The Power of the Fundraising Profession

First Day Podcast

In this celebratory episode of "The First Day from the Fund Raising School," host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. welcomes Lilya Wagner, Ed.D., CFRE, a pioneer in the world of professional fundraising, as they commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Fund Raising School. Lilya reflects on her early days in the profession, particularly when she transitioned from teaching to become Vice President for Advancement. She shares anecdotes from her first courses in the 1980s, taught by industry leader Hank Rosso, and emphasizes how far the field has come in gaining professional respect, credibility, and adopting ethical practices. A significant part of the conversation focuses on the evolution of fundraising as a respected profession, both in the U.S. and globally. Lilya notes that discussions about whether fundraisers are merely technicians or professionals started decades ago and have led to the establishment of formal training and standards. She highlights how the Fund Raising School has played a key role in promoting accountability, sustainability, and transparency in the sector. Wagner's international perspective is particularly rich, as she shares her experiences teaching fundraising in over 101 countries, including former Soviet territories like Estonia, where the American fundraising model provided valuable insights. Lilya also dives into her award-winning work on diversity in philanthropy, emphasizing the importance of recognizing generosity in underrepresented communities. She notes that although different cultures may give in various ways, the core principles of successful fundraising—building relationships, making a compelling case, and stewarding donors—remain universal. She shares how groups like Hispanics in Philanthropy and African-American Foundation Executives have helped amplify the diversity of voices in the sector and stresses the need for fundraisers to respect and adapt to cultural differences. Lilya offers advice for the future of fundraising, urging professionals to stay grounded in evidence-based training and to avoid "quick fixes" in a saturated market of professional development resources. She encourages fundraisers to see themselves as leaders within their organizations, regardless of titles, by projecting professionalism and focusing on the larger impact of their work. As the Fund Raising School enters its next 50 years, the episode stands as a testament to the vital role that ethical, inclusive fundraising plays in building stronger communities worldwide.