Best Firstthingsfirst Podcasts (2025)

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10 Strategic Fundraising Principles - Every Fundraiser Should Know 8:47

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1h ago8:47

8:47

Fundraising—it's part charm offensive, part emotional trapeze act, part caffeine-fueled chaos. Some days you feel like a philanthropic superhero, and other days you're crying into your donor database while searching for the 'undo' button. But you don't have to go it alone. Enter the Rainmakers: the mythical, magical, magnificently strategic fundrai…

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Don't Pitch—Connect: 10 Smart Moves for First Donor Meetings 7:56

7d ago7:56

7:56

Your first face-to-face meeting with a donor isn't a sales pitch or interview. And it's definitely not the time to comb through the details for your 30-page strategic plan. It's a discovery conversation—a delightful dance where you listen, learn, and laugh. Apply the following 10 tactics to get your first meeting right and the odds of landing a sec…

1
A Lighthearted Field Guide to Fundraising Disasters 6:59

1h ago6:59

6:59

Here's a crash course in what "not" to do when fundraising, what donors secretly loathe, and a short list of how to ask for money without breaking into hives. Listen in and learn . . .By Tom Iselin

1
Make Your Board Retreats Outcomes Stick with "Ownership." 10:04

7d ago10:04

10:04

Ah, the board retreat. A magical time when board members gather to dive into strategic discussions, unleash big ideas, and nod sagely at visionary plans. You laugh, you brainstorm, you may even awkwardly roleplay. By the end, you've covered walls with stickies and flipchart paper, deepened your culture, and high-fived over fresh possibilities. And …

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Donor Objections: Part 3: Common and Uncommon Types (includes scripts) 30:19

7d ago30:19

30:19

Fundraisers know that most donor objections boil down to just two things: the amount you're asking for and the timing of the ask. But here's the good news—both are manageable. In this article, you'll discover practical tactics to navigate these common roadblocks, plus smart ways to handle the trickier, less common objections that inevitably pop up.…

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Donor Objections: Part 2: A Simple 3-Step Process 9:11

1h ago9:11

9:11

Encountering objections when asking donors for money is a given. One tactic for handling objections would be to develop and memorize canned responses to every possible type of objection. Experienced fundraisers know this tactic is futile, because a simple "ask" often triggers an avalanche of donor replies, ranging from polite deflections to excuse…

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Donor Objections: Part 1: A Primer 17:13

2h ago17:13

17:13

Experienced fundraisers know objections are part of the ask process, which is why they embrace them. There are dozens of reasons why donors throw caution signs that feel like red lights. What follows is a high-level primer that unpacks why donors hesitate, paired with clear principles for handling those objections with confidence—so you can turn to…

1
The Golden Hour: Tips for Mastering the Art of Donor Cultivation 10:21

4d ago10:21

10:21

Cultivation is the golden hour before the ask. It's when you introduce someone to your nonprofit, show them the heart behind the stats, the faces behind the facts, and the mission behind the jargon. And it isn't just about raising money—it's about raising friends, champions, connectors, and believers. Done well, cultivation deepens emotional connec…

1
The Other 20%: Winning Foundation, Corporate, and Government Dollars 16:15

2h ago16:15

16:15

As fundraisers, we know that while individual giving dominates, finding the right foundation, corporate, or government grant can give your budget a real boost. Many of these funding sources make large, multiyear commitments, and for some nonprofits, these sources of funding are their only sources of funding. And while unlocking these sources of fun…

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The Friendly Factor: How Going Above and Beyond Wins Donors and Builds Loyalty 11:14

7M ago11:14

11:14

In the highly competitive world of nonprofit fundraising, standing out is more than just having a great mission—it's about creating memorable experiences that leave lasting impressions. One of the most overlooked yet powerful ways to do this is through friendliness and unexpected gestures of appreciation. People like to do business with people they…

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The Power of Possibility: A Growth Mindset Blueprint for Nonprofit Leaders 18:46

8M ago18:46

18:46

In today's rapidly evolving nonprofit landscape, executive directors and board members face an on onslaught of challenges—from dwindling funding sources to rapidly shifting community needs. More than ever, a mindset that embraces continuous learning, bold innovation, and courageous teamwork is essential. I recently read Carol Dweck's bestselling bo…

1
Unlocking Generosity: Motivate Your Donors to Give More Without Pressure 10:58

9M ago10:58

10:58

Encouraging donors to increase their contributions is a delicate endeavor. This podcast explores several practical and effective tactics to achieve the balance needed to inspire donors to give more generously while maintaining their trust and enthusiasm without alienating or pressuring them. Tune in now!…

1
Stewardship Tactics That are Sure to Keep Donors Tied to Your Cause 8:48

9M ago8:48

8:48

Did you know that 53% of donors stop giving because they feel unappreciated, and 41% cite lack of acknowledgment or thanks as their reason? Conversely, loyal donors give 42% more over their lifetime and are 70% more likely to leave a planned gift. These numbers underscore the critical need for nonprofits to build and implement a robust stewardship …

1
When Nonprofit Boards Meddle: The Dangers of Micromanagement 13:15

10M ago13:15

13:15

If you're tired of your board meddling in the daily operations of your nonprofit . . . this podcast is for you!By Tom Iselin

1
Boardroom Ghosting: How Ignoring Staff Emails Drains Nonprofit Momentum 8:28

10M ago8:28

8:28

Nonprofit boards play a critical role in guiding the organizations they serve, helping steer decisions, ensuring fiscal health, and offering strategic oversight. However, one glaring issue that's often swept under the rug is the lack of prompt responses to communications from executive directors and staff. Emails and important requests from staff f…

1
Avoid Last-Minute Blues: Tips for Planning Ahead for Strategic Planning 9:28

10M ago9:28

9:28

Plan Early for a Stress-Free, High-Impact Session Planning a strategic session for your nonprofit can be one of the most impactful moments of the year—a chance to reset, strategize, and inspire your team. But let's be honest: waiting until the last minute to plan such an important event can lead to unnecessary stress, limited options, and a lacklus…

1
How to Host the Best Board Development Retreat Ever! Winning Checklist – 17 Keys to Success 15:47

1y ago15:47

15:47

Have you ever sat through a board retreat and thought, "What a waste of time!" You're squished in a windowless room, squirming in a chair that feels like granite, and longing for the next break. Worse yet, the facilitator is boring, the content is useless, board members are texting, and the food is stale! If you're in the process of planning a retr…

1
From Coffee to Commitment: Mastering Donor Meetings with Preparation 14:02

1y ago14:02

14:02

In the world of nonprofit fundraising, meeting with a donor for coffee (or any in-person meeting), whether they are a potential supporter or a current contributor, is one of the most crucial interactions you'll have. This isn't just a casual coffee chat; it's a pivotal meeting that can define a donor's impression of you, your organization, and may …

1
Strategic Planning: What's Better, A One-Year or Five-Year Plan? 6:33

1y ago6:33

6:33

In today's rapidly changing world, clinging to the traditional five-year strategic plan is not just outdated—it's impractical. Organizations need to adapt quickly to survive, and a long-term plan often becomes a liability and burden rather than a guide and roadmap. Instead, a one-year strategic plan, monitored monthly and updated annually, proves t…

1
Tactics for Building a "Value Network" for Your Nonprofit 5:16

1+ y ago5:16

5:16

Tactics for Building a "Value Network" for your Nonprofit The nonprofit world is a quirky one. Many nonprofits are founded by passionate people with little or no nonprofit experience. Many board members have little or no nonprofit experience, and many staff members have little or no nonprofit or business experience. The result is often a lot of wa…

1
7 Tips to Hiring "The Best Strategic Planning Facilitator Near Me." 6:18

1+ y ago6:18

6:18

Here's a list of 7 uncommon factors to look for! Strategic planning is the backbone of any successful nonprofit organization, providing a roadmap for future growth and impact. However, navigating the strategic planning process can be challenging, requiring skilled guidance to ensure clarity, collaboration, and actionable outcomes. When seeking to h…

1
Disengaged Board Members? – Tolerate it NO More! 8 Steps to Engagement and a "Get it Done!" Culture. Here's how . . . 19:11

1+ y ago19:11

19:11

Let's be honest Do you have board members that . . . Blow off meetings? Don't read meeting materials? Don't make a personal donation? Are nowhere to be found to help organize events? Can't recite the mission or vision? Don't help steward donors? Rarely see your programming? Don't personally know the staff? Say they're "just volunteers" or "too busy…

1
10 Tips to Avoid Hiring a Dud Strategic Planning or Fundraising Facilitator 8:05

1+ y ago8:05

8:05

Hosting a strategic planning session can be costly and time-consuming. You can spend hours and hours trying to find a suitable venue, hire caterers, organize pre-work, and wrangle all the attendees. But often times, the biggest cost is the one you spend on hiring the facilitator. Then, the big day arrives. Everyone is prepared and excited to roll u…

1
Next Level Donor Relations – Make Their Experience "Unexpectedly Pleasurable!" 10:28

1+ y ago10:28

10:28

Next Level Donor Relations – Make Their Experience "Unexpectedly Pleasurable!" In today's fundraising world, with dozens of nonprofits competing for donors' hearts and wallets, it's important to stand out and differentiate. Otherwise, no matter how noble your mission, you'll be left with your hand out as other fundraisers hit their goals. To inspir…

1
Are You a One-Percenter? Here's a List of Dos and Don'ts of Top Performers. How do you rate? 19:07

1+ y ago19:07

19:07

Are You a One-Percenter? Here's a List of Dos and Don'ts of Top Performers. How do you rate? There is a reason why the top performers – the One-Percenters – consistently do so well in business and life . . . it's because they do the things, big and small, that set themselves apart from others. There is nothing wrong with "average." Average is good.…

1
How Star Wars Can Help You Raise More Money – Say What? 8:06

1+ y ago8:06

8:06

Movies and Sound Imagine watching a movie like Star Wars, Jaws, or Top Gun with no sound. They would be dry, listless, and yes, dull. In many movies, the sound makes the movie. It elicits emotional responses that can lift us up, make us cry, and give us goosebumps. Some music scores are so meaningful to us, they stir up emotions and memories decade…

1
How To Host the Best Board Retreat Ever! Checklist – 17 Keys to Success 19:16

2y ago19:16

19:16

Have you ever sat through a board retreat and thought, "What a waste of time!" You're squished in a windowless room, squirming in a chair that feels like granite, and longing for the next break. Worse yet, the facilitator is boring, the content is useless, board members are texting, and the food is stale! If you're in the process of planning a retr…

1
How to Find and Hire the Best Board Retreat Facilitator – a 9-Point Checklist . . . 9:31

2y ago9:31

9:31

Have you ever sat through a board retreat and spent more time watching the clock, daydreaming, and checking texts than listening to the facilitator? Are your board members cringing at the thought of attending another retreat? Did your last facilitator stand behind a lectern and drone on like a record playing in slow motion? Were they unengaging? Wa…

1
Are Local Board Retreat Facilitators Really the Best Value? 6:13

2y ago6:13

6:13

Nonprofits play a critical role in addressing societal issues, but their effectiveness often hinges on the strength of their leadership, especially the board. One way to enhance the performance of a nonprofit's board of directors is by organizing retreats. They can improve engagement, performance, governance, fundraising skills, all of which can pr…

1
Article: Write Better Right Now! (Improve your writing!) 23:05

2+ y ago23:05

23:05

By Tom

1
Article: Resolving Conflict (for your fundraising department) 6:58

2+ y ago6:58

6:58

By Tom Iselin

1
Article: Key Tactics for Being a Better Public Speaker (perfect if you're fundraising) 16:33

2+ y ago16:33

16:33

1
Article: Hiring the Best Board Retreat Facilitators -- Are They Worth The Money? 10:59

2+ y ago10:59

10:59

By Tom Iselin

2+ y ago5:52

5:52

First Things First and Tom Iselin. This audio clip provides a brief overview of our services, experience, credibility, and fees. For more detailed information, visit www.tomiselin.com, or call 858.888.2278. With gratitude, Tom~By Tom Iselin