It Doesn't Hurt to Ask! – Details, episodes & analysis

We've all heard the phrase "culture of philanthropy." But what does it really mean? And how do you build one when you're already knee-deep in grant deadlines, donor meetings, and database cleanup?

In this episode, we unpack the elusive culture of philanthropy through a systems change lens – and explain why strong fundraising success isn't just about strategy. It's about shifting the way your entire organization thinks, acts, and works together.

We'll talk about:

• Why fundraising cuts across every part of your organization
• How to recognize if your organization's culture is quietly undermining your fundraising efforts
• What systems change really means – and how to use it to create the conditions for fundraising growth
• Why fundraising can't - and shouldn't - operate in isolation
• The implicit values, habits, and assumptions that shape outcomes more than any plan
• Why building a culture of philanthropy is a continuous, organization-wide effort – not just a checklist

If you've ever wondered how to make a culture of philanthropy real – not just aspirational – this episode offers a fresh, honest starting point for nonprofit leaders and fundraisers alike.

Resources and links:

• Check out host Cathy Mann on LinkedIn
• Download our Four Pillars of Fundraising Guide for free
• Book your Fundraising Growth Game Plan call
• Email us at hello@fundraisinglab.ca
• Subscribe to our email list
• Share this episode with a friend!

Podcast editing and post-production by:
Daniella Sorrentino at Feral Culture Lab

Intro and Outro Music: Fancy Free by Reveille at Soundstripe

Your annual report shouldn't just check a box – it's a powerful donor stewardship opportunity to celebrate impact, engage supporters, and make them feel proud to be part of your mission.  
In this episode from the Fundraising Lab archives, we're joined by Brooke Erickson as we provide expert guidance on creating a donor impact report. Whether you're launching your first report back to donors or rethinking your annual report strategy, this conversation explores how to create donor-centered communications that maximize donor engagement and strengthen donor retention.  
We cover: 
Creating donor-centered impact reports that make supporters feel proud and part of the team 
The art of impact storytelling: sharing client stories safely through amalgams, staff experiences, and volunteer testimonials 
Building a strategic stewardship program that balances donor appreciation with fundraising appeals  
If you're planning donor communications or impact reporting, this episode offers practical advice on transforming standard reporting into meaningful stewardship that strengthens donor relationships and retention.

Check out Brooke Erickson and host Cathy Mann on LinkedIn

Resources and links:
Check out Brooke Erickson and host Cathy Mann on LinkedIn
Download our Four Pillars of Fundraising Guide for free
Book your Fundraising Growth Game Plan call
Email us at hello@fundraisinglab.ca
Subscribe to our email list
Share this episode with a friend!

Podcast editing and post-production by: 
Daniella Sorrentino at Feral Culture Lab

Music:
Intro and Outro Music is Fancy Free by Reveille at Soundstripe

In this episode of 'It Doesn't Hurt to Ask,' the Fundraising Lab's Anne LeMesurier talks with David Phu from Nonprofit Video Comms. We learn about how small to mid-sized nonprofits can look to simplify their marketing communications while increasing impact using simple and targeted video. David and Anne discuss different types of audiences, where you should spend your time and money, strategies for success and what data you should be paying attention to. You can also join our Spark Community for FREE: https://www.fundraisinglab.ca/spark

On today's episode, Cathy sits down with Sharon Redsky, the Principal at Redsky Fundraising. Sharon discusses how community has the ability to be transformed through intentionality and deepening relationships with partners.  She discusses finding common ground, investing in women and the ongoing resiliency of the indigenous community. Join our Spark Community for FREE: https://www.fundraisinglab.ca/spark

Ken is the President and CEO, William Osler Health System Foundation and has just been named the 2019 Outstanding Fundraising Professional by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Toronto Chapter. Ken is a quiet shift disturber in our sector this conversation reflects the things he has done to shift and serve the sector. Shout outs to Dr. Krishan Metha, Emma Lewzey, Marni Spears, Kulvir Singh Gill, Rickesh Lakhani.

Join Cathy and Laura Manning, Executive Director of the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation as they discuss the foundation's shift from program-based funding to providing General Operating Support (read: unrestricted funding!) to some of their grantees. The Lyle S. Hallman Foundation is a real shift disturber with a board that gets excited about doing things differently. Tune in to hear about their approach to values-based philanthropy.

It Doesn't Hurt to Ask! podcast is back after a little hiatus. In this episode, Cathy sits down with Chris Baylis of The Sponsorship Collective to discuss the "secretive" world of cause sponsorship. Chris is a self-confessed sponsorship geek. After several years as a "sponsor," Chris decided to cross over to the sponsorship sales side where he has personally closed tens of millions of dollars in sponsorship deals. Chris has been on the front lines of multi-million dollar sponsorship agreements.

In this episode,  Simone Joyaux, ACFRE (proclaimed by Cathy as the Grand Dame of Social Change Philanthropy) reviews the do's, don'ts and dilemmas of fundraising for social change. From the professionalism of fundraising to board governance, this wide-ranging conversation will surely leave you thinking about the ethical challenges of philanthropy in new ways.