[NPFX Ep. 82] The Human Connection: Using Relationship-First Fundraising to Turn Donors into Partners (with Jack Padovano)
In an environment where many donors are overwhelmed by urgent appeals and global crises, it's easy for even the most generous supporters to disengage. However, successful organizations realize they don't need to "scream louder" to get attention; they simply need to be clearer, more human, and more intentional about their asks. In today's episode, Russ Phaneuf sits down with Jack Padovano, Board Chair of PC Project, to discuss how prioritizing relationship-first fundraising helped this small nonprofit achieve their most successful campaign ever. You'll learn how to leverage peer-to-peer outreach to turn supporters into brave advocates, why a "strategy-first" mindset simplifies fundraising, and how to enroll donors as true partners in your mission.
Episode highlights include:
The challenge of donor overwhelm and why clear, human communication is essential to maintaining engagement.
How even major donors disengage when messaging and relationships aren’t intentional.
Why personal storytelling from patients and families drives deeper giving than transactional appeals.
The common mistake of chasing new tools and platforms instead of focusing on relationships.
Practical ways to help staff and board members become more confident and comfortable with fundraising.
How to design a simple, effective peer-to-peer campaign that motivates participants and donors.
Why strategic, personal thank-yous (including board phone calls) dramatically strengthen donor loyalty.
How inviting beneficiaries to share brave, vulnerable stories breaks down stigma and builds community.
Why lack of organizational focus—not donors—is often what makes fundraising feel stressful and unpredictable.
How narrowing priorities makes fundraising more effective and less exhausting.
Listen here:
Additional Resources
[NPFX] Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: Getting Started the Smart Way
[NPFX] Improve Donor Retention and Engagement with P2P Fundraising
Guest
Jack Padovano, board chair for PC Project, is an advancement and marketing strategist with over four decades of experience helping nonprofit organizations and mission-driven institutions strengthen fundraising programs and deepen donor engagement. He specializes in translating complex missions into compelling, results-driven campaigns that build lasting relationships with supporters and advance organizational priorities. Earlier in his career, Jack held senior marketing leadership roles in the direct-to-consumer sector, including positions with Sara Lee and Wolferman's, where he developed expertise in multichannel marketing, membership growth, and strategic communications. Jack also serves as a trusted advisor in nonprofit governance and strategic planning, guiding organizations on messaging, mission expansion, and long-term sustainability. Known for combining data-informed strategies with persuasive storytelling, he helps advancement teams create programs that engage donors, inspire action, and generate measurable impact.
Host
Russ Phaneuf, a co-founder of IPM Advancement, has a background in higher education development, with positions at the University of Hartford, Northern Arizona University, and Thunderbird School of Global Management. As IPM's managing director & chief strategist, Russ serves as lead fundraising strategist, award-winning content creator, and program analyst specializing in applied system dynamics.
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