The Uncertainty Edge Podcast: Why Fundraising Fails Donors with John Bromley
October 13, 2026
John Bromley, founder and CEO of Charitable Impact, joined Sam Sivarajan on The Uncertainty Edge to discuss why generosity alone is not enough to sustain charitable giving, what donors need beyond fundraising, and how financial advisors can help make giving a more meaningful part of their clients’ financial lives.
“Fundraising raises money for charities, but it does not develop donors,” John argues. In his view, fundraising is valuable because it prompts people to act, but the sector relies too heavily on repeated asks and not enough on helping people become more confident, informed and self-directed in how they give.
The conversation explores what it takes to close that gap. John discusses why rushed giving experiences can leave donors disconnected, why people are more likely to stay engaged when they give to causes they genuinely care about, and how tools such as donor-advised funds can create more time and space to make thoughtful decisions. He also explains why financial advisors can play a useful role in helping clients integrate giving into their broader financial lives.
Listen to the full conversation below