First Day Podcast

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Nikole Collins-Puri, former CEO and current adviser to Techbridge Girls, to discuss the pivotal role of storytelling in the realm of fundraising. Nikole, recognized as a leader in the philanthropic sector, provides insight into Techbridge Girls, a nonprofit with a 25-year history, dedicated to empowering black and brown girls in STEM education. The episode emphasizes while facts and numbers have their place in conveying impact, storytelling is equally vital for advancing an organization's mission, amplifying its message, and securing the resources needed to bring about societal transformation. Nikole elaborates on Techbridge Girls' deliberate approach to collecting and organizing stories in a systematic "story bank" that includes categorization with keywords. This enables them to retrieve and share compelling stories tailored to different audiences, including donors, partners, and educators, to reinforce specific messages

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Muhi Khwaja, MPA, CFRE, CFRM, co-founder of the American Muslim Community Foundation (AMCF), discusses the organization's role and growth since its inception in 2017. With over $8.6 million in assets, AMCF operates numerous donor-advised funds and endowments, serving as a pivotal national platform for supporting the Muslim community in the United States. The Foundation's unique approach integrates Islamic charitable practices, like zakat, with modern philanthropy, thereby aligning donors' faith with their philanthropic endeavors. The episode emphasizes the crucial role of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in assessing and enhancing fundraising effectiveness. KPIs serve as vital tools for predicting future performance and evaluating past results. Specific metrics like year-over-year donor retention are highlighted, showcasing their importance in setting accurate and informed fundraising goals. The conversation underscores t

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., shares his thoughts on fundraising prospects for 2024. He begins by reflecting on the resilience of the United States' economy in 2023, despite earlier fears of a recession. This robust economic performance bodes well for fundraising efforts in the upcoming year, as it suggests that potential donors may have more disposable income to contribute. Stanczykiewicz also discusses factors like inflation and consumer spending, highlighting that inflation rates have been steadily decreasing, relieving some of the pressure on charitable giving. Furthermore, he points out the strength in consumer spending, as demonstrated by significant increases during events like Cyber Monday. These positive economic indicators collectively paint a promising picture for fundraising organizations aiming to secure donations in 2024. The podcast episode underscores the importance of donor relationships, emphasizing that fostering and maintaining strong connecti

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Mark Wilhelm, Ph.D., professor of philanthropic studies at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, to distill over two decades of research into the world of philanthropy and fundraising. The discussion centers on the multifaceted motives that drive individuals to contribute to charitable causes. Mark identifies two primary categories of motives: collective motives, where people engage in philanthropy to create a collective product for the greater good, and private benefit motives, which encompass personal feelings of duty, satisfaction, or self-improvement. This categorization underscores the importance of recognizing the unique motivations of donors. The conversation looks at the dynamic nature of charitable giving, challenging the notion of a static donor base. Mark emphasizes that donor behaviors can change over time, and fundraisers should focus on transitioning occasional donors into regular contri

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Elizabeth Lynn, the Project Director for the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving at Indiana University's Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. The discussion centers on the dynamic relationship between faith and philanthropy. The Lake Institute's primary focus is to explore how faith commitments and values inform charitable giving and how these patterns of giving shape both faith communities and broader societal actions. Elizabeth explains the Lake Institute conducts research, supports other organizations in their research efforts, and offers educational programs aimed at helping leaders engage their constituents in faithful giving and generosity. They recognize the evolving nature of faith and giving, with many religious institutions rethinking how they utilize their resources, including property and endowments. To address this, they have launched the "Story Shelf," an online resource library containing stories of faith com

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Shivant Shrestha, a research associate at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. The episode looks at a study aimed at mapping nonprofit spending on climate change in the United States. This research seeks to understand the amount of money U.S.-based nonprofits are allocating towards climate change initiatives, dividing these efforts into two primary categories: mitigation, which focuses on preventing the impacts of climate change, and adaptation, which involves adapting to its effects. The primary purpose of the study is to establish a baseline for understanding which efforts receive the most attention and funding, aiding fundraisers, funders, and policymakers in directing resources effectively. The methodology of the study involved a survey of 130 U.S. nonprofit organizations of various sizes and budgets, ranging from under $500,000 to over $20 million. These organizations were selected to represent

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Dr. Dwight Burlingame, Professor Emeritus of Philanthropic Studies and Glenn Family Chair in Philanthropy at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Dr. Burlingame, recognized as a pioneer in this field, co-authored Chapter 39 of "Achieving Excellence in Fundraising," which covers the nuances and strategies of business sector fundraising. This episode provided a comprehensive overview, illuminating the historical context, theoretical frameworks, and practical applications of corporate giving to nonprofit organizations. Historically, corporate giving has evolved significantly, influenced by various models that Dr. Burlingame and his peers have identified through extensive research since 1996. Four primary models were highlighted: corporate responsibility, ethical and altruistic, political, and stakeholder. The corporate responsibility model underscores a company's societal obligations, linking its community

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Una Osili, Ph.D and Sitashma Thapa to dive into a groundbreaking research study focusing on charitable giving trends by race and ethnicity. They discuss the research findings, revealing that economic downturns have affected donors of all backgrounds, leading to declining rates of giving. Particularly, the Great Recession had a lasting impact on donors of color, taking them longer to recover. This highlights the importance of understanding how economic shocks affect philanthropy and the need for discussions around wealth-building, financial literacy, and economic resilience. The study examines charitable giving among five racial and ethnic groups: Caucasian, Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native Indian. It unveils a significant decline in household giving among all these demographics, both before and after the Great Recession. The podcast emphasizes that philanthropy is not a one-size-fits-all approach and highlights the often

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Ben Miller, Senior Vice President of Data Science and Analytics at Bonterra. The duo discuss the latest trends in charitable giving for the first quarter of 2023, providing valuable insights for nonprofit professionals. Miller explains the role of the Fundraising Effectiveness Project, which, in collaboration with AFP and GivingTuesday, analyzes anonymized data from over 20,000 organizations to understand donor behavior. The discussion highlights the project's methodology, focusing on its unique approach to data collection that excludes large medical and educational institutions, thereby offering a more representative analysis of trends in the broader nonprofit sector. Miller reveals a concerning decline in both the number of donors and the total amount of donations, contextualizing these figures against the significant increases seen during the COVID-19 pandemic and social justice movements of the past years. They discuss

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Pat Danahey Janin, Ph.D. and Angela Logan, Ph.D. as they discuss the intricacies of fundraising and foundation engagement. Learn why foundations should be a part of your nonprofit's fundraising strategy but not the sole focus, as the hosts emphasize the importance of diversifying your funding sources. Gain valuable insights into the different types of foundations, including private, family, and community foundations, and discover how each has a unique role in the grantmaking landscape. Understand the various approaches that foundations take when making grants, from setting agendas to supporting existing initiatives and strengthening communities. This episode also provides practical tips on conducting thorough research, following foundation guidelines, and building meaningful relationships with foundation staff. Explore the nuances of foundation fundraising and unlock new opportunities for your nonprofit. Tune in now to s

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Una Osili, Ph.D. and Jon Bergdoll from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, to dissect the findings from the Bank of America Philanthropy Study. Explore how affluent donors are sustaining high rates of giving, the recovery in volunteering post-pandemic, and the notable role of women in philanthropic decision-making. Discover how younger donors are broadening the philanthropic landscape and the diverse donation vehicles affluent households are leveraging. This episode offers invaluable insights and operational strategies for fundraisers eager to engage with affluent donors effectively. Dive into an enlightening discussion on the recent trends in charitable giving among affluent households in our latest podcast episode.

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Kathleen Loehr, a leading fundraising consultant, to explore the proven practices that empower fundraisers to tap into the incredible potential of women donors. Kathleen shares her deep passion for women's philanthropy and reveals fascinating insights from the Women's Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University's Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Discover the key takeaways from years of research, including how gender differences profoundly influence motivation, behavior, and charitable decision-making. Did you know that women now make or influence a staggering 75% of household philanthropic decisions? Kathleen introduces the game-changing "Proven Practices" website, a treasure trove of resources designed to equip fundraisers with the knowledge and tools to engage women donors effectively. Explore the user-friendly assessment tool to gauge your organization's readiness to attract women donors. Discover the six princip

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by experts Danielle Vance-McMullen, Ph.D. and Dan Heist, Ph.D. as they look into the world of Donor Advised Funds (DAFs). They explore the fundamentals of DAFs, offering a comprehensive guide for fundraisers looking to tap into this unique giving vehicle. Discover what a Donor Advised Fund truly is and how it functions as a charitable checking account hosted by organizations like Community Foundations or Fidelity Charitable. Learn how donors can contribute, receive immediate tax deductions, and make strategic gifts to nonprofits over time. Explore the diverse landscape of DAF donors, debunking the myth that they are exclusively ultra-wealthy individuals. Find out how to engage with DAF donors, recognize them among your existing supporters, and cultivate meaningful relationships. Unlock the nuances of acknowledgment and stewardship when receiving DAF gifts. Understand the importance of thanking DAF donors and the unique cons

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. sits down with Rashad Zakee Nelms, Associate Vice President for Strategy and Innovation at Indiana University, as he shares his profound insights on the coaching mindset in leadership, especially within the realm of fundraising. Rashad's remarkable background spans 18 years of service with the United Nations World Food Program, where he worked in challenging locations across the globe, ensuring food resources reached those in need. In this enlightening discussion, Rashad delves into the coaching mindset, unveiling three key principles that can transform leadership in times of change. Discover the power of: • Crafting emotionally compelling narratives to drive decision-making beyond mere facts and figures. • Sharing power with your team, empowering them to contribute innovative ideas and strategies. • Establishing accountability through clear performance metrics and timelines, fostering a culture of excellence. • The profound connectio

In this captivating episode, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. sits down with Susan Madon, MBA, CFRE, a seasoned fundraiser and the author of "The Disappearing Donor." Susan shares her unconventional approach to teaching fundraising through her suspenseful novel, offering invaluable insights into planning, leadership, and adaptability in the nonprofit sector. Discover the art of inferring fundraising lessons while exploring the intriguing plot set in a quirky Museum of Vegetable Culture, where theft sets the stage for mystery and fundraising challenges. Whether you're a fundraising professional or simply curious about the world of nonprofit fundraising, this episode promises a delightful blend of storytelling and practical expertise that you won't want to miss.

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz is joined by renowned guest Russell James III, an authority on planned gift fundraising. Together, they explore the world of planned giving principles, offering valuable insights for nonprofits and fundraisers alike. Russell, the author of Chapter 36 in Achieving Excellence in Fundraising, 5th Edition, shares his journey from law school to becoming a leading expert in planned giving. The conversation highlights the transformative potential of planned giving, challenging misconceptions and emphasizing its role in wealth sharing. Discover practical strategies for identifying prospective planned gift donors, initiating positive conversations, and integrating planned giving into your nonprofit's fundraising plan. Learn how planned giving can lead to remarkable long-term fundraising growth, revolutionizing your organization's ability to make a lasting impact.

In this informative episode, we explore digital fundraising worldwide with our guest, Shivant Shrestha. Shivant discusses the findings of the groundbreaking study titled "Digital for Good," which explores emerging philanthropic trends across eight diverse countries, including Brazil, China, India, Kenya, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. In this episode, you'll discover: • How contactless giving, including mobile and online donations, witnessed significant growth, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. • Insights into the state of cryptocurrency giving in different nations, with varying levels of adoption and regulatory factors. • The rise of donor-advised funds as a popular philanthropic vehicle, with examples from Singapore and the UK. • The unique landscape of impact investing in different countries, reflecting their economic and social environments. • The evolving nature of workplace giving, considering the changing work dynamics in the digital age. Gain valuable insights i

In the latest episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz unpacks the highlights from the Giving USA 2023 report, recent data on charitable giving, and its implications for your nonprofit's fundraising strategy. Bill addresses the anxieties and concerns that have emerged in the philanthropic community due to this report's headline feature—a decline in charitable giving. This decline, the fourth in 40 years, rings alarm bells, especially when inflation-adjusted numbers show nearly an 11% drop. Bill encourages nonprofits not to view this as a reason to panic but rather an opportunity to reevaluate their strategies. The episode offers invaluable insights for nonprofit organizations, emphasizing the importance of responsible budgeting practices, maintaining strong fundraising fundamentals, and engaging your board as donors and fundraisers. Bill also underscores the significance of crafting a compelling case for support and nurturing donor relationships.

In this episode, Tina Nugent, President of S.I. Events, engages in a deep conversation about the crucial aspects of fundraising, diversity, and effective leadership. This episode delves into Tina's diverse background, encompassing experiences in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Her journey includes working with the Orlando Magic and the mayor's office in Orlando, providing her with a unique perspective on the dynamics of successful organizations. Tina and Bill explore the concept of "leading up," a critical skill for fundraisers who often don't occupy the top positions within their organizations. They discuss the nuanced forms of power, emphasizing that expertise, information, and reference power are equally valuable alongside hard power. These types of power empower fundraisers to influence decision-making effectively, even without formal authority. The conversation also looks at the challenges faced by fundraisers from underrepresented groups, including women and individuals from diverse racial

Discover how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming fundraising in this insightful podcast episode. Join Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. as he sits down with Josh Hirsch, M.S., Digital Marketing Manager for The Fund Raising School. Together, they discuss the potential of AI to revolutionize fundraising practices. Dive into the world of AI and its applications, from generating content efficiently using large language models to predicting donor behavior for major gift fundraising. Learn how AI serves as a valuable ideation tool, acting as a "second brain," sparking ideas and streamlining the content creation process. By embracing AI, fundraisers can reimagine their strategies while preserving the distinctive voice of their organization.