Accidental Fundraiser™: Recent Episodes
Network for Good
Accidental Fundraiser, an original show from Network for Good, is written to you - the nonprofit leader, the Chief Everything Officer– answering the often unspoken questions rattling around in your mind. Letting you know that no matter what’s ahead, you’re not alone. Host and fundraising expert Kimberly O’Donnell empowers you with a “yes, I can” mentality ready for anything – including your next big fundraiser.
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 launch and grow their initiatives. Alyson’s bonus episode will teach you how to get support from your board and excel in your initiatives.?
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 environment.
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 on key takeaways and themes that emerged from our conversations. Listen in to hear why experience isn’t everything, and why your mission and connections matter more than anything else.
Key Takeaways:
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You don’t need experience to be successful
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Build connections
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Focus on the mission
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 Instagram for social impact, and examples of how companies are using those platforms for the highest impact and success. Additional Resources: socialimpact.facebook.com
Things to listen for:
[2:10] Generational or geographic differences in Facebook and Instagram audiences
[4:07] Which social media accounts should non-profits have?
[6:01] How can a non-profit get started with those channels?
[8:54] Small non-profits getting started with Facebook and Instagram
[9:47] Examples of non-profits using social media well
[11:09] Creating drives on Facebook
[13:25] Building a community of donors on social media channels
[17:26] Tips for “going live” on Facebook and Instagram
[19:55] Benefits of Facebook advertising for non-profits
[22:11] How to use Facebook’s fundraising tools
[27:36] Tips for third-party funding
[31:23] Advice for non-profits that are wary of using social media
[33:38] The future of non-profit engagement and fundraising on social channels
[37:48] The pandemic’s effect on social impact
“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 raising $3,000 and feeling like it was a million, to now raising over a million just a few weeks into a new year. Like many accidental Fundraisers, his path hasn’t been straightforward, Darius talks about the pitfalls he stumbled on while finding early success and the importance of doing things for the right reasons. As you listen, you’ll learn what it means to stick to your mission and the importance of authenticity when seeking major gifts.
Additional Resources:
But striking a balance between sensitivity and authenticity can be hard, so Network for Good has come up with some tips to help guide your approach to finding storytellers for sensitive subjects. And when it comes to fostering DEIB (diversity, equity, engagement, and belonging) at your organization, we have some strategies to help you build the best workplace you can.
Key Takeaways:
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Lean into what you know
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Stay firm in your convictions
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Find people that are better than you
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Use language that builds on the positive rather than talking only about the negative
Things to listen for:
[02:50] The impact football had on Darius’ journey
[05:47] Working to put yourself out of business
[09:49] Realizing you DO have the resources to get started
[11:39] Getting started by looking at your community
[13:27] Track your successes and celebrate them
[17:11] Advice for avoiding burnout
[20:26] The importance of doing things for the right reasons
[25:24] Being Intentional around expansion
[27:00] Learning from the mistakes and the successes of others
[32:45] Growing your organization with humility
[34:43] Focusing the narrative on the positives
[40:24] Showing up authentically when asking for major gifts
[46:06] Start organized, stay organized
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 the one question to help you determine if an idea should be pursued. Finally, as we come up on spring event season, check out Network for Good's strategies for overcoming pandemic uncertainties about your event and open it up to as many donors as possible. And when it comes to keeping your head screwed on as a busy fundraiser, Network for Good's pro fundraisers have advice for self-care while simultaneously supporting your mission.
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 donations in her first year. Listen in to learn what techniques she’s used to gain traction online and how you can benefit from setting your own “impossible” goals. Dreaming big for your nonprofit can be intimidating, but getting to know your donors by creating a survey can help you get a handle on who your supporters are and what they want to see. Regardless of what you choose to say “yes” to, though, technology should be at the heart of your strategy. If you’re considering fundraising software, our eGuide walks you through some questions to guide your consideration. To ensure we're delivering the best listening experience, whether or not you have listened, we're interested in your opinions on Network for Good's Accidental Fundraiser podcast with this five-minute survey! https://s.surveyanyplace.com/podcastfeedback
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 down to discuss the impact of social media and how to grow your following – and your donor base.
To ensure we're delivering the best listening experience, whether or not you have listened, we're interested in your opinions on Network for Good's Accidental Fundraiser podcast with this five-minute survey! https://s.surveyanyplace.com/podcastfeedback
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 arts. In this episode, Shayna shares the story of their first capital campaign where she needed to raise $750,000 with no prior fundraising experience. Listen to hear how she reached out to their community and found the confidence she needed to fully commit to the process. Looking for that elusive fundraising confidence boost? Check out our webinar on the role of leadership development in successful fundraising and then check out these New Years’ rituals for nonprofit professionals. Happy New Year from all of us at Network for Good! To ensure we're delivering the best listening experience, whether or not you have listened, we're interested in your opinions on Network for Good's Accidental Fundraiser podcast with this five-minute survey! https://s.surveyanyplace.com/podcastfeedback
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 adding a personal touch. Listen to this episode to hear how she crafts posts to match her audiences. Bringing your board into fundraising can change the game for a campaign. If you want to learn how to get these crucial stakeholders more actively involved, check out this true story about the difference your board can make at year-end as well as well as our webinar on financial best practices for managing your board.
To ensure we're delivering the best listening experience, whether or not you have listened, we're interested in your opinions on Network for Good's Accidental Fundraiser podcast with this five-minute survey! https://s.surveyanyplace.com/podcastfeedback
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 Dorthy Day House and also spread the mission. Want to dig in deeper on this week’s takeaways? Check out our blog on how to engage your board in fundraising as well as our Virtual Fundraising Toolkit, a collection of resources that make showing your impact to donors easy.
To ensure we're delivering the best listening experience, whether or not you have listened, we're interested in your opinions on Network for Good's Accidental Fundraiser podcast with this five-minute survey! https://s.surveyanyplace.com/podcastfeedback
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 much more dangerous and difficult task.
In this episode, you’ll hear how Fereshteh managed to raise funds faster than she thought possible during a time of crisis. Listen to find out how being precise with her asks and connecting to donors through video played a key role. Want to dig deeper about some of the topics on today’s show? Check out our blog on how to use newsjacking to your nonprofit’s advantage as well as a chart with feel-good words of fundraising wisdom from our Personal Fundraising Coaches who know exactly how important self-care is!
To ensure we're delivering the best listening experience, whether or not you have listened, we're interested in your opinions on Network for Good's Accidental Fundraiser podcast with this five-minute survey! https://s.surveyanyplace.com/podcastfeedback
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 and their families.
In this episode, you'll hear about Tracy's journey from being an accountant to founding a non-profit. Listen as she breaks down her tips and tricks for peer-to-peer fundraising and why an organization's vision is so vital to its mission. Want to learn more? Check out our blog post on turning your volunteers into donors as well as our webinar!
To ensure we're delivering the best listening experience, whether or not you have listened, we're interested in your opinions on Network for Good's Accidental Fundraiser podcast with this five-minute survey! https://s.surveyanyplace.com/podcastfeedback
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 the unique challenges she faces as an editor, journalist, and of course, fundraiser. Listen in to hear a donor story that blew her away.
If you’re interested in learning more about some of the themes discussed on today’s episode, consider checking our eGuide on how to create a major gifts program and our blog post about what amazing things can happen when you start segmenting your donors.
To ensure we're delivering the best listening experience, whether or not you have listened, we're interested in your opinions on Network for Good's Accidental Fundraiser podcast with this five-minute survey! https://s.surveyanyplace.com/podcastfeedback
Accidental Fundraiser, an original show from Network for Good, is written to you - the nonprofit leader, the Chief Everything Officer– answering the often unspoken questions rattling around in your mind. Letting you know that no matter what’s ahead, you’re not alone. Host and fundraising expert Kimberly O’Donnell empowers you with a “yes, I can” mentality ready for anything – including your next big fundraiser.