Explore every episode of the podcast The Raimy and Bini Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep 25 I Fundraising, Faith, and Pistachios: Coaching Ministries ft. Evan Cox & Jon DeLange | 07 Jul 2025 | 00:54:51 | |
What do landscaping, grant writing for dummies, and pistachios have to do with faith-based fundraising? More than you'd think. In this episode, Raimy and Bini are joined by Evan Cox and Jon DeLange, the dynamic duo behind strategicfundraisingplan.com, who’ve helped hundreds of Christian ministries raise more money with less stress. You’ll hear how Evan went from mowing lawns to mentoring ministries, why Jon thinks "our" is the most dangerous word in fundraising, and how the best donor strategy might start with a bag of chips and a personal text. --------------------- Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Philanthropy and Fundraising 01:25 Personal Journeys into Fundraising 08:00 The Formation of Strategic Fundraising Plan 11:09 Understanding Christian Giving 13:35 The Ideal vs. Reality of Donor Relationships 17:39 Meeting Emotional Needs of Donors 22:03 Balancing Identity and Impact in Fundraising 27:47 Navigating Giving Priorities in Faith Communities 32:00 Cultural Priorities in Fundraising 34:34 Trends in Fundraising: Technology and Relationships 38:43 The Need for Authentic Connections 41:41 Blind Spots in Nonprofit Leadership 46:47 Rapid Fire Insights on Fundraising | |||
| Ep 24 I DAFs Are the New Normal. Most Nonprofits Are Behind w/ Mitch Stein | 01 Jul 2025 | 00:51:13 | |
What If Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) Became the Norm — Not the Exception? This week, we sit down with Mitch Stein, Head of Strategy at Chariot, for a masterclass on the fast-evolving world of Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) — and why they're becoming the giving wallet of the future. Mitch pulls back the curtain on: What DAFs really are (and why most people misunderstand them) How tech and policy shifts are unlocking $250B+ in charitable assets Why nonprofits must stop being passive about DAFs — and start fundraising smarter How using a DAF actually doubles the average donor’s gift The myth of DAF “warehousing” — and the surprising stats that prove otherwise Plus, a ballistic missile siren mid-recording (yes, really), insights from Mitch’s time at Goldman Sachs, and the one word Mitch would remove from the non-profit world. Whether you're a donor, fundraiser, or nonprofit exec — this episode will change how you think about giving. HOT OFF THE PRESS: The Chariot DAF Fundraising Report! Click here to read it TODAY! --------------------------- Chapters: 00:00 Navigating Life Under Threats 16:52 The Evolution of Donor-Advised Funds 19:26 DAFs: A Tool for All, Not Just the Wealthy 23:18 Engaging the Next Generation in Philanthropy 25:22 Employer Matching Programs and DAFs 30:12 The Challenge of DAFs: Money Warehousing 33:24 Increasing Granting Rates from DAFs 37:59 Marketing DAFs to Nonprofits 42:19 The Future of DAFs: A Charitable Wallet for Everyone 45:42 Empowering Nonprofits in the DAF Space 50:53 Final Thoughts and Encouragement | |||
| Ep 15 I Lights, Camera...Fundraise ft. Elisheva Hudson | 31 Mar 2025 | 01:10:44 | |
This week, Bini and Raimy sit down with Elisheva Hudson of Hudson Films, a true expert in nonprofit video production. Elisheva knows exactly how to craft videos that do more than tell a story. They inspire action. In this episode, she takes us behind the scenes of nonprofit filmmaking and breaks down the dos and don'ts of creating compelling content. She shares her best tips for getting the most out of interviews, reveals the secret to capturing raw emotion on camera, and explains how to hold a viewer's attention in an age of ever-shrinking attention spans. If you have ever wondered how to make a nonprofit video that actually moves people but did not know where to start, this episode is for you. We walked away with a ton of insights and we think you will too. ---------------------- Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 08:49 Elisheva Hudson's Journey into Filmmaking 11:59 Transition to Nonprofit Filmmaking 15:43 Understanding Nonprofit Needs for Video 19:13 Collaborative Process with Nonprofits 22:25 Challenges in Filmmaking for Nonprofits 26:07 The Art of Extracting Compelling Stories 30:59 The Importance of Pre-Production 35:35 Best Practices for Condensing Stories 40:25 Crafting the Narrative: The Role of Location in Filmmaking 44:38 Budgeting for Impact: Navigating Nonprofit Video Production 50:56 The Balance of Quality: Documentary Filmmaking vs. Social Media Content 59:16 The Future of Video: Evolving Trends in Nonprofit Storytelling -------------------- Find Elisheva on Linkedin: @elishevahudson Elisheva's website: https://www.hudsonfilmsdocustory.com/---Good of The Week: Raimy: Tom Ahern of https://www.aherncomm.com/Bini: @posterized11 (YouTube Channel) | |||
| Ep 14 I Your Metrics Are Lying to You (Here’s What Actually Matters) | 25 Mar 2025 | 01:14:45 | |
In this week's episode of the Raimy and Bini Podcast, we talk about data! (Cue the Jon Stewart popcorn gif.) Our fearless hosts dive into a topic many nonprofit professionals avoid: metrics. They explore different ways to approach evaluation and measurement, what’s worth tracking, and what’s totally overrated. Bini and Raimy break it down from three angles: fundraising, program impact, and organizational health. They unpack the difference between outputs (butts in seats!) and outcomes (results that matter), and discuss the behavioral changes organizations should look for in the people they serve. Plus, Bini discovers Raimy has never seen Star Wars (though he does know who Yoda is), they play a quick round of “Who said it: Yogi Berra or Alice in Wonderland?” and share some real-world examples of the best — and worst — measurement practices they’ve seen. ----- Good of the Week: ----- Chapters: 00:00 Audio Challenges and Learning Experiences 02:48 Insights from Donald Miller on Fundraising 05:18 The Role of Metrics in Nonprofit Success 12:12 Key Metrics for Fundraising Performance 18:42 Understanding Program Impact and Donor Retention 27:07 Real-World Applications of Metrics in Fundraising 34:33 Measuring Impact in Nonprofits 40:43 Outputs vs. Outcomes: Understanding Metrics 47:11 Leading vs. Lagging Indicators in Organizational Success 51:50 The Importance of Storytelling in Metrics 01:00:19 Overrated and Underrated Metrics in Nonprofits 01:12:28 Practical Steps for Measuring Impact | |||
| Ep 13 I The Good, The Bad, The Ugly of Non-Profit Leadership | 18 Mar 2025 | 00:55:02 | |
In this week's episode of The Raimy and Bini show, we dive into 5 qualities that make a nonprofit leader shine... and five that could use a little work. We tackle some of the big questions keeping you up at night like:
Raimy's voice is a little raspy in this one, possibly due to too much hootin' and hollerin' at a recent Bat Mitzvah, but don’t let that distract you. This episode is packed with key takeaways you can implement right away to become a more effective and efficient leader. Also...The Good of the Week: Raimy: Julie Cooper of FundraisingWriting: https://www.fundraisingwriting.com/ Bini: The Savannah Bananas: https://thesavannahbananas.com/ ------------------------- Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Good of the Week 05:24 Savannah Bananas and Customer Experience 10:49 The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Nonprofit Leadership 16:18 Differences in Nonprofit vs For-Profit Leadership 22:03 Vision and Mission-Driven Leadership 27:38 Mastering Relationships in Nonprofit Leadership 28:10 Mastering Relationships in Nonprofits 29:38 The Art of Networking and Communication 32:38 Empowering Teams and Trust in Leadership 36:29 Red Flags in Leadership 41:33 Identifying Poor Leadership Traits 47:24 The Importance of Vision and Communication 50:20 Listening vs. Talking in Leadership 51:49 Decision-Making and Leadership Challenges | |||
| Ep 12 I I Don't Have Time For ChatGPT I AI In Non-Profits | 10 Mar 2025 | 01:11:35 | |
In this week's episode of the Raimy and Bini Podcast, we say all there is to say about AI. Once you listen to this episode, you won't need a single other resource about the subject for the rest of your life. Jokes! In fact, this episode may very well become obsolete in the four days between recording time and publishing time. But we can't let that stop us. Love it or fear it, AI is here, and it's changing everything. It's evolving more rapidly than any other technology in history, and every day brings new tools that utilize the technology for more specific and more niche tasks. We go through our favorite AI tools, how nonprofits can use them, and where we see the technology headed in the coming months and years. This episode blends useful tips that you can implement today with some soapbox preaching about a healthy mindset when using all of these amazing, new resources that we couldn't have imagined a few short years ago. Happy listening. ---------------------------------- Chapters: 00:00 Setting the Scene: Home Decor and Personal Touches 02:52 The Good and Bad of Running: Personal Experiences 05:47 Lessons from Disappointment: Parenting and Emotional Growth 08:16 Navigating Failures: Running and AI Projects 11:14 The Role of AI in Nonprofits: A New Frontier 14:11 Rapid Advancements in AI: Keeping Up with Change 17:07 AI in Nonprofits: Current Applications and Future Potential 19:44 Writing in the Age of AI: The Writer's Perspective 22:26 Tools for Nonprofits: Exploring AI Solutions 25:20 The Naysayers: Resistance to AI Adoption 27:51 The Future of Nonprofits: Bridging the Tech Gap 34:10 Investing in AI Tools for Nonprofits 36:23 AI Strategy Implementation in Organizations 38:10 Utilizing AI for Meeting Insights 40:53 The Value of Paid AI Tools 42:57 Personalization in Fundraising and Social Media 45:47 Enhancing Annual Reports with AI 46:40 Creating Social Media Content with AI 49:42 Leveraging AI for Effective Campaigns 52:18 The Complexity of AI Adoption 56:39 The Future of Nonprofits in an AI-Driven World | |||
| Ep 11 I So You Want To Start A Non-Profit? The Hard Truths, Big Wins & First Steps | 03 Mar 2025 | 00:59:37 | |
If you were starting a nonprofit from scratch, what would be your first move? In the latest episode of the Raimy and Bini Podcast, we walk through how we would each approach starting a brand new organization. (Bini even put together a chat-gpt-fueled advisory committee that guided him throughout the process.) We talk about the pros and cons (well, mostly cons) of starting a nonprofit and the different ways to think about the business side of things. We ask questions like: Should you focus on service provision first, or lock down your financials? How do you analyze similar organizations in your space? Is competition a threat or an advantage? What metrics actually tell you if you're succeeding? What are the fundamental differences between starting a nonprofit vs. a for-profit business? What type of person (and with what background) is best suited to start a new organization? This episode covers a lot of ground—perfect for newcomers and grizzled veterans alike. -------------------- Good of the Week: Raimy: His Accountant! (Yes, you read that right!!!) Bini: Dana Snyder and the Monthly Giving Summit Find Dana here: https://positiveequation.com/ ---------------------------- Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Feedback on Previous Episodes 02:33 The Importance of Guest Contributions 05:15 Gratitude and Positive Experiences 08:12 Monthly Giving Summit Insights 10:58 Starting a Nonprofit: Challenges and Considerations 13:43 Identifying Needs and Competition in Nonprofits 16:30 Understanding the Nonprofit Landscape 19:21 The Complexity of Nonprofit Funding 21:47 Differentiating Between Service Recipients and Donors 24:31 Exploring Alternatives to Starting a Nonprofit 27:28 Social Enterprises vs. Nonprofits 28:56 The Purpose of Nonprofits: Results Over Existence 33:13 Generational Shifts in Nonprofit Leadership 38:09 Funding Fundamentals: Identifying Financial Support 44:17 Metrics and Impact: Measuring Success 48:33 Building a Supportive Board: The Importance of Community 52:08 Fiscal Sponsorship: A Pathway to Nonprofit Launch 55:54 First Steps: Crafting a 90-Day Plan for Success | |||
| Ep 10 I From Hip-Hop to Non-Profits ft. Jeremy Haselwood | 24 Feb 2025 | 01:00:14 | |
In this week's episode of THE Raimy and Bini Podcast, we interview the hip-hop fundraiser (and our second Jeremy in a row), Jeremy Haselwood. Jeremy is a two-time bestselling author. His first book, The Digital Fundraising Blueprint, is a cheat code for nonprofits looking to crush online giving. And his second book, Finding Your EDGE, is all about unlocking your personal and professional potential. Jeremy tells us about how he ended up working with big brands like Coca-Cola and The Salvation Army. He tells us what he thinks nonprofits should focus on with their limited time and resources. He tells us about how a hip-hop career that fell a little short led to a life serving mission-driven organizations. Jeremy is a great writer, a better teacher, and, most importantly, a super nice guy. Hope you enjoy this conversation mostly about digital fundraising (with a little college football thrown in). Work with Jeremy and buy his books here: Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Good of the Week 06:36 Introducing Jeremy Haselwood 11:22 Jeremy's Origin Story 19:01 The Intersection of Marketing and Nonprofits 26:36 Digital Marketing Strategies for Nonprofits 30:35 Crafting Concise Communication 33:01 Navigating Social Media Strategies 34:28 Choosing the Right Platforms for Nonprofits 39:21 The Power of Email Marketing 44:44 Understanding Data Hygiene in Email Marketing 48:41 Effective Fundraising Strategies 52:24 Rapid Fire Insights on Nonprofit Fundraising | |||
| Ep 9 I The Happiest Fundraiser ft. Jeremy Stern | 17 Feb 2025 | 01:07:55 | |
This week, we sit down with the happiest fundraiser on the planet, Jeremy Stern. Jeremy shares when he first knew he wanted to work in the nonprofit world (spoiler: it’s earlier than you’d guess). He reflects on the lessons he learned after stepping into an executive director role shockingly early in his career and he reveals the core truths every fundraiser must embrace to stop fearing the word "no." Now the Director of Partnerships at CauseMatch, Jeremy has also held key roles at Tzohar, Ohr Torah Stone, and nine years as Executive Director of ORA. Join us for the first-ever guest episode of The Raimy & Bini Podcast. Jeremy’s been there, done that, and gathered a wealth of fundraising wisdom along the way. You won’t want to miss it. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement 02:32 Crisis Fundraising and Organizational Resilience 05:04 Sports Rivalries and Team Dynamics 08:04 Introducing Jeremy Stern: The Happy Fundraiser 10:34 Jeremy's Journey into Nonprofit Work 13:15 Fundraising Lessons and Challenges 16:03 The Importance of Donor Relationships 18:48 Navigating Nonprofit Leadership 21:39 Transitioning to Remote Fundraising 24:23 Virtual Fundraising in a Pandemic 26:57 Final Thoughts and Future Directions 31:23 Joining CauseMatch: A New Chapter 33:06 Understanding Partnership Models 36:31 Learning and Growth in Fundraising 41:17 The Importance of Data in Fundraising 49:24 Maintaining Positivity in Fundraising 54:24 The Mindset of a Successful Fundraiser 01:05:34 Shifting from Scarcity to Growth Mindset | |||
| Ep 8 I You're Leaving Money on the Table- 4 Simple Messaging Fixes To Bring In More Gifts Now! | 11 Feb 2025 | 00:57:28 | |
Your fundraising message might be costing you donors. Here’s 4 ways to fix it. You pour time into emails, social posts, and appeals. But are they actually moving donors to act?Most nonprofits make one big mistake—they talk aboutthemselves instead of making the donor the hero. In this episode, Bini and Raimy (mostly Raimy) break down the4 essential building blocks of nonprofit messaging thatkeep donors engaged, giving, and coming back. ✅Why most fundraising emails flop (and how to fix them) ✅How to make your message about the donor—not just your org ✅The secret to writing donor appeals that actually drive action ✅How to adapt messaging for email, social, and direct mail 🎧Listen now and start writing copy that turns engagement into real impact! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Conference Insights 09:08 The Importance of Communication in Fundraising 18:31 Crafting Compelling Nonprofit Messaging 28:02 The Donor-Centric Approach to Fundraising 31:15 The Power of Impactful Communication 34:04 Articulating Problems and Solutions 36:35 The Importance of Vulnerability in Messaging 38:11 Facilitating Fundraising Through Collaboration 43:27 Adapting Messaging Across Different Media 47:37 The Emotional Side of Giving 54:28 Practical Tips for Effective Storytelling | |||
| Ep 7 I Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z: Cracking the Code on MultiGen Fundraising | 04 Feb 2025 | 00:56:32 | |
Different approaches work for different demographics of donors. Think: Venmo vs Check, P2P vs Direct Mail... In this episode, Bini and Raimy break down how Boomers, Millennials, Gen Z, and everyone in between approach giving... and how to meet them where they are. Here’s what you’ll get:
Give it a listen—and get inspired to connect with every generation of donors. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections 10:54 Understanding Older vs. Younger Donors 19:24 Defining Generational Differences in Donors 21:06 Evolving Perspectives on Older Donors 24:31 The Evolution of Online Campaigns 26:41 Shifting Donor Dynamics Across Generations 29:59 Communication Strategies for Different Generations 32:52 Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Trends 35:05 The Impact of Technology on Giving 37:58 Direct Mail vs. Digital Communication 40:22 Events and Experiences in Fundraising 43:13 Engaging Younger Donors for Long-Term Support 51:29 Strategies for Multi-Generational Fundraising | |||
| Ep 6 I THE TOP 5 Trends in Non-Profits for 2025 | 28 Jan 2025 | 00:56:42 | |
In this conversation, Bini Maryles and Raimy Rubin explore the key trends shaping the fundraising landscape for 2025. They discuss the rise of donor-advised funds, the importance of hyper-personalization in donor communications, and the transformative role of AI in fundraising strategies. The conversation also highlights the resurgence of in-person events as a vital component of donor engagement and the significant wealth transfer from baby boomers to younger generations, emphasizing the need for nonprofits to adapt to these changes. Keywords: fundraising, trends 2025, donor-advised funds, AI in fundraising, hyper-personalization, in-person events, wealth transfer, nonprofit strategies Chapters: 00:00 Forecasting 2025: Lessons from 2024 02:04 The Challenge of Fundraising: Insights from a Leader 06:41 Professionalization in Nonprofit Management 16:55 The Rise of AI in Fundraising 31:06 The Shift Back to In-Person Events 36:28 The Great Wealth Transfer: Preparing for Change 43:31 Emerging Trends in Charitable Giving 45:35 The Importance of Hyper-Personalization 50:47 AI and Authenticity in Donor Relations 54:54 Looking Ahead: Trends for 2025 | |||
| Ep 23 I Across Cultures, Across Continents — Here’s What Actually Moves Donors ft Morgan Gross | 24 Jun 2025 | 00:41:57 | |
What’s it like to fundraise when your donors are in one place and the impact they're making is happening thousands of miles away? In this episode, we sit down with Morgan Gross, the founder of Fundraising Beyond Borders, who joins us from a literal farm in Zambia. (Yes, there are monkeys. Yes, they jump on her roof.) We talk about the messy, meaningful world of international fundraising: building donor trust, telling stories ethically, managing time zones, and setting up systems that actually get used. Morgan shares what’s different about global fundraising and what’s universal, whether you’re raising money in Tanzania, Toronto, or Tulsa. This one has it all, from CRM setups and scratch-off postcards to what it’s like transitioning from Missouri public school teacher to global fundraising strategist on a Zambian farm. You’re going to like this one. ------------------------------ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Morgan Gross and Her Journey 04:20 Living in Zambia: A New Perspective on Nonprofits 05:54 Founding Project Wake Up: A Nonprofit for Mental Health 07:00 Transitioning to Fundraising Beyond Borders 10:26 Building Donor Trust and Ethical Storytelling 13:57 The Importance of Transparency in Fundraising 17:39 Overcoming Challenges in International Fundraising 19:40 Identifying Ideal Donors and Setting Goals 22:30 The 12-Month Fundraising Strategy 24:30 Success Stories: Real-World Examples of Fundraising 28:33 The Role of Storytelling in Nonprofit Messaging 31:51 Utilizing Social Media for Engagement 36:10 The Impact of CRM on Donor Retention 39:01 Cultural Misconceptions in International Fundraising ---------------------------------- Links: | |||
| Ep 5 I Plan It Like You Mean It: Setting Up The Annual Plan | 21 Jan 2025 | 01:01:17 | |
In this episode, as Raimy and Bini continue to explore the world of all things good, they chat about something every nonprofit leader can benefit from: the power of a solid plan. They dive into why having a clear communication calendar is so important for staying ahead of challenges, big and small, and how it helps keep everything on track—especially when things get unexpected. Bini shares some valuable lessons from his experience handling crises, showing how a strong calendar can keep things running smoothly, even when dealing with curveballs. Raimy talks about how a little proactive planning and a well-thought-out strategy can make a huge difference in how you navigate tough moments and still hit your fundraising goals. If you’re looking for tips on how to get your nonprofit’s plans in shape and keep everything organized—even when the unexpected pops up—this episode’s for you. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share with anyone looking to make their nonprofit’s planning process a little easier! | |||
| Ep 4 I Your End of Year Campaign Worked...Now What? Pt II | 14 Jan 2025 | 00:49:53 | |
Summary:
This episode is part two of a deeper conversation about what happens after your year-end campaign wraps up. Last time, Raimy and Bini began to explore what to do when your campaign worked—this time, they continue that but also tackle the opposite question: What happens when things don’t go as planned? They share strategies for reflecting on the past year, using data to uncover what worked and what didn’t, and listening to donors and teammates to learn and grow. The episode also highlights celebrating wins, even in challenging times, and balancing program growth with fundraising needs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Wins of the Week 07:50 Analyzing Fundraising Data 15:40 Learning from Successes and Failures 21:41 The Long View in Fundraising 22:52 Understanding Leadership Dynamics in Organizations 24:25 The Importance of Listening to Donors 25:51 Building Relationships Through Listening 28:08 Navigating Difficult Conversations with Donors 29:37 The Human Element in Fundraising 32:21 Listening to Your Team During Tough Times 34:25 Celebrating Wins and Learning from Losses 38:31 Strategic Planning for Future Success 44:00 Adjusting Strategies Based on Past Performance | |||
| Ep. 3 I Your End of Year Campaign Worked...Now What? | 07 Jan 2025 | 00:50:19 | |
Summary: In this episode, Raimy and Bini share for the first time ever, their 'Wins of the Week' and dive into the power of personalized donor communication. From genuine and wholehearted thank-yous to showing donors the impact of their gifts, they explore how to build stronger relationships with supporters. Plus, they discuss the importance of knowing your "why" and how it leads to more authentic fundraising. Tune in for practical tips and inspiring stories! Don’t forget to like, share, and follow for more fundraising insights! Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 02:38 Celebrating Wins: Personal and Professional Highlights 05:15 The Importance of Asking Questions in Fundraising 08:00 Strategies for Effective Thank You Communications 11:06 Fundraising Framework: Ask, Thank, Report 13:50 Building Relationships Through Personalization 16:42 The Role of Systems in Fundraising Success 19:20 Engaging Donors: The Art of the Thank You 22:25 Transforming Thank You into Meaningful Conversations 23:30 The Power of Handwritten Thank You Notes 26:13 The Impact of Genuine Gratitude 30:42 Reporting Back: Connecting Donors to Impact 37:35 Understanding Your Organization's Why 43:23 Telling Compelling Stories to Engage Donors Keywords: fundraising, donor communication, relationship building, thank you messages, impact reporting, nonprofit strategies, 2025 goals, fundraising success, donor engagement, storytelling | |||
| Ep 2 I Why Is This Season Different From All Other Giving Seasons? | 18 Dec 2024 | 00:51:39 | |
Yep! That question is screaming: End of Year Giving...right? Ok, maybe not, but this episode sure is. Have a listen as Raimy & Bini begin a deep dive into the season of giving at year end. | |||
| Ep 1 I The Ins & Outs of Giving Tuesday | 18 Dec 2024 | 00:47:03 | |
This is Ep 1 of our new show!!! Welcome aboard! We'll discuss pretty much anything and everything within the 'world of good.' That could be orgs, campaigns, leaders, tech, you name it. This week: Giving Tuesday | |||
| Ep 22 I Donate or Delete: Why Your Fundraising Emails Aren’t Working | 16 Jun 2025 | 00:53:47 | |
You open an email from a nonprofit. Four seconds later, you close it. No donation. No action. No connection. In this episode, we take you inside a real fundraising email from a major organization. We don’t name names to take shots. We do it to learn. Together, we break it down. Line by line, design choice by design choice. We ask: What’s working here? What’s missing? And what can every nonprofit learn from this? From subject lines to CTAs to the psychology behind a donor’s decision to give, we unpack the choices that make or break an appeal. Some of what we found surprised us. Some of it frustrated us. All of it will make you think differently about your next fundraising email. This isn’t theory. It’s a hands-on teardown with insights you can put to work right away. --------------------------------- Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Good of the Week 02:40 Fundraising Emails: What Nonprofits Get Wrong 05:23 Dissecting the ADL Email 08:06 Best Practices in Fundraising Emails 10:53 Personalization and Emotional Appeal 14:07 Calls to Action and Urgency 16:55 Problem-Solution Framing in Fundraising 20:00 Empowering Donors in Messaging 25:29 Donor-Centric Fundraising Strategies 27:03 Transforming Donor Engagement 29:00 The Power of Personal Stories 31:18 Emotional Impact in Fundraising 33:14 Simplifying Communication for Better Engagement 35:21 Design vs. Personalization in Fundraising Emails 37:56 The Importance of Specific Donation Requests 40:03 Balancing Design and Authenticity 42:24 The Challenge of Fundraising Messaging 47:04 Final Thoughts on Effective Fundraising Emails -------------------------------- Good of the Week: 1. Coach Thibodeau, formerly of the @NYKnicks 2. Jeff Brooks of @moceaniconline H/T Ephraim Gopin @1832communications Double H/T @Anti-Defamation-League | |||
| Ep 21 I Of Birthdays & (At Least) 6 Other Milestone Dates Your Org Is MISSING OUT ON! | 09 Jun 2025 | 00:51:05 | |
Bini turns 50! He celebrates the only way he knows how: by recording a podcast. We kick things off with Bini's reflections on being an old man before diving into questions like: How should nonprofits think about special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and national events? What’s the right way to mark these moments with donors? What are the wrong ways? And what kind of impact do these small touchpoints really have? Topics include: Why most organizations ignore birthdays (and why they shouldn't) The five categories of special occasions every nonprofit should plan for How to be personal without being creepy Systems, shortcuts, and a few disaster stories Why Bini got a birthday coupon... and 10,000 other people did too | |||
| Ep 20 I I AM NOT HERE TO FIT IN: How Real Leaders Push Back, Speak Up & Break Through | 03 Jun 2025 | 00:45:07 | |
What happens when you mix fierce advocacy, government bureaucracy, and a refusal to look the other way? You get Bob Nelkin.In this episode, we sit down with Bob, whose 50-year career spans government, nonprofits, academia, and policy reform. From walking unannounced into state institutions to uncover abuse... to reducing infant mortality with a coalition of beauticians and crossing guards... Bob's stories are wild, inspiring, and deeply human.You’ll hear about:What makes a real leader in the nonprofit worldWhy some problems need rage, and others need strategyHow to get people to follow you, even when they start out yelling at youThe hard truth about nonprofit mergers, and why some organizations should call it quitsAlso: Clemente, empathy, and what Bob thinks young leaders need most today.This isn’t a history lesson. It’s a lived one. --------------------------------------Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Bob Nelkin's Journey04:48 Confronting Injustice in Institutions10:07 Building Community Support for Change15:22 Innovative Approaches to Public Health20:30 Rethinking Child Welfare Systems27:02 Navigating Challenges: The State of Nonprofits Today33:13 Evaluating Ideas: A Three-Point Test for Success42:39 Investing in Future Leaders: The Next Generation of Change | |||
| Ep 19 I 6 Non-Profit Myths You Seriously Need to Stop Believing | 27 May 2025 | 00:47:09 | |
There are a lot of things people say about nonprofits that just aren’t true. In this episode, we go after some of the biggest myths in the fundraising world. Like the idea that if your cause is good enough, the money will follow. Or that board members don’t need to give. Or that overhead is a dirty word. Or that only rich people can make a difference. We don’t just bust these myths. We talk about where they come from, why they’re so sticky, and how they hold organizations back. ---------------------------------- Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup 03:31 The Impact of Storytelling in Fundraising 08:56 Myth Busting in Nonprofit Fundraising 16:12 Debunking Common Fundraising Myths 19:20 The Pilota Rule and Nonprofit Funding Misconceptions 27:57 The Myth of Nonprofits Not Making a Profit 30:46 Board Member Contributions: More Than Just Connections 38:03 The Power of Small Donors in Philanthropy ----------------------------- | |||
| Ep 18 I Donors Are Clicking Less, Giving More (Sometimes): What the 2025 M+R Benchmarks Study Really Reveals | 22 May 2025 | 00:41:31 | |
In this episode, Raimy and Bini dig into the 2025 M+R Benchmarks Study, a wide-ranging report on digital fundraising trends. We unpack the surprising stat that online giving is flat and explore why monthly giving continues to rise, now making up 31% of all online revenue. We question whether donors are driving the trends or just responding to smarter asks. We also tackle the 11% drop in email fundraising, what it means for your strategy, and how deliverability and list hygiene might be at the root. Plus, we offer thoughts on donor-advised funds, the underused power of in-person volunteering, and how to actually use data to shape decisions instead of just reacting to it. This one is for fundraisers who want to step back, zoom out, and rethink how they approach their digital strategy. Link to the M+R Benchmarks study is here: Link ---------------------------------------- Chapters: 00:00 Pre-Webinar Rituals and Personal Moments 07:21 Good of the Week: Family Stories and Humor 13:49 Exploring the M+R Benchmark 2025 Study 18:36 Surprising Insights from the Study 20:46 Email Fundraising Trends and Challenges 27:57 Understanding Monthly Giving Dynamics 32:10 The Impact of Social Media on Fundraising 36:52 The Future of Donor-Advised Funds and Volunteer Engagement ----------------------- Keywords fundraising, online giving, email marketing, donor behavior, monthly giving, volunteer engagement, M+R Benchmark 2025, nonprofit sector, data analysis, community building | |||
| Ep 17 I The Head of School Who Coaches Heads of Orgs I ft. Rabbi Barry Kislowicz | 14 May 2025 | 00:59:42 | |
Barry Kislowicz knew he wanted to be a rabbi when he was two-years-old. What he didn't know at the time was that he would go on to do so much more. A couple decades later, Rabbi Dr. Kislowicz is a coach who helps nonprofit leaders find their way through chaos. In this episode, Bini and Raimy hear how Barry went from managing a school to coaching the folks who run them. Barry shares some gems about leadership. He talks about the importance of self-awareness (even though it’s one of the hardest things to master) and how emotional intelligence is crucial for any leader. We also dive into the unique challenges nonprofit leaders face, like managing a board of experts who might be terrible at nonprofit stuff (but amazing at making money). If you’re into leadership, managing tricky situations, or just want to hear Barry dodge the embarrassing stories Bini keeps trying to get him to tell, this episode’s for you. --------------------------------- Good of the Week:
---------------------------------- Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 10:12 Barry Kislowicz's Journey into Coaching 13:05 The Shift from Education to Coaching 16:10 Transitioning from Teacher to Head of School 18:57 Coaching Style and Methodology 22:12 The Role of a Coach vs. a Boss 25:01 Setting Goals and Measuring Success 28:15 Recommended Resources for Leaders 31:02 Identifying When to Seek Coaching 34:02 The Importance of Community in Leadership 37:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 37:42 Navigating Financial Leadership 41:42 Understanding Stakeholder Dynamics 47:53 Building Relationships with Constituents 48:51 Leadership in Nonprofit vs. Corporate Worlds 01:01:10 Essential Qualities for Effective Leadership ---------------------------------------------------- Find Barry here: | |||
| Ep 16 I Match Donor Madness: The Psychology, the Pitfalls, the Power Play | 07 May 2025 | 01:04:42 | |
We’re back! After a short break, Bini shows off his dining room art (and explains why he's podcasting from a new angle), and Raimy shares an epic Good of the Week story involving his dad, a piece of medical tape, and a life-changing bottle of dish soap. Then we dive deep into the world of matching donations. Why they work. When they don’t. What they do to donors’ brains. And how to use them without effectively. From psychology to strategy to how to talk to big matchers, we break down everything you need to know to make the most of the match. Have a matching story? Good or bad? We want to hear it. H/T to our 'Good of the Week:
Like, subscribe and share this episode with the people you care about the most! ----------------------- Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 08:56 The Importance of Matching Donations 21:00 Strategies for Effective Matching Campaigns 33:00 Engaging Major Donors in Matching Programs 33:09 The Importance of Recognizing Matchers 39:09 Cultivating Future Matchers 49:14 Understanding the Matcher: Who They Are 58:08 The Impact of Lead Gifts 01:07:28 Final Thoughts on Matching Strategies | |||