It Doesn't Hurt to Ask!

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 shar...

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...

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...

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 datab ase 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 reali...

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 ge...

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 f...

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 entir...

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 re...

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 fundra...

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,...

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 meeti...

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.

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...

This is a replay of one of our favourite conversations from last season. On today's episode, Cathy sits down with Ajeev Bhatia , Manager of Policy and Community Connections at the  Centre for Connected Communities . 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 U...

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'...

On today's episode,  Cathy sits down with Paulina O'Kieffe-Anthony , the executive director of SKETCH 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 ga...

In this episode of 'It Doesn't Hurt to Ask,' the Fundraising Lab's Anne LeMesurier talks with David Phu from Nonprofit Video Comms . We learn about how small to mid-sized nonprofits can look to simplify their marketing communications while increasing impact using simple and targeted video. David and Anne discuss different types of audiences, where you should spend your time and money, strategies f...

On today's episode, Cathy sits down with Sharon Redsky , the Principal at Redsky Fundraising . Sharon discusses how community has the ability to be transformed through intentionality and deepening relationships with partners.  She discusses finding common ground, investing in women and the ongoing resiliency of the indigenous community. Join our Spark Community for FREE: https://www.fundraisinglab...

On today's episode, Cathy sits down with Ajeev Bhatia , Manager of Policy and Community Connections at the Centre for Connected Communities . 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. Get more great podcasts at www.fundraisinglab.ca/resources  ...

Ken is the President and CEO, William Osler Health System Foundation and has just been named the 2019 Outstanding Fundraising Professional by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Toronto Chapter. Ken is a quiet shift disturber in our sector this conversation reflects the things he has done to shift and serve the sector. Shout outs to Dr. Krishan Metha, Emma Lewzey, Marni Spears, Ku...

Join Cathy and Laura Manning, Executive Director of the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation as they discuss the foundation's shift from program-based funding to providing General Operating Support (read: unrestricted funding!) to some of their grantees. The Lyle S. Hallman Foundation is a real shift disturber with a board that gets excited about doing things differently. Tune in to hear about their approac...

It Doesn't Hurt to Ask! podcast is back after a little hiatus. In this episode, Cathy sits down with Chris Baylis of The Sponsorship Collective to discuss the "secretive" world of cause sponsorship. Chris is a self-confessed sponsorship geek. After several years as a "sponsor," Chris decided to cross over to the sponsorship sales side where he has personally closed tens of millions of dollars in s...

I remember my early years of fundraising. The questions, the insecurity, the doubt. I'm so glad to be past that stage of self-questioning. I see so many early in their careers with similar feelings. When I reflect back on that time, I wish I had had someone I could reach out to when I had questions, rather than wring my hands. So, that's what I'm offering you, the listeners of It Doesn't Hurt to A...

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. 

Cathy interviews Jennifer Bernard, CEO of Women's College Hospital Foundation in Toronto. Jennifer is passionate about equity, social justice and innovation and through her work at WCHF, Jennifer is bridging traditional philanthropy with social change through the work of increasing access to healthcare for underserved populations. Jennifer speaks about the groundbreaking work of WCH, her career tr...