In episode 6 of our season on community philanthropy, Aisha Al-Amin (Development Director, Social Justice Fund), Heidi Pelletier (Chief Development Officer, Yakima Valley Community Foundation) and Musu Bakoto Sawo (Director of Fundraising and Grants, Community Foundation of Snohomish County), sit down with Mares to discuss that while grantmaking has shifted, donor relationships and fundraising is stuck in the past. They share both the challenges and joys of working with donors on creating more equitable and long-term giving strategies.

Together, they discuss what it looks and feels like to say “no” to donors, and how, by grounding fundraising in their organization’s values, these difficult conversations can ultimately strengthen donor relationships.

Finally, they share practical examples of how their foundations have worked to educate donors on issues such as class and race, which deepened their donors' alignment with the foundation and ultimately strengthened support for the community. See the full episode guide.

Each episode of season 3 spotlights lessons from Toward Transformation, Philanthropy Northwest’s equity-focused guide, and brings you real-world case studies, tough questions and tangible ideas you can bring back to your organization.