The Fundraising Coach: Recent Episodes
Tom Iselin
Learn tactics and strategies you need to become an expert at raising money and building a high-performance fundraising program. There are Interviews with industry experts, as well as dozens of practical tactics you can apply immediately to raise more money, improve your program's effectiveness, and inspire you about the art of fundraising.
Wait! A NEW type of board retreat!? One that's more engaging and more effective? No way. Check this out . . . ED's and board chairs know the routine all too well: gather the board in a nice setting, walk through the strategic plan, review the budget, and set some goals. There may be catered lunches and polished presentations, but often, even the most well-run retreats feel like slightly upgraded board meetings. The question is, how do you create a retreat that is energizing, inspiring, and transformative? One that sticks. The answer lies in a bold, refreshing approach: "experiential learning." Instead of passive listening and linear agendas, this method engages board members in real-world, mission-focused experiences that foster emotional connection, insight, and camaraderie. It's about stepping out of the boardroom and into the heart of the organization’s mission—literally. Listen in to details on how to host an experiential board retreat . . .
In the highly competitive world of nonprofit fundraising, standing out is more than just having a great mission—it’s about creating memorable experiences that leave lasting impressions. One of the most overlooked yet powerful ways to do this is through friendliness and unexpected gestures of appreciation. People like to do business with people they like, trust, and know. If donors, vendors, and partners consistently have unexpectedly pleasurable interactions with a nonprofit’s board members and staff, they will not only stay engaged but also become loyal advocates. But what does “unexpectedly pleasurable” mean? How can an organization become friendlier? What are some practical applications of these things? Why are these concepts game-changers for organizations that implement them? Listen in to learn more . . .
In today’s rapidly evolving nonprofit landscape, executive directors and board members face an on onslaught of challenges—from dwindling funding sources to rapidly shifting community needs. More than ever, a mindset that embraces continuous learning, bold innovation, and courageous teamwork is essential.
I recently read Carol Dweck’s bestselling book called “Mindset.” Her groundbreaking work on mindsets is the inspiration for this podcast which explores how nonprofits can break free from the constraints of a “fixed mindset” and adopt a “growth mindset” that propels sustained success, greater impact, and enhanced organizational resilience.
Listen and enjoy!
Encouraging donors to increase their contributions is a delicate endeavor.
This podcast explores several practical and effective tactics to achieve the balance needed to inspire donors to give more generously while maintaining their trust and enthusiasm without alienating or pressuring them.
Tune in now!
Did you know that 53% of donors stop giving because they feel unappreciated, and 41% cite lack of acknowledgment or thanks as their reason? Conversely, loyal donors give 42% more over their lifetime and are 70% more likely to leave a planned gift. These numbers underscore the critical need for nonprofits to build and implement a robust stewardship plan. Without it, donors can feel like transactional cash machines rather than valued partners in your mission.
Effective stewardship isn’t just about saying thank you; it’s about cultivating meaningful, genuine relationships. When done right, regular donor touchpoints can strengthen connections without becoming intrusive. This requires tailoring the frequency and type of communication you do for each donor level, whether it’s a donor who gives $25, or one giving $50,000.
In the podcast, you'll learn about five stewardship tactics that can transform your donor relationships to create more loyal donors who are excited to give at incrementally higher levels over a longer period of time, no matter what their current giving level.
If you're tired of your board meddling in the daily operations of your nonprofit . . . this podcast is for you!
Nonprofit boards play a critical role in guiding the organizations they serve, helping steer decisions, ensuring fiscal health, and offering strategic oversight. However, one glaring issue that’s often swept under the rug is the lack of prompt responses to communications from executive directors and staff.
Emails and important requests from staff frequently go unanswered or receive delayed responses from board members. This behavior, while common, is not only disrespectful but also sends a clear and damaging message to the very people who keep the organization running day in and day out.
Staff members work tirelessly, often way beyond regular business hours and sometimes on weekends and holidays, sacrificing personal time and energy for the cause. When their emails are met with silence, it signals that their time, effort, and contributions aren’t valued and appreciated. And worse yet, that they aren’t valued and appreciated.
Board members are in positions of authority, and their actions—or lack thereof—can have lasting consequences on staff morale, organizational efficiency, and overall culture. It’s time to address this problem head-on. Nonprofit executives may not always feel empowered to confront this issue, but they shouldn’t have to. Rather, it’s the board’s responsibility to hold its members accountable for this type of behavior.
Listen in and learn why board members should respond promptly to staff communications, and three steps they can take to ensure they do so . . .
Plan Early for a Stress-Free, High-Impact Session
Planning a strategic session for your nonprofit can be one of the most impactful moments of the year—a chance to reset, strategize, and inspire your team. But let’s be honest: waiting until the last minute to plan such an important event can lead to unnecessary stress, limited options, and a lackluster experience.
On the flip side, planning early opens doors to creativity, thoughtful preparation, and the opportunity to create a transformative experience for everyone involved. This podcast explores explore why planning early is not just a good idea but a game-changer.
And if you’re ready to commit to early planning, I provide some actionable steps to set yourself up for success. So grab a latte and listen in . . .
Have you ever sat through a board retreat and thought, “What a waste of time!” You’re squished in a windowless room, squirming in a chair that feels like granite, and longing for the next break. Worse yet, the facilitator is boring, the content is useless, board members are texting, and the food is stale!
If you’re in the process of planning a retreat, don’t settle! It’s possible to put together an amazing day that’s engaging, meaningful, memorable, and fun. All it takes is a little planning and ingenuity.
Listen in to the following checklist to make sure you have all the essential elements in place to ensure the retreat is a resounding success.
In the world of nonprofit fundraising, meeting with a donor for coffee (or any in-person meeting), whether they are a potential supporter or a current contributor, is one of the most crucial interactions you’ll have.
This isn’t just a casual coffee chat; it’s a pivotal meeting that can define a donor’s impression of you, your organization, and may determine whether they make moderate gift, a significant one, or none at all. The stakes are high and coming prepared can greatly increase the likelihood you’ll leave with a smile and the outcome you desired.
To learn more about how to raise money in face-to-face settings, listen in!
In today's rapidly changing world, clinging to the traditional five-year strategic plan is not just outdated—it's impractical. Organizations need to adapt quickly to survive, and a long-term plan often becomes a liability and burden rather than a guide and roadmap. Instead, a one-year strategic plan, monitored monthly and updated annually, proves to be a far more effective and cost-efficient approach to planning.
To learn more, listen in!
Tactics for Building a "Value Network" for your Nonprofit The nonprofit world is a quirky one. Many nonprofits are founded by passionate people with little or no nonprofit experience. Many board members have little or no nonprofit experience, and many staff members have little or no nonprofit or business experience.
The result is often a lot of wasted time and effort. Mistakes are made, resources are poorly allocated, and problems are ignored. People get involved and things get done, but no one is sure what should be done, how it should be done, or who should be responsible to do what.
A nonprofit can avoid many of these common pitfalls by building a "value network.” A value network is nothing more than a network of people, organizations, and resources that can help a nonprofit run more efficiently and effectively—and build capacity—by providing information, knowledge, skills, experience, influence, and money.
This podcast will help your board and team build its value network and increase the organization's impact along the way.
Here's a list of 7 uncommon factors to look for!
Strategic planning is the backbone of any successful nonprofit organization, providing a roadmap for future growth and impact. However, navigating the strategic planning process can be challenging, requiring skilled guidance to ensure clarity, collaboration, and actionable outcomes.
When seeking to hire the best strategic planning facilitator for your nonprofit, there are several key factors to consider. Here are seven essential (but uncommon) considerations for CEOs and Board Chairs to keep in mind when searching “Near Me” for the best facilitator to lead their strategic planning sessions.
Let’s be honest
Do you have board members that . . . Blow off meetings? Don’t read meeting materials? Don’t make a personal donation? Are nowhere to be found to help organize events? Can’t recite the mission or vision? Don’t help steward donors? Rarely see your programming? Don’t personally know the staff? Say they’re “just volunteers” or “too busy” to participate? Couldn’t share any institutional knowledge to save their life? Believe that the ED and staff are getting paid so they should do all the work?
Well, if we had the courage, here’s what we’d like to say to the slackers on our boards:
“Your absence and lack of involvement are completely unacceptable and are a liability and disgrace to this board. If you cannot commit to full participation immediately, you need to resign."
"The board’s effectiveness is compromised by inactive members. Your inaction speaks louder than words. Either step up and fulfill your obligations or step aside so we can bring in members who will actively support our mission.”
Hosting a strategic planning session can be costly and time-consuming. You can spend hours and hours trying to find a suitable venue, hire caterers, organize pre-work, and wrangle all the attendees. But often times, the biggest cost is the one you spend on hiring the facilitator.
Then, the big day arrives. Everyone is prepared and excited to roll up their sleeves, grapple with pressing issues, and create a roadmap for the future. They have high expectations the day will be a huge success and that the facilitator will be outstanding.
But when the day turns out to be a huge belly flop because the facilitator was a huge dud that wasted everyone’s time and the organization’s money, it can make the organization be wary of ever hiring another facilitator.
Therefore, when hiring a strategic planning facilitator, it's crucial to be cautious and thorough to avoid falling victim to ineffective facilitators who overpromise and underdeliver. Listen in to these ten things to look out for the next time you’re scouting for a facilitator:
Next Level Donor Relations – Make Their Experience “Unexpectedly Pleasurable!”
In today’s fundraising world, with dozens of nonprofits competing for donors’ hearts and wallets, it’s important to stand out and differentiate. Otherwise, no matter how noble your mission, you’ll be left with your hand out as other fundraisers hit their goals.
To inspire donor generosity and loyalty year after year, you must stop sending stale thank-you letters and having hollow donor experiences, and start thinking of creative ways to go above and beyond to provide donor service and experiences that are “unexpectedly” pleasurable and memorable.
Listen in to hear 16 uncommon and practical donor relations tactics that will delight and surprise your donors.
Are You a One-Percenter? Here’s a List of Dos and Don’ts of Top Performers. How do you rate?
There is a reason why the top performers – the One-Percenters – consistently do so well in business and life . . . it’s because they do the things, big and small, that set themselves apart from others.
There is nothing wrong with “average.” Average is good. It’s acceptable. Do you feel you’re an average worker? Are you better than average? How much better?
Would you like to be a One-Percenter? Do you want to be the type of person who gets frequent promotions and big raises? Do you dream of starting and running your own business or nonprofit? Do you want to be liked and respected by people around you, yet viewed as humble, gracious, and generous?
If you want to be a One-Percenter, or have the desire to improve your performance in the workplace, then commit yourself to learning and applying the following principles. If you do, you’ll find yourself in an elite group of leaders who make a difference.
Listen in to hear a list of 17 Dos and 10 Don’ts that define One-Percenters.
Movies and Sound
Imagine watching a movie like Star Wars, Jaws, or Top Gun with no sound. They would be dry, listless, and yes, dull. In many movies, the sound makes the movie. It elicits emotional responses that can lift us up, make us cry, and give us goosebumps. Some music scores are so meaningful to us, they stir up emotions and memories decades after watching the movies. Think of movies like “The Sound of Music,” “Titanic,” and “The Good, Bad, and the Ugly.”
As a fundraiser, I recently came to heightened realization just how important sound is in our efforts to raise money. When reading a brochure or an appeal letter, there is no sound; it’s like watching a silent movie. The emotional power of the stories and information is weak. Yes, writing powerful and compelling stories can emotionally inspire donors, but not as well as telling those stories out loud.
Give Me Goosebumps
Telling stories and sharing information out loud—in person—brings stories alive. Imagine reading a scene from Jurassic Park, Saving Private Ryan, or the shower scene in Hitchcock’s Psycho versus watching those scenes with sound. Reading the scenes may elicit an emotional response, but watching these movie scenes and hearing the sound effects, music scores, and people’s voices can transport our thoughts and emotions to unimaginable places.
The sounds in movies ignite all areas of our brains. The tone of a Darth Vader’s voice or the whizzing of Starfighter causes our brains to start pumping out dopamine, adrenaline, and a host of other chemical reactions that move us, compel us, and emotionally connect us. The same happens when we watch powerful videos with sound.
This is why it’s important to tell your stories colorfully when talking with donors and giving talks about your organization and the work you do. To do this, we need to use descriptive words that paint vivid pictures, tell touching stories, and vary your tone, pitch, and cadence of your speech.
Tune in to learn more
Have you ever sat through a board retreat and thought, “What a waste of time!” You’re squished in a windowless room, squirming in a chair that feels like granite, and longing for the next break. Worse yet, the facilitator is boring, the content is useless, board members are texting, and the food is stale!
If you’re in the process of planning a retreat, don’t settle! It’s possible to put together an amazing day that’s engaging, meaningful, memorable, and fun. All it takes is a little planning and ingenuity.
Listen in and use the following checklist to make sure you have all the essential elements in place to ensure the retreat is a resounding success.
Have you ever sat through a board retreat and spent more time watching the clock, daydreaming, and checking texts than listening to the facilitator? Are your board members cringing at the thought of attending another retreat?
Did your last facilitator stand behind a lectern and drone on like a record playing in slow motion? Were they unengaging? Was the content dull and irrelevant? Did the outcomes of the day grow stale and ultimately have little impact on your board?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it’s time to find a new facilitator. But how do you choose? Listen in to this checklist of attributes you can use when scouting for the “best” board retreat facilitator.
Nonprofits play a critical role in addressing societal issues, but their effectiveness often hinges on the strength of their leadership, especially the board.
One way to enhance the performance of a nonprofit’s board of directors is by organizing retreats. They can improve engagement, performance, governance, fundraising skills, all of which can propel the organization to the next level of impact.
This is all the more reason to hire a high-quality retreat facilitator. And though you may feel it’s risky to hire a facilitator from outside your region, it may also be a game-changer. Sure, it’s nice to keep things local, but sometimes you get what you pay for . . . which, in some cases, can mean mediocre results.
Retreats and planning sessions are too important to skimp on. Listen in and learn seven compelling reasons why you should consider looking beyond your region or state when searching for your next retreat facilitator.
First Things First and Tom Iselin. This audio clip provides a brief overview of our services, experience, credibility, and fees.
For more detailed information, visit www.tomiselin.com, or call 858.888.2278.
With gratitude,
Tom~
This is an audio clip of Tom Iselin's business bio. It's intended for those who want to learn a little bit more about me and how I got into the nonprofit world.
For more detailed information, visit www.tomiselin.com, or call 858.888.2278.
With gratitude,
Tom~
Do you send out appeal letters or emails for your year-end campaign? Just sending an email or an appeal letter, with no announcement or personalization, will yield a response rate of 1-3% . . . maybe 5% if you’re lucky.
However, if you send make an announcement notification BEFORE you send your appeals, either by phone or email, to donors who have a connection to your nonprofit, more than 50% will make a gift. Done well, this figure can skyrocket to 70%. Seriously.
Tune in and listen to more details and tactics now.
Why Does Notification Work?
When you call first, you’re priming donors with a “personal” announcement that they will be receiving something from YOU. Making it personal means the donor will feel more obligated to respond. Why? People don’t like to blow off other people when asked a favor.
Imagine watching a movie like Star Wars, Jaws, or Top Gun with no sound. They would be dry, listless, and yes, dull. In many movies, the sound makes the movie. It elicits emotional responses that can lift us up, make us cry, and give us goosebumps.
When reading a brochure or an appeal letter, there is no sound; it’s like watching a silent movie. The emotional power of the stories and information is weak.
I this 7-min podcast, learn how you can use SOUND to make a greater impact on your donors and raise more money!
What good are your appeal letters if no one reads them? In this podcast, learn what makes create content and how to increase the response rates of the appeals you send out -- especially your yearend holiday appeals.
12 minutes. Listen Podcast host Erin Brinker interviews Tom on her show called: On The Brink! KCAA 102.3 FM, 106.5 FM, and 1050 AM in the Inland Empire-East LA. Tom provide straight-talk answers to a handful of Erin's poignant questions about things like nonprofit overhead, wasteful spending, marketing, and more.
Face it. You are competing for funds in a fiercely competitive environment with limited resources. Many large universities and institutional nonprofits have hundreds of people raising money for them and operate multimillion dollar marketing budgets.
It's you (David) verses Goliath. How do you compete?
One of the simplest things you can do is to invest in marketing. Most small to medium-sized nonprofits have little to no marketing budgets because they (often board members) view marketing as an expense instead of an investment.
This 5min podcast will show you 1 simple secret you can use to ensure you're marketing materials are first class, but can cost you little to nothing.
Stop using "I", "Me", and "We" when asking for money. This short podcast shows you how to quickly change how you position your asks so the focus is on connecting the donor -- and the donor's gift -- on the needs you fill . . . not the needs you have!
There are many ways to raise money - grants, galas, email, letters, and phone calls . . . but the most effective way is asking for money in a face-to-face setting. In fact, this podcast will show why it's the most effective tactic over all others.
Competition for donors is tough. The problem is that most nonprofit are focused on acquiring donors when they should be thinking about how to retain them. In this podcast, learn how to create loyal and generous fans by thanking donors in ways that stand out and separate you from the competition.
Learn 3 of my favorite ways to raise money from donors during the month of December. Time is running out -- do what works!!
This is a brief podcast on how to create an engagement form that your board members can fill out when they join your board, or annually, to get board members more engaged in the work of your organization, based on their gifts and skills -- and interests! A free template is made available by writing Tom at tomiselin@gmail.com.
Engage more members in your fundraising efforts by urging them do what THEY want to do, not what you want them to do!
The best way to raise money from donors when you first meet them is NOT to ask them for money. Rather, make a non-monetary ask, first -- a "connection" ask. Ask them to volunteer, observe your programming, provide advice, watch a performance, or attend a "friend-raising" event.
This podcast addresses this common problem and provides suggestions on ways you can raising more money by taking a softer, more patient approach. Enjoy!
There are many positive things you can do to engage board members and volunteers to support the fundraising efforts of your organization. However, some organizations require their board members to raise money. The problem? Forcing people to ask for money often results in tragedy. Learn why!
Sometimes your smallest donors hold the largest promise of major gifts, but you'll never know unless you reach out to them!
Does your board have a "Give or Get" policy? Should they? This podcast, or shall I say rant, discusses the downside of having such a policy and why it's more effective - and practical - to establish a "Give and HELP Get" policy. If you do, your board will be much happier, and you'll probably raise more money from them and your donors.
This podcast covers 6 fundraising principles will help you understand what attracts donors to nonprofits. These principles are important to learn because knowing what attracts donors to nonprofits will help raise more money and develop more loyal and generous donors.
In this brief podcast, learn why it's important to think about how much time you're spending on grant writing compared with other types of fundraising tactics such as face-to-face fundraising.
Tom shares his "Grant From Hell" story, which will get you thinking about the efficiency and effectiveness of your fundraising efforts.
In the 1980's, I had it all -- then almost lost it all in a blink of an eye. Listen to this podcast and learn about the transformational experience I had that turned a self-centered stock options trader into a selfless social entrepreneur that's passionate about helping leaders like you build high-performance nonprofits.
Welcome to The Fundraising Coach. My name is Tom Iselin and I started this podcast because I know how insanely difficult and competitive fundraising can be.
I’m not some professor spouting fundraising theory; I have founded and have helped build some of the nation’s most notable nonprofits in their sectors from the ground up . . . and I’ve raised millions to fund them.
I’ve been in the fundraising trenches just like you. I know what’s like to be short on staff and resources, and I know what’s like to work with disengaged board members.
The Fundraising Coach will teach you the same tactics and strategies I’ve shared with thousands of nonprofits to help them raise hundreds of millions of dollars. You’ll learn everything you need to become an expert at raising money and building a high-performance, winning fundraising program.
I’ll be interviewing industry experts, and I’ll have specific “tactical” shows from my playbook that will help you raise more money than you ever thought possible.
So tune in . . . and RAISE MORE MONEY!