Date Your Donors is the only podcast that helps you find your charitable soulmates, makes them fall in love with your mission, and say "I do" when you ask them for your time and money.
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Episode 19 - Don’t Pitch—Partner: The Art of Fundraising as Shared Vision with Deena Fuchs
Season 1 · Episode 19
Sunday, June 15, 2025 • Duration 51:31
In this episode of Date Your Donors, Jonah Halper sits down with Deena Fuchs, Executive Director of Micah Philanthropies, for a rich conversation on what makes philanthropic partnerships thrive. With over two decades in Jewish philanthropy—spanning The AVI CHAI Foundation, Jewish Funders Network, and now Micah—Deena shares hard-earned wisdom on funder-grantee relationships, the importance of authenticity and trust, and why strategy matters more than the size of a check.
They also explore Micah Philanthropies’ current priorities, including elevating Orthodox women’s Torah scholarship and reimagining Jewish education as a warm, inclusive pathway to meaning and tradition. Whether you’re a fundraiser, nonprofit leader, or foundation professional, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what funders are really looking for—and how to build sustainable, impactful relationships that go beyond the transaction.
Episode 18 - No More Dues: Matt Walzer's Bold Shift to Values-Based Giving
Season 1 · Episode 18
Saturday, May 17, 2025 • Duration 38:14
In this episode, Jonah sits down with Matt Walzer, a seasoned Jewish communal professional and major gifts coach, to unpack what it really means to shift a Jewish institution from a transactional dues-based model to a values-driven philanthropic culture. Drawing on his unique journey—from sales to Federation work to returning as Managing Director of his childhood synagogue—Matt shares how Beth El Synagogue eliminated traditional membership dues and instead cultivated a culture of generosity, transparency, and ownership among its 1,200+ households.
They explore how to reframe tuition and program fees not as full payment for services, but as partial contributions toward a greater mission. Matt explains how strategic communication, donor education, and relationship-building have empowered the community to step up as stakeholders, not just consumers. The conversation also delves into how to inspire major gifts without being a “slick salesman,” the emotional psychology of giving, and why authenticity—not perfection—is the key to earning donor trust.
Whether you're a synagogue or school leader navigating funding models or a fundraiser looking to deepen donor relationships, this episode offers real-world insight on turning your constituents into committed changemakers.
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This episode brought to you by JEY Furniture. JEY Furniture partners with Jewish day schools across North America to create beautiful, functional spaces that support learning and connection. Visit JEYFurniture.com to learn how they can support your school’s next upgrade.
Episode 17 - What Are You Trying to Accomplish? A Candid Conversation with Todd Sukol
Season 1 · Episode 17
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 • Duration 51:16
Todd Sukol, Executive Director of the Mayberg Foundation, sits down with host Jonah Halper to reflect on his unplanned journey from journalism to philanthropy, his years leading the Koby Mandell Foundation, and how personal tragedy and spiritual growth shaped his leadership philosophy. Todd opens up about what it really means to “date your donors” by showing up first and foremost as a human being, and shares the Mayberg Foundation’s commitment to authentic, values-driven Jewish education across the spectrum of observance.
Listeners will hear Todd's candid reflections on failure, impact, the evolving role of Israel in Jewish philanthropy, and why the question “What are you trying to accomplish?” is at the heart of every great funding decision. This episode is a masterclass in thoughtful giving, leadership with integrity, and staying grounded in purpose—even when the path ahead isn’t clear.
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This episode brought to you by JEY Furniture.
JEY Furniture partners with Jewish day schools across North America to create beautiful, functional spaces that support learning and connection. Visit JEYFurniture.com to learn how they can support your school’s next upgrade.
Episode 16 - From Capitol Hill to the Classroom: How Policy Can Fix Tuition with Rabbi Yossie Charner and Rabbi Avi Schnall
Season 1 · Episode 16
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 • Duration 49:41
In this powerful episode of Date Your Donors, host Jonah Halper is joined by Rabbi Yossie Charner and Rabbi Avi Schnall of Agudath Israel to break down one of the most transformative educational policy efforts in recent history—the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA). Together, they explore how this $10 billion federal tax credit scholarship initiative could drastically reduce tuition burdens for Jewish day school families across the United States.
Charner and Schnall explain how tax credit scholarships work, the different models states have already implemented (like Florida's universal vouchers and Pennsylvania's tax credits), and why this national push is a game-changer for private school affordability. They offer a behind-the-scenes look at their lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill, unpack common misconceptions, and urge school leaders and parents to take action now to keep this bill a top legislative priority.
Whether you're a school administrator, a parent struggling with tuition, or a donor who wants to make an impact, this episode will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to be part of a historic opportunity for Jewish education.
Episode 15 - From Transactions to Transformations: Rethinking Major Gifts with Jason Zwang
Season 1 · Episode 15
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 • Duration 28:39
In this heartfelt and illuminating episode of Date Your Donors, host Jonah Halper sits down with Jason Zwang, Senior Director of Development at Georgia Institute of Technology and also a key architect of ALTRUICITY's major gift coaching and pipeline service, to reflect on their shared journey—from a Hurricane Katrina benefit concert in 2005 to redefining major gift fundraising across the Jewish philanthropic landscape today. Through personal stories, professional insights, and honest conversation, Jason shares how his unique background in community action, neuroscience, and organizational psychology shaped his passion for authentic donor relationships. Together, Jonah and Jason explore the power of listening, the shift from transactional giving to transformative partnership, and why the Orthodox Jewish philanthropic world is ready—and eager—for a new era of donor engagement. With warmth, wit, and wisdom, this episode captures a movement in motion, one donor conversation at a time.
Episode 14 - From Payroll Panic to Financial Stability: Why Schools Need Legacy Donors with Lindsay Kopecky
Season 1 · Episode 14
Thursday, March 6, 2025 • Duration 44:20
In this episode of Date Your Donors, host Jonah Halper sits down with Lindsay Kopecky, CFRE, CAP®, Chief Advancement Officer at the Atlanta Jewish Foundation and the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. The conversation dives into the importance of legacy and endowment giving in philanthropy, particularly in the Jewish education space.
Lindsay explains the key differences between legacy giving and endowment funds, emphasizing how long-term financial planning can transform the sustainability of Jewish institutions. She highlights how legacy gifts allow donors to leave a lasting impact beyond their lifetime, ensuring that their values continue to shape the future. Endowments, on the other hand, provide schools and organizations with reliable, ongoing financial support.
Jonah and Lindsay discuss the practical steps institutions must take to build an infrastructure for legacy and endowment giving, including board buy-in, donor stewardship, and engaging potential donors through meaningful conversations about their philanthropic vision. Lindsay also shares best practices for nurturing donor relationships, stressing the power of asking thoughtful questions and listening actively rather than treating fundraising as a sales pitch.
Additionally, they explore how organizations can identify strong legacy giving prospects—not just major donors, but those with consistent giving histories and a deep commitment to the mission. Lindsay offers insights into tools like the Jewish Future Promise and Life & Legacy program, which help facilitate planned giving conversations and encourage donors to prioritize Jewish causes in their philanthropic planning.
Throughout the episode, Jonah and Lindsay stress the need for long-term thinking in Jewish education fundraising, urging schools to move beyond the urgency of annual campaigns and start planting the seeds for a sustainable future.
Episode 13 - The Business of Jewish Education: Innovation & Sustainability with Lev Stark
Season 1 · Episode 13
Thursday, February 27, 2025 • Duration 24:53
In this episode, we sit down with Lev Stark, Executive Director and CFO of a thriving Jewish school in Boca Raton, Florida. Lev shares his unexpected career journey—from aspiring lawyer to leading one of the largest automotive editorial teams at Edmunds.com, to transitioning into the world of Jewish education. We dive into the transferable skills from the for-profit world that he brought to school leadership, his innovative marketing strategies, and the challenges of managing rapid school growth in a booming Jewish community.
Lev also shares insights on the financial landscape of Jewish day schools, including how Florida’s recent voucher program has shifted fundraising priorities, the realities of tuition sustainability, and the cultural shifts happening in Boca Raton as waves of new families arrive. Whether you're in education, community leadership, or just fascinated by personal career pivots, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and engaging stories.
Episode 12 - The Real Magic in Orlando: Rabbi Yehuda Schepansky on Building a Thriving Jewish Community
Season 1 · Episode 12
Friday, February 21, 2025 • Duration 20:14
In this episode of Date Your Donors, host Jonah Halper sits down with Rabbi Yehuda Schepansky, Head of School at Orlando Torah Academy, to discuss the remarkable growth of the Jewish community in Orlando, Florida. Rabbi Schepansky shares his journey of co-founding the academy with Rabbi Wachsman 15 years ago, starting with just 12 students and growing to over 215 today.
They explore how Orlando transformed from a place with limited Jewish infrastructure to a burgeoning community, thanks to strategic school development, strong leadership, and innovative funding models. Rabbi Schepansky recounts the challenges they faced in the early years, including financial struggles, lack of local support, and zoning battles, and how they overcame them through grassroots efforts and creative fundraising.
A turning point came when they shifted their focus from external fundraising trips to leveraging the steady stream of Jewish tourists visiting Orlando’s theme parks. This led to the establishment of Kosher Orlando, a concierge service that caters to Jewish visitors’ needs, from kosher food to minyan coordination. This initiative not only helped sustain the school financially but also strengthened the local Jewish infrastructure.
The conversation also delves into the challenges of building a sustainable, diverse Jewish community that includes families from various religious backgrounds. Rabbi Schepansky emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and how the community has evolved to respect religious sensitivities.
Finally, they discuss the future of the Orlando Jewish community, ongoing zoning battles for expanding infrastructure, and the delicate balance between rapid growth and maintaining sustainability.
Whether you're interested in Jewish education, community building, or innovative fundraising, this episode provides an inspiring look at how a small group of determined individuals can transform an emerging Jewish community.
Episode 11 - Beyond the Org Chart: Why Culture Defines Success in Nonprofits with Scott Goldberg
Season 1 · Episode 11
Thursday, February 13, 2025 • Duration 20:23
In this episode of Date Your Donors, host Jonah Halper sits down with Scott Goldberg, a seasoned expert in strategic planning, executive coaching, and nonprofit leadership.
They discuss the core challenges facing Jewish educational institutions and nonprofits, particularly in the areas of board governance, executive recruitment, and organizational culture. Scott shares insights on why organizational structure alone isn’t enough—real change comes from cultural shifts, long-term investments, and clearly defined roles. He also explores the nuances of hiring the right development professionals, emphasizing that successful recruitment is more than just a resume match—it’s about alignment with an organization's mission and culture.
Whether you're a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or educator, this episode is packed with invaluable advice on leadership, hiring, and building sustainable organizations.
Episode 10 - More Than a Memory: Turning Alumni into Lifelong Supporters with Rabbi Josh Zisook
Season 1 · Episode 10
Thursday, February 6, 2025 • Duration 18:24
In this episode of Date Your Donors, host Jonah Halper sits down with Rabbi Josh Zisook at the EDS Conference to explore the power of alumni engagement and how it can transform the future of Jewish day schools and yeshivas. Rabbi Josh shares the story of Hebrew Theological College (HTC), which faced a 15-year gap in alumni outreach before realizing the crucial role former students play in sustaining an institution.
They discuss the steps HTC took to rebuild those connections, from updating alumni records and launching a dedicated podcast to hosting meaningful reunion events across the U.S. and Israel. Through initiatives like alumni spotlights, networking platforms, and a traveling Torah campaign, HTC successfully rekindled relationships and strengthened its donor base.
Whether you're looking to enhance alumni engagement for your school or nonprofit, this episode is packed with practical strategies and real-world examples. Learn how consistency, nostalgia, and authentic relationship-building can create lifelong supporters—and why alumni engagement is about so much more than just fundraising.
Tune in for expert insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and actionable takeaways to help you build a thriving alumni network that lasts.
