In What the Fundraising: Embracing and Enabling the People Behind the Purpose, executive coach and fundraising consultant Mallory Erickson delivers a practical and insightful discussion of fundraising challenges and best practices that can revolutionize your nonprofit. In the book, you'll find hands-on frameworks that draw on the latest research in executive coaching, behavioral science, and fundraising strategy to embolden your organization and make it more effective in your community.
The book tackles the underlying issues that dominate many nonprofits' fundraising issues, including “shiny object syndrome,” perfectionism, discomfort, and burnout. You'll also find: - Strategies for building powerful partnerships and making a meaningful impact in the sector - Ways to spark substantial change in the fundraising landscape to channel additional money toward critical global issues - Fresh, new insights and innovations for frontline fundraisers
Perfect for nonprofit managers, directors, and fundraisers, What the Fundraising is an essential and timely exploration of cutting-edge fundraising tools and strategies with the potential to multiply your nonprofit's impact.
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Making the Ask 2
What the Fundraising 4
Who You Are and Why We’re Here 9
The First Step Forward 12
Inside What the Fundraising 14
Part I The Problem 19
Chapter 1 A Critical Tipping Point 21
Giving in the Gilded Age 24
Taxes and Nonprofits 27
Systemic Inequities: Then and Now 29
The Decline in Giving 33
The Staffing Crisis 35
They Aren’t Separate Problems 36
Chapter 2 Show Me the Money (But Don’t Talk About It) 39
Unpacking Scarcity Mindset 40
The Impact of Scarcity Mindset on Funder Relationships 45
Moving Beyond Transactional Fundraising 53
Chapter 3 This Job Feels Awful 59
From Discomfort to Burnout 61
Elements of Fundraising That Lead to Burnout 69
Stigma About Fundraising 76
The Body’s Response to Transactional Fundraising 78
Part II The Solution 87
Chapter 4 Creating Inner Alignment 89
What Is Alignment? 90
Coaching to Overcome Fundraising Resistance 92
The Cognitive Loop 94
Energy in Action 100
The 7 Levels of Energy 102
Increasing Your Anabolic Energy 113
Chapter 5 Alignment Fundraising Strategy 125
The Layers of Alignment Fundraising 127
Alignment Fundraising in Practice 130
Mapping Alignment 143
Not All Money Is Created Equal 150
Chapter 6 Building Connected Relationships 153
Trust in Nonprofits 154
Building Real Relationships 156
Connection in Practice 161
Making the Offer 166
You Won’t Be for Everyone 174
When It All Aligns 179
Conclusion 183
Acknowledgments 189
References 195
About the Author 209
Index 211
