WHAT THE FUNDRAISING
44: What Foundation Funders Want with Sybil Ackerman-Munson
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“The most important thing you can do to ensure you are being effective as a person giving money away is to do a lot of self-evaluation first.”
– Sybil Ackerman-Munson
Episode #44
Overview
In this episode of What the Fundraising Podcast…
Sybil Ackerman-Munson and I discuss what nonprofits can do to level up their pitch when asking foundation funders for money. In addition, Sybil gives us an insider’s perspective on how funders can make sure they are being effective and impactful when donating to reduce the risk of burnout and to ensure they feel fulfilled in the end.
At one time, Sybil worked as a director of programs and a fundraiser for a nonprofit organization. It wasn’t until she was approached by a donor to run his foundation that she entered into the funder world. Now, she works with the trustees of 200+ foundations and comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to the nonprofit sector and foundation funding. Notably, Sybil has established a business called Do Your Good as a means of helping organizations streamline their workflows when it comes to pitching their nonprofit and asking for funds.
As she has extensive experience in both sectors, Sybil gives us a clear picture of what the relationships between the two look like through her captivating tell-all stories! Listen now to get all the great takeaways from this episode.
This episode is a part of a mini-series on What Funders Want thanks to our incredible sponsors at Givebutter. To learn more about how you can get started on Givebutter, head on over to givebutter.com/mallory.
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EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
- (00:25)- Introducing Sybil Ackerman-Munson and her notable expertise in both the nonprofit and foundation sectors along with her business, Do Your Good.
- (04:12)- How donors can perform a self-check to ensure they are being effective with their funding.
- (10:21)- Discussing the different categories of donors including, Sustainer Donors, Campaign Donors, and Launcher Donors.
- (14:11)- How nonprofits can approach the different donor types to maximize the effectiveness of their pitch.
- (14:11)- How nonprofits can approach the different donor types to maximize the effectiveness of their pitch.
- (23:15)- The importance of including donors in nonprofit organization decision-making as a means of helping them feel connected and involved.
- (31:40)- Sybil tells real-life stories highlighting the benefits of keeping donors included and in the loop and the possible consequences of leaving them out.
- (34:55)- Honest and transparent conversations with donors are essential to helping nonprofits decide if their initiatives align with donor expectations.
- (42:11)- The dangers of donors overstepping and leading conversations rather than sitting back to hear the nonprofit's pitch and suggestions.
- (45:41)- Closing statements as well as information about contacting Sybil at DoYourGood.com and @DoYourGood on Instagram.
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TIPS AND TOOLS TO IMPLEMENT TODAY
- Consider dividing your donors into three categories (campaigner, launcher, and sustainer) to determine the best way for them to align with your work. Sustainer donors are the ones who are whole-heartedly invested in your cause and nonprofit, and so they often like to engage with the nonprofit by attending meetings and even volunteering. The giving is reliable and consistent, and they would likely participate in any campaign you’re putting out there. Campaigner donors are going to be excited about your campaign too, but they need to see that you are moving the needle and making changes in a specific area. Approach this type of donor with facts about how your initiatives will make a measurable difference. Like the Campaigner Donor, Launcher Donors like to fund special projects so they can clearly see the impact of their funds. Launcher donors really like innovation and they also like collaboration between different nonprofits. Therefore, it is best to approach Launcher Donors with a new project in mind and constituents already around the table ready to work together.
- Nonprofits who include donors in key meetings and decision-making are more likely to foster a sense of connectedness and involvement with that donor. As such, nonprofits should take measurable steps towards including donors more in nonprofit changes. Keep in mind that this doesn't mean they have to be included in every single meeting.
- Instead of bending your nonprofit's mission to fit the expectations of every donor, stick to your original values and purpose. Oftentimes, donors will approach nonprofits with suggestions that they will donate X amount if something within the nonprofit is altered or changed. Nonprofits should make it acceptable to say "no" when they realize their initiatives don't align with donor preferences.
- Donors seeking to become more efficient and effective in their funding should approach nonprofit meetings with an open mind. This includes realizing that they are most likely not the expert in the room about that particular cause (and that's okay). Rather than taking control of meetings with nonprofits, donors should take a back seat and soak in every bit of information the organization is offering in this pitch. This way, they can make a well-informed decision.
FAVORITE QUOTES
- "The most important thing you can do to ensure you are being effective as a person giving money away is to do a lot of self-evaluation first." -Sybil Ackerman-Munson
- "No matter what you love to do, there is a good nonprofit working on that issue." -Sybil Ackerman-Munson
- "Your goal is to find funders who are deeply aligned with achieving and making the same impact that your organization is trying to make." -Mallory Erickson
- "...All too often, a nonprofit will be so focused on their own budgets…that they'll miss the cues that the launcher donor may be giving them where they could potentially be opening up a whole avenue, as long as it's in line with their strategic plan." -Sybil Ackerman-Munson
- "The most successful nonprofits who are fundraisers that I work with get to know my trustees personally." -Sybil Ackerman-Munson
- "When a group of nonprofits or a nonprofit does [schedule donor meetings], it really brings people in more than just giving the foundations written reports at the end of the year." -Sybil Ackerman-Munson
- "It's those early conversations with funders that can really shape an organization." Mallory Erickson
- "Sometimes foundation funding feels like one tremendous validation for the organization that they're doing good work and they're on the right track. It gives the board a lot of belief in the leader of the organization, and it gives a dopamine experience for everyone involved. So, sometimes I think organizations don't say "no" because they feel like they're grasping at straws and this foundation funding would put a stake in the ground in a way that matters."- Mallory Erickson
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I teach nonprofit fundraisers to bring in more gifts from the RIGHT donors… so they can stop hounding people for money. Fundraising doesn’t have to be uncomfortable.
- CEO & Creator of the Power Partners FormulaTM
- Disruptor in the funding sector, changing lives everyday
- Relentlessly committed to the movement of money into the nonprofit sector
- Focused on win-win partnerships that allow fundraisers to be authentic and empowered in their work
- Over 15 years working in nonprofits (managing director and ED of multiple fast-growth organizations)
MALLORY ERICKSON
episode transcript
