ALTRUICITY, INC.

06/17/2025

Date Your Donors Podcast Episode 19 // Don’t Pitch-Partner: The Art of Fundraising as Shared Vision with Deena Fuchs

In this episode of Date Your Donors, Jonah Halper sits down with Deena Fuchs, Executive Director of Micah Philanthropies, for a rich conversation on what makes philanthropic partnerships thrive. With over two decades in Jewish philanthropy—spanning The AVI CHAI Foundation, Jewish Funders Network, and now Micah—Deena shares hard-earned wisdom on funder-grantee relationships, the importance of authenticity and trust, and why strategy matters more than the size of a check.

They also explore Micah Philanthropies’ current priorities, including elevating Orthodox women’s Torah scholarship and reimagining Jewish education as a warm, inclusive pathway to meaning and tradition. Whether you’re a fundraiser, nonprofit leader, or foundation professional, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what funders are really looking for—and how to build sustainable, impactful relationships that go beyond the transaction.

Podcast links in the comments!

03/26/2025

Episode 15 - From Transactions to Transformations: Rethinking Major Gifts with Jason Zwang

In this heartfelt and illuminating episode of Date Your Donors, host Jonah Halper sits down with Jason Zwang, CFRE, Senior Director of Development at Georgia Institute of Technology and also a key architect of ALTRUICITY's major gift coaching and pipeline service, to reflect on their shared journey—from a Hurricane Katrina benefit concert in 2005 to redefining major gift fundraising across the Jewish philanthropic landscape today. Through personal stories, professional insights, and honest conversation, Jason shares how his unique background in community action, neuroscience, and organizational psychology shaped his passion for authentic donor relationships.

Together, Jonah and Jason explore the power of listening, the shift from transactional giving to transformative partnership, and why the Orthodox Jewish philanthropic world is ready—and eager—for a new era of donor engagement. With warmth, wit, and wisdom, this episode captures a movement in motion, one donor conversation at a time.

Links in the comment section below!

03/07/2025

Episode 14 - From Payroll Panic to Financial Stability: Why Schools Need Legacy Donors with Lindsay Kopecky

In this episode of Date Your Donors, host Jonah Halper sits down with Lindsay Kopecky, CFRE, CAP®️, Chief Advancement Officer at the Atlanta Jewish Foundation and the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. The conversation dives into the importance of legacy and endowment giving in philanthropy, particularly in the Jewish education space.

Lindsay explains the key differences between legacy giving and endowment funds, emphasizing how long-term financial planning can transform the sustainability of Jewish institutions. She highlights how legacy gifts allow donors to leave a lasting impact beyond their lifetime, ensuring that their values continue to shape the future. Endowments, on the other hand, provide schools and organizations with reliable, ongoing financial support.

Jonah and Lindsay discuss the practical steps institutions must take to build an infrastructure for legacy and endowment giving, including board buy-in, donor stewardship, and engaging potential donors through meaningful conversations about their philanthropic vision. Lindsay also shares best practices for nurturing donor relationships, stressing the power of asking thoughtful questions and listening actively rather than treating fundraising as a sales pitch.

Additionally, they explore how organizations can identify strong legacy giving prospects—not just major donors, but those with consistent giving histories and a deep commitment to the mission. Lindsay offers insights into tools like the Jewish Future Promise and Life & Legacy program, which help facilitate planned giving conversations and encourage donors to prioritize Jewish causes in their philanthropic planning.

Throughout the episode, Jonah and Lindsay stress the need for long-term thinking in Jewish education fundraising, urging schools to move beyond the urgency of annual campaigns and start planting the seeds for a sustainable future.

Episode links in the comments section!

02/06/2025

Episode 10 - More Than a Memory: Turning Alumni into Lifelong Supporters with Rabbi Joshua Zisook

In this episode of Date Your Donors, host Jonah Halper sits down with Rabbi Josh Zisook at the EDS Conference to explore the power of alumni engagement and how it can transform the future of Jewish day schools and yeshivas.

Rabbi Josh shares the story of Hebrew Theological College (HTC), which faced a 15-year gap in alumni outreach before realizing the crucial role former students play in sustaining an institution.

They discuss the steps HTC took to rebuild those connections, from updating alumni records and launching a dedicated podcast to hosting meaningful reunion events across the U.S. and Israel. Through initiatives like alumni spotlights, networking platforms, and a traveling Torah campaign, HTC successfully rekindled relationships and strengthened its donor base.

Whether you're looking to enhance alumni engagement for your school or nonprofit, this episode is packed with practical strategies and real-world examples. Learn how consistency, nostalgia, and authentic relationship-building can create lifelong supporters—and why alumni engagement is about so much more than just fundraising.

Tune in for expert insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and actionable takeaways to help you build a thriving alumni network that lasts.

Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-10-more-than-a-memory-turning-alumni-into/id1780886624?i=1000689717978

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4gBEtBxHagB14y0wK8DwqZ?si=NG9JWgGPRK2oMmXiMUqpqw

YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdlj4HbR6bI

Jonah Halper, Host of the Date Your Donors Podcast Interviewed Rabbi Josh Zisook, Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement at the EDS Conference LIVE i...

01/23/2025

Episode 8 - Prioritizing Fundraising with Rabbi Yaacov Cohen

In this insightful episode of Date Your Donors LIVE at the EDS Conference, host Jonah Halper sits down with Rabbi Yaacov Cohen, Executive Vice President of Talmudical Academy of Baltimore and an expert in peer-to-peer fundraising. Rabbi Cohen shares his journey from aspiring rabbi to a visionary in donor development, detailing how he transformed traditional fundraising practices into a relationship-driven approach.

Rabbi Cohen introduces the concept of "moves management," a strategic method for cultivating donor relationships that fosters meaningful partnerships rather than transactional giving. He discusses the challenges of balancing campaign-heavy environments with long-term donor development and shares his game-changing epiphany: separating development roles from campaign events and marketing to focus solely on building relationships.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for organizations of any size, highlighting the importance of understanding donor motivations, creating a sustainable fundraising strategy, and redefining success through collaboration. Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or new to the field, Rabbi Cohen’s methods will inspire you to elevate your impact and make lasting connections with your donors.

Tune in to learn how to identify your ideal supporters, streamline processes, and build a fundraising culture rooted in partnership and purpose.

Apple Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/date-your-donors-for-jewish-education/id1780886624?i=1000685145211

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Ti7If8p9M2wLZVEsNR3jR?si=WCTva-MNTGi-d6XjhoqZDA

Youtube:
https://youtu.be/xeuC6Dyd-ao?si=CLVfbNlHV8RlSfQ7

Jonah Halper, host of the Date Your Donors Podcast Interviewed Rabbi Yaacov Cohen, Executive Vice President of Talmudicial Academy of Baltimore at the EDS Co...

01/21/2025

Date Your Donors Episode: Building Trust: Financial Integrity in Nonprofits with Rabbi Yaakov (Jake) Goldstein of The Aleph Institute - https://mailchi.mp/altruicity/date-your-donors-episode-2-featuring-david-bryfman-10963719

01/10/2025

Episode 6 - The Power of Networks: Strengthening Jewish Day Schools with Paul Bernstein, CEO of PRIZMAH

In this episode of “Date Your Donors," host Jonah Halper interviews Paul Bernstein, CEO of Prizmah, the network for Jewish day schools and yeshivas in North America.

The conversation explores Prizmah’s role in uniting diverse Jewish educational institutions, fostering innovation, and addressing challenges such as affordability, enrollment growth, and community sustainability. Paul highlights the importance of leadership, professional development, and a collaborative network to drive excellence in Jewish education.

The episode also delves into the transformative impact of COVID-19 on perceptions of Jewish day schools, the role of lay leaders in strategic planning, and the need for sustainable philanthropic models to support long-term growth. Paul shares insights on fostering inclusivity, navigating modern challenges like social media, and preparing for the upcoming Prizmah Conference in Boston, a pivotal gathering for educators and leaders in the Jewish day school community.

Apple Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/date-your-donors-for-jewish-education/id1780886624?i=1000683458444

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/44WOS32SiRLo0NlbWmtDwi?si=-uR6TtkDQJCrn1SmZ131bA

Podcast Episode · Date Your Donors for Jewish Education · 01/10/2025 · 45m

12/27/2024

Episode 4 is out!

Celebrating 100 Years of HTC: Lessons from Rabbi Schuman and Rabbi Zisook

In this episode, host Jonah Halper sits down with Rabbi Shmuel Schuman, CEO of the Hebrew Theological College (HTC), and Rabbi Josh Zisook, Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, to discuss the institution’s centennial celebration. They reflect on HTC's remarkable journey from its founding in 1922 to its current standing as a premier educational institution under the Touro University umbrella.

Listeners will hear about HTC's historical roots in Chicago, its move to Skokie in the 1950s, and how it has successfully balanced Torah study with general education to create well-rounded Jewish leaders. The conversation dives into the importance of celebrating milestone anniversaries, not just as nostalgic events but as opportunities to honor the past, engage alumni, and propel the institution forward.

Key takeaways include:

Strategies for effective alumni engagement, such as personalized outreach, immersive experiences, and international reunions.

Insights into running dual fundraising campaigns (annual and capital) and integrating creative initiatives like the Centennial Torah campaign.

Lessons on maintaining momentum post-celebration, including improving marketing, professionalizing operations, and continuing meaningful alumni relationships.

The episode concludes with a message about the value of authentic donor relationships and how other organizations can rise to the occasion to celebrate their milestones.

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/date-your-donors-for-jewish-education/id1780886624?i=1000681837562

Spotify Podcasts:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1XztIqKgNtL5RCUXPgxwVO?si=rxUoOBtxQUil6g4-W9YFiQ

Podcast Episode · Date Your Donors for Jewish Education · 12/27/2024 · 55m

11/28/2024

EPISODE 2 of Date Your Donors Podcast:

Host Jonah Halper sits down with David Bryfman, CEO of The Jewish Education Project, to explore the evolving landscape of Jewish education and its impact on the Jewish community.

They dive into the organization’s century-long mission to empower Jewish educators, discuss the challenges of adapting to modern needs, and share insights into how Jewish education fosters stronger individuals, families, and communities.

Topics include:

- The Jewish Education Project’s history and mission, from its roots on Manhattan’s Lower East Side to its global reach today.

- How strategic investments in educators and digital resources transformed the organization during COVID-19.

- The evolving value proposition of Jewish education: creating better humans and global citizens, not just more knowledgeable Jews.

- Addressing the affordability challenge and the role of grandparents in funding Jewish education.

- The surprising resilience and success of Hebrew schools in fostering Jewish pride and connection.

- Post-COVID and post-October 7th surges in Jewish communal engagement and their implications for the future.

Tune in to uncover the keys to sustainable Jewish education and learn how meaningful partnerships, innovative approaches, and a commitment to excellence are shaping the future of Jewish life.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/date-your-donors-for-jewish-education/id1780886624?i=1000678418835

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7sdU8u7Q5QH8g6xGQuHIpC?si=q-9KXE0ESn6fBbOuRgIs9g

Podcast Episode · Date Your Donors for Jewish Education · 11/27/2024 · 50m

11/26/2024

Our first podcast just dropped!

We interviewed Rabbi Dr. Jeffrey Rothman from Yeshiva of Flatbush and a founder of the Executive Directors Share (EDS) conference for Jewish day schools. We discuss capital campaigns, relationship-driven fundraising, and thriving and dying Jewish communities.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/date-your-donors-for-jewish-education/id1780886624?i=1000677692926

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/10NP5lmvA2d5Vn4cm2WrkL

Podcast Episode · Date Your Donors for Jewish Education · 11/20/2024 · 45m

12/26/2023

I am giving my signature Date your Donors talk at ALTRUICITY's FREE webinar TODAY at 1pm EST.

Register today!
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GkorZOhDTYGnvEYddAfI0A

12/20/2023

Did you know you can learn a great deal from the Church of Latter Day Saints how to "convert" donors. Find out how at my Date your Donors talk next Tuesday, December 26th at 1pm EST.

Register today!
https://lnkd.in/dHRhDG2r