619. Hold Fast: The Heart of Generosity: Trust, Belonging, and Community - Hali Lee

We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits

How do you fund what matters when everything feels urgent—and uncertain? In this episode of our Hold Fast series, we sit down with Hali Lee—philanthropy innovator, author of The Big We, and founding partner of Radiant Strategies—for a candid conversation on funding with heart, courage, and community at the center.

Hali shares hard-earned wisdom from building collective giving movements like the Asian Women Giving Circle and Donors of Color Network, reminding us that generosity flows through relationships, not just resources. Together, we explore how nonprofits can build trust-based funding relationships, embrace smart shifts toward diversification, and create spaces of belonging that inspire action. ❤️

If you’ve been craving practical strategies and soulful encouragement for navigating power imbalances, donor shifts, and fundraising burnout—this episode is your invitation to pause, reflect, and root deeper.

You'll hear:

• Why now is the moment for individuals—and for belonging
• Building trust without losing yourself
• Small teams, smart shifts: diversifying without burning out
• Collective giving models for grassroots growth

Episode Highlights:

• The Importance of Relationships in Philanthropy (02:55)
• Navigating Urgency and Trust in Nonprofits (05:59)
• The Future of Philanthropy: Inclusivity and Collaboration (09:01)
• Collective Generosity vs Big Philanthropy (12:11)
• Connecting Through Shared Experiences (22:39)
• The Power of Community and Belonging (24:06)
• Grassroots Movement for Collective Action (26:03)
• Finding Joy in Connection (30:43)
• Empowering Individuals to Create Change (32:37)

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/619

Thank You to our Partners 🩵

Big gratitude to our ecosystem partners at DonorDock, Feathr, RKD Group, and Whiteboard. They’re not just partners—they’re walking alongside us to build something better + more inclusive.

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Chapters

1. Welcome to We Are For Good (00:00:00)

2. Holding Fast Through Uncertainty (00:06:18)

3. Individual Donors vs. Institutional Funding (00:10:59)

4. Building an Inclusive Philanthropic Future (00:16:50)

5. Diversifying Your Fundraising Base (00:24:55)

6. Creating Community Through Grassroots Giving (00:29:19)

7. Finding Joy in Meaningful Connections (00:36:07)

8. How Generosity Actually Works (00:36:48)