Tired of the same old fundraising that just doesn't reflect your community? Wish you could break free from the stuffy, traditional approaches and find ways to authentically connect with your donors?  In this episode, we ditch “best practices” and dove headfirst into fundraising in the queer community with Madeline Taylor, Development Manager at Out On Screen. Madeline, a passionate community builder and champion for equity, shares the strategic thinking behind their approach and how to channel the vibrant energy of your community into impactful fundraising. Out On Screen throws fundraising events true to them -  drag shows, burlesque, 20-minute land acknowledgements, storytelling, and more. Key Takeaways:Representation Matters: Building a board and staff that genuinely reflect the community you serve is crucial. It's not just about understanding fundraising – it's about understanding the lived experiences of those you aim to support.Authenticity is Everything: Out On Screen's bold fundraising approaches, from playful drag shows to introspective partnerships, showcase a deep connection to their queer community. Don't be afraid to let your organization's true values shine through in your fundraising efforts.Relationship-First Fundraising: Madeline emphasizes the importance of building lasting relationships with donors and community members, moving beyond one-time transactions and into meaningful partnerships.Room for Growth: Even with the best intentions, there's always space to improve communication and relationship management in fundraising. Acknowledging this allows for continuous learning and evolution.Values Alignment: Out On Screen carefully considers the ethics of funding sources, ensuring partnerships align with their mission and don't allow donors to simply "queer-wash" their image.Don’t forget to become a supporter of our show!Support the show