Fundraising That Resonates: Trends, Tools & Strategies That Drive Support

Join fundraising strategist Hannah Zlotnick and GoFundMe’s Director of Policy & Engagement Emily Barson for a practical, energizing session designed for small to mid-sized AANHPI community-based organizations. We’ll explore current fundraising trends, revisit key 101 strategies, and share actionable tips for building donor support in ways that align with your mission and capacity. Emily will spotlight GoFundMe’s storytelling-driven platform—an accessible, customizable tool that helps individuals and nonprofits activate their existing communities and raise funds with low barriers and high impact, complementing existing strategies and empowering individuals within your community to become fundraising champions. Whether you're new to fundraising or looking to refresh your approach, this session will offer insights and tools to help you fund your health equity work with confidence and clarity.

Emily Barson

Director of Policy & Engagement

GoFundMe

Emily Barson serves as Director of Policy & Engagement at GoFundMe. In this role, she builds relationships with public officials, advocates, and stakeholders, shaping the external environment to allow more people to help each other. Emily has spent more than two decades on the front lines of political, governmental, and non-profit efforts, creating a reputation as someone who gets things done. Emily was the founding Executive Director of United States of Care, a non-profit organization working to ensure that everyone can access quality, affordable health care. She also served as Director of Intergovernmental and External Affairs at the Department of Health and Human Services during the Obama Administration, leading the department's work with state, local, and tribal governments and external stakeholders.

Hannah Zlotnick

Hannah Zlotnick Consulting LLC

Hannah Zlotnick (she/her) is a fundraising strategist with 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, spanning grassroots community work, national advocacy, and philanthropic compliance. Her passion for mission-driven work began as an AmeriCorps VISTA, where she supported grant writing, event planning, and volunteer engagement at a small community-based organization. Since then, she’s led foundation and corporate fundraising efforts at Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC and served as the first dedicated compliance officer at the Open Society Foundations, where she specialized in U.S. tax-exempt law and lobbying regulations.

Hannah now partners with nonprofits to build inclusive, sustainable fundraising systems that center clarity, accessibility, and community connection. She’s especially energized by helping small teams feel confident in their fundraising strategy—whether through toolkits, trainings, or hands-on support. Based in Washington, DC, she lives with her husband and energetic young son, and enjoys baking sweet treats and dodging Legos in her free time.