Episode Details

In this episode of The Responsive Lab, Carly and Scott sit down with Derric Bakker, CEO of DickersonBakker. With more than three decades of experience as a practitioner, consultant, and business leader, he helps organizations move beyond legacy fundraising models toward relationship-centered approaches.

You'll hear about:
* Why fundraising feels harder now and how this represents a fundamental shift, not just a cyclical downturn
* What "treat every donor like a major donor" actually means in practice
* How younger donors are increasingly behaving like major donors in their selectivity and relationship expectations
* Why 94% of nonprofit leaders agree change is needed, but 70% say it's not happening
* Where AI fits into relationship-based fundraising without replacing human connection
* Using data and technology to personalize donor experiences at scale
* Simple changes you can make this week to start expressing genuine gratitude and listening to donors

Links from the episode:
* Connect with Derric on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derricbakker/
* Visit Better Way Champions: https://betterwaychampions.org/
* Get "A Better Way to Fundraise - Treat Every Donor Like a Major Donor": https://a.co/d/0cF5FgIr
* Connect with DickersonBakker: https://dickersonbakker.com/

Looking for technology that helps you build deeper donor relationships with less work from your team? Learn more at virtuous.org.