Welcome to We Can't Do This Alone

In this episode, Erin Stitzel hosts Frann Leppla, Executive Vice President of Philanthropy at Tampa General Hospital Foundation, and Taylor Baker, Vice President, to explore how exceptional leadership and a culture of collaboration drive remarkable fundraising results. Discover how shared credit, empowering teams, and authentic relationships transform the philanthropic landscape in healthcare. Key Discussion Points: Building a high-performing, collaborative philanthropy team — and what it really takes to get the hiring right Why Frann never pits annual giving, major gifts, and planned giving against each other — and how that fuels result The culture of shared credit and no prospect hoarding that defines TGH Foundation How gift officers are empowered to focus on what they do best, free from competing priorities What it means to get a seat at the table as a subject matter expert — not through hierarchy, but through trust Opening up board access to the entire team, not just the CDO — and why that changes everything How Frann and Taylor steward physician partners and continue to innovate in that space Connect with Erin Instagram Website LinkedIn  

Giving in America is shrinking. Fewer than half of households give at all and that number keeps falling, yet one model is growing faster than anything else in philanthropy: the giving circle. Emily Rasmussen built Grapevine to power that movement. In this episode we explore why pooling everyday gifts is the bright spot in a generosity crisis, how the model is moving billions, and what it could look like inside hospitals and health care systems that have only ever known traditional fundraising. Takeaways: What a giving circle actually is, and why so many philanthropy professionals have never heard of one even after decades in the sector The data: giving circles named the fastest growing form of philanthropy, moving more than $3 billion over five years per the Johnson Center study The generosity crisis: fewer than half of U.S. households give, and how collective giving brings new people in rather than fighting over the same shrinking pool Where the money goes: a broader diversity of givers funds a broader diversity of causes, with women and girls a top funded area in women's circles How giving circles could work inside hospitals and health care systems, with real examples already out there What Grapevine does: the all in one tool that lets a group run with no bank account, no 501c3 and no overhead, with every member getting their own tax receipt Links & Resources: Instagram Website LinkedIn  

In this episode of the We Can't Do This Alone Podcast, discover how the 100 Strong giving circle is revolutionizing charitable giving in Central Ohio by making philanthropy accessible, low-commitment, and community-driven. Learn from founders Danielle, Krista, Susie, and Mary Beth how this organization is fostering trust, connection, and impact among women of diverse backgrounds. Takeaways: How the group operates: low-cost membership, biannual meetings, and simple online giving through Grapevine The importance of transparency, trust, and community in philanthropy How this model attracts younger women and provides an accessible entry point into charitable giving Practical advice for starting your own giving circle or community-based fund Links & Resources: The 100 Strong Foundation 100 Strong Foundation Facebook !00 Strong Instagram Victoria Strauss Foundation Connect with Erin Stizel: Instagram Website LinkedIn

In this episode of We Can't Do This Alone, Erin Stitzel sits down with Tampa General Hospital leaders John Couris and Frann Lepla for a candid conversation about what it truly takes to align executive leadership and philanthropy for transformational impact. John shares his bold vision to build the safest and most innovative academic health system in the country, while Frann reflects on the foundation's remarkable growth and the strategy behind it. Together, they explore how trust, cultural alignment, and genuine partnership—not just between teams, but at the highest levels of leadership—drive meaningful results in healthcare fundraising and patient care. This episode offers a powerful look at what's possible when CEOs fully embrace philanthropy as a strategic priority and create environments where teams can thrive. Takeaways: Strong CEO and philanthropy partnerships are essential to achieving transformational healthcare outcomes. Cultural alignment and psychological safety enable teams to perform at their highest level. Treating philanthropy as a strategic priority, not an afterthought, drives long-term success. Stay Connected: Instagram Website LinkedIn

In this episode of 'We Can't Do This Alone', host Erin Stitzel engages in a heartfelt conversation with her mentor, Brenda Stier Anstine. They explore Brenda's career journey, the significance of mentorship, and the importance of being the youngest person in the room to foster continuous learning. Brenda shares invaluable advice for young professionals, insights on effective board membership, and her ongoing commitment to mentoring others. The discussion emphasizes the power of vulnerability, the necessity of respecting a mentor's time, and the importance of defining personal success. This episode serves as a reminder that mentorship is a two-way street, where both parties can learn and grow together. Takeaways: Brenda's Professional Journey & Leadership Path Explore the key experiences, decisions, and influences that shaped Brenda's remarkable career and leadership style. The Transformative Role of Mentorship Learn why mentorship matters, how it accelerates growth, and the reciprocal value of both receiving and providing guidance. The Practice of Being a Mentor and Having a Mentor Examine the discipline and intentionality behind effective mentorship, including approaches Brenda uses to build long-standing, meaningful mentor–mentee relationships. Illustrative Mentorship StoriesBrenda share's memorable examples of individuals she has mentored—including Erin—and highlight different styles or tactics she uses (e.g., weekly standing check-ins, career-shaping conversations, accountability practices). Brenda's Influence on Erin's Professional Growth Erin shares her perspective on how Brenda's mentorship has shaped her career direction, confidence, and leadership approach. Guidance for Engaging Board Members and Board Chairs in PhilanthropyLearn from Brenda's extensive board experience to explore best practices, relationship-building strategies, and actionable advice for partnering effectively with board leaders to advance philanthropy. Connect with Erin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinmstitzel/  Website: www.wecantdothisalone.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmstitzel/

In This Episode, host Erin Stitzel is joined by Dr. William "B.J." Hicks and Simon Bisson to explore how physician–philanthropy partnerships are transforming stroke care and neurosciences at OhioHealth. They dive into the power of innovative thinking, the role of donor engagement in funding cutting-edge programs like mobile stroke units, and why "time is brain" in stroke treatment. This episode highlights how aligning passion, partnership, and purpose can accelerate healthcare innovation, improve patient outcomes, and bring life-saving care directly into communities. If you're interested in healthcare philanthropy, physician engagement, neuroscience innovation, or fundraising strategy, this conversation offers actionable insights and inspiring real-world examples. Takeaways: Strong physician–philanthropy partnerships can unlock funding for innovative healthcare solutions that traditional systems may not support. Mobile stroke units demonstrate how rapid, community-based care can dramatically improve stroke outcomes and save lives. Donor engagement is most effective when fueled by passion, patient stories, and clear alignment with a healthcare system's strategic vision. Connect with Erin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinmstitzel/  Website: www.wecantdothisalone.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmstitzel/

In this episode, Erin and Debbie introduce a six-part series focused on how patient data supports healthcare philanthropy. They discuss the importance of patient data, the legal aspects of accessing it, and the relationships necessary for successful fundraising. The conversation highlights the challenges and strategies involved in navigating the healthcare system to obtain patient data for philanthropic efforts, emphasizing the need for collaboration and education within organizations.   Takeaways: Patient data is crucial for healthcare philanthropy. Philanthropy should be seen as a way to express gratitude, not exploit patients. Collaboration between departments enhances fundraising efforts. Data management is vital to ensure clean and usable information. Connect with Erin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinmstitzel/  Website: www.wecantdothisalone.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmstitzel/

In this episode of 'We Can't Do This Alone,' host Erin Stitzel discusses the vital role of nurses in healthcare philanthropy with Paige Smith and Jarrett Stull from Memorial Health System. They explore how nurses, being the primary caregivers, are uniquely positioned to connect with grateful patients and enhance fundraising efforts. The conversation highlights the evolution of philanthropy during the pandemic, the launch of a grateful patient strategy, and the importance of building a culture of philanthropy within healthcare organizations. The episode concludes with valuable advice for philanthropy leaders on partnering with nursing staff to foster a supportive environment for giving.   Takeaways: Nurses are essential in connecting with patients and philanthropy. Building a culture of philanthropy requires leadership support and engagement. Grateful patients often want to express their gratitude through giving. Effective communication is key to fostering a culture of philanthropy. Connect with Erin:  Instagram Website LinkedIn

In this episode, Erin Stitzel discusses the relationship between physicians and philanthropy, addressing common myths and misconceptions. She emphasizes the importance of understanding physicians' perspectives, the impact of burnout, and the significance of cultivating genuine partnerships rather than merely seeking donations. Through various examples and personal experiences, Erin illustrates how physicians can be valuable allies in philanthropic efforts, debunking the notion that they are too busy or unwilling to engage. The episode concludes with a call for feedback and shared experiences from listeners.   Takeaways: Working with physicians in philanthropy is rewarding and enjoyable. Burnout is a significant issue, but engaged physicians are not burnt out. HIPAA concerns are often overstated in philanthropy contexts. Referrals are not the only way physicians can contribute. Quality relationships with a few physicians can yield significant results. Connect with Erin: Instagram Website LinkedIn

In this inaugural episode of 'We Can't Do This Alone,' host Erin Stitzel shares her extensive experience in philanthropy, emphasizing the critical role of collaboration with clinical allies in healthcare fundraising. She discusses her journey from a public relations intern to a consultant at Accordion, highlighting the importance of grateful patient philanthropy and clinician engagement. Erin outlines the podcast's mission to bring together various stakeholders in philanthropy to share their stories and insights, aiming to transcend the healthcare sector and include diverse nonprofit sectors. She expresses gratitude to her supporters and the production team, setting the stage for future episodes.   Takeaways: Collaboration is essential in philanthropy. Clinicians are vital allies in fundraising.  Working with allies increases fundraising success. Future episodes will feature various nonprofit sectors. Connect with Erin: Instagram Website LinkedIn