The Shift Hits the Fan - Dealing with Systems Change
It Doesn't Hurt to Ask!
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...
info_outline
Stewardship: How to Maximize Donor Reporting with Brooke Erickson
It Doesn't Hurt to Ask!
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...
info_outline
The Mysteries of Major Gifts Revealed with Deb Thompson
It Doesn't Hurt to Ask!
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...
info_outline
No Growth Without a Game Plan: Growing Your Fundraising Strategy
It Doesn't Hurt to Ask!
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...
info_outline
It Doesn't Hurt to Ask - The Reboot Teaser
It Doesn't Hurt to Ask!
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,...
info_outline
Episode 22 - The Work Doesn't End with Signing a Cheque
It Doesn't Hurt to Ask!
Tune in as Cathy interviews Paul Taylor, Executive Director of FoodShare Toronto. Paul is a lifelong anti-poverty activist who has used his experience to fuel a career focused on helping others and dismantling the beliefs and systems that lead to poverty and insecurity.
info_outline
Episode 21 - Voluntary Ranting for the Common Good (Replay)
It Doesn't Hurt to Ask!
This is a replay of one of our favourite episodes from last season. In this episode, Simone Joyaux, ACFRE (proclaimed by Cathy as the Grand Dame of Social Change Philanthropy) reviews the do's, don'ts and dilemmas of fundraising for social change. From the professionalism of fundraising to board governance, this wide-ranging conversation will surely leave you thinking about the ethical challenges of philanthropy in new ways.
info_outline
Episode 20 - Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable (Replay)
It Doesn't Hurt to Ask!
This is a replay of one of our favourite conversations from last season. On today's episode, Cathy sits down with , Manager of Policy and Community Connections at the . Ajeev discusses how the situations of his past have transformed into motivation for his future as he charts a new course for philanthropy and invites us to get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable.
info_outline
Episode 19 - Research 'n Rage (Replay)
It Doesn't Hurt to Ask!
This episode is a replay of one of our favourite conversations from last season of It Doesn't Hurt to Ask. Dr. Elizabeth Dale is a fundraiser turned academic who studies the giving habits of women and LGBTQ donors as an Assistant Professor at Seattle University's Nonprofit Leadership Management program. Elizabeth's insights are invaluable on both a practical level and in a big-picture way and she's got the research to back it all up! If you've ever wondered about the hows and whys behind philanthropic giving through a gender lens, this is the episode for you!
info_outline
Episode 18 - Melding Fundraising with Social Change
It Doesn't Hurt to Ask!
On today's episode, sits down with , the executive director of based in Toronto. Paulina discusses her new role as Executive Director of SKETCH and some of what she's learned in various roles. She also talks about her work in the arts with racialized and marginalized youth. She then talks through how having a strong fundraising plan and database has been a game-changer for SKETCH. And finally, talks about her hopes for what is to come in the industry and what young leaders can bring. Join our free fundraising plan webinar: You can find more info about Spark Premium, and our new...
info_outlineIn this episode, Cathy sits down with Anne Gloger, who has been shift disturbing for 20 years as the founding director of East Scarborough Storefront and the Centre for Connected Communities. Anne speaks candidly about her journey towards seeing funders as true partners in the work of community building and discusses how difficult it can be to make magic visible to donors. What magic, you ask? The magic that happens when you bring together anyone and everyone who want to help the community thrive. For all you reluctant or resistant fundraisers out there, this is the episode for you!