First Day Podcast

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., speaks with Christopher Beck, CAP, Principal Gift Advisor for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, about practical strategies to diversify donor databases and foster inclusivity in philanthropy. Christopher shares insights into the current push for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in nonprofit work, emphasizing the importance of making potential donors feel represented and valued. He advocates for organizations to highlight diverse champions within their missions and ensure inclusive visuals in promotional materials to make people of color feel more connected to their causes. A key theme is the role of community relationships in fundraising. Christopher discusses the concept of "gatekeepers" within communities of color—individuals who hold trust and influence—and stresses the importance of engaging with them respectfully. He recounts personal experiences where persistence and trust-building turned skeptics into sup