Mallory Erickson, and I discuss the importance of changing the narrative of nonprofits around money, engagement, and donor-organization relationships.
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A new way to fundraise is reshaping the nonprofit world. In Episode 43, Lindsay speaks with Mallory Erickson about combining strategy and mindset to raise money with confidence and integrity. From overcoming fear to building authentic donor relationships, Mallory shares a modern, human-centered approach to fundraising.
Shifting Strategy and Mindset Through Introspection
“I'm here for two reasons. In addition to moving more money into the nonprofit sector; I'm here so that fundraisers feel freaking proud of the work that they are doing to be those money movers!” Share on XBeing a fundraiser offers deep satisfaction, yet it can also be nerve-wracking. As professionals representing our organizations, we strive to excel in our interactions with donors and in putting ourselves out there. However, we are also human, and feelings of fear and anxiety can arise when asking for someone else’s hard-earned money.
Asking for Money with Confidence
In today’s episode of Creating Community For Good, I spoke with Mallory Erickson, a certified fundraising coach who has supported over 50 fundraisers and organizations. Similar to my own perspective, she believes it’s crucial to reshape how nonprofits view money, engagement, and donor relationships. Consequently, fundraising is no longer about begging or chasing donors; rather, it’s about offering people a valuable opportunity to join a cause and drive a movement!
However, I know this is often easier said than done. Indeed, the fundraising world is full of passion, and while it’s a profession, it’s also a genuine calling for many. Because work and personal drive often intertwine, it follows that fundraisers, even experienced ones, frequently experience a rollercoaster of emotions each week. For instance, will the potential donor respond? Did my message resonate? Are people even paying attention? Fortunately, Mallory is an expert in addressing limiting beliefs and transforming them into a positive, constructive, and strategic journey. Therefore, in this episode, she shares GAIL’s: the four main types of thoughts that hinder our potential and disrupt our growth in fundraising. Specifically, these are Gremlin, Assumptions, Interpretations, and Limiting Beliefs.
Furthermore, consider how many assumptions we make based on first impressions without having real, reliable information. Moreover, think about the stories we tell ourselves about our abilities—and believe to be true. Additionally, reflect on how often we listen to the inner voice that warns us of catastrophic outcomes… that might not even be realistic. Ultimately, there is power in questioning what we accept as truth, and thus, this shift is essential, both personally and as a revolution within the nonprofit sector. Therefore, join this insightful conversation with Mallory Erickson and gain a glimpse into her powerful strategies for building your confidence as a fundraiser and for creating stronger, more meaningful relationships with donors. To illustrate, it involves changing our perspective from making an ask to presenting an offering.
Key Takeaways:
01:19 – “I absolutely hated fundraising!” Mallory Erickson’s story: How to weave executive coaching with fundraising consulting.
04:35 – Gremlin, Assumptions, Interpretations & Limiting Beliefs (GAIL): The four primary types of thoughts that cut fundraising potential and the best strategies to get rid of them!
19:32 – Debunking myths about fundraising: How to ask people for money with confidence.
29:54 – It’s not a limited pot! How there are enough prospects out there when you have the right mindset.
33:47 – Asset Mapping: How to be helpful, engage your donors, and speak their language.
40:39 – Mallory’s golden Five & Dive strategy to organize and focus your leverage efforts.
Connect with Mallory
Through LinkedIn and Instagram
Episode Resources
A podcast role model: Jenna Kutcher’s Goal Digger
32: Jen Risher | We Need to Talk… About Wealth
We Need to Talk: A Memoir about Wealth by Jennifer Risher
💡 Want to update your fundraising approach? Visit our Fundraising Strategy page to learn how we help organizations connect with donors more meaningfully.
