Reimagining Success in
Nonprofit Work: How
Systems Change can Drive
Vision Forward.
Bloomerang
February 23, 2023

Who Am I?
What do I do?
@GladiatorConsu1
@RDSiebert
@comm_centric

Our grounding
assumptions
How are we approaching this
conversation?H
● Everyone benefits when we
work towards equity +
systems change
● Our donors deserve our
honesty + vulnerability
● Our stakeholders and our
community are worthy of
respect and power

Quick Vocabulary Lesson
What is a Racial Equity Lens anyway?
A racial equity lens is the set of questions we ask ourselves throughout the
decision-making process. The lens interrupts the impact of unintended consequences
by taking into consideration the lived experiences and perspectives of the racially
diverse communities we intend to serve.
What is Anti-Racism?
Anti-Racism is the practice of actively identifying and opposing racism. The goal of
anti-racism is to actively change policies, behaviors, and beliefs that perpetuate racist
ideas and actions.

Current Topics + Trends in the Sector
● Race, Equity, + Systems
● Community-Centric Fundraising Movement
● Evolving Tech Platforms + Pooled Giving
● Donor Advised Funds
● Trust-Based + Participatory Grantmaking
● “Activist” Donors + Gift Restrictions
● Philanthrocapitalism + Cryptocurrency
● Household resilience + wealth building
● Generational shifts in demographics

Where’s the data? And, what does it tell us?

Report: Affluent Americans Expand Generosity
● Donor: $1M network/$200k annual household income
Why they give:
● Belief in Mission
● Belief that they can make a
difference
● Commitment to give back
to community
● I was asked
● Spontaneous/Crisis Giving
● Support social justice
● To receive a tax benefit
Why they don’t give:
● No Connection to the Org
● Not asked directly
● Plan to give in bequests
● Timing
● Doubt
● Process Difficult

Report: Affluent Americans Expand Generosity
Household wealth has been extremely resilient in adverse
economic conditions (8.8%/22M ppl are “millionaires”)
Significant majority are male, married and 60+
Women will inherit 70% of wealth transfer
Millenials have greatly increased their wealth during the
pandemic.

Philanthropy Always Sounds Like Someone Else
There are at least 1.3M HNW BIPOC households in the US
HNW BIPOC donors report being disregarded by traditional
nonprofit structures and racialized assumptions about
wealth
HNW BIPOC donors are younger + give more frequently and
give more of their wealth than any other racial/ethnic donor
group
HNW BIPOC donors do not rely on traditional avenues for
wealth management + indigenous donors are weary of
“philanthropy”

Philanthropy Always Sounds Like Someone Else
What are HNW BIPOC donors looking for:
● Transformative Wealth is bigger than money
● Not to be considered a monolith
● Connection to your organization + their peers
● Awareness: Wealth is not generational + all donors
report experiencing bias, racial prejudice and racism.
● Community Progress > Individual Wins
● Results + Impact; Low tolerance for inefficiency,
dishonesty and waste
● Representation across your organization

So, how do we
engage with
HNW
individuals?
● Discovery + Non-Ask
Meetings
● Vulnerable + Authentic
Conversation
● Dialogue bigger than “getting
the gift”
● Only 5% self-describe as
numbers oriented - what are
the stories we tell?
● Reimagine your donor data

Just Remember
Building relationships with donors
of color may require new tools
and different practices.
Trust may take longer to earn.
Values Alignment + Authenticity
are critical.
Learn about cultures of giving
across BIPOC identities.
These donors are highly
networked, but not in
philanthropic communities

More Smaller Dollar Donations

Donor Retention…… REALLY

A few tools +
practices to consider
along the Donor
Lifecycle

Some questions to consider in Identification
● Whom does this partnership and/or relationship benefit?
● Does this partnership/relationship differentially impact
racial and ethnic groups?
● What action can be take to minimize or eliminate racial
disparities?
● How does our institution work to de-legitimize +
deconstruct structures of white power and privilege?
● Do our donors reflect the community we seek to serve?
Does our board? Our staff?
● How do we use data? What stories do we tell?

Cultivation: Try the Magic Wand Question
Schedule the Non-$Ask Meeting
“If you could bring about a change in the world as you
define it, what would that change be, and how does
your philanthropy help you get there?”
The old rule: “we don’t talk about hard subjects”
The new approach: some HNWI want to talk about “real issues” like social
justice, life stages. As a trusted philanthropy partner, they may well discuss
with you.

Solicitation
It’s okay to ask “How do you like to be asked?”
Who is the best person to make the ask? It might
not be you.
If you don’t know the answer, it’s not time to ask
Respect Anonimity

Stewardship: Ethical Creatives
1. Promote dignity for your subject, speaker, and
audience.
2. Do not take power from the less powerful
3. “Do no harm” is not enough. We need to do
active good.
4. Do not create for community. Create with the
community you seek to serve.

Stewardship: Actionable
Communications
1. Don’t cast yourself in the leading role!
2. Give local voices and communities ownership in
the communication of your projects.
3. Be creative!
4. Ask yourself control questions.
5. Think about why you are telling a story.

Gratitude + Recognition
Invest in micro-moments for donor gratitude:
● Handwritten notes
● Phone calls
● Anniversary cards
● Social media shout-outs
● Office tours (virtual or in-person)
● Unique mission centered gifts
● Behind The Scenes Postcards

Questions?
(Hopes, dreams, feelings of despair?)

Stay in Touch!
Rachel@GladiatorRDS.com
@rdsiebert
LinkedIn: Rachel D’Souza-Siebert
@GladiatorConsu1
@RDSiebert
@comm_centric