Nonprofit Lowdown Podcast Summary
Episode #347: Advice from a BIPOC Fundraiser with Anessa Holder
Release Date: July 21, 2025
Host: Rhea Wong

Introduction

In episode #347 of Nonprofit Lowdown, host Rhea Wong welcomes Anessa Holder, the Chief Advancement Officer at Easter Seals New Jersey, who brings nearly 15 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising. The conversation delves into the nuances of fundraising, particularly from the perspective of women of color, addressing both professional strategies and personal challenges inherent in the field.

Anessa's Journey in Nonprofit Fundraising

Anessa Holder shares her extensive tenure at Easter Seals New Jersey, highlighting her career progression from Director of Marketing to Chief Advancement Officer. She emphasizes the importance of organizational evolution in retaining long-term talent:

Anessa Holder [01:41]: "The organization is ever-evolving... we've added programs, taken away programs. That evolution has kept me very engaged, as if I had worked at a bunch of different companies."

Rhea resonates with Anessa’s experience, noting her own 12.5-year tenure at her organization and the diverse challenges that come with growth and change.

Expanding into Board Training

Transitioning from her primary role, Anessa discusses her foray into board training, a critical yet underserved area in nonprofit management:

Anessa Holder [03:42]: "It's so rewarding to provide board members with mindset reframes on how they can approach fundraising, especially regarding their relationship with money."

Anessa explains how collaborating with another expert in grants and foundations led to a complementary partnership focused on major gifts and board development. This initiative aims to transform board members' perceptions of fundraising from a burdensome task to a strategic, impactful endeavor.

Unpacking the Emotional Labor of Fundraising

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the emotional and mental toll that fundraising can exact, especially for women of color. Anessa opens up about her personal struggles with money mindset, influenced by her upbringing:

Anessa Holder [06:23]: "Growing up with a single father who worked hard but didn't manage money well shaped my initial views on money as something you have to earn through sacrifice."

She underscores the necessity of unlearning these ingrained beliefs to embrace fundraising as a tool for meaningful impact rather than a personal imposition.

Navigating Cultural and Identity Layers

Anessa delves into the complexities of identity in fundraising, touching upon cultural expectations and the need for Authenticity:

Anessa Holder [09:56]: "Relationship building isn't foreign to me. It's part of my cultural background – being present and supportive."

This cultural lens informs her approach to donor relationships, blending traditional relational skills with contemporary fundraising strategies.

Managing Donor Relationships and Boundaries

The conversation shifts to the delicate balance of maintaining positive donor relationships while setting healthy boundaries to prevent burnout:

Anessa Holder [17:50]: "If it's too much, let's take a step back and make it manageable. But the work must continue because the mission is incredibly important."

Anessa emphasizes the importance of recognizing when a donor relationship becomes detrimental and the courage to reset or even sever ties to protect one’s well-being and the organization's integrity.

Handling Rejection and Personalizing Fundraising

Anessa and Rhea discuss the inevitability of rejection in fundraising and the importance of not taking it personally. Anessa shares her strategies for coping with setbacks:

Anessa Holder [29:54]: "Rejection is part of the game. You have to remind yourself that it's not about you."

She advocates for adopting a mindset where "no" is seen as a natural outcome, encouraging fundraisers to learn from each experience without self-blame.

Advice for Aspiring Fundraisers

Towards the end of the episode, Anessa offers valuable advice for those entering the fundraising field:

Anessa Holder [33:09]: "Normalize self-care and sustainability. Be proactive about caring for yourself and seeking support systems like therapy and peer circles."

She stresses the importance of continuous self-assessment and professional development to maintain passion and effectiveness in fundraising roles.

Working with Rhea Wong

Anessa reflects on her experiences collaborating with Rhea Wong, lauding Rhea’s practical and community-oriented teaching style:

Anessa Holder [37:19]: "Working with you, Rhea, I learn actionable strategies and feel part of a community that validates and expands my fundraising efforts."

She credits Rhea’s mentorship with enhancing her approach to board training and overall fundraising effectiveness, highlighting the ripple effect of their collaborative efforts on broader philanthropic practices.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Anessa and Rhea reaffirming their commitment to transforming philanthropy through authentic, relationship-driven fundraising practices. Anessa encourages listeners to connect with her for board training services and emphasizes the collective responsibility to foster sustainable, impactful nonprofit work.

Notable Quotes:

• Anessa Holder [01:41]: "Most nonprofits evolve, adding and removing programs, keeping the work exciting and engaging."

• Anessa Holder [03:42]: "Watching board members have aha moments about money is incredibly fulfilling."

• Anessa Holder [06:23]: "I didn't see money as a tool for impact initially; it was just something you worked hard to earn."

• Anessa Holder [09:56]: "Relationship building is part of my cultural background – being present and supportive."

• Anessa Holder [17:50]: "If it's too much, let's take a step back and make it manageable."

• Anessa Holder [29:54]: "Rejection is part of the game. You have to remind yourself that it's not about you."

• Anessa Holder [33:09]: "Normalize self-care and sustainability. Seek support systems like therapy and peer circles."

• Anessa Holder [37:19]: "Working with you, Rhea, I learn actionable strategies and feel part of a community that validates and expands my fundraising efforts."

Connect with Anessa Holder:

For board training and fundraising expertise, connect with Anessa Holder on LinkedIn.

Explore More:

To enhance your fundraising skills and join a community of passionate professionals, visit riawong.com/bag to enroll in Rhea Wong’s Big Ask Gift Program.