274: A New Era of Fundraising: Blending Purpose and Profit with Zach Hynek

Episode 274 of the What the Fundraising podcast, hosted by Mallory Erickson, titled "274: A New Era of Fundraising: Blending Purpose and Profit with Zach Hynek" was published on December 16, 2025 and runs 22 minutes.

December 16, 2025 ·22m · What the Fundraising

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Summary

Change is built through purpose, innovation, and the people who keep showing up. Join with us and explore how social impact and fundraising are evolving beyond traditional boundaries, blending the strategy of business with the heart of philanthropy. Zachary Hynek is the founder of Morton Labs, a startup venture out of the University of Chicago, developing a multi-physics simulation platform specifically for the nuclear industry, and strategic adviser to Cadenza, an AI platform that helps impact-driven organizations with grant discovery, impact reporting, and fundraising support. Zach is also an MBA candidate at the University of Chicago and a social impact entrepreneur dedicated to reshaping how resources are allocated toward good. With experience in launching ventures, Zach helps organizations access the tools, funding, and alignment necessary to create meaningful change. Outside work, he is navigating life as a first-time dad; balancing purpose, innovation, and parenthood with humor and heart. In this episode, you will be able to: Learn how purpose-driven leaders are blending business strategy with social good. Discover why flexibility, not perfection, drives lasting impact. Understand how data and storytelling can strengthen fundraising. Learn why authentic relationships matter more than reach. Understand the importance of showing up with care. Get all the resources from today’s episode here. Support for this show is brought to you by Practivated. Practivated delivers AI-powered donor conversation simulations that let fundraisers practice in a private, judgment‑free space—building confidence, refining messaging, and improving outcomes before the real conversation even begins. Developed by fundraising experts with real‑time coaching at its core, it’s the smart way to walk into every donor interaction calm, prepared, and ready to connect. Learn more at practivated.com Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven’t already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you’re looking to raise more from the right funders, then you’ll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point.