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Episode 128 | Fundraising 101: Mercedes M. Brown, KERA

Updated: May 17, 2023

Mercedes M. Brown, the Digital Fundraising Coordinator at KERA joins Martheya to talk about all things Fundraising. They discuss strategies for blending traditional fundraising practices and current digital techniques for individual artists and arts organizations. (37:02)




This week on DANCE BEHIND THE SCREEN PODCAST…

[0:15] Martheya says welcome back


QUESTIONS WITH THE TEAM

[1:06] Topic: Traditional vs. Digital Fundraising

  • [1:06] Martheya asks: “Can you briefly introduce yourself and share with our listeners what your career has looked like in fundraising?”

  • [2:56] Martheya asks: “Can you describe the difference between traditional fundraising and digital practices?”

  • [4:06] Martheya asks: “What are some of those components (development)?”

  • [4:55] Martheya asks: “If that is the traditional route, how does that differ when you are talking about digital fundraising?”

[7:46] Topic: Developing Your Fundraising Plan

  • [7:46] Martheya asks: “Could you walk us through step by step how an organization should set up their fundraising plane?”

  • [9:55] Martheya asks: “Can you give an example of what that (stewarding) would look like?”

  • [10:50] Martheya asks: “How would you tell them (you have something coming up)?”

  • [12:55] Martheya asks: “Are there strategies that you think work better for smaller organizations?”

  • [13:54] Martheya asks: “You have all this data, what do you do with it?”

[16:17] Topic: Asking for Donations

  • [16:17] Martheya asks: “Can you give some example of asks that worked really well?”

  • [17:37] Martheya asks: “What are some example of describing why you need the money?”

  • [20:08] Martheya asks: “What are some example of describing why you need the money?”

  • [24:37] Martheya asks: “When it comes to the festival do you recommend following up in a similar way?”

  • [25:34] Martheya asks: “Can you talk about how to ask at the event?”

[26:37] Martheya asks: “Are there other times we should be asking for support?”

Questions from kNOwBOX dance Archive

  • [28:13] Martheya asks: “Do you think social media is influencing the dance world? If so, how does it influence your work?”

  • [28:18] Martheya asks: “How do you say NO to the BOX?”


[30:59] Martheya asks:

1- If you had to recommend a resource to our audience what would it be?

[31:40] Martheya asks:

2- What was the first dance you saw?

[32:13] Martheya asks:

3- Do you think social media has a positive influence on the dance world (yes or no)?

  • No

[32:20] Martheya asks:

4- What is your favorite social media platform?

  • TikTok


Recommended Resources:


Connect with Mercedes M. Brown

Instagram: @mercedesmb9


Mercedes Brown (she/her) is an experienced nonprofit professional with a history of event management, strategic planning, and fundraising, specializing in individual philanthropy. She holds an M.A. in Visual Arts Administration from New York University, focused on arts management in nonprofit organizations. Storytelling is a key part of her work, and she strives to incorporate equitable and inclusive practices into her fundraising efforts. Mercedes has a unique ability to combine traditional fundraising practices with current digital techniques. She has extensive experience developing annual campaigns and donor communications for Dallas Theater Center and advising mid to small arts organizations. Recently, Mercedes changed gears and became the Digital Fundraising Coordinator at KERA. Additionally, she is an advisor for the Digital Marketing Certification program at Texas A&M University, Texarkana. She holds a Leadership in the Arts Certification from the Business Council of the Arts. For consultant inquiries, contact her at mercedesmbfundraising@gmail.com.

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