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Building Sustainable Relationships with Donors and Funders

Building Sustainable Relationships with Donors and Funders

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 In this episode, host Josh Hirsch sits down with Jillian Vukusich, CAP, Executive Director of Lost Tree Foundation, for a candid and insightful conversation about what it really takes to build strong donor-funder relationships in the nonprofit world. From fostering trust and transparency to understanding the evolving needs of communities, Jillian offers a wealth of practical advice and heartfelt reflections. Together, they explore why small and mid-sized donors are just as crucial as major gifts, how open communication can transform partnerships, and the true value of listening to and engaging all donors. Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with actionable tips and thought-provoking ideas to help you create meaningful connections that maximize impact. Takeaways
  • Building strong relationships through trust, honesty, and transparency is essential in fundraising and grant-making.
  • Understanding community needs and fostering open communication lead to more effective partnerships and impactful grant-making.
  • Small to mid-sized donors play a vital role in nonprofit stability and deserve engagement alongside major donors.
  • Knowing the decision-making structure in foundations helps nonprofits tailor their approach and maximize opportunities.
  • Maintaining relationships with all donors builds trust and can lead to significant, long-term funding opportunities.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to IMPACTability Podcast 01:32 Understanding the Donor-Funder Relationship 04:22 The Role of Fundraising and Grant Making 08:37 Building Resilient Relationships with Grantees 10:58 The Importance of Transparency in Grant Making 13:27 Navigating Decision-Making in Foundations 22:18 Aligning Community Needs with Donor Intentions 25:39 The Value of Small to Mid-Sized Donors 27:33 Final Thoughts on Fundraising and Relationships Guest Bio Jillian joined Lost Tree Foundation as Executive Director in 2015. Lost Tree Foundation’s annual grants program provides nearly $4 million for capital projects each year in the areas of health, homelessness, hunger and education. Jillian previously served in leadership roles at the Community Foundation Martin St. Lucie and the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. Jillian is an alumnus of the Hull Fellows Program through Philanthropy Southeast and has served in a variety of capacities for organizations such as the Council on Foundations, Exponent Philanthropy and Florida Philanthropic Network. She holds degrees from American University and University of South Florida as well as the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® designation from The American College. Leave a review! Reviews are hugely important because they help new people discover this podcast. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave a review. Like this episode? Subscribe to our podcast on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcasting app. Got a question that you’d like to ask a nonprofit professional? Email your questions to

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