Fundraising Beyond Transactions: Rediscovering the Logic of the Gift w/ Jason Lewis

Most fundraisers have never heard the term "gift theory." Yet it may explain many of the frustrations we experience in our work.In this conversation,  Jason Lewis and I explore a foundational question: what actually makes a gift different from a sale or a tax? Jason introduces the concept of "modes of exchange" and explains how societies have historically organized themselves around three different ways of relating: gift, market, and coercion.  We examine how modern fundraising may have borrowed too heavily from sales and bureaucratic models, and why that matters for donor retention, trust, and long-term relationships. If you have ever felt that fundraising can become transactional, pressured, or overly mechanical, this episode will help you step back and reconsider the moral architecture behind what we do.Topics we cover:               -Jason's fundraising origin story       -What gift theory is and where it comes from       -Gift mode vs sales mode vs coercive mode       -Why fundraising often feels transactional       -Whether we are using the wrong toolbox in our profession This episode sets the foundation for a deeper exploration of generosity, responsibility, and the true nature of the gift. Find Jason's Substack, The Butterfly Effect here: https://responsive.substack.com/ Looking for fundraising coaching?  Check out www.abundantvision.net