PODCAST · business
It Doesn't Hurt to Ask!
by The Fundraising Lab
Whether you're a professional fundraiser, volunteer on the board of a non-profit organization or you're about to make your first charitable donation, we've got a podcast for you!It Doesn't Hurt to Ask! explores the world of philanthropy through a critical lens. While that might sound serious, we have a lot of fun along the way.In our first season, we're chatting with "Shift Disturbers," charitable sector leaders who are doing things differently. After listening, you won't think about our sector in the same way for our motto is: in fundraising, as in life, it doesn't hurt to ask! We hope you listen, learn and laugh along with us as we chat all things fundraising and philanthropy.Great news! It Doesn't Hurt to Ask! is in the Top 25 Fundraising Podcasts to listen to on Feedspot.
Episodes
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Adventures in Grant Writing with Daniella Sorrentino
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...
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Building Capacity Without Burning Out with Scott Williams
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…
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It Doesn't Hurt To Ask: Lessons from the Trenches with Sarah Bass
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…
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The Data Isn't Broken—Your System Is: When Good Plans Meet Bad Data
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 database expert, who shares deep insights into why even the best fundraising plans can...
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Corporate Courtship: Attracting Sponsors to Your Program with Logan Stengel
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...
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Fundraising Culture from the Inside Out an Interview with ED Ainsley Chapman
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...
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The Shift Hits the Fan - Dealing with Systems Change
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...
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Stewardship: How to Maximize Donor Reporting with Brooke Erickson
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…
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The Mysteries of Major Gifts Revealed with Deb Thompson
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...
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It Doesn't Hurt to Ask - The Reboot Teaser
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...
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No Growth Without a Game Plan: Growing Your Fundraising Strategy
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…
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Episode 22 - The Work Doesn't End with Signing a Cheque
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.
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Episode 21 - Voluntary Ranting for the Common Good (Replay)
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...
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Episode 20 - Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable (Replay)
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...
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Episode 19 - Research 'n Rage (Replay)
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...
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Episode 18 - Melding Fundraising with Social Change
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...
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Episode 17 - Simplifying Comms Through Functional Fun
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…
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Episode 16 - Lessons In Resiliency
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...
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Episode 19 - Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
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…
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Episode 14 - On Being Good-ish
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...
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Episode 13 - What if they spend it badly?
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...
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Episode 12 - The Secretive, Mystical World of Sponsorship
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...
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It Doesn't Hurt to Ask Cathy!
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...
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Episode 11 - Voluntary Ranting for the Common Good
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...
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Episode 10 - Somebody has to be first
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...
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Episode 9 - Research 'n Rage
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…
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Episode 8 - The Reluctant Fundraiser
In 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...
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Episode 7 - Donors on the Dance Floor
Are we donors, or are we dancers? In this episode of It Doesn't Hurt to Ask! Cathy sits down with Elissa Beckett of Tides Canada, Canada's least known 30 million dollar charity. In this episode, Elissa shares her experience with innovative approaches of collaborative fundraising and shares her...
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Episode 6 - Investing in the Invisible: Philanthropy by Design
"Why do you give?" It's such a personal question. But what can the answer tell us about how to design philanthropy? How can design-thinking be applied to build a more human and inclusive approach to philanthropy? And how can we use design to create new approaches to philanthropy that can have the...
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Episode 5 - Faster, Higher, Stronger... In Digital-First Place
Want to know how to become faster, higher, stronger & get your organization to digital-first place? In this episode we chat with Jason Shim, Director of Digital Strategy at Pathways to Education Canada. Beyond departmental tactics, for an organization to truly become digital-first, digital should...
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Episode 4 - Systems Intervention at the Consciousness Level
Change is coming for the philanthropic sector. And it doesn't care what you think about it. In this episode of It Doesn't Hurt to Ask! we chat with Marina Glogovac, CEO of CanadaHelps.org about the shifts we're facing as a sector. How are charities going to evolve? What does the sector need to do...
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Episode 3 - Toilet Paper Scarcity and Other Money Vulnerabilities
In this episode of It Doesn't Hurt to Ask! Cathy has an open and honest conversation with Lisa Watson of Openly about how our money values and personal relationship with money - ie our 'money mindset' can manifest in the ways we work in the charitable sector. Lisa and Cathy talk about the work...
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Episode 2 - Heteropatriarchy on Fire
It's hard to introduce Dr. Krishan Mehta because he does so many things! His day job is AVP Engagement, University Advancement at Ryerson University. He self-identifies as a nerd, but to us and many others, Krishan is an innovative fundraiser, a shift-disturbing thought leader, and a dedicated...
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Episode 1 - Radical Generosity
In our inaugural episode of It Doesn't Hurt to Ask! Cathy interviews Sharon Avery, CEO Toronto Foundation and finds out just how much shift Sharon is bringing to the charitable sector. Not only is Sharon not afraid to ask for money (spoiler alert - she loves it!) she believes in shaking up...
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Season 1 Trailer - Welcome to It Doesn't Hurt to Ask!
Introducing Cathy Mann, your host of It Doesn't Hurt to Ask! Welcome to Season One. After spending over 25 years as a professional fundraiser working in philanthropy, Cathy knows a thing or two about the charitable sector. We're a sector that is... what shall we say... comfortable with tradition....
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Whether you're a professional fundraiser, volunteer on the board of a non-profit organization or you're about to make your first charitable donation, we've got a podcast for you!It Doesn't Hurt to Ask! explores the world of philanthropy through a critical lens. While that might sound serious, we have a lot of fun along the way.In our first season, we're chatting with "Shift Disturbers," charitable sector leaders who are doing things differently. After listening, you won't think about our sector in the same way for our motto is: in fundraising, as in life, it doesn't hurt to ask! We hope you listen, learn and laugh along with us as we chat all things fundraising and philanthropy.Great news! It Doesn't Hurt to Ask! is in the Top 25 Fundraising Podcasts to listen to on Feedspot.
HOSTED BY
The Fundraising Lab
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does It Doesn't Hurt to Ask! have?
It Doesn't Hurt to Ask! currently has 35 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is It Doesn't Hurt to Ask! about?
Whether you're a professional fundraiser, volunteer on the board of a non-profit organization or you're about to make your first charitable donation, we've got a podcast for you!It Doesn't Hurt to Ask! explores the world of philanthropy through a critical lens. While that might sound serious, we...
How often does It Doesn't Hurt to Ask! release new episodes?
It Doesn't Hurt to Ask! has 35 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to It Doesn't Hurt to Ask!?
You can listen to It Doesn't Hurt to Ask! on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts It Doesn't Hurt to Ask!?
It Doesn't Hurt to Ask! is created and hosted by The Fundraising Lab.
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