Let's Talk Fundraising

Most of us came into this work to build relationships. But too often our days get buried under contact reports, prospect research, and messy systems that keep us tied to a desk.

In this episode, we explore a simple idea: what if AI could handle some of the repetitive administrative work so fundraisers could focus more energy on donor relationships?

You’ll hear the story behind a set of practical AI workflows that began as small experiments and grew into a framework that supports the entire major gift cycle, from prospect identification and donor research to...

Fundraising doesn’t belong only to the boldest voice in a crowded gala. It thrives in the quiet moments where a donor feels understood, a tense call cools with care, and a complex gift moves forward because someone listened long enough to hear what really matters. We sit down with advancement officer and CFRE Carissa Kineski to explore how introverts turn deep listening, patience, and empathy into durable donor relationships—and why those “soft” skills are often the hardest to replace.

Carissa shares how de-escalating tough donor inquiries taught her that most people want to be heard before t...

Looking for a unicorn hire who “just gets it” on day one? We’ve all been there—and it rarely works. To celebrate fifty episodes, we pull back the curtain on what truly drives consistent donor results: intentional onboarding that blends benchmarks with belief, practice with coaching, and culture with clarity. We map four levels of onboarding—from isolation and functional quick tours to benchmarked ramp-ups and full alignment—and show how each step changes employee confidence and donor outcomes.

We share lessons from Apple and Disney that any nonprofit can adapt without a Fortune 100 budget: train before publi...

Every Valentine’s Day, nonprofit inboxes fill up with warm subject lines and messages that say, “We love our donors.” The intention is real, but the impact often falls flat.

In this episode, we unpack why broad gratitude is easy to send and easy to forget, and why donors don’t experience our effort or our process, they experience how they’re treated. The real question isn’t whether a message was handwritten or AI-assisted. It’s whether it reflects why the donor gave and makes them feel genuinely seen.

We separate care from craft, challenge the...

This Groundhog Day episode is a personal announcement and a fundraiser’s roadmap for change.

After fifteen years in nonprofit leadership, I’m stepping away from a role I loved—not because something was wrong, but because something bigger was calling. What began as one reluctant conference session turned into a growing invitation to speak, teach, and help nonprofits navigate the future of fundraising, AI, and trust.

In this episode, I share the full story behind my pivot, the fear and grief that came with leaving stability, and the practical framework that helped me choose expans...

🎁 Enter the contest to get a signed copy of Scott Vedder's book, Signs of a Great Resume.

Seven seconds. That’s often all you get before a recruiter decides “no” or “maybe.” We brought in Scott Vedder—former Fortune 100 recruiter and bestselling author of Signs of a Great Resume—to show how to turn a duty-heavy document into a sharp story of value that earns interviews, especially for fundraisers navigating fuzzy titles and complex teams.

We start by reframing the resume as a leadership and career tool. Scott explains why writing like a job posting kills momentum, ho...

Remember when donor newsletters read like dissertations and first-time givers needed a decoder ring? We take a clear-eyed look at how AI has quietly raised the baseline for clarity in fundraising and communications—and why that shift changes expectations, not the essence of our work. The conversation moves past hype and eye-rolls to focus on what’s actually changing: standards, roles, and the line between acceptable and excellent.

We unpack the two most common reactions to AI—quiet fear about speed and scale, and easy dismissal of flat outputs—and show how both point to the same underlyi...

Download the Big Goals Worksheet

The problem with so much “polished” AI content isn’t grammar, it’s judgment. We unpack why clean sentences can still feel hollow, and how fundraisers can use AI without outsourcing the thinking that protects the quality of your work. Instead of arguing for or against tools, we reframe the choice: Which role do you assign to AI, and which role do you keep for yourself?

We walk through four distinct modes of AI use—retrieval and generation, editing and refinement, sense making and synthesis, and critical reflection and advers...

Free Gift 🎁 Big Goals Worksheet

If goal setting feels like a test you’re always failing, this conversation offers a calmer path. We pull apart the myths that keep fundraisers stuck—outcome-only targets, motivation as strategy, and the idea that discipline alone drives results—and replace them with a research-backed approach that actually holds the messiness of real work. You’ll hear how to separate what you want to change from what you can control, design if-then responses for predictable obstacles, and build early feedback so you can see momentum long before revenue lands.

We walk...

Year-end fundraising doesn’t have to feel like survival mode.

If you’ve ever spent December scrambling — rushing appeals, juggling Finance deadlines, and showing up exhausted for donors and family — you’re not alone. The truth is, survival mode isn’t a strategy. Steady rhythms are.

In this episode, I’ll share how to shift from frazzled to focused — and how AI can become the quiet assistant that keeps your year-end fundraising consistent, clear, and calm. You’ll hear practical steps you can start now to build a rhythm that carries you through December with confidence (withou...

Every fundraiser knows the weight of unwritten thank you notes—that pile on your desk, the rushed emails sent just to clear your to-do list, the nagging guilt when your gratitude doesn't sound quite right. You're not alone in this struggle.

I share a personal story about working at an organization where the CEO expected impossible levels of personalization in donor thank yous. They wanted handwritten notes with intimate details for hundreds of weekly donors—references to tennis games, grocery store encounters, and family conversations I couldn't possibly know. This unsustainable expectation nearly broke me, and it high...

The Fundraiser's AI Starter Suite

If Sunday nights feel like the slow countdown to another heavy Monday, you’re not alone. I know that tightening in your chest — the mental list of donor follow-ups, board reports, events that need funding, and the quiet weight of a mission too big for one person to carry.

For years, I fought through it with a brave face and a tired heart. I thought if I just worked harder, smiled brighter, or slept less, maybe we’d finally turn a corner. But the load didn’t get lighter — it grew heavi...

Ever wish you could clone yourself on Monday morning?

In this mini-episode, I’ll show you how to turn your favorite prompts into something far more powerful: CustomGPTs—personalized AI assistants trained on your best fundraising language and strategy.

You’ll learn how to build three fundraisers’ essentials:
• An Email Writer that drafts thank-you notes, follow-ups, and appeals
• A Board Report Builder that turns CRM data into clear, mission-driven insights
• A Prospect Profile Generator that compiles ethical, actionable donor briefs

And here’s the key: we’ll also walk through how t...

Your browser groans under the weight of countless tabs while your prospect's name stares at you from the CRM dashboard. The research rabbit hole keeps getting deeper, consuming hours of your day with diminishing returns. Sound familiar?

Prospect research doesn't have to be this way. The real power in donor profiles isn't found in data volume but in actionable insights that spark meaningful conversations. Yet most fundraisers fall into the trap of mistaking thoroughness for effectiveness, spending over half their preparation time gathering information rather than developing strategy. This misalignment costs more than time—it compromises the qu...

Every nonprofit leader knows the struggle: that moment when your calendar reminder pops up – "Board packet due tonight." You export columns of numbers from your CRM, spend hours wrestling with spreadsheets, triple-checking figures, and aligning columns. All this effort, only to watch board members' eyes glaze over two pages into your meticulously crafted report.

What if there's a better way? A method that transforms dense data into clear, compelling narratives that your board not only understands but champions? This episode unveils how AI tools like ChatGPT can become your secret weapon for creating board reports that drive ac...

Drowning in donor emails while struggling to craft thoughtful, personalized responses? You're not alone. Fundraisers everywhere face this daily challenge—balancing the need for authentic communication with the reality of limited time and mounting inbox pressure.

The secret most successful fundraisers discover is that timely responsiveness isn't just an administrative task—it's a relationship-building superpower that directly impacts donor trust and giving potential. Each prompt, thoughtful reply silently communicates powerful messages: I see you, I value your time, and your relationship matters to our mission.

This episode reveals how to transform your approach to donor emai...

Every fundraiser faces the same dilemma: we need efficiency, but we can't sacrifice accuracy. When that major donor asks for one critical data point before finalizing their six-figure gift, the pressure to respond quickly meets our professional obligation to be absolutely correct.

ChatGPT makes this balancing act even trickier. Its confident, polished responses can mask a dangerous problem: AI hallucinations—fabricated information delivered with complete assurance. These aren't intentional lies but rather the model filling knowledge gaps with what sounds plausible. The danger comes when these fabrications slip into donor communications, undermining the trust foundation that every su...

Ever found yourself paralyzed by a blinking cursor, struggling to craft the perfect donor message? You're not alone. Fundraising writing can be deeply intimidating—it needs to reflect understanding, empathy, clarity, and warmth all at once while connecting emotionally with donors.

The secret to breaking through this paralysis lies in a simple mindset shift: momentum beats perfection. Every time. Rather than agonizing over creating the perfect message from scratch, what if you could instantly generate a solid first draft and focus your energy on refining it instead? This approach doesn't sacrifice quality—it enhances it by freeing you...

Every fundraiser knows that donor trust is the foundation of successful philanthropic relationships. But in our rush to embrace powerful AI tools like ChatGPT, we risk compromising that trust through accidental exposure of sensitive information. What begins as an innocent copy-paste into an AI prompt can instantly transform into a serious data breach that damages hard-earned relationships.

This episode tackles the critical intersection of donor data privacy and AI efficiency. We explore how even small, routine actions—hastily copying donor details or pledge amounts—can lead to unintended privacy violations. Rather than avoiding technology altogether, we introduce prac...

Trapped in an endless cycle of drafting donor emails while meaningful connections take a backseat? The silent crisis of administrative drag is depleting fundraisers' energy and passion nationwide. What if reclaiming hours every week could be as simple as embracing the right technological tools?

This transformative exploration reveals how AI tools like ChatGPT can revolutionize your fundraising practice—not by replacing the human touch, but by magnifying it. Discover how cutting your email drafting time from 20 minutes to just 5 minutes per message can save you 2.5 hours weekly. Learn practical, step-by-step methods to generate donor summaries, briefing documents, an...

Have you ever left a donor meeting wondering, “Why did I say it like that?”
Or felt that quiet pressure to be more agreeable, more polished, more… perfect?

In this episode, Keith shares a story fresh from the road—an alumni reception that turned into a powerful reminder: you don’t have to be everyone’s favorite to be an exceptional fundraiser.

If you’ve ever struggled with people-pleasing, felt the weight of performance, or questioned your unique style in this work, this episode is your permission slip to stop contorting and start connecting.

Because p...

Ever poured hours into a project only to watch it get worse, not better? That frustrating cycle of diminishing returns might be fueled by a deeply-held belief that's actually holding you back.

Growing up, I absorbed my father's working-class ethos that hard work—defined by time spent, effort exerted, and suffering endured—was the only path to success. This belief followed me through school and into my career, where I'd routinely second-guess myself, redo perfectly good work until it deteriorated, and eventually develop unhealthy procrastination habits. The breaking point came when I witnessed a colleague working 70-hour week...

Have you ever left a donor meeting, recorded quick thoughts on your phone, then spent hours translating those scattered notes into a proper contact report? There's a better way.

At AFP Icon in Seattle last month, I watched a room full of fundraisers experience a collective "aha" moment. It wasn't sparked by fancy tech demos or pie-in-the-sky AI promises. It happened when they realized that tools like ChatGPT could immediately solve real problems they face every day. One fundraiser's words particularly resonated: "I always thought this stuff was for the tech team. I had no idea I...

The journey from behind-the-scenes prospect researcher to frontline major gift officer can feel like jumping into the deep end without a life vest. In this illuminating conversation, Matt Stokes, Leadership Giving Officer at Yale University, shares his experience making this challenging career transition and the lessons he's learned along the way.

Matt brings a unique perspective, having spent years analyzing data and identifying prospects before stepping across the table to build relationships with donors directly. He reveals how his background in research has shaped his approach to cultivation and solicitation, providing him with valuable insights that many...

When you picture a successful fundraiser, do you imagine someone who commands the room, speaks eloquently without hesitation, and thrives in crowds of donors? That stereotype has dominated our field for decades—but what if the most powerful fundraising superpower isn't being heard, but truly hearing others?

Carissa Konesky, CFRE and advancement officer at Simon Fraser University, challenges this outdated notion through her remarkable career journey. Recognized as a Top 30 Under 30 by BC Business and Woman of the Year rising star, she's built meaningful donor relationships not by dominating conversations, but through the quiet strength of deep li...

Fundraising shouldn’t feel like manipulation. It shouldn’t leave donors feeling drained, guilty, or pressured into giving. Yet, so much of our industry—especially certain political campaigns—leans into fear as a motivator. And while fear might work once, it doesn’t build relationships. It doesn’t make donors want to come back.

You know what does? Joy.

In this episode, I’m sharing two unforgettable stories from my time in hospice fundraising—one about a 102-year-old who became the town’s most eligible bachelor, and another about a baby boy who taught his family...

Can AI really enhance human connection in fundraising, or is it just a high-tech distraction? Let's tackle this question head-on, revealing how AI can be a transformative force in the nonprofit sector. This episode isn't about replacing the personal touch — it's about using AI to deepen it. As I prepare for my upcoming session at the AFP Icon conference in Seattle, I'll guide you through the ethical integration of AI, showing how it can streamline repetitive tasks and allow us to focus on what truly matters: building genuine relationships and crafting compelling stories that resonate with donors. 

Thi...

Have you ever felt like fundraising was just begging for money? Like you were throwing out asks and hoping someone would say yes? If so, you’re not alone—but there’s a reason it feels that way. And it’s not just you.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Fundraising, I break down the difference between real fundraising and what I call panhandling. It all started with a phone call that should’ve been about speaking at a conference—but instead turned into a hard sales pitch for sponsorship. And when the other fundraiser shrugged and said, “Well...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Bri Gerzevske, an expert in nonprofit fundraising leadership, as she shares her transformative approach to creating high-functioning teams. Ever wondered how to step into a new leadership role and immediately start building trust and a positive team culture? Bri’s strategy centers around joy and belonging, and she shares how one-on-one meetings can help set expectations and understand team dynamics, all while maintaining healthy work-life boundaries. She also tackles the thorny issue of micromanagement and the importance of fostering a trust-based work environment.

The episode takes a deep dive into th...

What if holiday generosity could transform lives beyond the festive season? Leanne Baumel, Chief Development Officer at Casa de Esperanza de los Niños, joins us to share her insights from the frontline of holiday fundraising. We'll unravel the complexities and joys of orchestrating campaigns like "Triple the Hope," which has successfully raised over $550,000, and explore the heartfelt process of bringing Christmas cheer to 350 children. Leanne's stories shed light on the power of donor support in changing lives while also navigating the well-meaning chaos that often accompanies it.

The holiday season brings unique challenges for nonprofits, and L...

Ever wonder why so many fundraisers are burnt out and how to truly support their well-being? Join us as we engage with Raiya Sankari-Diaz, a global HR expert, to uncover the hidden causes of burnout in the fundraising sector. Forget superficial solutions like mindfulness apps; Raiya shares why authentic well-being programs, backed by genuine leadership buy-in, are essential. We explore the pitfalls of "care washing," where insincere initiatives lead only to dissatisfaction and disengagement, and we offer real-life insights and actionable strategies for fundraisers seeking more meaningful change.

Shift gears with us as we explore how smaller...

Unlocking the secrets to managing effective nonprofit boards, our episode promises to transform your approach to board recruitment and engagement. With our insightful guest, Phelosha Collaros, we uncover how to transcend the traditional focus on financial capacity and instead recruit board members driven by passion and alignment with your mission. This discussion challenges the norm, advocating for a nuanced, staged pipeline approach to recruiting, where financial commitment is just the starting point for identifying true mission champions.

Prepare to rethink your onboarding strategy with lessons from the seasoned expertise of Phelosha Collaros. Transitioning from basic orientations to...

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What if a single word could redefine your entire year? Join us as we challenge the all-or-nothing mindset of New Year's resolutions with a transformative approach to goal-setting. Instead of making fleeting promises, we invite you to select a "word of the year" that can guide your personal and professional journey throughout 2025. Picture your fundraising efforts and personal growth thriving on a foundation of consistency, intention, or engagement. Tune in to discover how small, sustainable actions can lead to meaningful results, from maintaining a steady fitness routine to enhancing donor relationships through regular...

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We’re taking a little holiday break for the rest of the year, but don’t worry—Let’s Talk Fundraising will be back in January with fresh episodes to kick off 2025! In the meantime, make sure to visit www.letstalkfundraising.com to join the newsletter and stay updated on all things fundraising. And let’s connect on LinkedIn—follow Let’s Talk Fundraising for behind-the-scenes insights, tips, and resources to keep you inspired.

In this festive mini-episode, I celebrate you, the ambitious fundraisers working hard to close out year-end campaigns. I know this se...

Unlock the secret to unlocking donors' hearts and wallets with gratitude! Discover how practicing genuine appreciation can transform your fundraising efforts and create lasting partnerships. Dive into the "rule of seven" and learn how consistent, heartfelt gestures can make your supporters feel truly valued and connected to your cause.

Learn from Heidi Atkinson's insights as we explore strategies like thank-you phone calls and celebratory events that can boost donor loyalty. Uncover the power of personal interactions and find out how board members can directly impact donor retention by reaching out to first-time contributors. From intimate donor luncheons...

Unlock the transformative potential of AI in fundraising, as we explore how technology is reshaping the nonprofit landscape. From the initial skepticism and concerns of job security that accompanied the launch of ChatGPT, to the innovative strides made in aligning AI outputs with organizational values, this episode promises a journey through the evolving perceptions and uses of AI in the nonprofit sector. Discover how AI has transitioned from a misunderstood tool to a creative partner, opening new opportunities for fundraisers while enhancing the essential human elements of donor relationships.

We'll journey behind the scenes of crafting authentic...

Unlock the secrets of authentic leadership with Lasha Murray, the visionary founder of The Unapologetic Leadership Coach. Lasha introduces her groundbreaking BANG framework—Belonging, Authenticity, Networking, and Growth—designed to create meaningful professional connections. Together, we tackle the challenges young professionals face in maintaining their authenticity amidst workplace conformity and explore how leaders can foster individuality without compromising their organization's identity. Lasha's insights promise to transform the way you view leadership and community-building in the workplace.

Our conversation with Lasha highlights the critical role leaders play in creating inclusive spaces by setting aside personal biases. Tune in to d...

Unlock the future of nonprofit success with ChatGPT as your intelligent ally. Ever wondered how artificial intelligence can do more than just draft emails? Dive into a world where ChatGPT revolutionizes nonprofit operations, from automating data tasks to crafting strategic plans and designing dynamic dashboards. We'll reveal practical insights on managing data with precision and creating powerful Excel formulas, freeing up your time to focus on what truly matters—driving your mission forward. If you're ready to transform your nonprofit's efficiency, this episode is your guide to harnessing AI's full potential.

Join us as we explore ChatGPT's ro...

What happens when a job interview turns into an ethical quagmire? Join us as we unravel the story of a fellow fundraiser who faced an unsettling request during a job interview: to bring specific donors along to a new organization. This episode digs deep into the ethical complexities and challenges fundraisers face, especially when moving between jobs. We emphasize the critical need for genuine donor relationships, treating donors as partners in philanthropy rather than assets to be moved. Discover why maintaining ethical boundaries and focusing on long-term, sustainable growth is paramount in fundraising.

Professional boundaries are essential...

What does it take to muster the courage to sing in front of an audience when fear grips you by the throat? Join us as we share a personal story that transforms a paralyzing fear into a triumphant moment, revealing profound parallels to the world of fundraising. We unpack the emotional journey fundraisers undertake, from the sting of rejection to the high stakes of advocating for causes that matter. This is a tale of resilience, emotional intelligence, and the unwavering focus on the mission that keeps fundraisers moving forward.

Shifting gears, we delve into the true essence...