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June 18, 2025 65 mins

This episode explores Mallory Erickson’s new book "What the Fundraising," which argues that declining donor participation and fundraiser burnout are connected problems, both driven by transactional fundraising practices that feel horrible to everyone involved. Mallory's primary hope is that fundraisers feel seen and less alone, understanding their discomfort with traditional approaches is normal. She wants folks to realize that fundraising success starts inside them, and while she wishes the sector prioritized wellness because it's right, she makes a clear business case for why organizations struggle when they don't care for their people. We also talk about her new technology solution, Practivated, a platform or fundraisers to actually practice real conversations that move donors. This episode is full of insight, energy, and inspiration as Mallory continues her work to get fundraisers better tools and additional support to create a more sustainable nonprofit sector for everyone.  

Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show. 

 

This Episode Brought to You by: 

Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com

Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events. 

 

The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/

As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year. 

 

Greater Giving: https://go.greatergiving.com

 

DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.com/

 

Speakers

Samantha Swaim

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/

 

Kristin Steele

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/

 

Mallory Erickson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallory-erickson-bressler/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getpractivated/

 

| RESOURCES |

Book Consulting Time with Sam and Kristin: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#consulting

Learn More About Elevate and the Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Events: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/

Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book

Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/

Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com

Connect with Mallory: https://malloryerickson.com/

Practivated: https://practivated.com/

What the Fundraising Podcast: https://malloryerickson.com/podcast/

“What the Fundraising” Book: https://malloryerickson.com/book/

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