15. Keeping Fundraisers Fundraising: Insights on Retention and Leadership with Sally Bryant

15. Keeping Fundraisers Fundraising: Insights on Retention and Leadership with Sally Bryant

Author: Eskin Fundraising Training February 22, 2025 Duration: 24:11

In this thought-provoking 15th episode of Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin, we sit down with Sally Bryant, CEO of the Bryant Group, to tackle the critical issue of fundraiser retention in the nonprofit sector. With decades of expertise in recruiting and coaching advancement professionals, Sally offers actionable strategies for building strong organizational cultures, hiring smarter, and investing in leadership development.

Join us as we delve into the causes behind the high turnover rates among fundraisers, the importance of creating a culture of philanthropy, and how exceptional leadership can transform organizations and careers. Nominated by Alexander H. Jones, PhD, MBA, Sally is a true North Star whose wisdom and guidance continue to shape the future of nonprofit fundraising.

Key Takeaways:

  1. The Retention Crisis: Explore why 51% of fundraisers plan to leave their nonprofit within two years and how organizations can address burnout and turnover.
  2. Three Pillars of Retention: Learn Sally's framework of "Be Better, Hire Better, Invest Better" to create a workplace fundraisers want to stay in.
  3. Leadership Development: Discover why investing in leadership training and mentorship is vital for retaining and promoting high-performing fundraising professionals.
  4. Culture of Philanthropy: Understand the importance of integrating philanthropy into the organization's core mission and the role of leadership in fostering this culture.
  5. Gender and Diversity in Fundraising: Gain insights into the evolving composition of the fundraising workforce and the need for greater diversity at all levels.
  6. Leadership's Role in Higher Education: Hear why supporting institutions of higher learning is critical and how effective leadership shapes the future of education.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with actionable advice for nonprofit leaders and professionals committed to creating lasting impact.


Hosted by Jim Eskin of Eskin Fundraising Training, Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin turns the spotlight toward the essential yet often overlooked individuals who provide the true momentum for charitable missions. While major donors rightly receive recognition, this podcast is dedicated to the unsung heroes-the staff members, volunteers, board members, and community advocates whose daily dedication and genuine purpose energize organizations from within. Each conversation explores how these individuals apply their unique gifts to steer their groups in an uplifting direction, ensuring every effort aligns with a noble cause. You’ll hear specific, grounded stories about practical strategies and personal convictions that make a tangible difference in communities, focusing more on sustained impact than on a single transaction. Tuning into this podcast offers a deeper appreciation for the human infrastructure that allows philanthropy to thrive, providing listeners in the business, marketing, and non-profit spheres with relatable insights and authentic inspiration drawn directly from the field. It’s a series that believes the right guidance often comes from those who work quietly behind the scenes, keeping the entire mission pointed true north.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 27

Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin
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