Accidental Fundraiser™

Aligning Your Board Members and the Mission with Bret Heinrich

It's Worth It with Bret Heinrich

There are multiple paths to becoming an accidental fundraiser and let's face it, accidental or not, fundraising is hard, but in the end, it's worth it. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of the joys of fundraising and the impact it can have on the world. Here’s a snippet of insight from those doing it to keep you inspired. Check out the full episode later this week and be sure to follow Accidental Fundraiser so you never miss any of our other conversations to help you reach your non...

How Walmart Giving’s Grantmaking Lifts Communities Up

When applying for funding from a grantmaking organization, it is crucial to understand its mission and goals. Erin Hogue, senior director of strategic initiatives with Walmart Giving, has been involved in the nonprofit world for years, and is passionate about giving nonprofit organizations the visibility they need to reach donors. In this episode, she shares how Walmart and Sam's Club engage their customers, members, and associates to support causes that are meaningful to them and their co...

It's Worth It with Erin Hogue

There are multiple paths to becoming an accidental fundraiser and let's face it, accidental or not, fundraising is hard, but in the end, it's worth it. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of the joys of fundraising and the impact it can have on the world. Here’s a snippet of insight from those doing it to keep you inspired. Check out the full episode later this week and be sure to follow Accidental Fundraiser so you never miss any of our other conversations to help you reach your non...

GivingTuesday 2022: The Data and Stories Behind the Global Day of Giving

Each year, accidental fundraisers ask themselves the question, “what am I going to do this GivingTuesday?” Whether you use GivingTuesday as a key part of your year-end campaign or leverage the day to celebrate both your partners and volunteers, this global day of giving allows you to maximize impact within your community. As GivingTuesday celebrates its 10th anniversary, Woodrow Rosenbaum, chief data officer for Giving Tuesday, and Pete Karns, senior vice president of corporate strategy at...

Fundraisers, Keep This in Mind for 2023

As we approach the end of 2022, we want to dive into the state of the social good sector with two of our personal fundraising coaches at Bonterra and Network for Good. In this episode, Chany Ockert and Cherian Koshy share trends they’re hearing among nonprofit fundraisers and executive directors at organizations of all sizes and mission areas. They share their advice on what to think about for 2023, how to fundraise and engage supporters in a more personal way, and advice for avoiding burno...

It's Worth It with Chany Ockert and Cherian Koshy

There are multiple paths to becoming an accidental fundraiser and let's face it, accidental or not, fundraising is hard, but in the end, it's worth it. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of the joys of fundraising and the impact it can have on the world. Here’s a snippet of insight from those doing it to keep you inspired. Check out the full episode later this week and be sure to follow Accidental Fundraiser so you never miss any of our other conversations to help you reach your non...

Powerful Fundraising Wisdom from Season 2

Sometimes in fundraising, you have to step outside of your comfort zone, dive in and learn something new.  It can be challenging—there’s no question about it. But in the end, it’s all worth it.  In our second season of Accidental Fundraiser, you’ve heard stories from extraordinary individuals who have been challenged, learned how to keep going, and experienced success and failure along the way. To celebrate the closing of this season, we're revisiting some key moments from these conversat...

How Storytelling Fueled This Nonprofit to Raise Over a Million Dollars in Six Weeks

Even in the midst of massive growth and major impact, nonprofit work can be exhausting. How do you maintain your energy – and passion – when you’re dead tired? In this conversation, [Mark Davis](https://www.linkedin.com/in/markedwarddavis/), Founder and Director of [Abundance International](http://www.abundanceinternational.org/), shares his secret to staying energized and on fire for his mission. Mark and his team bring life-giving aid to orphans in Ukraine. Given recent attention on the ...

It's Worth It with Mark Davis

There are multiple paths to becoming an accidental fundraiser and let's face it, accidental or not, fundraising is hard, but in the end, it's worth it. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of the joys of fundraising and the impact it can have on the world. Here’s a snippet of insight from those doing it to keep you inspired. Check out the full episode later this week and be sure to follow Accidental Fundraiser so you never miss any of our other conversations to help you reach your non...

Overcoming Rejection: Messages from a Frontline Fundraiser

Frontline fundraisers face a difficult reality of a low donation rate, especially when cold calling. How can you increase your success? Morgan Martell, self-described Zillennial and Assistant Director of Development at Texas Tech University, has advice. By shifting her perspective to learn and listen as much as possible, she’s built rapport with her donors and increased her success rate. Martell has learned how to turn rejection into learning, create a culture of service, and align her don...

It's Worth it with Morgan Martell

There are multiple paths to becoming an accidental fundraiser and let's face it, accidental or not, fundraising is hard, but in the end, it's worth it. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of the joys of fundraising and the impact it can have on the world. Here’s a snippet of insight from those doing it to keep you inspired. Check out the full episode later this week and be sure to follow Accidental Fundraiser so you never miss any of our other conversations to help you reach your non...

How Funder & Community Relationships Propelled This Nonprofit

Break out the pie chart. How much time, energy and resources do you devote to ensuring your funders and recipients are happy? 20%? Maybe 30%? In her journey to founding and serving South Carolina’s Freedom Readers, Executive Director Tracy Bailey has learned it’s a two-way street. In this episode of Accidental Fundraiser, Tracy shares how to reflect and celebrate your community, partner with key organizations for the benefit of all, and use your potential lack of access as a tool for motiv...

It's Worth It with Tracy Bailey

There are multiple paths to becoming an accidental fundraiser and let's face it, accidental or not, fundraising is hard, but in the end, it's worth it. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of the joys of fundraising and the impact it can have on the world. Here’s a snippet of insight from those doing it to keep you inspired. Check out the full episode later this week and be sure to follow Accidental Fundraiser so you never miss any of our other conversations to help you reach your non...

Data & Stories: Why This Grantmaker Prioritizes Numbers *AND* Anecdotal Evidence

From getting no’s to a severe lack of feedback, the fundraising process can be frustrating. Who better to give advice than the grantmakers themselves? In this episode, Donna Waites and Meredith Mathews from the Sisters of Charity Foundation, break down all the successful tactics you need to apply for, receive, and deploy funding from grantmakers. Hint: It’s not only about proving your outcomes – stories are also critical! Continue listening to learn why trust and relationships are importan...

It's Worth It with Donna Waites and Meredith Mathews

There are multiple paths to becoming an accidental fundraiser and let's face it, accidental or not, fundraising is hard, but in the end, it's worth it. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of the joys of fundraising and the impact it can have on the world. Here’s a snippet of insight from those doing it to keep you inspired. Check out the full episode later this week and be sure to follow Accidental Fundraiser so you never miss any of our other conversations to help you reach your non...

Aligning Purpose & Profit with Bonterra CEO Erin Mulligan Nelson

As an Accidental Fundraiser and Chief Everything Officer, what do you prioritize – your organization’s viability or your ultimate mission and purpose? Many think you have to choose one or the other to be successful. Bonterra CEO and tech titan Erin Mulligan Nelson says they go hand-in-hand – no need to choose between purpose and profit. Because if you’re properly doing what you set out to do, your donors will “stay with you, grow with you and advocate for you.” And your nonprofit will thriv...

It's Worth It with Erin Mulligan Nelson

There are multiple paths to becoming an accidental fundraiser and let's face it, accidental or not, fundraising is hard, but in the end, it's worth it. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of the joys of fundraising and the impact it can have on the world. Here’s a snippet of insight from those doing it to keep you inspired. Check out the full episode later this week and be sure to follow Accidental Fundraiser so you never miss any of our other conversations to help you reach your non...

How to Inspire Donors with Your “Why?”

Your cause is important. But perhaps the biggest challenge you face in fundraising is getting more donors to care about it. Christina McGovern, Director of Development & Marketing at the Youth Service Bureau of St. Joseph County, Indiana, was able to increase individual gifts by more than 6x. How? By honing in on the organization's “why?” and evolving their brand and messaging. Listen to Christina’s journey, mistakes, and big successes on this episode of the Accidental Fundraiser.

It's Worth It with Christina McGovern

There are multiple paths to becoming an accidental fundraiser and let's face it, accidental or not, fundraising is hard, but in the end, it's worth it. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of the joys of fundraising and the impact it can have on the world. Here’s a snippet of insight from those doing it to keep you inspired. Check out the full episode later this week and be sure to follow Accidental Fundraiser so you never miss any of our other conversations to help you reach your non...

Back to Roots: How to Launch & Grow a Nonprofit

Getting your nonprofit off the ground can be really difficult. That’s why our Accidental Fundraiser Ayanna Nahmias went back to her home in Zimbabwe to, well, put her nonprofit in the ground. Literally. Despite a troubling childhood, Nahmias started and runs the Zimbabwe Farm Project, soon to be Africa Vertical, a sustainable farming complex in Zimbabwe that employs women from the local community to tend organic crops. She’s overcome countless obstacles and benefited from some fortunate op...

It's Worth It with Ayanna Nahmias

There are multiple paths to becoming an accidental fundraiser and let's face it, accidental or not, fundraising is hard, but in the end, it's worth it. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of the joys of fundraising and the impact it can have on the world. Here’s a snippet of insight from those doing it to keep you inspired. Check out the full episode later this week and be sure to follow Accidental Fundraiser so you never miss any of our other conversations to help you reach your non...

Pride Gone Global: How This LGBTQ Nonprofit’s Fundraising Surged During the Pandemic

The issues facing the LGBTQ community have improved. Yet, they still encounter uphill battles every day.  Elizabeth Schedl, executive director at the Hudson Pride Center in New Jersey, knows this first hand. She joins Accidental Fundraiser to share how they’ve expanded their donor base, organized creative events for their community, and streamlined their acquisition and retention strategies.

It's Worth It with Elizabeth Schedl

There are multiple paths to becoming an accidental fundraiser and let's face it, accidental or not, fundraising is hard, but in the end, it's worth it. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of the joys of fundraising and the impact it can have on the world. Here’s a snippet of insight from those doing it to keep you inspired. Check out the full episode later this week and be sure to follow Accidental Fundraiser so you never miss any of our other conversations to help you reach your non...

A First Look at Giving USA's Report

Curious about how much fundraising, donations, and other aspects of the nonprofit sector have changed since 2021? We’ve got a special update for you—a sneak peek from Giving USA’s 2021 report. Each year Giving USA (a public service initiative of The Giving Institute) conducts research on the nonprofit sector in the U.S. The full report will be released on July 12th, but they published a preview featuring some of their top-level findings from last year.  In this episode, you’ll hear Kimber...

Mission Clarity & Self-Care: Two Critical Elements to Nonprofit Success According to this Accidental Fundraiser

The pandemic hit the economy hard. Perhaps none harder than the nonprofit world. In fact, 1/3 of organizations faced financial jeopardy, says PBS. Camille Nitschky and the Children’s Grief Center of the Great Lakes Bay Region pivoted during the pandemic and increased fundraising by 27% despite the odds. How’d they do it? Camille joins Accidental Fundraiser to discuss how her video strategy (and other creative fundraising ideas) led to the Grief Center’s best year yet and attracted interest...

It's Worth It with Camille Nitschky

There are multiple paths to becoming an accidental fundraiser and let's face it, accidental or not, fundraising is hard, but in the end, it's worth it. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of the joys of fundraising and the impact it can have on the world. Here’s a snippet of insight from those doing it to keep you inspired. Check out the full episode later this week and be sure to follow Accidental Fundraiser so you never miss any of our other conversations to help you reach your non...

Tragedy to Change: A Mother’s Mission to Make Schools Safer with Lori Alhadeff

Just days before yet another deadly massacre at a Texas elementary school, Lori Alhadeff joined Accidental Fundraiser to share her journey in founding Make Our Schools Safe and lobbying for change at a national level. Listen to this episode to learn from Lori’s unwavering dedication to her mission. Whether you are a parent or not, her passion for her daughter’s legacy and school safety will strike a chord. And may even inspire action.

It's Worth It with Lori Alhadeff

There are multiple paths to becoming an accidental fundraiser and let's face it, accidental or not, fundraising is hard, but in the end, it's worth it. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of the joys of fundraising and the impact it can have on the world. Here’s a snippet of insight from those doing it to keep you inspired. Check out the full episode later this week and be sure to follow Accidental Fundraiser so you never miss any of our other conversations to help you reach your non...

What’s New with Accidental Fundraiser

Fundraising is hard. Really hard. But in the end, we all know it’s worth it. Because you’ve made your mark. You’ve made a difference. You’ve changed the world one dollar, one campaign, one life at a time. Season 2 of Accidental Fundraiser is here. And it will take your fundraising career to the next level. Learn from stories across the globe of how Accidental Fundraisers successfully navigate board meetings and relationships, retain donors for years not months, raise dollars for their missi...

BONUS: Balancing Your Fundraising Goals with Your Board’s Mission

Figuring out what makes people give to a cause is a challenge for every fundraiser. Alyson Landers, Project Manager of Major Gifts for the Hudson River Museum in New York, joined Accidental Fundraiser to discuss her journey to becoming a fundraising professional. As a former board member herself, she shared her unique perspective of engaging, educating and enabling members of the board of directors. Because without significant buy-in – financial and otherwise – fundraisers can struggle to l...

Fundraising Through and Post-Covid—What's Next?

As fundraisers, and especially accidental fundraisers, it’s easy to feel isolated. Sometimes you just need someone to help you grow and tell you, “You can do this.” In this episode, Chany Ockert and Janet Cobb join to discuss what it takes to not just survive as a fundraiser, but thrive. Chany and Janet have worked in the nonprofit world for decades, giving them unique perspectives on the current state of fundraising, and what it means to build relationships in a continually changing envir...

From Trenches to Triumph

There are multiple paths to becoming an accidental fundraiser. And, let’s face it, accidental or not, fundraising is hard. But in the end, it’s worth it. Throughout this season of Accidental Fundraiser, you’ve heard story after story of extraordinary individuals who learned hard lessons, made mistakes, and found success beyond their expectations. And while there are exciting things ahead, it’s time to bring season one to a close. In this episode, we’re recapping highlights and reflecting...

Facebook’s Take on Creating Social Impact

You can’t create social impact without social media. Michelle Zelaya is the Strategic Partner Manager of Social Impact at Meta, which oversees social media properties like Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and more. Michelle has a heart for fundraising and community-building, and her role at Meta enables her to share the best tips and tricks to make your social fundraisers as successful as possible. In this bonus episode, Michelle shares practical advice on how to best use Facebook and Instagr...

Meta’s Take on Creating Social Impact

You can’t create social impact without social media. Michelle Zelaya is the Strategic Partner Manager of Social Impact at Meta, which oversees social media properties like Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and more. Michelle has a heart for fundraising and community-building, and her role at Meta enables her to share the best tips and tricks to make your social fundraisers as successful as possible. In this bonus episode, Michelle shares practical advice on how to best use Facebook and Instagra...

1.1 Million Raised 20 Days Into the Year

“What do we need to be doing to put ourselves out of business? Because if we're not working towards that, we are literally stealing from this community." Darius Baxter is the CEO and Co-founder of GOODProjects, an organization that walks alongside families on the path out of poverty. Darius is grateful for the opportunity to make a living dreaming up ways to help others, but he knows the ultimate goal is to put themselves out of business. In this episode, Darius shares his journey from rai...

Galas and Pledge Events and Cookbooks, Oh My!

When it comes to fundraising initiatives, it’s easy to stick with what you know, but different markets call for different approaches. Hannah Hausman found this to be true when she moved from Miami, where galas were all the rage, to Santa Fe. As Executive Director for the Santa Fe Children’s Museum, she got creative. In this episode, Hannah shares the success she’s seen from ideas like pledge challenges and putting together a cookbook with the local community. As you listen, you’ll learn th...

Be Fearless, Try New Things, Make Mistakes

Big, hairy, audacious goals can be terrifying, but that’s no reason not to set them. Nycky Miller is the Director of Development at Gospel Rescue Mission where their goal is to end homelessness in the state of Oklahoma. Which to some may sound all but impossible, but not to Nycky. Once she and her team were able to functionally end homelessness in their county, they set their sights even higher. In this episode, Nycky shares the social media strategies that helped the mission almost triple ...

Money Will Follow the Mission

As fundraisers, we often focus on the ask. Yet, sometimes it’s important to share a story and express your gratitude. For Jeff Allen, that means spreading the mission of Monkey's House to anyone who will listen and thanking every donor – no matter the size of their contribution. Monkey's House provides loving care to homeless dogs with terminal diagnoses or hard-to-adopt disabilities. As an all-volunteer, donations-funded organization, they have no paid employees. In this episode, Jeff sits...

Raising $750,000 without Fundraising Experience

In the nonprofit world, it's important to care about those you serve, but when it comes to fundraising, is that enough? I Can Do That Performing Arts Center is a nonprofit children’s theatre company dedicated to creating professional, full-scale musicals by combining quality training with imagination, freedom, and fun. And Shayna Ronen, Co-Founder and Executive Director, believes in fostering empowered, flourishing youth through sustained community, wellness, and the power of the performing ...

Turning $1,000 into $10,000 with a Personal Message

In a world where it seems like our whole lives are online, a personal touch can make all the difference. After a simple "Happy Birthday" message to a donor led to an increase in his annual contribution, Bonnie Sawyer realized how impactful those small details can be. But that doesn’t mean she shies away from using the internet. Through her work at Herren Project, an organization dedicated to the treatment, recovery, and prevention of addiction, she relies heavily on social media but all with...

Getting Personal with Herren Project

In a world where it seems like our whole lives are online, a personal touch can make all the difference. After a simple "Happy Birthday" message to a donor led to an increase in his annual contribution, Bonnie Sawyer realized how impactful those small details can be. But that doesn’t mean she shies away from using the internet. Through her work at Herren Project, an organization dedicated to the treatment, recovery, and prevention of addiction, she relies heavily on social media but all with...

How to Build a Donor Base from Scratch

You know a nonprofit is on the right path when the majority of their volunteers are people who once benefited from that the organization's support. Dorthy Day House provides housing and support services for those who find themself in need. Brit Hotaling, Director of Development and Marketing, says "we're a community for the people that we serve, by the people that we serve." In this episode, listen to hear about the initiatives Brit has introduced to help empower those supported by the Dort...

Paying it Forward with Dorothy Day House

You know a nonprofit is on the right path when the majority of their volunteers are people who once benefited from that the organization's support. Dorthy Day House provides housing and support services for those who find themself in need. Brit Hotaling, Director of Development and Marketing, says "we're a community for the people that we serve, by the people that we serve." In this episode, listen to hear about the initiatives Brit has introduced to help empower those supported by the Do...

Mastering (and Crisis-Proofing) Long-Distance Fundraising

What do you do when a terrorist organization takes over your country and your nonprofit still needs to function? Fereshteh Forough knows this better than most. Fundraising requires an endless amount of time and energy. Not to mention the added stress of knowing people rely on your ability to reach your donation goals. Her nonprofit, Code to Inspire, provides girls and women in Afghanistan the ability to learn to code. Of course, since the Taliban took over again their mission has become a ...

Mastering (and Crisis-Proofing) Long-Distance Fundraising

What do you do when a terrorist organization takes over your country and your nonprofit still needs to function? Fereshteh Forough knows this better than most. Fundraising requires an endless amount of time and energy. Not to mention the added stress of knowing people rely on your ability to reach your donation goals. Her nonprofit, Code to Inspire, provides girls and women in Afghanistan the ability to learn to code. Of course, since the Taliban took over again their mission has become a ...

Fundraising during a Crisis with Code to Inspire

What do you do when a terrorist organization takes over your country and your nonprofit still needs to function? Fereshteh Forough knows this better than most. Fundraising requires an endless amount of time and energy. Not to mention the added stress of knowing people rely on your ability to reach your donation goals. Her nonprofit, Code to Inspire, provides girls and women in Afghanistan the ability to learn to code. Of course, since the Taliban took over again their mission has become a ...

Carrying the Vision with Icing Smiles

Tracy Quisenberry is the mother of two premature babies and saw firsthand the hardships families face in similar situations. While on medical leave with her son, she fell in love with the craft of cake decorating—little did she know where that would lead. Over a decade and thousands of cakes later, Tracy's non-profit, Icing Smiles, continues to grow as it finds volunteers to donate their time and skills, using something as simple as a cake to bring positivity to the lives of sick children ...

How Icing Smiles built a network of 12,000 volunteers

Tracy Quisenberry is the mother of two premature babies and saw firsthand the hardships families face in similar situations. While on medical leave with her son, she fell in love with the craft of cake decorating—little did she know where that would lead. Over a decade and thousands of cakes later, Tracy's non-profit, Icing Smiles, continues to grow as it finds volunteers to donate their time and skills, using something as simple as a cake to bring positivity to the lives of sick children ...

Growing from 0 to 10,000 Contacts with Massachusetts Review

When the economic crash of 2008 threatened the financial stability of the Massachusetts Review, Emily Wojcik, now Managing Editor, knew their success depended on fundraising. The problem? In 50 years as a nonprofit, they had never done any fundraising. Massachusetts Review is a literary magazine founded by UMass professors in 1959 intended to encompass great art and share timely public affairs. In this episode, Emily joins to share insights into the inner workings of Massachusetts Review and...