277: Engaging Everyday Donors with Technology with Kalyan Varma

Episode 277 of the What the Fundraising podcast, hosted by Mallory Erickson, titled "277: Engaging Everyday Donors with Technology with Kalyan Varma" was published on January 6, 2026 and runs 29 minutes.

January 6, 2026 ·29m · What the Fundraising

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Summary

What if in the future it is a possibility to build deeper connections with everyone who gives instead of raising more money from fewer people? In this episode Mallory is joined by Kalyan Varma, founder & CEO of Almabase, to discuss how AI and modern tools can help nonprofits better serve everyday givers. Originally from India, Kalyan Varma was introduced to fundraising in college after helping launch a student-led nonprofit to raise scholarship funds for classmates in need. With a neverending passion for nonprofits and a mission for making education more affordable, he founded Almabase 10 years ago. Today, Almabase helps schools and universities strengthen alumni engagement and fundraising, with a focus on making education more accessible through increased alumni giving. In this episode, you will be able to: Understand the reason for long-term fundraising sustainability depends on engaging the broad base, not just top donors Learn how to reframe technology and AI as tools for deepening human connection rather than replacing it. Challenge common myths around donor fatigue and gift size as indicators of donor commitment. Learn how identity and current interests shape donor engagement across sectors. 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.