Podcast Summary: "How to Become a Savvy Fundraiser"

Podcast Information

• Title: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast
• Host: Dr. Rob Harder
• Episode: How to Become a Savvy Fundraiser
• Release Date: June 1, 2025
• Description: This episode delves into effective fundraising strategies for nonprofit leaders, featuring insights from Haley Cooper, a recognized savvy fundraiser.

Introduction

Dr. Rob Harder opens the episode by emphasizing the critical role of fundraising in nonprofit organizations. He sets the stage by likening fundraising metrics to a car's dashboard, questioning whether a nonprofit is "on empty," "full," or "redlining" (00:01). The primary focus is on addressing the challenges and strategies in fundraising within an ever-changing economic landscape.

Guest Introduction

Haley Cooper, known for her "Savvy Fundraiser" podcast and extensive work in nonprofit consulting, joins Dr. Harder to discuss the nuances of effective fundraising (02:58). Haley expresses her excitement about focusing on the fundraising aspects, highlighting its daily and evolving challenges (05:03).

Key Challenges in Fundraising

Staff Turnover and Talent Retention Haley identifies staff turnover and the difficulty in retaining quality personnel as significant challenges for nonprofit fundraising (03:52). She explains that high turnover leads to increased costs and inefficiency, emphasizing the need for nonprofits to offer more than just competitive salaries—including benefits, professional development, and well-being resources—to retain skilled fundraisers.

“If you're losing people, you're not being good stewards of your money because it costs double the amount that it needs to hire a new person than to retain them in the first place.” — Haley Cooper [03:52]

Competing for Attention in a Noisy Environment With the proliferation of the 24-hour news cycle and social media distractions, nonprofits struggle to keep their missions front and center for donors (05:33). Haley advises utilizing donor surveys to understand preferred communication channels and leveraging a mix of traditional and digital media to maintain visibility.

“Use storytelling in a way that can help resonate, have that emotional connection with your donors.” — Haley Cooper [06:14]

Subscription-Based Giving

Understanding and Implementing Recurring Donations Haley discusses the rising trend of subscription-based giving, or recurring donations, highlighting their significant value compared to one-time donations (09:01). She notes that recurring donors can be over 400% more valuable, providing stable and predictable income for nonprofits.

“Donors typically have that strong appetite for subscription-based donations… It’s a little bit more palatable, to give on a smaller basis, but still know that you're making that impact.” — Haley Cooper [09:01]

Strategies for Success To successfully implement recurring giving:

1. Name Your Donor Group: Create a distinct identity for recurring donors.
2. Optimize Donation Pages: Ensure the donation process is streamlined, encouraging donors to opt for monthly contributions.
3. Create Appeals: Develop compelling narratives around the benefits and impacts of recurring giving.

“Create that community around it. Make it explicit on why someone should sign up and how they can be a part of that community.” — Haley Cooper [12:10]

Generational Differences in Philanthropy

Diverse Approaches Across Generations Rob highlights statistics indicating that donor loyalty and giving patterns vary significantly across generations (12:21). For example, 90% of donors are willing to match giving year over year, and younger generations like Gen Z prioritize value alignment over slick marketing.

Tailored Strategies for Each Generation Haley emphasizes the importance of understanding generational values through donor surveys and tailoring communication accordingly. For instance, young professionals may prefer monthly giving and volunteer opportunities, while baby boomers might be more inclined towards larger, planned donations.

“It's really about creating that community within each of the sector, but also across generations as well because there's benefits there.” — Haley Cooper [13:56]

Effective Use of Social Media for Fundraising

Choosing the Right Platforms With limited budgets, Haley advises nonprofits to focus on one or two social media platforms that align with their goals. For example, LinkedIn is ideal for building thought leadership and connecting with corporations, while Instagram and Facebook serve different purposes.

“Prioritize that quality over quantity. Engage with your audience through comments, messages, and interactive posts.” — Haley Cooper [18:12]

Engagement Over Presence Haley highlights the importance of active engagement rather than merely posting content. Building relationships through genuine interactions, such as commenting on posts and sending personalized messages, can lead to deeper connections and increased support.

“Authenticity… is a way to build that authenticity and build that relationship. That then opens the conversation for people to get curious.” — Haley Cooper [21:01]

Adapting Fundraising Strategies

Embracing Technology and Personalization Haley discusses the necessity for nonprofits to invest in technology to streamline processes and personalize donor interactions. Utilizing CRM systems and tailored communication can enhance donor relationships and improve retention rates.

“When you combine understanding your donor preferences and donor history, you can engage in a more meaningful way, you can raise more revenue.” — Haley Cooper [24:05]

Diversifying Revenue Streams To mitigate reliance on restricted government grants, Haley advises diversifying income sources through individual giving and other channels. This approach not only provides financial stability but also allows nonprofits to be more agile in addressing community needs.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Haley wraps up by reinforcing the importance of building genuine, value-aligned relationships with donors across all generations. She encourages nonprofits to leverage technology, storytelling, and tailored communication strategies to enhance their fundraising efforts.

“Connecting personally, relationally and authentically… is critical.” — Haley Cooper [28:39]

Connecting with Haley Cooper Listeners can engage with Haley through her platforms:

• Website: savvyfundraiser.com
• Podcast: Lead with Heart
• LinkedIn: Haley Cooper
• Instagram: Haley Cooper

Final Remarks by Dr. Rob Harder

Dr. Harder concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to subscribe, share, and engage with the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast community for more resources and insights.

Notable Quotes:

• “If you're losing people, you're not being good stewards of your money because it costs double the amount that it needs to hire a new person than to retain them in the first place.” — Haley Cooper [03:52]
• “Use storytelling in a way that can help resonate, have that emotional connection with your donors.” — Haley Cooper [06:14]
• “Donors typically have that strong appetite for subscription-based donations… It’s a little bit more palatable, to give on a smaller basis, but still know that you're making that impact.” — Haley Cooper [09:01]
• “Create that community around it. Make it explicit on why someone should sign up and how they can be a part of that community.” — Haley Cooper [12:10]
• “It's really about creating that community within each of the sector, but also across generations as well because there's benefits there.” — Haley Cooper [13:56]
• “Authenticity… is a way to build that authenticity and build that relationship. That then opens the conversation for people to get curious.” — Haley Cooper [21:01]
• “When you combine understanding your donor preferences and donor history, you can engage in a more meaningful way, you can raise more revenue.” — Haley Cooper [24:05]
• “Connecting personally, relationally and authentically… is critical.” — Haley Cooper [28:39]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights shared by Haley Cooper and Dr. Rob Harder on effective fundraising strategies for nonprofit organizations. By addressing staff retention, adapting to generational preferences, leveraging technology, and enhancing social media engagement, nonprofit leaders can cultivate more sustainable and impactful fundraising practices.