Back to the Future: Lessons in Sustainable Giving From Those Who Have Gone Before
What if the best glimpse into the future of fundraising isn’t found in trend reports or tech forecasts, but in the story of someone who’s already lived it?
In this episode of the Sustainable Giving podcast, host Dave Raley sits down with Ken Burnett—legendary fundraiser, author of Relationship Fundraising, and one of the earliest champions of “regular giving.”
Nearly 50 years ago, Ken stood where we are now, facing questions about how to engage donors for the long haul. What followed was a movement that reshaped generosity across the UK and Europe—and offers us a powerful preview of what’s possible for the future of giving everywhere.
From ActionAid’s early embrace of monthly donations to Greenpeace’s global regular giving campaigns, Ken shares lessons from the past that point straight toward the future of sustainable generosity. It’s a fun, thought-provoking conversation filled with wisdom, wit, and practical insights for every fundraiser who wants to build something that lasts.
Key Topics They Cover:
The origins of regular giving in the UK – How ActionAid’s embrace of monthly giving in the late ‘70s turned a small startup into one of Britain’s top charities.
UK vs. North America giving culture – Why regular giving is the norm “across the pond” and what’s holding the North American sector back.
The power of direct debit (EFT) – Why it beats credit cards for retention, and how inertia can actually be a fundraiser’s best friend.
From retention to legacy – How loyalty leads to bequests, and why focusing on the donor experience is the fastest path to long-term impact.
The leadership gap – Why short-term thinking and underinvestment in fundraisers is costing the sector dearly, and how to change it.
They Also Talk About:
Stories of face-to-face street fundraising that had people lining up to give.
How to delight donors so much they never want to leave.
The surprising mental and physical health benefits of being a donor.
Why fundraising history matters, and how not to waste time “reinventing the wheel.”
Watch or Listen:
Watch this episode now by clicking the video above, or by visiting Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Key Resources:
Discover more about Ken’s work
Register for the Sustainable Giving Workshop
Pick up a copy of Dave’s book, “The Rise of Sustainable Giving”
Special thanks to our team at Sustainable Giving: Abigail, Tom, Kirsten, Grace, and Christeen.