What the Fundraising: Embracing and Enabling the People Behind the Purpose - Hardcover

by Mallory Erickson (Author)

Improve your nonprofit's efficiency and long-term success by building aligned partnerships

In What the Fundraising: Embracing and Enabling the People Behind the Purpose, executive coach and fundraising consultant Mallory Erickson delivers a practical and insightful discussion of fundraising challenges and best practices that can revolutionize your nonprofit. In the book, you'll find hands-on frameworks that draw on the latest research in executive coaching, behavioral science, and fundraising strategy to embolden your organization and make it more effective in your community.

The book tackles the underlying issues that dominate many nonprofits' fundraising issues, including "shiny object syndrome," perfectionism, discomfort, and burnout. You'll also find:

• Strategies for building powerful partnerships and making a meaningful impact in the sector
• Ways to spark substantial change in the fundraising landscape to channel additional money toward critical global issues
• Fresh, new insights and innovations for frontline fundraisers

Perfect for nonprofit managers, directors, and fundraisers, What the Fundraising is an essential and timely exploration of cutting-edge fundraising tools and strategies with the potential to multiply your nonprofit's impact.

Front Jacket

Every year, billions of dollars are raised by millions of professionals and volunteers who work to secure funding for the causes they care about. Despite the importance of this work, nonprofit leaders often face significant challenges in their fundraising efforts. Without holistic training and support, they are left to self-navigate the complex and psychologically exhausting world of fundraising. The result is a sector plagued by a simultaneous decline in giving and a fundraiser crisis.

By tackling underlying sector issues that lead to chronic stress and burnout, and drawing on research in psychology, behavioral science, neuroscience, and executive coaching, What the Fundraising presents practical frameworks and tools to help nonprofits better support fundraisers and empower them to become more emboldened, embodied, and effective in their roles.

The book introduces the concept of Alignment Fundraising: an approach designed to move fundraisers out of a transactional and money-first strategy by using principles centered around empathy, connection, and shared goals.

Alignment Fundraising rejects the zero-sum game mentality that is pervasive throughout the sector and ultimately enables nonprofit leaders to build powerful partnerships that help them reclaim their power, channel necessary resources towards critical global issues, and lead as system change-makers.

Back Jacket

Praise for WHAT THE FUNDRAISING

"Don't let the word 'fundraising' mislead you. This book is for anyone who creates, holds, and manages relationships--meaning everyone."
--Whitney Conner Clapper, Community Relations and Impact Lead, Patagonia

"In this engaging book, Erickson generously shares her deep and broad experience in fundraising, surfacing invaluable insights backed by research from various academic fields. The book will no doubt be enlightening and energizing not just for fundraisers, but also for anyone whose job requires making asks of others."
--Piyush Tantia, Chief Innovation Officer, ideas42

"Erickson leads the charge on the future of fundraising with unparalleled insight and empathy. This groundbreaking work shifts the paradigm from a transactional, dollar-driven approach to one of alignment, empathy, and sustainable impact. By addressing the root causes of stress and burnout, Erickson paves the way for a healthier, more vibrant community."
--Floyd Jones, Speaker, Coach, Community Builder and Founder, BackBlack

"A must-read for our entire industry and a forward-thinking guide for creating the world we want to live in. In this brilliant book, Mallory holds our hand, reminds us to stay in our hearts, and gives us all the real-life tools we need."
-- Maggie Doyne, Co-founder and CEO of the BlinkNow Foundation and Author of Between the Mountain and the Sky: A Mother's Story of Love, Loss, Healing, and Hope

"A hilarious and brutally honest guide to the sometimes chaotic world of nonprofit fundraising--Erickson doesn't just pull back the curtain; she rips it off the rod and sets it on fire. As a Black woman with 25+ years experience as a development professional and trusted philanthropic advisor, I can confidently say I wish I had this book when I was at my lowest. Erickson's insights are a lifeline."
-- Kishshana Palmer, Author of Busy Is a Four Letter Word: A Guide to Achieving More by Doing Less

"What the Fundraising is a deeply personal and profoundly insightful journey into the heart of nonprofit fundraising. Erickson's candid storytelling and innovative strategies make this book a must-read for anyone in the nonprofit sector looking to transform their fundraising practices and build authentic, sustainable relationships with donors."
-- Nathan Chappell, Co-author of The Generosity Crisis: The Case for Radical Connection to Solve Humanity's Greatest Challenges

Author Biography

MALLORY ERICKSON is an executive coach, fundraising consultant, and host of the popular podcast What the Fundraising, aimed at supporting nonprofit leaders to fundamentally change how they lead and fundraise. She has trained over 60,000 fundraisers using elements of her framework, Power Partners Formula^(TM).