Episode Details

In this solo episode, Tom shares a deeply personal story about being sexually harassed early in his fundraising career and uses it to unpack the uncomfortable reality many fundraisers face: donor power, money, and access can create real vulnerability, regardless of gender.

Tom talks about what happened in that donor meeting, how his freeze response affected his choices in the moment, and what he wishes he had done differently. He also reflects on what he has learned since then as a manager and why he now speaks openly about this experience with his own teams.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why sexual harassment in fundraising is more widespread than many leaders admit
• How power dynamics between “person in need” and “person with money” create risk for fundraisers
• Why men are not exempt from harassment, even in faith based or “safe” environments
• How a freeze response can shape what you do in the moment and why planning ahead matters
• Practical ideas for setting boundaries and exiting a meeting when something feels wrong
• How managers can communicate unconditional support and give staff permission to walk away
• Why documenting incidents and flagging problem donors is essential for organizational safety
• How being forewarned can help early career fundraisers respond more confidently than Tom was able to at 22

This is not a how to guide or a clinical training, but a candid story meant to validate what many fundraisers experience, name the professional danger clearly, and encourage healthier conversations inside our organizations about safety, boundaries, and support.g

Dr. E.E. Beaton's Personal Website with links to her research on sexual harassment in nonprofit settings:

https://www.erynnbeaton.com/research

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