The sphere of philanthropy has not typically been a friendly place for fundraisers of color.
I’ve seen a tendency for people of color to burn out very quickly due to the pressure of moving in and out of predominantly rich, white circles where racism and discrimination are still alive and well.
And yet, there are those of us who are thriving and finding huge success in the philanthropic world. And, even more than that, we’re establishing ourselves and our communities as givers who’ve had a long history of unrecognized philanthropy.
But, if you’re still in the thick of it trying to navigate fundraising while dealing with your own money baggage, lack of representation, and feeling weighed down by microaggressions and the lofty expectations of your board, it can be hard to look on the sunny side of life.
That’s why, above all else, when we’re feeling overwhelmed, we have to strip our fundraising efforts down to the basics. At its core, fundraising is about relationships.
Without authentic relationships, fundraising is exhausting and fruitless.
When we can connect to our donors and donor prospects on a personal level, make them feel comfortable, take an interest in what they like, and generally just be real with them, generosity happens naturally.
If you’re in that state of overwhelm right now, I feel you! I’ve been there.
That’s why I’m so excited to introduce this week’s podcast guest, BIPOC major gift fundraiser and advisor Christopher Beck! Christopher shows us how he’s made a successful twenty-year run of fundraising in a predominantly white industry.
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Navigating the fundraising world as a BIPOC expert comes with its own set of unique challenges. From overcoming systemic barriers to building impactful relationships in spaces that traditionally haven’t embraced diversity. This episode dives into the gritty realities and triumphs of fundraising while black.
Christopher Beck is a seasoned Major and Principal Gift Advisor, who shares his journey from accidental fundraiser to powerhouse connector. From early mentors to high-stake donor interactions, Christopher unpacks the nuances of ‘relationship capital’ and its transformative power in the world of high-level giving.
🎙️ Tune into this insightful conversation to learn how authenticity, resilience, and a deep understanding of donor psychology drive success in fundraising. Whether you’re a BIPOC fundraiser or an ally in the field, this episode is filled with actionable wisdom for everyone.
🔗 Listen to the full episode now and join us in shifting the narrative towards more equitable fundraising practices: Ep. 295- Secrets of a BIPOC Major Gift Fundraiser with Christopher Beck
If you’re needing to build your own community and authentic relationships, consider applying for the next cohort of Big Ask Gifts starting August 1
