This episode of the Social Change Career Podcast features a thoughtful and practical conversation between Craig Zelizer and Brad Smith, founder of Rootstock Philanthropy and the Philanthropy Network. Brad's entry into fundraising was unplanned—driven by financial necessity—but evolved into a decades-long career advising institutions like MIT, the Portland Museum of Art, Suffolk University, and the Partnership on AI. In this episode, Brad shares hard-earned lessons on how to build a meaningful and sustainable career in philanthropy, even amid burnout, changing donor landscapes, and rising ethical questions. What the episode covers: • How to enter the fundraising world without prior experience • Why early-career professionals should prioritize mentorship and learning environments • Behind-the-scenes lessons from major campaigns at institutions like MIT • How to assess nonprofit culture and avoid burnout • Building authentic donor relationships grounded in ethics and gratitude • Clarifying the roles of fundraising, development, and advancement • The limits of philanthropy without systemic public policy change • How AI and tech are shaping (and challenging) the future of fundraising   Resources and links mentioned in the episode: • Rootstock Philanthropy – Brad's consultancy focused on campaign strategy, coaching, and organizational growth https://www.rootstockphilanthropy.org • The Philanthropy Network (LinkedIn Group) – A free global community of over 120,000 nonprofit and fundraising professionals https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13605390/ • The Soul of Money by Lynne Twist – A foundational book on aligning money with purpose and humanity https://soulofmoney.org/books/ • Wealth in Families by Charles Collier – A guide to values-based family giving and stewardship https://www.charlescollier.info/book • Winners Take All by Anand Giridharadas – A critique of how elite philanthropy often perpetuates inequality https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781101972670/winnerstakeall • Trust-Based Philanthropy Project – A resource hub for funders and nonprofits advancing equity and transparency https://www.trustbasedphilanthropy.org/ • AFP Global (Association of Fundraising Professionals) – The professional home for fundraisers, offering certifications, trainings, and ethical standards https://afpglobal.org/ • Philanthropy.Network – Brad's digital platform offering curated content and updates for fundraising leaders https://philanthropy.network • Philanthropy Network Academy – Online learning and cohort-based development for fundraisers and nonprofit professionals https://www.philanthropy.network/academy   About Brad Smith Brad is the founder of Rootstock Philanthropy, a global fundraising and strategy consultancy working with mission-driven organizations. He also leads the Philanthropy Network, a 120,000+ member learning community. His clients include MIT, World Horse Welfare, the Portland Museum of Art, and the Partnership on AI. Whether you're new to fundraising, considering a career shift, or leading within a nonprofit—this episode delivers candid insights and practical tools for building a career with purpose.  PCDN Resources Subscribe to the PCDN Career Digest Curated global jobs, funding, and resources for social impact careers https://pcdn.global/subscribe Listen to More Episodes Conversations with over 180 changemakers in 30+ countries https://pcdn.global/listen Subscribe to the AI for Impact Newsletter Tools, jobs, and insights at the intersection of AI and social good https://impactai.beehiiv.com

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