573. Unlocking the Power of Alignment Fundraising + Combatting Burnout - Mallory Erickson
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Overview
Meet Mallory. She's an executive coach, fundraising consultant, and author of What the Fundraising. She’s breaking down how the nonprofit sector’s reliance on transactional, scarcity-driven fundraising has led to burnout and declining giving. Plus, how chronic stress even blocks fundraisers from building meaningful relationships. Enter alignment fundraising—where self-awareness, self-care, and genuine connection take priority. Tune in to learn how shifting mindsets and integrating wellness can help you feel better, do better and raise more.
💡 Learn
The problem with transactional fundraising
The effects of chronic stress on fundraisers
How to prioritize self-awareness + connection through alignment fundraising
Today's Guest
Mallory Erickson, Founder +CEO, Power Partners Formula
“When we are in chronic stress states or burnout, one of the main things we cannot do is connect.”
Episode Transcript
Download Full Episode Transcript Here
Episode Highlights
Mallory’s journey to where she is today (4:00)
The problem with transactional fundraising (9:15)
What stress and burnout prevent (17:10)
The solution: aligned fundraising (26:10)
A powerful moment in Mallory’s experience with aligned fundraising (33:40)
Mallory’s One Good Thing: Take a moment and feel a feeling. Then acknowledge and validate that feeling. (38:55)
Where to get the book, What the Fundraising (40:30)
Powerful Quotes
“We need to be able to hold multiple truths at the same time.” -Mallory
“We talk a lot about overwork in the sector. Addressing that is important, but that is only one layer of this problem.” -Mallory
“When we are in chronic stress states or burnout, one of the main things we cannot do is connect.” -Mallory
“The parts of our brains that can allow us to be vulnerable and connected and ask questions and be curious, innovative and creative, are all offline.” -Mallory
“When we tell a stressed-out fundraiser to just go build relationships that is physically impossible.” -Mallory
“We have to be really honest with ourselves about what we are asking fundraisers to do, and if we have created an environment that allows them to do it.” -Mallory
“Fundraisers, inside of them, have what they need. The system around them, the metrics, the pressure, the lack of support, all of those things are not enabling them to do what we are then asking them to do.” -Mallory
“Think about enablement in a really holistic way.” -Mallory
“The solutions start with you. There is no template that is going to solve this problem without starting with you.” -Mallory
Connect with Mallory
Get the What the Fundraising Book / What the Fundraising Podcast / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
Connect with Jon
Connect with Becky
Connect with We Are For Good
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