First Day Podcast

In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., is joined by Angela Altamore, Associate Vice President of Donor Relations and Experience at BWF. Angela provides an in-depth look at the importance of donor relations in nonprofit fundraising, breaking down the distinctions between donor relations, donor stewardship, and donor experience. She uses the metaphor of building a house to explain these terms: donor relations act as the “blueprint” for a donor’s overall journey, donor stewardship serves as the “foundation” with timely acknowledgments and impact reports, and donor experience adds the “finishing touches” that elevate donor engagement. Angela explains how nonprofits are shifting from focusing solely on individual gifts to fostering long-term donor relationships. She notes that prioritizing donor retention is not only a cost-effective strategy but also a way to honor donors’ commitment and amplify their impact over time. Angela also emphasizes the need for nonprofits to align fu