

In this episode of "Discovering Grayslake," recorded at The Loop Marketing, the hosts welcome Jennifer Everett, president of Foundation 46 and a Grayslake Middle School reading specialist. Jennifer shares how Foundation 46 supports local teachers and students through flexible grants, fundraising events like Barn Fest, and community activities such as school scavenger hunts. The conversation highlights the importance of community involvement, employer donation matching, and volunteering. Listeners are encouraged to attend events, apply for grants, and help spread the word, all working together to strengthen Grayslake's hometown spirit and support its schools. How Foundation 46 Empowers Grayslake: A Deep Dive into Community-Driven Educational Support Grayslake is more than just a town—it's a community where neighbors look out for each other, and where local organizations like Foundation 46 are making a real difference in the lives of teachers, students, and families. In a recent episode of the "Discovering Grayslake" podcast, recorded at The Loop Marketing at the end of Center Street and Lake, we sat down with Jennifer Everett, a seventh-grade reading specialist at Grayslake Middle School and the current president of Foundation 46. Jennifer, along with our hosts, shared invaluable insights into how Foundation 46 operates, the impact it has, and how every community member can get involved. This blog post unpacks the main themes and actionable tips from the episode, offering a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in supporting education in Grayslake. Whether you're a teacher, parent, business owner, or simply a neighbor who cares, there's a role for you in this hometown effort. What is Foundation 46? Foundation 46 is a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting teachers and students in Grayslake's District 46. Through grants, fundraising events, and community partnerships, the foundation provides resources and opportunities that go beyond what the school budget can cover. Their mission is simple: empower educators, enrich student experiences, and strengthen the community. 1. Flexible, Teacher-Friendly Grants: Fueling Creativity in the Classroom How the Grant Program Works One of the standout features of Foundation 46 is its open, rolling grant application process. Unlike many grant programs that have rigid deadlines, Foundation 46 allows teachers to apply whenever inspiration strikes. Applications are reviewed monthly, making it easier for busy educators to access funding when they need it most. Types of Grants: Project Grants:** $500–$1,000 for classroom projects, materials, or programs. Impact Grants:** Over $1,000 for larger, collaborative, or cross-school initiatives. Application Process: Teachers submit a Google Form detailing their project, its goals, and the number of students impacted. The Foundation uses a rubric to ensure fair, transparent evaluation. If more information is needed, teachers are encouraged to revise and resubmit—Foundation 46 is committed to helping ideas succeed, not just rubber-stamping or rejecting applications. Actionable Tips for Teachers Don't Wait for the "Perfect" Idea:** If you see a need in your classroom, apply! The process is designed to be supportive, not intimidating. Collaborate Across Schools:** Projects that benefit multiple classrooms or schools are especially encouraged. Think Beyond Supplies:** Past grants have funded everything from sensory kits and STEM materials to author visits and family reading nights. Reapply if Needed:** If your application isn't approved the first time, use the feedback to strengthen your proposal and try again. Expert Insight Jennifer Everett emphasizes, "We want to say yes. If you have a creative idea that will benefit students, we're here to help you make it happen." 2. Fundraising with Heart: Barn Fest and Beyond Barn Fest: The Signature Event Barn Fest is Foundation 46's biggest annual fundraiser, held at Jessie Oaks. It's an adult-only evening packed with fun—think mechanical bull rides, live music from Stu the Piano Guy, games, drink specials, and both live and silent auctions. The event is more than just a party; it's a chance for the whole community to rally behind local schools. Key Features: Affordable Tickets:** $25 for teachers, $40 for community members (includes dinner). Community Awards:** The Tom Mescal Award honors outstanding contributors. Unique Auction Items:** From rides in fire trucks to airplane experiences, the auction is always a highlight. Themed Fun:** This year's "Denim and Diamonds" theme blends country charm with a touch of sparkle. Other Fundraising Initiatives Dine-In Shares:** Local restaurants like The Vine and Black Lung host special nights where a portion of proceeds goes to Foundation 46. Scavenger Hunts:** Family-friendly events at local schools encourage exploration and community spirit. Sponsorships:** Local businesses can sponsor events or donate auction items, gaining visibility and goodwill. Actionable Tips for Community Members Attend Events:** Your ticket directly supports grants for teachers. Donate Auction Items:** Unique experiences or services are always in demand. Sponsor a Fundraiser:** Businesses can make a big impact and connect with local families. Host a Dine-In Share:** Restaurant owners, consider partnering with Foundation 46 for a win-win event. Expert Insight Jennifer notes, "We want Barn Fest to be a celebration for everyone, not just teachers. The more the community gets involved, the more we can do for our schools." 3. Maximizing Impact: Employer Matching and Volunteer Power Employer Matching: Double (or Triple) Your Donation Many local companies—including AbbVie, Allstate, Cardinal Health, CDW, First Midwest Bank, Granger, Kraft, Discover, and Motorola—offer matching gift programs. This means your donation to Foundation 46 could be doubled or even tripled, at no extra cost to you. How to Take Advantage: Check with HR:** Ask your employer if they match charitable donations. Submit Your Receipt:** Even event tickets may qualify as a donation. Spread the Word:** Encourage coworkers to participate. Real-World Example: At last year's Barn Fest, a $1,000 donation was matched by Granger, resulting in a $3,000–$4,000 total impact. Volunteering: The Heartbeat of Foundation 46 Like many nonprofits, Foundation 46 relies on a core group of dedicated volunteers—but they're always looking for more hands and fresh ideas. Ways to Volunteer: Join the Board:** Meetings are open to the public, held the first Thursday of each month at Frederick School's Falcon Room. Help at Events:** From setup to auction management, there's a role for everyone. Spread the Word:** Share Foundation 46's mission on social media or within your school community. Jennifer's Wish: "If even a small percentage of our 500 district employees volunteered, we'd have an incredible team. Every bit helps." 4. Expanding the Mission: Scholarships and Community Engagement New Initiatives: Student Scholarships Starting in 2026, Foundation 46 plans to offer student scholarships to help cover costs like sports fees for families in need. This expansion reflects a commitment to supporting not just teachers, but students and their families as well. Community-Building Activities School Scavenger Hunts:** Inspired by Jennifer's own experiences, these events encourage families to explore local schools and connect with each other. Family Reading Nights and Author Visits:** Funded by grants, these programs foster a love of learning and bring the community together. Actionable Tips for Families Participate in Events:** Bring your family to scavenger hunts and reading nights. Apply for Scholarships:** If you need help with extracurricular costs, watch for upcoming opportunities. Stay Informed:** Follow Foundation 46 on social media and sign up for newsletters. 5. How to Get Involved: Your Next Steps For Teachers: Apply for a grant—no idea is too small or too big. Collaborate with colleagues for cross-school projects. For Parents and Community Members: Attend Barn Fest and other events. Volunteer your time or skills. Donate or secure auction items. Check if your employer offers matching gifts. For Local Businesses: Sponsor an event or donate services. Host a dine-in share night. For Everyone: Share Foundation 46's mission on social media. Encourage friends and neighbors to get involved. Attend a board meeting to learn more. Contact Information: Email:** foundation46board@gmail.com Website:** foundation46.org Final Thoughts: Small Actions, Big Impact As Jennifer and the podcast hosts remind us, supporting local schools is a community effort. Whether you're donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, every action counts. In the words of our host, "Do one or two random acts of kindness each day—especially during the holiday season. Together, we can make Grayslake an even better place to live, learn, and grow." Subscribe to "Discovering Grayslake" on your favorite platform to stay updated on local stories and opportunities to get involved. Let's keep the hometown spirit alive—support Foundation 46 and help Grayslake's students and teachers thrive!

As the year draws to a close, nonprofits and organizations everywhere are putting the finishing touches on their fundraising strategies. Amy Vavra and Jessica Thrift share practical advice, proven tactics, and fresh ideas to help you maximize your impact in these final weeks. Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or just getting started, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

In the inaugural VC10X LP Roundtable, we bring together experienced allocators Matt Curtolo & Anurag Chandra to unpack the state of venture capital as we close out 2025 and look ahead to 2026.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comTopics covered:- How the recent Fed rate cut does and does not change venture capital- Why DPI pressure has become the dominant LP concern- Venture vs private credit and when the comparison actually matters- Fundraising realities and why it now takes 18 to 30 months to raise a fund- The changing role of secondaries, continuation funds, and engineered liquidity- Why M&A, not IPOs, has historically driven most venture exits- AI as a structural opportunity or capital concentration risk- Generalist vs specialist funds and what real differentiation actually looks like- Why some LPs are staying committed to venture despite short term underperformance- The biggest mistakes allocators made in past cycles and what they won't repeatTimestamps:(00:00) - Preview(01:08) - Introduction to the LP Roundtable(03:15) - The impact of the macro interest rate environment on venture capital.(03:55) - The limited direct effect of interest rates on early-stage innovation.(06:00) - How interest rates negatively impact SaaS company valuations and exits.(09:35) - How "higher for longer" interest rates are changing LP expectations for returns.(11:13) - The LP perspective: Balancing DPI, MOIC, and IRR in venture investing.(14:09) - The role of the exit environment and secondaries in meeting DPI pressure.(16:38) - The risks of LPs over-focusing on short-term DPI.(18:44) - The emergence of the secondary market for later-stage companies.(20:30) - Future outlook for the M&A and IPO markets as exit paths.(21:02) - Why M&A is the historical bread and butter of venture exits, not IPOs.(23:37) - Underestimating the potential scale of venture-backed exits in the new tech era.(27:35) - How early-stage funds can engineer liquidity through secondary sales.(29:24) - Gross vs. Net Returns: The difference between a good investor and a good fund manager.(30:50) - Why is it so difficult to raise a VC fund today?(31:45) - The fundraising bifurcation: Brand names vs. emerging managers.(35:10) - Career risk and structural barriers for LPs investing in smaller funds.(38:01) - Why institutions often prefer to invest in Fund III and beyond.(40:38) - How can fund managers differentiate themselves? Generalist vs. specialist.(41:46) - Differentiating as a "hustle fund" with a functional specialty (e.g., go-to-market).(45:25) - It's not about being different, it's about being better: The importance of GP-thesis fit.(48:08) - VCs should "take their own medicine" when pitching to LPs.(49:17) - Outlook for 2026: Will the venture market get easier for funds and startups?(50:05) - An optimistic outlook for 2026 driven by technological acceleration.(55:18) - The growing importance of global and emerging markets in venture capital.(55:45) - A closer look at India's booming IPO market and its contrast with the US.(57:15) - Conclusion and final thoughts.---Links to connect:Matt Curtolo - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-curtolo-caiaAnurag Chandra - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anchandraPrashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vc10x Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries, reach out to prashantchoubey3@gmail.comSubscribe for weekly conversations on venture, private markets, and investing.

Jena Lynch In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter welcomes Jena Lynch from DonorBox, a longtime sponsor and leading platform in nonprofit fundraising technology. Jena brings her unique perspective as a nonprofit thought leader and co-host of her own nonprofit podcast, sharing front-line insights from her work with organizations across the country. Together, Rob and Jena dive into the key fundraising challenges facing nonprofit and social impact organizations as they look ahead to 2026. From shifting donor behaviors and the rise of recurring giving to the evolving role of AI, this episode is packed with practical advice, current trends, and forward-thinking strategies to help nonprofits navigate an uncertain fundraising environment with confidence and clarity. Key Topics Include: Why a return to the basics—like individual giving and deep donor relationships—is the trend to watch in 2025 and beyond How nonprofits are adjusting to donor fatigue and declining donor counts despite rising gift amounts The growing impact of Millennials and Gen Z on nonprofit engagement and fundraising behaviors Tips for creating meaningful donor experiences and building long-term donor loyalty The importance of legacy giving and preparing for the generational wealth transfer How nonprofits are using AI practically and ethically to streamline operations and improve donor engagement Strategies for intentional, transparent communication that increases donor trust and involvement Mentioned in This Episode: DonorBox DonorBox Resources & Blog This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox Links to Resources: Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob's website: RobHarter.com Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Everyone loves a success story, but what we don't talk about enough is what it costs to get there.And what it's like before the money is wired or anyone cares. Before all of that, there was a guy with a phone, a thesis, and a long list of people telling him no.That guy was Cole Wilcox.In this episode, Stacy Havener sits down with Cole, CEO & CIO of Longboard Asset Management, to talk about what it really takes to build an investment firm when you don't start with pedigree, proximity, or institutional backing, just conviction and the willingness to keep going when quitting feels rational.In this episode, you'll hear:How one cold call turned into Longboard's first $5M Why founder-led fundraising is unavoidable in the early years, no matter how strong your strategy isWhat it feels like to hear “call me at $100M”… and then hear it again at $1BHow surviving multiple market crises permanently reshaped Cole's relationship with riskThe moment Longboard nearly shut down, and the structural pivot that kept the firm aliveThe real cost of broken partnerships (and why people issues end more firms than markets)What resilience actually looks like when walking away feels like the logical moveWhy staying power might be the most underrated edge a founder hasMore About Cole:Cole Wilcox, Chief Investment Officer at Longboard, has specialized in trend following investment strategies for over 20 years. As a co-author of award-winning research, he has been profiled in bestselling investment books, featured in major media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and Bloomberg, and is a frequent guest on popular podcasts. Cole leads a highly accomplished team at Longboard, delivering innovative, low-correlation investment strategies that leverage trend following to capture market opportunities. ---Running a fund is hard enough.Ops shouldn't be.Meet the team that makes it easier. | billiondollarbackstory.com/ultimus- - -Thinking about expanding your investor base beyond the US? Not sure where to start? Take our quick quiz to find out if your firm is ready to go global and get all the info at billiondollarbackstory.com/gemcap

Renato (Ren) Circi, co-founder of SAVA, a London based MedTech company building a new generation of minimally invasive continuous glucose monitors and molecular wearables.In this episode we rewind to the underground labs at Imperial College London where Ren and his co-founder Raph first immersed themselves in biosensors and began questioning the status quo of health monitoring. Ren explains how their shared obsession with measuring the body more effortlessly led to SAVA's founding and what it really looks like to push through years of scientific failure in order to build a complex medical device platform.We dive into why SAVA manufactures everything in-house, how their micro sensor architecture differs from traditional filament based CGMs and why controlling every layer from chemistry to algorithms is essential if you want to iterate fast on performance. Ren sets out SAVA's long term vision of continuous molecular tracking for everyone, not just people with diabetes, and what could be unlocked once you can monitor many molecules in real time from a single patch.We also talk about regulatory expectations for CGMs, the reality of one way product decisions in medical devices and the difficulty of fundraising for a consumer facing yet highly regulated deep tech company. Ren closes with candid reflections on what he would do differently, how he protects time for family and why working on a problem you truly care about with people you genuinely like is the only way to survive the journey.Timestamps[00:00:21] Origins at Imperial and discovering biosensors[00:01:59] Long horizons, repeated failure and staying in the game[00:03:56] Why SAVA manufactures everything in-house[00:06:46] How SAVA's micro sensor CGM platform actually works[00:09:36] From diabetes to universal molecular health monitoring[00:12:02] Patient experience and CGM adoption in healthcare systems[00:13:43] When CGMs become cheaper than finger-pricks[00:15:15] Misconceptions about CGM and continuous molecular sensing[00:17:21] Why building CGMs is one of the hardest engineering challenges[00:22:54] Fundraising in unconventional deep tech MedTech and advice for foundersConnect with Ren - ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/circi/⁠Learn more about Sava - ⁠⁠https://www.sava.health/Get in touch with Karandeep Badwal - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/karandeepbadwal/ ⁠⁠⁠Follow Karandeep on YouTube - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@KarandeepBadwal⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the Podcast

Saturday, December 20, 2025 - Five days till Christmas, 11 days left to raise funds to CURE SYNGAP1 AES was exceptional in many ways, here are a few: Rare & SYNGAP1 were both very visible, posters with our Logo and names of staff were seen! Posters: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/graglia_syngap1-curesyngap1-activity-7408291479187755008-rMru Our conference was standing room only and had investors!  Even got a mention in their research report! https://www.investing.com/news/analyst-ratings/cantor-fitzgerald-reiterates-overweight-rating-on-camp4-therapeutics-stock-93CH-4403281 ProMMiS Launch was a massive win for patients.  Collaboration. Praxis and Lundbeck recruited for exciting drugs and CAMP4 talked about their ASO and recruiting next year. Our community's presence was felt well into AES. Aaron's post on growth! https://www.facebook.com/aaron.j.harding.5/posts/pfbid0231DtMVUtkZa4eXLv8C8qbf4xEN95aRP1xJ8sGNNvun7aDuUyZVatMWUjjigdXfg1l    Pre-register now for Denver: cureSYNGAP1.org/Pre26   Fundraising. We are YTD $1.68M which is below $1.86M in '23 and $1.97M in '24.  We need to really double down on fundraising for the next two weeks and into next year.  Support our campaign at curesyngap1.org/unlock   ACTION ALERT

A raccoon went on a bender and eventually ended raising nearly a quarter million dollars for the local animal shelter- that's good news! Read more about the trashed trash panda here ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Plus: TikTok signs deal to create new U.S. joint venture. And Meta Platforms is developing a new image and video-focused AI model. Julie Chang hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus: The European Union commits to a $105 billion loan to Ukraine, that doesn't include tapping frozen Russian assets. And, Sony continues to beef up its entertainment business by taking control of the ‘Peanuts' franchise. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Charity Charge show, host Stephen Garten interviews Melissa Lagowski, founder and CEO of Big Buzz Idea Group. They discuss Melissa's journey from being an executive director of a nonprofit to starting her own company that supports nonprofits. The conversation covers the challenges faced by nonprofit leaders, the importance of self-care, and the need for collaboration over competition. Melissa shares tactical advice for nonprofit leaders, the role of technology and AI in fundraising, and the significance of strategic planning as the year comes to a close.TakeawaysMelissa Lagowski founded Big Buzz Idea Group to support nonprofits.Nonprofit leaders often wear many hats and face burnout.Self-care is crucial for nonprofit leaders to avoid burnout.Collaboration among nonprofits can lead to greater impact.Nonprofits should run like businesses to be successful.AI can assist in fundraising and donor personalization.Asking questions is key to building relationships.Nonprofits need to identify their top supporters for effective fundraising.Strategic planning is essential for nonprofit growth.Consultants should be chosen carefully to avoid pitfalls. ---------------------------About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

Founder Lulu Ge turned personal pain into purpose with Elix, an herbal wellness brand rooted in Chinese medicine with 90% repeat customers.For more on Elix and show notes click here Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, host Trent Dunham is joined by Rick Dunham, founder and chairman of Dunham+Company, to discuss how leaders can navigate turbulent times in fundraising. With 2025 coming to a close and 2026 on the horizon, they explore practical strategies for staying grounded, retaining donors, and maintaining a donor-centric approach during challenging seasons.  From emphasizing the importance of retention to making strategic budget decisions, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help organizations weather financial uncertainty while staying true to their mission.  Tune in for a timely discussion on leading with clarity, focusing on the fundamentals, and positioning your organization for long-term success!

Thea Riofrancos, author of Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism, on the complications of using lithium batteries to green our future (think tank here) The post Fundraising special: the problem with lithium appeared first on KPFA.

When a former classroom educator becomes the one writing the checks, EVERYTHING about grantmaking shifts. Dr. Maggie Sullivan Marcus of the Sullivan Family Charitable Foundation brings a rare, dual perspective shaped by years in the classroom and years in philanthropy. Her on-the-ground experience supporting multilingual learner programs is rooted in empathy, deep respect for educators, and a commitment to equity.We get into how small but strategic investments can spark outsized impact, like, DC Public Schools' $2,500 micro-grants. Maggie also shares what it takes to build a multilingual educator pipeline and why meaningful change can't be squeezed into a 12-month grant cycle.Her candor around trust-based philanthropy, power dynamics, and multi-year funding models offers a blueprint for nonprofits eager to move the needle on bolder, more sustainable partnerships.Resources & LinksConnect with Dr. Maggie Sullivan Marcus on LinkedIn and learn more about the Sullivan Family Charitable Foundation on their website.Already have a monthly giving program? The Mini Monthly Giving Mastermind starts in January and is just for you. Register now for the FREE Monthly Giving Summit on February 25-26th, the only virtual event where nonprofits unite to master monthly giving, attract committed believers, and fund the future with confidence. Let's Connect! Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show! My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good. Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!

In this episode of the Nonprofit Spotlight Series, Grayson Harris interviews Andrea Croom, the Executive Director of InAlliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Andrea discusses the organization's mission, the misconceptions surrounding disability services, and the importance of community engagement.She shares insights into the challenges faced by nonprofits, particularly in staffing and funding, and highlights the strategies InAlliance employs to empower individuals towards independence.The conversation also touches on Andrea's personal journey within the organization and the significance of aligning mission and values in decision-making. ---------------------------About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

Thank you for the Christmas gifts and cards! Was the shooting at Brown University a targeted attack? New footage of Brown University suspect. President Trump's message about the murder of Rob Reiner murder is indefensible. Quicksand rescue! Electricity prices up, gas prices down. More narco boats blown up by the Trump administration. Anti-American group busted for New Year's Eve bomb plot. Fundraising for Joe Biden Presidential Library not going well. More heroes emerge from the Australia massacre. $18 trillion taken in from tariffs?? Erika Kirk and Candace Owens meet … now what? Meet the Somali freeloader. 00:00 Pat Gray UNLEASHED! 02:59 More Information on Rob & Michele Reiner's Deaths 03:50 Brown University Shooter Updates 14:42 Bigfoot is in Rhode Island? 15:53 President Trump on Brown University Shooting 19:50 President Trump Classifies Fentanyl as a "Weapon of Mass Destruction"? 21:48 President Trump on Ending the Filibuster 24:28 President Trump's thoughts on Rob Reiner 33:31 Fat Five 43:30 DeSoto VS. Southlake Football 51:27 LA Bomb Plot Stopped 1:08:51 Streaming Wars 1:17:32 Bondi Beach Massacre Update 1:18:52 President Trump on $18 Trillion in Tariffs 1:26:37 Erika Kirk Meets with Candace Owens 1:28:02 Jennifer Welch Wants to Boycott CBS 1:31:59 Somali's Message to Americans 1:33:47 Somali Immigrant Ends Up in Russia instead of England 1:34:37 British Boy on School Lessons in the UK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Change is built through purpose, innovation, and the people who keep showing up. Join with us and explore how social impact and fundraising are evolving beyond traditional boundaries, blending the strategy of business with the heart of philanthropy. Zachary Hynek is the founder of Morton Labs, a startup venture out of the University of Chicago, developing a multi-physics simulation platform specifically for the nuclear industry, and strategic adviser to Cadenza, an AI platform that helps impact-driven organizations with grant discovery, impact reporting, and fundraising support. Zach is also an MBA candidate at the University of Chicago and a social impact entrepreneur dedicated to reshaping how resources are allocated toward good. With experience in launching ventures, Zach helps organizations access the tools, funding, and alignment necessary to create meaningful change. Outside work, he is navigating life as a first-time dad; balancing purpose, innovation, and parenthood with humor and heart. In this episode, you will be able to: Learn how purpose-driven leaders are blending business strategy with social good. Discover why flexibility, not perfection, drives lasting impact. Understand how data and storytelling can strengthen fundraising. Learn why authentic relationships matter more than reach. Understand the importance of showing up with care.  Get all the resources from today's episode here.  Support for this show is brought to you by Practivated. Practivated delivers AI-powered donor conversation simulations that let fundraisers practice in a private, judgment‑free space—building confidence, refining messaging, and improving outcomes before the real conversation even begins. Developed by fundraising experts with real‑time coaching at its core, it's the smart way to walk into every donor interaction calm, prepared, and ready to connect. Learn more at practivated.com Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven't already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you're looking to raise more from the right funders, then you'll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point.

God Centered Concept Discipleship Series is now live. Our first book is now on Amazon called the Victory in 7. Help support us by purchasing your copy today on your kindle or paperback.Victory in 7: The Foundational Process (God Centered Concept Discipleship Series): Wright, TS: 9798274946032: Amazon.com: BooksTo have TS Wright speak at your event or conference or if you simply want spiritual or life coaching or just a consultation visit:www.tswrightspeaks.comVisit our website to learn more about The God Centered Concept. The God Centered Concept is designed to bring real discipleship and spreading the Gospel to help spark the Great Harvest, a revival in this generation. www.godcenteredconcept.comKingdom Cross Roads Podcast is a part of The God Centered Concept.In this conversation, T.S. Wright interviews Dr. David Nelson, the leader of Crossing Cultures International (CCI), who shares his journey into missionary work, the growth of CCI, and the importance of training local leaders in the 1040 window. David discusses the challenges and successes of their training programs, the significance of discipleship, and how individuals can get involved in international ministry. He also highlights the current fundraising efforts and shares inspiring success stories from CCI's graduates.Dr. David Nelson's informationhttp://www.cciequip.org/TakeawaysDavid Nelson's journey began with a personal commitment to God.CCI focuses on training local leaders in their own cultures.The 1040 window is crucial for missionary work due to its unreached populations.Discipleship is essential for spreading the gospel effectively.Many potential leaders in local churches remain untapped.Training programs last 3-4 years and involve extensive coursework.Success stories demonstrate the impact of CCI's training.Fundraising efforts are vital for supporting local coordinators.Individuals can find their niche in international ministry based on their gifts.The book 'Multiply: Building an Enduring Ministry' outlines effective ministry principles.Mentioned in this episode:Victory in 7 Book on Amazon - Get your copy today

In this episode, I'm chatting with Ben Potter from BP Portrait Art in Melbourne — a photographer who has quietly built one of the most profitable and systemised portrait studios I've seen. Ben shares how he moved away from Facebook ads, why community fundraising became his most reliable lead source, and how trusting the numbers — not emotions — transformed both his sales and his confidence. We dig into pricing psychology, strong offers, automation, and why messy action beats waiting for the perfect plan every time. If you're serious about building a photography business that's profitable, repeatable and far less stressful to run, this conversation will challenge how you think about growth — and what actually drives it. The post 647: Ben Potter – How Fundraising Replaced Facebook Ads in His Portrait Studio appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.

Queensland Girl Bitten by Snake Now Fundraising for Rescue Helicopter: Colleague Jeremy Zakis recounts the survival of Joanna Lamb, a ten-year-old Queensland girl bitten by a deadly Eastern Brown snake, noting that after being saved by an air ambulance, she is now selling cows to fund a permanent rescue helicopter for her remote community to ensure others have access to life-saving care.