What if people-powered donations are the balm for the chronic fundraising anxiety so many organizations are feeling these days? What if everyday donors could help you rely less on institutions that blow hot and cold?
That’s exactly where Vivian Chang is focused. She leads the Democratizing Philanthropy Project, partnering with front line and movement organization to build long-term, reliable small-donor support.
The kind of support that fuels your work and strengthens your community.
In this conversation, Vivian shares concrete ways to capitalize on people-powered revenue, from membership dues and merchandise to rapid-response campaigns. And she shares the tech, metrics, and mindset to make this fundraising system stick.
If you’re like me and can’t stop thinking about funding and sustainability, especially as the ground keeps shifting under nonprofits, the conversation will feel like a breath of fresh air.
TUNE IN TO LEARN:
- Why People-Powered, and Why Now: In a tough moment, thousands of people are willing to act. That’s why small gifts at scale are exactly what your organization needs to create resilient revenue and community power today.
- How to Define “Small-Dollar” (and Why It Matters): Donors sub-$1000, and even $200 and below, can often beat sizeable gifts with their consistency.
- More Than Money: More than what they can provide financially, every small donor can become a steadfast ambassador, defender, and leader for your organization — exactly what nonprofits need more of right now.
- Alignment Over Distortion: How to escape short-term metric traps so your funding structures reflect your organization’s core purpose.
- Practical Paths to Revenue: From membership dues to mission-aligned merch, we discuss how you can meet your revenue goals with creativity and speed.
- Systems that Scale: High volume can quickly become high chaos. We’ll break down simple systems you can use to keep everything on track.
KEY QUOTES:
- “[E]very single person who gives that $200 check, or $100 check, or $25 can also be an ambassador, a voter, a defender, and a leader. This is actually what we need right now, to call people in, in all their dimensions, right? We need that. We need that in these times.”
— Vivian Chang
- “[M]y provocation is for organizations to see the act of raising resources not just as survival, but as a strategy for power. Small dollar membership dues, community-rooted revenue can be an important part of how we build voice, accountability, and resilience from the ground up.”
— Vivian Chang
- “[I]f we’re going to leave behind organizations that are really strong, that are resilient, that are going to survive, frankly the next four and eight years, need to actually invest in that infrastructure….We need to start building that now.” — Vivian Chang
ABOUT GUEST:
Vivian Chang leads the Democratizing Philanthropy Project, which partners with frontline and movement organizations to build sustainable funding through long-term, reliable small-donor support. She also advises the Susan Sandler Fund, a national multi-million dollar initiative advancing racial justice by increasing the power and influence of historically marginalized communities of color.
The daughter of immigrant parents, Vivian brings a deep understanding of the structures and culture that push communities to the margins. She has dedicated her life to building progressive power that transforms those systems and empowers low-income communities of color to shape a more just world. Her advocacy has led to groundbreaking community benefits agreements and health protections for low-income immigrant workers. In philanthropy, she has directed millions to strengthen democratic infrastructure, ensuring communities have strong voices—from city halls to state capitols to the ballot box.
Vivian was named a 2023 Catalyst for Change by Community Change, profiled in Dorka Keehn’s Eco Amazons: 20 Women Who Are Transforming the World, and honored with Oakland’s Women of Greatness Award.
RESOURCES:
- Vivian Y. Chang LinkedIn
- Democratizing Philanthropy Project
- Democratizing Philanthropy Project Instagram
- Democratizing Philanthropy Project Facebook
- NPR Website
- National Day Laborer Organizing Network
- Nonprofit Leadership Lab
- Joan Garry’s Guide to Nonprofit Leadership – 2nd Edition by Joan Garry
- FREE WORKSHOP: Let’s Build the Nonprofit Board of Your Dreams!
- FREE WORKSHOP: The 5 Practices of Outstanding Nonprofit Leaders
- Music by Jukebox the Ghost
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Sponsored By DonorPerfect
DonorPerfect provides nonprofits with powerful fundraising tools to drive success. Built on a foundation of integrity and innovation, the company prioritizes its clients over investors, cultivating a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and a commitment to making a difference. Check out their resource(s) below.
Sponsored By DRG Talent Consulting Experts
DRG is a talent advisory group helping nonprofit organizations to identify, attract, and nurture innovative, diverse leadership. Our team of 40+ experts serves over 200 nonprofits a year of all sizes and in various sectors across the country. Learn more at drgtalent.com.
Check out their resource(s) below.