Episode Summary: We Are For Good Podcast - Episode 628 Title: Multiplication Mindset: How Responsive Fundraisers Build Movements
Host: Jon McCoy, CFRE and Becky Endicott, CFRE
Release Date: June 25, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 628 of We Are For Good Podcast, hosts Jon McCoy and Becky Endicott delve into the transformative concept of the "Multiplication Mindset" in fundraising. This episode emphasizes the shift from traditional additive fundraising strategies to building expansive movements through responsive fundraising and community engagement. Listeners are guided through innovative ideas, powerful stories, and actionable strategies to amplify their nonprofit missions effectively.

The Multiplication Mindset: Beyond Transactions

Key Discussion Points:

• Redefining Fundraising: John introduces the core idea by challenging the conventional transactional view of fundraising. He asks, "What would happen if we stopped thinking about fundraising as a transaction and really started to think of it as multiplication?" ([05:05]).

• Belief System: The multiplication mindset is portrayed not just as a strategy but as a belief system that fosters long-term growth and community-driven impact ([05:20]).

Notable Quote:

"When you really think about the long game, that's possible. ... It's a multiplication mindset. And it's really not just a strategy, although it's a strategy."
— John ([05:05])

The Power of Community in Building Movements

Key Discussion Points:

• Essential Nature of Community: Becky and John emphasize that community is not a mere addition but a multiplier for collective impact. They share examples of local meetups hosted in over 20 cities globally, demonstrating how in-person connections fuel greater mission success ([00:41]-[00:57]).

• Storytelling as a Multiplier: The Coleman Foundation’s origin story is highlighted as a prime example of grassroots efforts amplifying into a global movement. Nancy Brinker's recount of initiating the race in downtown Dallas through personal networks underscores the multiplier effect of committed communities ([06:49]-[07:38]).

Notable Quote:

"Community is the multiplier effect. It's fuel, it's growth, and it's collective impact."
— John ([04:59])

From Addition to Multiplication: Practical Strategies

Key Discussion Points:

• Transitioning Mindsets: The hosts share their personal experiences transitioning from additive to multiplicative approaches in their employee giving campaign, which led to exponential growth by empowering community involvement ([12:12]-[14:36]).

• Actionable Steps: Becky outlines eight actionable steps to foster a multiplication mindset, including:

  1. Know Your Values: Define authentic core values as "value bombs" that resonate deeply within the community.
  2. Understand Your Audience: Conduct one-on-one conversations to grasp the nuances of your community's needs.
  3. Start from Within: Leverage existing relationships and believers to catalyze growth.
  4. Create a Compelling Narrative: Develop shared stories that reflect the community’s voice and mission.
  5. Start Small: Initiate engagement with individual supporters to build momentum.
  6. Create a Platform for Engagement: Establish consistent communication channels to foster connection.
  7. Build Reciprocity: Engage genuinely without constantly seeking donations.
  8. Decentralize Leadership: Empower grassroots leaders to amplify the mission ([24:07]-[27:48]).

Notable Quote:

"We're moving from staff-led to staff-stoked, from campaigns to causes, from passive donors to active builders."
— Becky ([17:58])

Leveraging Technology and Ethical Storytelling

Key Discussion Points:

• Use of AI: Becky discusses the ethical integration of AI in content creation, emphasizing that while AI is a time-saver, it cannot replace human creativity and empathy. The hosts share their approach to maintaining authenticity through a voice style guide and personalizing AI-generated content ([43:27]-[44:25]).

• Ethical Storytelling: The importance of consent and authenticity in sharing beneficiary stories is highlighted. Organizations like Exodus Road and The Guardian Group exemplify ethical storytelling by protecting identities while conveying powerful narratives ([42:32]-[43:22]).

Notable Quote:

"The two things that AI cannot replicate? Creativity and empathy. And y'all, we got that in spades."
— Becky ([44:28])

Joy as a Multiplier

Key Discussion Points:

• Joy in Community Building: Joy is presented as a critical component that amplifies community engagement and fosters a sense of belonging. Becky illustrates this with examples like the Birthday Party Project, which brings joy to children in shelters through volunteer-led celebrations ([47:55]-[48:39]).

• Impact of Positive Engagement: Sharing joyful moments and successes helps sustain community involvement and encourages participants to bring others into the movement, creating a ripple effect of positivity and support ([46:45]-[47:31]).

Notable Quote:

"Community multiplies joy. And joy multiplies community."
— Becky ([45:00])

Case Studies: Successful Multiplication in Action

Key Discussion Points:

• Charity Water: The hosts discuss how Charity Water’s massive monthly giving program leverages grassroots movements to support major gifts, demonstrating the symbiotic relationship between small donors and large philanthropists ([18:36]-[19:53]).

• Michael J. Fox Foundation: Showcasing a 2000% revenue growth on Facebook within a year, this case study highlights the effectiveness of authentic, personalized engagement and leveraging community multipliers to amplify impact ([36:11]-[40:22]).

Notable Quote:

"When you show up and build with community, you're actually getting to live out your mission in a new dimension."
— John ([18:36])

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Key Discussion Points:

• Empowering Believers: Emphasizing that true movement-building starts with believers who not only donate but actively participate and spread the mission’s message ([27:48]-[29:27]).

• Sustaining Engagement: The importance of consistency, celebrating wins, and maintaining a drumbeat of connection to keep the community engaged and motivated ([40:22]-[41:14]).

• Spark Joy: Ending with a prompt to spark joy within organizations, encouraging listeners to identify and share joyful elements that can enhance their community’s engagement and satisfaction ([46:45]-[48:39]).

Notable Quote:

"Responsive fundraising isn't just smarter, it's more human. It's about building with others."
— Becky ([49:21])

Conclusion

Episode 628 of We Are For Good Podcast provides a comprehensive exploration of the Multiplication Mindset in fundraising. Jon McCoy and Becky Endicott offer valuable insights into transforming fundraising efforts by fostering deep community connections, leveraging ethical storytelling, integrating technology thoughtfully, and infusing joy into organizational practices. By shifting from an additive to a multiplicative approach, nonprofit professionals can build sustainable movements that extend far beyond traditional fundraising models.

Join the Movement: Listeners are encouraged to register for the upcoming Impact Up event on July 10th to further explore these strategies and connect with a global community of changemakers.

Visit We Are For Good to learn more and access additional resources mentioned in this episode.