Bias in Fundraising
We will explore how unconscious biases affect donor relationships, giving patterns, and fundraising strategies. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the nonprofit sector, understanding how unspoken perceptions and beliefs impact our approach to fundraising and how our donors connect with our organizations is crucial for creating broader and more effective fundraising campaigns.
During this session, we’ll cover:
The different types of biases in fundraising (gender, racial, socioeconomic, and more)
How biases can influence donor engagement and giving behavior
Real-world examples of bias and direct experience from local fundraising leaders
Practical strategies to reduce bias and create more inclusive fundraising practices
Speakers: Stephanie Mahnke, Dion Jones and Andre Lee
Date: Wednesday, September 17th, 2025
Time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Community Foundation, 3421 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37215
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Stephanie Mahnke, PhD (she/her) -- Stephanie is the Executive Director of the Tennessee Pride Chamber of Commerce and Tennessee Pride Chamber Foundation. Prior to her role at the Pride Chamber, she served as the Director of LGBTQI Life at Vanderbilt University, and Assistant Professor of English at Utah Valley University, where her teaching and research centered around community engagement, cultural rhetorics, and queer rhetorics. Stephanie has been an executive board member of Nashville Launch Pad and the Maddox Fund, and for the last decade, has worked as an educator, researcher, and consultant for non-profits, foundations, businesses, and state boards of education in their intersectional work with indigenous, LGBTQ+, and AAPI communities.
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Andre Lee is the Executive Director of 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee, where he leads with a focus on innovation and servant leadership. With over 35 years of experience in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, he is known for driving results through collaboration and strategic leadership. He is dedicated to empowering individuals, especially youth, in personal development, career readiness, and financial wellness. Andre's career spans roles in the grocery retail industry and nonprofit sectors, including as Chief Programs Officer for INROADS, where he shaped student success across multiple continents. He is also the President and Co-Founder of CareerLIFE Corp, which helps youth secure internships, launch careers, and enhance their wellbeing. Additionally, he co-founded the Wall of Excellence in 1991, a program that has generated millions of dollars in scholarships for Tennessee State University students. A proud graduate of Tennessee State University, Andre is actively involved in community service, including on the Black Family Health Advisory Council and My Brother’s Keeper Strategic Plan Implementation Committee. He lives by the mantra, “I’m enjoying every minute of it,” and is inspired by Nelson Mandela’s words, “I never lose. I either win or learn.”Outside of work, Andre is a devoted family man, married to Althea and father to Dominique and Sydney.
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Dion Jones is the President of the NAACP Wilson County Branch. A native of Warner Robins, Georgia, he has deep family roots throughout the middle Georgia region. Growing up in a military family instilled in him a strong dedication to service, which has guided his commitment to community involvement for more than 30 years. Dion's business journey began as an FBLA student at Bradwell Institute in Hinesville, Georgia, where he participated in a work- study program at a local bank. His leadership skills were further developed through mentorship by the Eleven Black Men of Liberty County, Inc., a collective of community leaders focused on mentoring young Black males. He continued his career in banking while studying Business Management at Fort Valley State University, later joining the United States Air Force as a Financial Management Technician. During his service, he was selected as one of the youngest members of the Top Dollar Combat Readiness Team at Langley Air Force Base and actively volunteered in the local community to develop leadership skills in young men. Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Dion relocated to Colorado, where he continued working in Finance at the Air Force Academy as a civilian. Over nearly 15 years in the state, he deepened his community roots by serving with various churches and organizations. In 2016, Dion and his wife, Nicole, moved to Middle Tennessee, initially residing in Nashville and later in Lebanon. They both hold coaching and training certifications with the John Maxwell Team, along with numerous other professional credentials. Together, they own and manage Compass Leadership Solutions, a consulting firm focused on elevating organizational culture and operational excellence. They have also created a youth program designed to increase literacy, improve social-emotional learning and develop leadership skills. They are deeply committed to service and have embedded themselves in the vibrant community of Wilson County. Avid sports fans, they enjoy traveling to support their favorite teams. While they do not have children, family plays a central role in their lives, with numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren, and extended family members ensuring that there is never a dull moment. Together, they look forward to building and growing in Wilson County for years to come.
