Podcast Summary: Episode 214 – Fostering Hope and Joy in Fundraising and DEIB: A Conversation with Tesha McCord Poe

In Episode 214 of What the Fundraising, host Mallory Erickson engages in a profound conversation with Tesha McCord Poe, the founder of Joy Raising—a consultancy at the intersection of fundraising and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). This episode delves into the transformative power of integrating joy and hope into fundraising practices, challenging traditional approaches, and fostering an inclusive environment within the nonprofit sector.

1. Introduction to Tesha McCord Poe and Joy Raising (02:22 - 05:05)

Tesha McCord Poe begins by sharing her personal and professional journey, highlighting how her upbringing by educators instilled in her the belief that "anything was possible." This foundation empowered her to overcome initial fears in fundraising, despite personal challenges such as being one of the few people of color on leadership teams in the Bay Area's private schools.

In October 2019, Tesha founded Joy Raising, a consultancy focused on enhancing fundraising efforts through joyful and inclusive practices. She emphasizes the company's dual mission:

• Empowering people of color to thrive in the nonprofit and fundraising spaces.
• Transforming fundraising methods to be more inclusive and effective.

Notable Quote:

“Joy is my middle name... I never want a gift that someone doesn't want to give. You want joyful donors.” – Tesha McCord Poe [05:05]

2. The Significance of Joy in Fundraising and DEIB (05:05 - 08:27)

Tesha delves into the rationale behind the name Joy Raising, explaining that joy serves as a central pillar in both fundraising and DEIB efforts. She challenges the conventional perception that joy is not a serious component in fundraising by asserting that fostering joy leads to meaningful connections and sustainable donor relationships.

She articulates that by inviting donors to invest voluntarily, organizations create opportunities that add value to the donors themselves, ensuring that the act of giving is accompanied by a sense of satisfaction and dignity.

3. Shifting Perspectives: From Fear to Hope and Joy (08:27 - 16:19)

Tesha and Mallory discuss the prevalent use of fear and anxiety in traditional fundraising methods. Tesha advocates for a paradigm shift towards hope and joy, emphasizing that these positive emotions can drive more substantial and meaningful engagement from donors.

She references the 2024 election cycle as a case study of how a shift from despair to hope can galvanize collective action. Tesha believes that unleashing hope allows individuals to envision and work towards a more equitable and just future, rather than being paralyzed by fear and uncertainty.

Notable Quote:

“Hope also seems like this antidote to uncertainty. It's not for sure, but all of a sudden we feel this momentum and comfort provided by hope.” – Tesha McCord Poe [16:19]

4. Integrating Personal Values into Fundraising Strategies (16:19 - 21:03)

Drawing parallels to athletic psychology, Tesha discusses how focusing on hope and gratitude rather than fear can transform fundraising strategies. She underscores the importance of celebrating progress and existing successes to build momentum, rather than solely fixating on unmet goals.

Tesha highlights that embracing hope not only motivates fundraisers but also fosters a culture of resilience and positivity within organizations. By aligning fundraising practices with personal and organizational values, nonprofits can create more authentic and impactful donor experiences.

5. Mission Alignment and Dignity in Fundraising (21:03 - 24:02)

Tesha emphasizes the critical role of mission alignment in fundraising. She advises organizations to continually assess whether their actions are rooted in their core mission to ensure consistency and authenticity in their efforts.

A poignant moment in the conversation arises when Tesha shares a personal experience of grief, illustrating the importance of dignity in receiving support. She advocates for fundraising approaches that respect the recipient's dignity, avoiding pity and fostering genuine connections based on shared values and mutual respect.

Notable Quote:

“We are not saviors. We are people who care... we have to have the humility to be willing to put yourself in their shoes.” – Tesha McCord Poe [21:03]

6. Hope as a Catalyst for Equitable Fundraising (24:02 - 27:05)

Tesha explores how hope can drive investment in systemic change and support for marginalized communities. She argues that hope provides a powerful framing that can lead to more equitable and inclusive fundraising practices.

By fostering a hopeful outlook, nonprofits can inspire donors to support transformative initiatives that address deep-rooted societal issues, such as food instability. Tesha asserts that while the challenges are complex, maintaining hope is essential for mobilizing the collective will needed to create meaningful change.

Notable Quote:

“We just need to have the will, we need to have the vision, we need to have the direction to solve it, but we have to have hope that it's solvable...” – Tesha McCord Poe [24:02]

7. Embracing Flexibility and Overcoming Fear (27:05 - 27:40)

As the conversation winds down, Tesha and Mallory discuss the importance of flexible leadership and the courage to change strategies in response to evolving circumstances. Tesha encourages fundraisers to overcome fear by questioning their assumptions and being open to new approaches that align better with their mission and values.

They conclude by highlighting the necessity of giving oneself permission to adapt and innovate, ensuring that fundraising efforts remain effective and authentic in addressing the needs of the communities they serve.

Conclusion and Resources

In closing, Tesha shares ways to connect and learn more about her work with Joy Raising. She mentions upcoming events such as the Academy on September 27th and a summit in Chicago focused on philanthropy for people of color. Listeners are encouraged to engage with her through various platforms including Instagram and LinkedIn.

Notable Quote:

“We have the humility to be willing to put yourself in their shoes... bringing people along on the journey.” – Tesha McCord Poe [27:40]

Takeaways

• Integrate Joy and Hope: Moving away from fear-based fundraising to approaches that foster joy and hope can lead to more meaningful donor relationships and sustainable support.

• Mission Alignment: Ensuring that all fundraising activities are deeply rooted in the organization's mission promotes authenticity and effectiveness.

• Dignity and Respect: Fundraising practices should respect the dignity of both donors and recipients, avoiding pity and fostering mutual respect.

• Flexibility and Adaptability: Leaders must remain open to changing fundraising strategies in response to new insights and evolving circumstances.

• Empowerment Through DEIB: Embracing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within fundraising efforts can drive more equitable and impactful outcomes.

For those interested in transforming their fundraising strategies and fostering a more inclusive and joyful environment within their organizations, this episode provides invaluable insights and actionable strategies from Tesha McCord Poe.