There's a big difference between writing grant applications and writing grants that win – and it starts long before you put a single word on the page.

In this episode, we're joined by Daniella Sorrentino, grant writer at The Fundraising Lab, who demystifies the grant writing process from start to finish. Whether you're brand new to grants or have been writing them for years, Daniella shares what organizations need to have in place before any writing starts, the most common mistakes that derail applications, and why losing a grant is always an opportunity to learn and improve.

We cover:

• The top three things your organization needs before submitting any grant application

• Why grant writing is a collaborative translation process between your organization and funders

• How to handle grant declines and why asking "why" is the first step to winning next time

• The truth about storytelling versus data in grant applications – and why they're actually equally important

• How to prioritize which grants to pursue and recognize when a funder just isn't the right match for your organization

If you're navigating the grant writing process, feeling overwhelmed by applications, or trying to improve your success rate, this episode offers practical insights on building strong grant programs that are strategic, collaborative, and based on real organizational clarity.

Resources and links:

• Check out Daniella Sorrentino and host Cathy Mann on LinkedIn

• Book your Fundraising Growth Game Plan call

• Email us at [email protected]

• Subscribe to our email list

• Share this episode with a friend!

Podcast editing and post-production by: Daniella Sorrentino at Feral Culture Lab (feralculturelab.com)

Music:

Intro and Outro Music is Fancy Free by Reveille https://app.soundstripe.com/songs/16267

There's no magic wand in fundraising – but there are smarter, more sustainable ways to build capacity without sacrificing your people or your mission in the process.

In this episode, we sit down with Scott Williams, Executive in Residence at Capacity Canada and former Executive Director of Spectrum Waterloo Region's Rainbow Community Space. Scott shares candid insights from growing Spectrum from a volunteer-run organization to a stable nonprofit with a six-figure budget, including the personal cost of rapid scaling, the realities of burnout in the sector, and way fundraising often consumes far more of a leader's time than anyone expects.

We cover:

• Why fundraising touches almost every part of an Executive Director's role and how to build systems that support sustainable growth

• How to choose fundraising tools and CRM systems based on future needs, not just current budget

• Aligning strategic planning, governance, communications and fundraising so your organization can grow without burning out your team

If you're an Executive Director or nonprofit leader feeling stretched thin, navigating rapid growth, or trying to build fundraising capacity while managing everything else, this episode offers honest perspectives on what it really takes to scale sustainably.

Resources and links:

• Check out Scott Williams, Erin Boyce and host Cathy Mann on LinkedIn

• Book your Fundraising Growth Game Plan call

• Email us at [email protected]

• Subscribe to our email list

• Share this episode with a friend!

Podcast editing and post-production by: Daniella Sorrentino at Feral Culture Lab (feralculturelab.com)

Music:

Intro and Outro Music is Fancy Free by Reveille https://app.soundstripe.com/songs/16267

You don't need to have all the answers to be a successful fundraiser – but you do need the confidence to ask better questions and the right community to support you along the way.

In this episode, hosts Cathy Mann and Erin Boyce sit down with Sarah Bass, former Manager of Fundraising Communications at Community Counseling Resource Center (CCRC) in Peterborough. Sarah shares her honest journey of falling into fundraising, inheriting a program without strategy, and navigating a database migration during the pandemic. From discovering her donor data wasn't as organized as she thought to learning how to communicate impact without client testimonials, this conversation is full of practical wisdom and reassurance that we're all "fumbling through" together. We cover:

• How to gain clarity on what actually moves the needle versus what just fills your calendar when you inherit a fundraising program

• The transformative power of strategic fundraising guidance and understanding what will "maximize your bang for your buck"

• Why your fundraising database and finance system serve different purposes and how to separate fundraising metrics from accounting reports

• Developing outcome-focused messaging that resonates when you can't use testimonials or client stories

• The importance of fundraising community and mentorship for combating isolation as a solo fundraiser

If you're a solo fundraiser feeling overwhelmed, struggling with data management, or trying to refine your approach without clear direction, this episode offers practical advice and the reminder that you're not alone in this work.

Resources and links:

• Check out Sarah Bass, Erin Boyce and host Cathy Mann on LinkedIn

• Book your Fundraising Growth Game Plan call

• Email us at [email protected]

• Subscribe to our email list

• Share this episode with a friend!

Podcast editing and post-production by: Daniella Sorrentino at Feral Culture Lab (feralculturelab.com)

Music:

Intro and Outro Music is Fancy Free by Reveille https://app.soundstripe.com/songs/16267

Fundraising data problems aren't just annoying – they're strategic barriers to your fundraising success.

In this episode, we're joined by Erin Boyce, Fundraising Lab's Data and Digital Director aka in-house database expert, who shares deep insights into why even the best fundraising plans can unravel without the right systems and processes in place.

Together, we get real about the messy reality of managing fundraising data – from mismatched reports and inherited spreadsheets to donor management systems (CRMs) that don't integrate with your finance software.

We also explore:

• Why your donor database is more than just a fancy Excel spreadsheet

• The often-tense but critical relationship between fundraising and finance teams

• What really matters when choosing and managing a fundraising database

• How investing in infrastructure saves time and enables better data analysis

• Strategies for bridging the gap between fundraising and finance data needs

If you're struggling to get clean, usable fundraising data to report to leadership or your board, this episode is for you. Learn how smart systems and clear communication can make your fundraising stronger, smoother, and more strategic.

Resources and links:

• Check out Erin Boyce and host Cathy Mann on LinkedIn

• Book your Fundraising Growth Game Plan call

• Email us at [email protected]

• Subscribe to our email list

• Share this episode with a friend!

Podcast editing and post-production by: Daniella Sorrentino at Feral Culture Lab (feralculturelab.com)

Music:

Intro and Outro Music is Fancy Free by Reveille https://app.soundstripe.com/songs/16267

Landing corporate sponsorships isn't just about having the perfect sponsorship deck – it's about building relationships and understanding what businesses actually need from their investment.

In this episode, we're joined by Logan Stengel as we discuss branching out from small-town sponsors to bigger corporate partnerships. If you've ever sent sponsorship packages into the void or struggled to get past online portals, this conversation explores how to shift from transactional asks to strategic business-to-business relationships that deliver real value for both parties.

We cover:

• Why leading with a sponsorship deck can actually hurt your chances and how relationship-building creates better outcomes

• Understanding corporate sponsorship as a marketing investment and speaking to business goals and ROI

• Strategies for corporate donor cultivation including in-person networking, digital visibility, and getting in front of decision-makers before their budgets are spent

• How to customize sponsorship opportunities based on what sponsors actually care about, rather than presuming their needs

• Evaluating whether pursuing larger corporate sponsors is worth the additional time and sophistication required for your fundraising program

If you're looking to grow your nonprofit sponsorship program beyond local businesses or struggling to connect with corporate decision-makers, this episode offers practical advice on building authentic corporate partnerships that support both your mission and their business objectives.

Resources and links:

• Check out Logan Stengel and host Cathy Mann on LinkedIn

• Book your Fundraising Growth Game Plan call

• Email us at [email protected]

• Subscribe to our email list

• Share this episode with a friend!

Podcast editing and post-production by: Daniella Sorrentino at Feral Culture Lab (feralculturelab.com)

Music:

Intro and Outro Music is Fancy Free by Reveille https://app.soundstripe.com/songs/16267

Fundraising isn't just about telling your story and making the ask – it's a deeply collaborative process that starts inside your organization.

In this episode, we're joined by Ainsley Chapman, Executive Director of Evangel Hall Mission, a downtown Toronto mission providing services for people experiencing homelessness. With over 20 years in the sector, Ainsley shares how she went from avoiding fundraising entirely to confidently leading an organization that raises $1.3-$1.5M in philanthropy each year. We cover:

• How to bridge the gap between fundraising, finance and program teams by building trust, understanding shared values, and creating genuine internal partnerships

• What authentic, reciprocal donor relationships actually look like

• Why fundraising training demystifies development work and gives nonprofit leaders confidence to lead fundraising initiatives, redirect board energy, and hire the right people

• Creating a fundraising culture across your organization through clear policies and procedures, cross-departmental collaboration, and helping every team member understand the "why" behind their work

If you're a nonprofit leader who feels intimidated by fundraising, struggling with siloed departments, or looking to build more authentic partnerships with your donors, this episode offers practical insights on transforming your approach from transactional to relational and creating an organizational ecosystem where fundraising, finance, and programming truly work together.

Resources and links:

• Check out Ainsley Chapman and host Cathy Mann on LinkedIn

• Book your Fundraising Growth Game Plan call

• Email us at [email protected]

• Subscribe to our email list

• Share this episode with a friend!

Podcast editing and post-production by: Daniella Sorrentino at Feral Culture Lab (feralculturelab.com)

Music:

Intro and Outro Music is Fancy Free by Reveille - https://app.soundstripe.com/songs/16267

We've all heard the phrase "culture of philanthropy." But what does it really mean? And how do you build one when you're already knee-deep in grant deadlines, donor meetings, and database cleanup?

In this episode, we unpack the elusive culture of philanthropy through a systems change lens – and explain why strong fundraising success isn't just about strategy. It's about shifting the way your entire organization thinks, acts, and works together.

We'll talk about:

• Why fundraising cuts across every part of your organization
• How to recognize if your organization's culture is quietly undermining your fundraising efforts
• What systems change really means – and how to use it to create the conditions for fundraising growth
• Why fundraising can't - and shouldn't - operate in isolation
• The implicit values, habits, and assumptions that shape outcomes more than any plan
• Why building a culture of philanthropy is a continuous, organization-wide effort – not just a checklist

If you've ever wondered how to make a culture of philanthropy real – not just aspirational – this episode offers a fresh, honest starting point for nonprofit leaders and fundraisers alike.

Resources and links:

• Check out host Cathy Mann on LinkedIn
• Download our Four Pillars of Fundraising Guide for free
• Book your Fundraising Growth Game Plan call
• Email us at [email protected]
• Subscribe to our email list
• Share this episode with a friend!

Podcast editing and post-production by: Daniella Sorrentino at Feral Culture Lab

Intro and Outro Music: Fancy Free by Reveille at Soundstripe

Your annual report shouldn't just check a box – it's a powerful donor stewardship opportunity to celebrate impact, engage supporters, and make them feel proud to be part of your mission. In this episode from the Fundraising Lab archives, we're joined by Brooke Erickson as we provide expert guidance on creating a donor impact report. Whether you're launching your first report back to donors or rethinking your annual report strategy, this conversation explores how to create donor-centered communications that maximize donor engagement and strengthen donor retention. We cover: Creating donor-centered impact reports that make supporters feel proud and part of the team The art of impact storytelling: sharing client stories safely through amalgams, staff experiences, and volunteer testimonials Building a strategic stewardship program that balances donor appreciation with fundraising appeals If you're planning donor communications or impact reporting, this episode offers practical advice on transforming standard reporting into meaningful stewardship that strengthens donor relationships and retention.

Check out Brooke Erickson and host Cathy Mann on LinkedIn

Resources and links: Check out Brooke Erickson and host Cathy Mann on LinkedIn Download our Four Pillars of Fundraising Guide for free Book your Fundraising Growth Game Plan call Email us at [email protected] Subscribe to our email list Share this episode with a friend!

Podcast editing and post-production by: Daniella Sorrentino at Feral Culture Lab

Music: Intro and Outro Music is Fancy Free by Reveille at Soundstripe

It Doesn't Hurt to Ask is the podcast for nonprofit leaders and fundraisers who want to raise more money with less chaos and build systems that last.

Hosted by Cathy Mann, award-winning fundraiser, educator, and founder of The Fundraising Lab, each episode blends decades of sector experience with practical insights you can apply right away.

Whether you're leading a team, writing your first grant, or steering a $2M campaign, you'll find real talk, relatable stories, and strategies rooted in social-change philanthropy.

Every other week, Cathy and her guests break down how strategy, systems, and culture work together so your organization can scale its fundraising from $200K to $2M and beyond, without burning out your people or your mission.

Resources and links: Check out host Cathy Mann on LinkedIn Book your Fundraising Growth Game Plan call Email us at [email protected] Subscribe to our email list

Podcast editing and post-production by: Daniella Sorrentino at Feral Culture Lab (feralculturelab.com)

Music: Intro and Outro Music is Fancy Free by Reveille at Soundstripe

So, you've got a vision to grow your fundraising program, but you're not sure how to get there.

Whether you're volunteer-led, an executive director flying solo, or building your first fundraising team, the path to sustainable fundraising growth isn't always clear.

In this episode, we break down the real stages of fundraising growth and what is required at each stage – not just in terms of fundraising strategy, but in terms of systems, organizational culture and capacity building.

We're talking about:

• The 4 key stages of fundraising growth (and what to focus on at each stage)
• Why fundraising success depends on alignment across your entire organization
• What it means to invest in a culture of philanthropy that supports fundraising efforts
• Common traps like unrealistic fundraising hiring expectations, weak infrastructure, and the myth of the "lone fundraiser"
• Real-life stories about how fundraising success leads to overwhelm – and practical ways to prevent burnout

We also dig into why financial reconciliation, donor database management, and clear team communication are just as critical as your fundraising plan – and why you might feel like you're spinning your wheels without these systems in place.

If you're navigating the messy middle, stuck between growing pains and big fundraising goals, this one's for you.

Resources and links: Check out host Cathy Mann on LinkedIn Download our Four Pillars of Fundraising Guide for free Book your Fundraising Growth Game Plan call Email us at [email protected] Subscribe to our email list Share this episode with a friend!

Podcast editing and post-production by: Daniella Sorrentino at Feral Culture Lab

Music: Intro and Outro Music is Fancy Free by Reveille at Soundstripe

That first major donor meeting can feel intimidating – but with the right preparation and strategy in place, it's an opportunity to build a meaningful philanthropic relationship that could transform your organization's impact.

In this episode from the Fundraising Lab archives, we're joined by Deb Thompson as we provide expert fundraising coaching on how to prepare for an upcoming major gifts meeting with a prospective foundation funder. Whether you're reconnecting with a past supporter or meeting with high-capacity donors for the first time, this conversation covers essential major gifts strategies for turning that initial meeting into a long-term donor relationship.

Together, we walk through the critical elements of successful major donor meetings – from donor prospecting research and goal setting to asking the right discovery questions and creating clear next steps.

We cover:

• How to research major donor prospects, set meeting goals, and understand their giving patterns and priorities
• The art of discovery calls: asking the right questions, listening well, and learning what donors truly care about
• Creating effective calls to action and securing permission for meaningful follow-up that moves the relationship forward

If you're preparing for your first major gift meeting or looking to strengthen your major donor cultivation strategy, this episode offers practical fundraising best practices to help you build authentic relationships with foundation funders and high-capacity donors.

Resources and links: Check out Debra Thompson and host Cathy Mann on LinkedIn Book your Fundraising Growth Game Plan call Email us at [email protected] Subscribe to our email list Share this episode with a friend!

Podcast editing and post-production by: Daniella Sorrentino at Feral Culture Lab

Music: Intro and Outro Music is Fancy Free by Reveille at Soundstripe