<![CDATA[The Focused Fundraiser]]>https://www.donordock.com/the-focused-fundraiserRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Mon, 02 Nov 2026 17:28:47 GMTWed, 19 Nov 2025 19:25:38 GMT60Donor DockWhat if doing less made you a better fundraiser? Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser — the podcast for nonprofit leaders who are tired of the chaos and ready to prioritize what actually drives impact. Hosted by Rob Burke, each episode features honest conversations with fundraisers in the trenches who are cutting through the noise, saying no to the never-ending to-do list, and focusing on what matters most. We cover: ✔️ Fundraising strategy that doesn’t burn you out ✔️ High-touch stewardship that builds real relationships ✔️ Personal productivity and leadership in nonprofit life ✔️ Systems that help you work smarter, not harder If you’re ready to drop the “do more” mindset and lead with clarity, focus, and purpose — you’re in the right place. Live every Tuesday at 11am CT. episodicDonor Dockmatt@donordock.comno<![CDATA[Your Fundraising Problem could be a Bookkeeping Problem | Germeen Guillaume]]>Most fundraisers treat the finance office like the department down the hall. Germeen Guillaume wants to tear down that wall, because your books can win you gifts or cost you them.

Germeen spent years doing audits in public accounting and banking before founding Visionary Accounting Group, a firm that works only with nonprofits on accounting, grant management, and audit prep. Her firm has recouped more than $2.8 million in receivables for its clients, much of it grant reimbursements that organizations were owed but weren't tracking.

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke talks with Germeen about what nonprofit bookkeeping has to do with raising money. She explains what the books reveal about whether your fundraising is working, how to handle a restricted gift so you can prove where every dollar went, and what a good monthly reconciliation between your donor database and your accounting system looks like. She also covers what to say when a major donor asks about overhead or reserves, what grant program officers actually check in your financials, and how a growing nonprofit should decide between a bookkeeper, a controller, and a CFO.

If you've ever been asked what last year's fundraising event actually netted and had to go digging for the answer, this one's for you.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Cold open: no CFO can fix bad bookkeeping

00:19 - Welcome: how your books win gifts or cost you them

01:02 - From audit work to an accounting firm just for nonprofits

02:25 - What your books reveal about whether fundraising is working

04:08 - Handling a restricted gift so you can prove where it went

05:38 - Garbage in, garbage out: why cleanup comes first

06:45 - Monthly reconciliation between your donor database and accounting system

10:00 - How clean books help you raise more and win grants

12:13 - What to tell a major donor who asks about overhead or reserves

15:21 - What grant program officers check in your financials

18:22 - Diversify your funding before one source goes away

19:33 - Bookkeeper, controller, or CFO: what finance help you need

21:23 - Tactical takeaway: track every campaign in your books

22:24 - Accounting as a trust-building tool, and how to connect with Germeen

CONNECT WITH GERMEEN

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/germeen-guillaume/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4mbs2tBlk7WBoVCAH8T8uQ

ABOUT THE FOCUSED FUNDRAISER

Hosted by Rob Burke, CMO at DonorDock. Seasoned fundraisers share hard-earned wisdom on what moves the mission forward, because doing more doesn't lead to success. Focusing on what matters most does.

Learn how DonorDock helps you find clarity, keep clean donor data that syncs directly into QuickBooks, and forecast your fundraising: https://www.donordock.com

]]>c3aae3c7-ef36-4707-b44c-127c12137551Tue, 20 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT<p>Most fundraisers treat the finance office like the department down the hall. Germeen Guillaume wants to tear down that wall, because your books can win you gifts or cost you them.</p><p>Germeen spent years doing audits in public accounting and banking before founding Visionary Accounting Group, a firm that works only with nonprofits on accounting, grant management, and audit prep. Her firm has recouped more than $2.8 million in receivables for its clients, much of it grant reimbursements that organizations were owed but weren't tracking.</p><p>In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke talks with Germeen about what nonprofit bookkeeping has to do with raising money. She explains what the books reveal about whether your fundraising is working, how to handle a restricted gift so you can prove where every dollar went, and what a good monthly reconciliation between your donor database and your accounting system looks like. She also covers what to say when a major donor asks about overhead or reserves, what grant program officers actually check in your financials, and how a growing nonprofit should decide between a bookkeeper, a controller, and a CFO.</p><p>If you've ever been asked what last year's fundraising event actually netted and had to go digging for the answer, this one's for you.</p><p>CHAPTERS</p><p>00:00 - Cold open: no CFO can fix bad bookkeeping</p><p>00:19 - Welcome: how your books win gifts or cost you them</p><p>01:02 - From audit work to an accounting firm just for nonprofits</p><p>02:25 - What your books reveal about whether fundraising is working</p><p>04:08 - Handling a restricted gift so you can prove where it went</p><p>05:38 - Garbage in, garbage out: why cleanup comes first</p><p>06:45 - Monthly reconciliation between your donor database and accounting system</p><p>10:00 - How clean books help you raise more and win grants</p><p>12:13 - What to tell a major donor who asks about overhead or reserves</p><p>15:21 - What grant program officers check in your financials</p><p>18:22 - Diversify your funding before one source goes away</p><p>19:33 - Bookkeeper, controller, or CFO: what finance help you need</p><p>21:23 - Tactical takeaway: track every campaign in your books</p><p>22:24 - Accounting as a trust-building tool, and how to connect with Germeen</p><p>CONNECT WITH GERMEEN</p><p>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/germeen-guillaume/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/germeen-guillaume/</a></p><p>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4mbs2tBlk7WBoVCAH8T8uQ" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4mbs2tBlk7WBoVCAH8T8uQ</a></p><p>ABOUT THE FOCUSED FUNDRAISER</p><p>Hosted by Rob Burke, CMO at DonorDock. Seasoned fundraisers share hard-earned wisdom on what moves the mission forward, because doing more doesn't lead to success. Focusing on what matters most does.</p><p>Learn how DonorDock helps you find clarity, keep clean donor data that syncs directly into QuickBooks, and forecast your fundraising: <a href="https://www.donordock.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://www.donordock.com</a></p>no00:23:16239Your Fundraising Problem could be a Bookkeeping Problem | Germeen Guillaumefull<![CDATA[72 Teens Paid to Paint, Zero Tuition: Fundraising Alongside Earned Revenue | Laura Wetter]]>When your nonprofit earns revenue, some donors assume the sales cover everything. Laura Wetter, Development Director at Urban ArtWorks in Seattle, answers that by being specific about who pays for what.

Urban ArtWorks gets paid to paint commissioned murals, and that money supports the artists and staff. Foundations and individual donors fund the youth programs, which are free and pay teens a stipend to take part. Last year, 172 teens completed the mural apprentice programs, and every one of them earned $500.

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke talks with Laura about fundraising alongside earned revenue. She shares how Urban ArtWorks tells the story of outcomes donors can't see on a finished wall, like confidence, leadership, and job readiness. She also walks through the four storytelling threads she leans on when arts funding is scarce, how her team treats corporate team-building days and mural commissions as the start of longer partnerships, and the biggest shift she made moving from grant writing to individual giving.

If your nonprofit earns revenue and raises gifts, or you're thinking about adding an earned revenue stream, this one's for you.

Laura joined the nonprofit sector in 2007 as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Chicago. Before Urban ArtWorks, she raised money for economic development work ranging from business lending and local food and farming to neighborhood development on Chicago's West Side.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Cold open: who actually funds the youth programs

00:45 - Welcome: fundraising when your nonprofit also sells its work

01:38 - From AmeriCorps VISTA in Chicago to Urban ArtWorks in Seattle

02:43 - Writing: the skill that carried across every mission

03:54 - Growing individual giving, and pausing the event to rethink it

05:04 - Earned revenue vs. donations: what commissions pay for and what gifts fund

07:10 - Raising money for outcomes donors can't see

09:20 - Four storytelling threads for when arts funding is scarce

12:09 - Turning team-building days and mural clients into recurring partners

13:54 - From grant writer to individual giving: the biggest mindset shift

15:30 - Keeping relationships at the top of a crowded to-do list

16:59 - Tactical takeaway: be grateful for your team

17:37 - How to connect with Laura

CONNECT WITH LAURA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-wetter-0691284/

Urban ArtWorks: https://urbanartworks.org

ABOUT THE FOCUSED FUNDRAISER

Hosted by Rob Burke, CMO at DonorDock. Seasoned fundraisers share hard-earned wisdom on what moves the mission forward, because doing more doesn't lead to success. Focusing on what matters most does.

Learn how DonorDock helps you find clarity and build strong donor relationships through Smart Stewardship: https://www.donordock.com

]]>72d82fb5-dade-4caa-a57b-52148d22fc9bTue, 06 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>When your nonprofit earns revenue, some donors assume the sales cover everything. Laura Wetter, Development Director at Urban ArtWorks in Seattle, answers that by being specific about who pays for what.</p><p>Urban ArtWorks gets paid to paint commissioned murals, and that money supports the artists and staff. Foundations and individual donors fund the youth programs, which are free and pay teens a stipend to take part. Last year, 172 teens completed the mural apprentice programs, and every one of them earned $500.</p><p>In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke talks with Laura about fundraising alongside earned revenue. She shares how Urban ArtWorks tells the story of outcomes donors can't see on a finished wall, like confidence, leadership, and job readiness. She also walks through the four storytelling threads she leans on when arts funding is scarce, how her team treats corporate team-building days and mural commissions as the start of longer partnerships, and the biggest shift she made moving from grant writing to individual giving.</p><p>If your nonprofit earns revenue and raises gifts, or you're thinking about adding an earned revenue stream, this one's for you.</p><p>Laura joined the nonprofit sector in 2007 as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Chicago. Before Urban ArtWorks, she raised money for economic development work ranging from business lending and local food and farming to neighborhood development on Chicago's West Side.</p><p>CHAPTERS</p><p>00:00 - Cold open: who actually funds the youth programs</p><p>00:45 - Welcome: fundraising when your nonprofit also sells its work</p><p>01:38 - From AmeriCorps VISTA in Chicago to Urban ArtWorks in Seattle</p><p>02:43 - Writing: the skill that carried across every mission</p><p>03:54 - Growing individual giving, and pausing the event to rethink it</p><p>05:04 - Earned revenue vs. donations: what commissions pay for and what gifts fund</p><p>07:10 - Raising money for outcomes donors can't see</p><p>09:20 - Four storytelling threads for when arts funding is scarce</p><p>12:09 - Turning team-building days and mural clients into recurring partners</p><p>13:54 - From grant writer to individual giving: the biggest mindset shift</p><p>15:30 - Keeping relationships at the top of a crowded to-do list</p><p>16:59 - Tactical takeaway: be grateful for your team</p><p>17:37 - How to connect with Laura</p><p>CONNECT WITH LAURA</p><p>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-wetter-0691284/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-wetter-0691284/</a></p><p>Urban ArtWorks: <a href="https://urbanartworks.org" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://urbanartworks.org</a></p><p>ABOUT THE FOCUSED FUNDRAISER</p><p>Hosted by Rob Burke, CMO at DonorDock. Seasoned fundraisers share hard-earned wisdom on what moves the mission forward, because doing more doesn't lead to success. Focusing on what matters most does.</p><p>Learn how DonorDock helps you find clarity and build strong donor relationships through Smart Stewardship: <a href="https://www.donordock.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://www.donordock.com</a></p>no00:18:1923872 Teens Paid to Paint, Zero Tuition: Fundraising Alongside Earned Revenue | Laura Wetterfull<![CDATA[Mission Drift vs. Mission Evolution: How Nonprofits Lose Their Way | Sharmon Lebby]]>Most nonprofits chase funding before they've built anything strong enough to hold it. Sharmon Lebby has spent two decades watching mission-driven organizations either build infrastructure or run on passion until it breaks down, and she's done both herself.

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Sharmon shares the story of applying for a multimillion-dollar federal grant when her organization's budget was about $5,000, and why her board saying no was the best thing that happened to her. She explains why strategy, systems, and storytelling have to come before fundraising, how a Grand Forks nonprofit thrives on less than $100K a year because of the community it built, and what real collaboration looks like when two organizations want the same money. We close on mission drift: where it starts, how to tell it apart from healthy mission evolution, and the one diagnostic question every fundraiser should ask.

Sharmon Lebby is the founder of Blessed Designs Consulting and Board President of Intersectional Environmentalist. Her book, Rippled Impact, is on its way to the editor.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introducing Sharmon Lebby

00:48 - Growing up in service and founding a nonprofit from scratch

02:07 - The multimillion-dollar grant mistake on a $5,000 budget

03:51 - Focus: build slow, build solid

04:50 - Strategy, systems, and storytelling before funding

06:00 - The Grand Forks nonprofit thriving on under $100K

08:17 - What an ethical clothing brand taught her about donors

10:59 - Collaboration over competition when money is on the table

13:30 - A partnership that worked: five founders, one community

15:33 - Where mission drift starts

17:38 - Mission drift vs. mission evolution

19:19 - Tactical takeaway: sit down with 3 to 5 community members

20:27 - Connect with Sharmon and her upcoming book, Rippled Impact

CONNECT WITH SHARMON

Website and free resources (including the Purpose Drift Diagnostic): https://www.blesseddesignsco.com/friends

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharmon-lebby/

Intersectional Environmentalist: https://intersectionalenvironmentalist.com

ABOUT THE FOCUSED FUNDRAISER

Hosted by Rob Burke, CMO at DonorDock. Seasoned fundraisers share hard-earned wisdom on what moves the mission forward, because doing more doesn't lead to success. Focusing on what matters most does.

DonorDock helps small nonprofits find clarity and build strong donor relationships through smart stewardship. Learn more at https://www.donordock.com

]]>43f370ec-765a-46b6-adf0-e1a95ef98438Tue, 22 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>Most nonprofits chase funding before they've built anything strong enough to hold it. Sharmon Lebby has spent two decades watching mission-driven organizations either build infrastructure or run on passion until it breaks down, and she's done both herself.</p><p>In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Sharmon shares the story of applying for a multimillion-dollar federal grant when her organization's budget was about $5,000, and why her board saying no was the best thing that happened to her. She explains why strategy, systems, and storytelling have to come before fundraising, how a Grand Forks nonprofit thrives on less than $100K a year because of the community it built, and what real collaboration looks like when two organizations want the same money. We close on mission drift: where it starts, how to tell it apart from healthy mission evolution, and the one diagnostic question every fundraiser should ask.</p><p>Sharmon Lebby is the founder of Blessed Designs Consulting and Board President of Intersectional Environmentalist. Her book, Rippled Impact, is on its way to the editor.</p><p>CHAPTERS</p><p>00:00 - Introducing Sharmon Lebby</p><p>00:48 - Growing up in service and founding a nonprofit from scratch</p><p>02:07 - The multimillion-dollar grant mistake on a $5,000 budget</p><p>03:51 - Focus: build slow, build solid</p><p>04:50 - Strategy, systems, and storytelling before funding</p><p>06:00 - The Grand Forks nonprofit thriving on under $100K</p><p>08:17 - What an ethical clothing brand taught her about donors</p><p>10:59 - Collaboration over competition when money is on the table</p><p>13:30 - A partnership that worked: five founders, one community</p><p>15:33 - Where mission drift starts</p><p>17:38 - Mission drift vs. mission evolution</p><p>19:19 - Tactical takeaway: sit down with 3 to 5 community members</p><p>20:27 - Connect with Sharmon and her upcoming book, Rippled Impact</p><p>CONNECT WITH SHARMON</p><p>Website and free resources (including the Purpose Drift Diagnostic): <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.blesseddesignsco.com/friends" target="_blank">https://www.blesseddesignsco.com/friends</a></p><p>LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharmon-lebby/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharmon-lebby/</a></p><p>Intersectional Environmentalist: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://intersectionalenvironmentalist.com" target="_blank">https://intersectionalenvironmentalist.com</a></p><p>ABOUT THE FOCUSED FUNDRAISER</p><p>Hosted by Rob Burke, CMO at DonorDock. Seasoned fundraisers share hard-earned wisdom on what moves the mission forward, because doing more doesn't lead to success. Focusing on what matters most does.</p><p>DonorDock helps small nonprofits find clarity and build strong donor relationships through smart stewardship. Learn more at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.donordock.com" target="_blank">https://www.donordock.com</a></p>no00:21:28237Mission Drift vs. Mission Evolution: How Nonprofits Lose Their Way | Sharmon Lebbyfull<![CDATA[The $50K Gift Hiding in Your Donor Database: Legacy Giving Done Right | Tess Conrad]]>Your most loyal $100-a-year donor might be sitting on a $3 million house and a $50,000 legacy gift your nonprofit will never see if you keep saying "planned giving."

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke sits down with Tess Conrad, who builds planned giving programs for charities across the US and Canada. Tess explains why the term "planned giving" confuses donors (and fundraisers), how to open a legacy conversation without making it transactional, and why financial advisors are quietly out-fundraising the nonprofit sector by steering charitable dollars into donor-advised funds.

You'll learn the "brochure pass" technique for gauging donor interest, how to run a legacy giving survey that gets donors to raise their hands, and the research-backed stat every skeptical board needs to hear: donors who add a charity to their will increase their annual giving by 77% on average (Dr. Russell James).

What you'll learn:

  • Why "planned giving" is jargon and the plain language that works instead (gift in your will, gift from an IRA, gifts of stock, DAFs)
  • The brochure pass: a low-pressure way to open legacy conversations
  • How to find legacy "hand raisers" with checkboxes and a donor survey
  • Making the case for legacy giving to a skeptical ED or board (average estate gift: $50,000)
  • Why loyalty — not gift size — is the #1 predictor of a gift in a will
  • The DAF debate: how financial advisors see the whole financial picture while fundraisers see one gift
  • Tactical takeaway: write a clear "why" message (case for support) for legacy gifts

Chapters:

00:00 - Cold open: "Planned giving" is jargon

00:40 - Welcome and meet Tess Conrad, CFRE

01:25 - From theater degree to face-to-face canvassing to planned giving

02:16 - The language swap: what to say instead of "planned giving"

04:05 - Opening the legacy conversation without being transactional

04:31 - The brochure pass technique

06:16 - Finding hand raisers: checkboxes and legacy giving surveys

07:35 - Making the case to a skeptical board or Executive Director

09:39 - The 77% stat: legacy donors give MORE annually (Dr. Russell James)

10:54 - Why financial advisors are out-fundraising the nonprofit sector

13:05 - The DAF debate: deferred dollars vs. today's needs

15:37 - Loyal small donors: your best legacy prospects

17:17 - Tactical takeaway: write your legacy giving "why" message

18:33 - How to connect with Tess

Connect with Tess Conrad:

About The Focused Fundraiser: Rob Burke sits down with seasoned fundraisers to unpack their hard-earned wisdom on what moves a mission forward. Because doing more doesn't lead to success — focusing on what matters most does.

Curious how DonorDock can help you build donor retention through smart stewardship? Visit https://www.donordock.com

]]>6ba35de8-17f9-49e6-bbd9-d9cfa4760a6aTue, 15 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>Your most loyal $100-a-year donor might be sitting on a $3 million house and a $50,000 legacy gift your nonprofit will never see if you keep saying "planned giving."</p><p>In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke sits down with Tess Conrad, who builds planned giving programs for charities across the US and Canada. Tess explains why the term "planned giving" confuses donors (and fundraisers), how to open a legacy conversation without making it transactional, and why financial advisors are quietly out-fundraising the nonprofit sector by steering charitable dollars into donor-advised funds.</p><p>You'll learn the "brochure pass" technique for gauging donor interest, how to run a legacy giving survey that gets donors to raise their hands, and the research-backed stat every skeptical board needs to hear: donors who add a charity to their will increase their annual giving by 77% on average (Dr. Russell James).</p><p><b>What you'll learn:</b></p><ul><li>Why "planned giving" is jargon and the plain language that works instead (gift in your will, gift from an IRA, gifts of stock, DAFs)</li><li>The brochure pass: a low-pressure way to open legacy conversations</li><li>How to find legacy "hand raisers" with checkboxes and a donor survey</li><li>Making the case for legacy giving to a skeptical ED or board (average estate gift: $50,000)</li><li>Why loyalty — not gift size — is the #1 predictor of a gift in a will</li><li>The DAF debate: how financial advisors see the whole financial picture while fundraisers see one gift</li><li>Tactical takeaway: write a clear "why" message (case for support) for legacy gifts</li></ul><p><b>Chapters:</b> </p><p>00:00 - Cold open: "Planned giving" is jargon </p><p>00:40 - Welcome and meet Tess Conrad, CFRE </p><p>01:25 - From theater degree to face-to-face canvassing to planned giving </p><p>02:16 - The language swap: what to say instead of "planned giving" </p><p>04:05 - Opening the legacy conversation without being transactional </p><p>04:31 - The brochure pass technique </p><p>06:16 - Finding hand raisers: checkboxes and legacy giving surveys </p><p>07:35 - Making the case to a skeptical board or Executive Director </p><p>09:39 - The 77% stat: legacy donors give MORE annually (Dr. Russell James) </p><p>10:54 - Why financial advisors are out-fundraising the nonprofit sector </p><p>13:05 - The DAF debate: deferred dollars vs. today's needs </p><p>15:37 - Loyal small donors: your best legacy prospects </p><p>17:17 - Tactical takeaway: write your legacy giving "why" message </p><p>18:33 - How to connect with Tess</p><p><b>Connect with Tess Conrad:</b></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tess-conrad-cfre/" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></li><li>Blog post: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.fullpotentialfundraising.com/blog/how-to-write-a-planned-giving-case-for-support" target="_blank">How to write a legacy giving case for support</a></li></ul><p><b>About The Focused Fundraiser:</b> Rob Burke sits down with seasoned fundraisers to unpack their hard-earned wisdom on what moves a mission forward. Because doing more doesn't lead to success — focusing on what matters most does.</p><p>Curious how DonorDock can help you build donor retention through smart stewardship? Visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.donordock.com" target="_blank">https://www.donordock.com</a></p>no00:19:06236The $50K Gift Hiding in Your Donor Database: Legacy Giving Done Right | Tess Conradfull<![CDATA[Board Report Cards: How JA Activates 68 Board Members | Laurie Sallarulo]]>A board of 68. A staff of 50. 70,000 students a year. Most organizations would call that unmanageable — Laurie Sallarulo turned it into a fundraising engine.

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke talks with Laurie, President & CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida, about how she runs something big without letting it get slow. When she arrived almost twelve years ago, her first instinct was to cut the board in half. Instead she assigned every board member a relationship manager, wrote down exactly what "board member" means, and started sending quarterly report cards. Board members now notice when something's missing from theirs.

Laurie also gets into the four criteria she screens every board prospect against (including the one she calls "no jerks"), why she stopped tracking dollars in her weekly development meetings and started tracking meetings and asks instead, and how JA converts 5,000 annual volunteers into donors with a $10-a-month campaign and a QR code on every wall.

Plus: what to put in front of a donor when your program's real outcome is ten years out.

If your board is polite but passive, or your volunteer program has never produced a gift, this one's for you.

CHAPTERS

01:21 - From Brooklyn to banking to advertising to the nonprofit sector

02:36 - Which corporate habits transferred, and which didn't

02:52 - Running a nonprofit is running a business

04:27 - Why she didn't cut a 50-person board in half

05:03 - Giving every board member a relationship manager

06:00 - Getting clear on the give/get, the personal gift, and introductions

06:30 - Quarterly report cards — and why board members read them

07:00 - The overnight retreat that changed board relationships

07:20 - Four criteria for every board seat (including "no jerks")

08:05 - Welcomed vs. belonging: stewarding board members like donors

08:35 - Unreasonable Hospitality, The Power of Moments, and stewardship plans for everyone

10:25 - Mobilizing 5,000 volunteers a year through the school district

10:51 - Where volunteer-to-donor conversion stalls out

11:22 - It works both ways: 89% donor retention starts with engagement

12:15 - One Future: $10 a month, QR codes, and the end-of-day ask

12:50 - Turning employer partners and paid internships into gifts

13:46 - What development directors should expect from their chief executive

14:16 - Alignment: CEO, COO, and CFO leading development together

15:20 - Clarity on goals — and on the behaviors that get you there

15:45 - Tracking meetings, proposals, and asks instead of dollars

17:04 - Proving impact when the outcome is ten years away

17:30 - Fifth grade, eighth grade, high school: telling the full-spectrum story

18:10 - College grads who can tell their JA BizTown story

18:40 - Pre-apprenticeship: 100 students, $4 million in economic impact

19:16 - Tactical takeaway: ask everyone you know who else you should meet

20:13 - How to connect with Laurie and JA South Florida

RESOURCES MENTIONED

  • Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
  • The Power of Moments by Chip Heath & Dan Heath

LINKS

]]>51a79e37-ee7e-43d6-aed7-5e6a22c7c050Tue, 08 Sep 2026 13:15:00 GMT<p>A board of 68. A staff of 50. 70,000 students a year. Most organizations would call that unmanageable — Laurie Sallarulo turned it into a fundraising engine.</p><p>In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke talks with Laurie, President &amp; CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida, about how she runs something big without letting it get slow. When she arrived almost twelve years ago, her first instinct was to cut the board in half. Instead she assigned every board member a relationship manager, wrote down exactly what "board member" means, and started sending quarterly report cards. Board members now notice when something's missing from theirs.</p><p>Laurie also gets into the four criteria she screens every board prospect against (including the one she calls "no jerks"), why she stopped tracking dollars in her weekly development meetings and started tracking meetings and asks instead, and how JA converts 5,000 annual volunteers into donors with a $10-a-month campaign and a QR code on every wall.</p><p>Plus: what to put in front of a donor when your program's real outcome is ten years out.</p><p>If your board is polite but passive, or your volunteer program has never produced a gift, this one's for you.</p><p><b>CHAPTERS</b> </p><p>01:21 - From Brooklyn to banking to advertising to the nonprofit sector </p><p>02:36 - Which corporate habits transferred, and which didn't </p><p>02:52 - Running a nonprofit is running a business </p><p>04:27 - Why she didn't cut a 50-person board in half </p><p>05:03 - Giving every board member a relationship manager </p><p>06:00 - Getting clear on the give/get, the personal gift, and introductions </p><p>06:30 - Quarterly report cards — and why board members read them </p><p>07:00 - The overnight retreat that changed board relationships </p><p>07:20 - Four criteria for every board seat (including "no jerks") </p><p>08:05 - Welcomed vs. belonging: stewarding board members like donors </p><p>08:35 - Unreasonable Hospitality, The Power of Moments, and stewardship plans for everyone </p><p>10:25 - Mobilizing 5,000 volunteers a year through the school district </p><p>10:51 - Where volunteer-to-donor conversion stalls out </p><p>11:22 - It works both ways: 89% donor retention starts with engagement </p><p>12:15 - One Future: $10 a month, QR codes, and the end-of-day ask </p><p>12:50 - Turning employer partners and paid internships into gifts </p><p>13:46 - What development directors should expect from their chief executive </p><p>14:16 - Alignment: CEO, COO, and CFO leading development together </p><p>15:20 - Clarity on goals — and on the behaviors that get you there </p><p>15:45 - Tracking meetings, proposals, and asks instead of dollars </p><p>17:04 - Proving impact when the outcome is ten years away </p><p>17:30 - Fifth grade, eighth grade, high school: telling the full-spectrum story </p><p>18:10 - College grads who can tell their JA BizTown story </p><p>18:40 - Pre-apprenticeship: 100 students, $4 million in economic impact </p><p>19:16 - Tactical takeaway: ask everyone you know who else you should meet </p><p>20:13 - How to connect with Laurie and JA South Florida</p><p></p><p><b>RESOURCES MENTIONED</b></p><ul><li><i>Unreasonable Hospitality</i> by Will Guidara</li><li><i>The Power of Moments</i> by Chip Heath &amp; Dan Heath</li></ul><p><b>LINKS</b></p><ul><li>Junior Achievement of South Florida: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://jasouthflorida.org" target="_blank">https://jasouthflorida.org</a></li><li>Connect with Laurie on LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ljsallarulo/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/ljsallarulo/</a></li><li>Learn how DonorDock helps you find clarity and build retention: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://donordock.com" target="_blank">https://donordock.com</a></li></ul>no00:21:02235Board Report Cards: How JA Activates 68 Board Members | Laurie Sallarulofull<![CDATA[Your Strategy Problem Is Probably a Trust Problem | Austin Satrom]]>Best systems, wrong person? You fail. Best person, terrible systems? You still fail. Austin Satrom has spent his career sitting with leadership teams and boards that have hit a ceiling, and he's found the distinction between the two is where most nonprofits get stuck.

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke talks with Austin — founder of Breakthrough Advising and a certified System & Soul coach — about what it actually takes to stop running your organization on heroics. They get into carving out time to work on the organization instead of in it, building an org chart that starts with the what instead of the who, the CEO/board chair covenant Austin puts on paper, and how to run a weekly meeting that produces decisions instead of another meeting.

Then Austin makes the case that the strategic plan collecting dust on your shelf is one of the most underused fundraising tools you own.

If your board meetings feel busy but never decide anything, or your growth has outrun the systems meant to support it, this one's for you.

CHAPTERS 00:00 - Best systems, wrong person: why both have to be right

00:11 - Welcome: why good people in good orgs still spin their wheels

01:02 - Falling into the nonprofit world from ministry and corporate

02:24 - Running on heroics: what to install and what to cancel

02:57 - Working ON the organization instead of in it

05:11 - When revenue and impact outgrow your systems

05:48 - The org chart that starts with the what, not the who

09:16 - The CEO and board chair covenant

09:45 - What goes in it, and why both parties sign

12:12 - What separates a meeting that decides from one that doesn't

12:35 - The weekly sync: start on time, end on time

13:30 - The scoreboard: five metrics, no rabbit trails

15:00 - Prioritize the issues list instead of ticking down it

17:20 - EOS, Traction, and structure for the nonprofit sector

17:38 - Strategy problem or trust problem?

18:10 - Micromanaging, delegation, and the leader's honest question

21:04 - Tactical takeaway: pull your strategic plan off the shelf

21:30 - Using the plan to shape donor stories and show stewardship

23:29 - How to connect with Austin + wrap up

LINKS

]]>a06d78ef-abab-4354-9737-9543177cbc64Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:15:00 GMT<p>Best systems, wrong person? You fail. Best person, terrible systems? You still fail. Austin Satrom has spent his career sitting with leadership teams and boards that have hit a ceiling, and he's found the distinction between the two is where most nonprofits get stuck.</p><p>In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke talks with Austin — founder of Breakthrough Advising and a certified System &amp; Soul coach — about what it actually takes to stop running your organization on heroics. They get into carving out time to work on the organization instead of in it, building an org chart that starts with the what instead of the who, the CEO/board chair covenant Austin puts on paper, and how to run a weekly meeting that produces decisions instead of another meeting.</p><p>Then Austin makes the case that the strategic plan collecting dust on your shelf is one of the most underused fundraising tools you own.</p><p>If your board meetings feel busy but never decide anything, or your growth has outrun the systems meant to support it, this one's for you.</p><p><b>CHAPTERS</b> 00:00 - Best systems, wrong person: why both have to be right </p><p>00:11 - Welcome: why good people in good orgs still spin their wheels </p><p>01:02 - Falling into the nonprofit world from ministry and corporate </p><p>02:24 - Running on heroics: what to install and what to cancel </p><p>02:57 - Working ON the organization instead of in it </p><p>05:11 - When revenue and impact outgrow your systems </p><p>05:48 - The org chart that starts with the what, not the who </p><p>09:16 - The CEO and board chair covenant </p><p>09:45 - What goes in it, and why both parties sign </p><p>12:12 - What separates a meeting that decides from one that doesn't </p><p>12:35 - The weekly sync: start on time, end on time </p><p>13:30 - The scoreboard: five metrics, no rabbit trails </p><p>15:00 - Prioritize the issues list instead of ticking down it </p><p>17:20 - EOS, Traction, and structure for the nonprofit sector </p><p>17:38 - Strategy problem or trust problem? </p><p>18:10 - Micromanaging, delegation, and the leader's honest question </p><p>21:04 - Tactical takeaway: pull your strategic plan off the shelf </p><p>21:30 - Using the plan to shape donor stories and show stewardship </p><p>23:29 - How to connect with Austin + wrap up</p><p></p><p><b>LINKS</b></p><ul><li>Breakthrough Advising: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.breakthroughadvising.com" target="_blank">https://www.breakthroughadvising.com</a></li><li>Connect with Austin on LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-satrom-5ba02377" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-satrom-5ba02377</a></li><li>Email Austin: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:austin@breakthroughadvising.com" target="_blank">austin@breakthroughadvising.com</a></li><li>Learn how DonorDock helps you find clarity and build retention through Smart Stewardship: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://donordock.com" target="_blank">https://donordock.com</a></li></ul>no00:24:25234Your Strategy Problem Is Probably a Trust Problem | Austin Satromfull<![CDATA[The Donor Data Hiding in Your Database (And How to Use It) | Colleen Mitchell ]]>Colleen Mitchell talks about generosity in three different rooms. She runs annual giving at MidAmerica Nazarene University, pastors youth and families at her church, and teaches freshmen the rest of the week. Her takeaway from all three: relationship doesn't change just because the room does.

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke talks with Colleen about what she learned from the admin seat in an advancement office, the historical donor data sitting unused in most databases, and why the $5-a-month recurring donor is her favorite person to work with. She also breaks down Champions Challenge, MNU's athletics crowdfunding campaign that invites people to invest in what's already working instead of leading with scarcity and urgency.

If you run the annual fund, wear more than one hat, or feel like the need never ends, Colleen's answer to burnout is simpler than you'd expect: go say thank you.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Relationship doesn't change when the room changes

00:24 - Welcome: one fundraiser, three different rooms

01:07 - The accidental path into fundraising

02:47 - What the admin seat taught her about the whole shop

03:54 - Becoming the bridge: asking "why do we do it this way?"

05:10 - The donor data you already have and aren't looking at

05:53 - Quick wins, and the limits of constituency codes

07:00 - What actually changed about how they use their data

07:38 - The database admin who typed in 35 years of yearbooks

08:53 - Where they still struggle: donor contact info

09:31 - Stewardship packets and matching student stories to donors

10:51 - What preaching and teaching taught her about donors

11:54 - Making the case for annual giving

12:56 - The quiet cohort: $5 to $25 every paycheck

13:47 - "I get the rest": the overwhelm and the upside

15:56 - How to spot a donor who's ready for the next step

17:08 - Champions Challenge: leading with gain instead of gap

18:47 - The women's soccer team that caught the vision

20:04 - One thing every fundraiser should do today: say thank you

20:34 - How saying thank you protects you from burnout

21:43 - Connect with Colleen + wrap up

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Relationship skills transfer across every room.
  • The admin seat is the best training in fundraising.
  • Most organizations are sitting on donor data they've never touched.
  • Constituency codes are a starting point, not an answer.
  • Recurring donors giving $5 to $25 a paycheck are the backbone. They show up quietly and consistently, and you never have to ask them again — you get to thank them.
  • Consistency is the signal for readiness.
  • You don't always need a defined gap to raise money.
  • Saying thank you is the highest-leverage thing on your list.

LINKS

]]>c715b1e7-502a-404d-a477-b87f9838ad8aTue, 25 Aug 2026 13:15:00 GMT<p>Colleen Mitchell talks about generosity in three different rooms. She runs annual giving at MidAmerica Nazarene University, pastors youth and families at her church, and teaches freshmen the rest of the week. Her takeaway from all three: relationship doesn't change just because the room does.</p><p>In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke talks with Colleen about what she learned from the admin seat in an advancement office, the historical donor data sitting unused in most databases, and why the $5-a-month recurring donor is her favorite person to work with. She also breaks down Champions Challenge, MNU's athletics crowdfunding campaign that invites people to invest in what's already working instead of leading with scarcity and urgency.</p><p>If you run the annual fund, wear more than one hat, or feel like the need never ends, Colleen's answer to burnout is simpler than you'd expect: go say thank you.</p><p>CHAPTERS </p><p>00:00 - Relationship doesn't change when the room changes </p><p>00:24 - Welcome: one fundraiser, three different rooms </p><p>01:07 - The accidental path into fundraising </p><p>02:47 - What the admin seat taught her about the whole shop </p><p>03:54 - Becoming the bridge: asking "why do we do it this way?" </p><p>05:10 - The donor data you already have and aren't looking at </p><p>05:53 - Quick wins, and the limits of constituency codes </p><p>07:00 - What actually changed about how they use their data</p><p>07:38 - The database admin who typed in 35 years of yearbooks </p><p>08:53 - Where they still struggle: donor contact info </p><p>09:31 - Stewardship packets and matching student stories to donors </p><p>10:51 - What preaching and teaching taught her about donors </p><p>11:54 - Making the case for annual giving </p><p>12:56 - The quiet cohort: $5 to $25 every paycheck </p><p>13:47 - "I get the rest": the overwhelm and the upside </p><p>15:56 - How to spot a donor who's ready for the next step </p><p>17:08 - Champions Challenge: leading with gain instead of gap </p><p>18:47 - The women's soccer team that caught the vision </p><p>20:04 - One thing every fundraiser should do today: say thank you </p><p>20:34 - How saying thank you protects you from burnout </p><p>21:43 - Connect with Colleen + wrap up</p><p>KEY TAKEAWAYS</p><ul><li>Relationship skills transfer across every room.</li><li>The admin seat is the best training in fundraising.</li><li>Most organizations are sitting on donor data they've never touched. </li><li>Constituency codes are a starting point, not an answer.</li><li>Recurring donors giving $5 to $25 a paycheck are the backbone. They show up quietly and consistently, and you never have to ask them again — you get to thank them.</li><li>Consistency is the signal for readiness.</li><li>You don't always need a defined gap to raise money.</li><li>Saying thank you is the highest-leverage thing on your list.</li></ul><p>LINKS</p><ul><li>Connect with Colleen on LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcintosc/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcintosc/</a></li><li>Learn how DonorDock helps you find clarity and build retention through Smart Stewardship: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://donordock.com" target="_blank">https://donordock.com</a></li></ul>no00:22:29233The Donor Data Hiding in Your Database (And How to Use It) | Colleen Mitchell full<![CDATA[You Don't Have a Tech Problem, You Have a People Problem | Tim Lockie, The Human Stack]]>Fundraisers are at the mercy of their systems. And when the technology doesn't work, most nonprofit teams do the same thing: they buy more of it. Tim Lockie, founder of The Human Stack, says that almost never works, because the real problem lives in the human stack, not the tech stack.

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke sits down with Tim Lockie, who built a seven-figure Salesforce consulting firm before turning his focus to the part of technology everyone overlooks: the people. Tim explains why your CRM struggles are usually culture problems in disguise, walks through his orchestra analogy for understanding tech adoption, and shares a simple framework for figuring out whether your tech is ahead of your culture or your culture is ahead of your tech.

You'll learn why "digital voluntolds" are quietly holding your fundraising team together, why new software keeps becoming expensive shelfware, and how to think about letting AI into your work without amplifying the problems you already have.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Intro: doing more vs. focusing on what matters

01:01 - Tim's path: 20 years in nonprofits and a seven-figure Salesforce firm

03:01 - Why no software solves the people problem

05:47 - Signs your team has thrown in the towel on its database

05:59 - The orchestra analogy: instruments, sheet music, and musicians

08:56 - Adoption vs. orchestration: playing well together

09:53 - The conductor and the "first chairs" who actually drive change

12:58 - The techie by necessity, and what they should stop doing

15:00 - The power differential and the rise of "digital voluntolds"

16:14 - Is your culture ahead of your tech, or your tech ahead of your culture?

17:57 - Why tech rollouts die and become expensive shelfware

20:28 - Adoption comes down to ownership

21:13 - AI, ethics, and fundraising.ai

22:00 - Three rules for letting AI into your fundraising work

24:54 - Tactical takeaway: the six-question digital health quiz

25:43 - Where to connect with Tim

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Tech problems almost always have human roots. You can't solve a people problem by buying more software.
  • Your organization is an orchestra: software is the instruments, data is the sheet music, and your people are the musicians. Buying new instruments won't fix a musician problem.
  • Real change doesn't come from the whole team at once. It comes from "first chairs," the champions on each team who others look to when something breaks.
  • Fundraising teams are often one job description away from solving their own tech problems, if leadership carves out real, budgeted time for the person already doing the work.
  • Tech rollouts die when engagement and accountability stop. Maintaining your systems is like reconciling your books: you never actually stop.

LINKS

]]>0a45866b-d5dc-49b6-a352-43bbc5cb8939Tue, 18 Aug 2026 12:45:00 GMT<p>Fundraisers are at the mercy of their systems. And when the technology doesn't work, most nonprofit teams do the same thing: they buy more of it. Tim Lockie, founder of The Human Stack, says that almost never works, because the real problem lives in the human stack, not the tech stack.</p><p>In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke sits down with Tim Lockie, who built a seven-figure Salesforce consulting firm before turning his focus to the part of technology everyone overlooks: the people. Tim explains why your CRM struggles are usually culture problems in disguise, walks through his orchestra analogy for understanding tech adoption, and shares a simple framework for figuring out whether your tech is ahead of your culture or your culture is ahead of your tech.</p><p>You'll learn why "digital voluntolds" are quietly holding your fundraising team together, why new software keeps becoming expensive shelfware, and how to think about letting AI into your work without amplifying the problems you already have.</p><p><b>CHAPTERS</b></p><p>00:00 - Intro: doing more vs. focusing on what matters</p><p>01:01 - Tim's path: 20 years in nonprofits and a seven-figure Salesforce firm</p><p>03:01 - Why no software solves the people problem</p><p>05:47 - Signs your team has thrown in the towel on its database</p><p>05:59 - The orchestra analogy: instruments, sheet music, and musicians</p><p>08:56 - Adoption vs. orchestration: playing well together</p><p>09:53 - The conductor and the "first chairs" who actually drive change</p><p>12:58 - The techie by necessity, and what they should stop doing</p><p>15:00 - The power differential and the rise of "digital voluntolds"</p><p>16:14 - Is your culture ahead of your tech, or your tech ahead of your culture?</p><p>17:57 - Why tech rollouts die and become expensive shelfware</p><p>20:28 - Adoption comes down to ownership</p><p>21:13 - AI, ethics, and <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://fundraising.ai" target="_blank">fundraising.ai</a></p><p>22:00 - Three rules for letting AI into your fundraising work</p><p>24:54 - Tactical takeaway: the six-question digital health quiz</p><p>25:43 - Where to connect with Tim</p><p><b>KEY TAKEAWAYS</b></p><ul><li>Tech problems almost always have human roots. You can't solve a people problem by buying more software.</li><li>Your organization is an orchestra: software is the instruments, data is the sheet music, and your people are the musicians. Buying new instruments won't fix a musician problem.</li><li>Real change doesn't come from the whole team at once. It comes from "first chairs," the champions on each team who others look to when something breaks.</li><li>Fundraising teams are often one job description away from solving their own tech problems, if leadership carves out real, budgeted time for the person already doing the work.</li><li>Tech rollouts die when engagement and accountability stop. Maintaining your systems is like reconciling your books: you never actually stop.</li></ul><p><b>LINKS</b></p><ul><li>The Human Stack: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thehumanstack.com" target="_blank">https://thehumanstack.com</a></li><li>Take the Nonprofit Digital Health Quiz: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thehumanstack.com/quiz" target="_blank">https://thehumanstack.com/quiz</a></li><li>Connect with Tim on LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlockie/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlockie/</a></li><li>Email Tim: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:tim@thehumanstack.com" target="_blank">tim@thehumanstack.com</a></li><li>Learn how DonorDock helps you build retention through Smart Stewardship: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://donordock.com" target="_blank">https://donordock.com</a></li></ul>no00:26:29232You Don't Have a Tech Problem, You Have a People Problem | Tim Lockie, The Human Stackfull<![CDATA[Donor-Centric Storytelling: How to Turn Your Mission Into Gifts | Mary Rockwell Thon]]>Most fundraisers who say they hate fundraising were never actually trained to do it. That was true for Mary Rockwell Thon, until she learned to talk about giving in a donor-centric way. Twenty years later, she's raised money for Girl Scouts, the Alzheimer's Association, child abuse prevention, and now MENTOR Vermont.

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke talks with Mary about the storytelling habit every fundraiser should drop, why the $10-a-month donor can be worth more than a one-time big gift, and how to make donors feel the impact of slow, relationship-based work. Mary also shares a grounded, honest take on ethical fundraising and where AI does and doesn't belong in nonprofit communications.

If you're on a lean team, or you're the whole team, this conversation is full of practical ways to spend your limited hours where they actually pay off.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Intro: focusing on what moves a mission forward

00:51 - Mary's accidental path into fundraising

02:46 - The training that changed everything: donor-centric fundraising

03:49 - The storytelling habit to drop and the one to add

04:45 - Make your organization the guide, not the hero

05:18 - What transfers from cause to cause, and what to unlearn

06:28 - Different fundraising styles: events, major donors, corporate

07:21 - Ethical fundraising and asset-based storytelling

08:35 - Navigating AI in nonprofit communications

09:29 - Disclosure, composite stories, and honesty with donors

10:14 - Donor retention in a small market

11:56 - Making impact felt when outcomes are slow

13:35 - Where lean and solo teams should spend their time

14:40 - Find a development mentor: you don't have to do it alone

15:14 - Wrap up

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Fundraising is a learnable skill. The discomfort many people feel usually means they were never trained to talk about giving in a donor-centric way.
  • Stop telling stories about your programs. Tell the story of your beneficiary and how the donor made a difference. Make the donor the hero and your organization the guide.
  • Use asset-based framing, not "sad puppy" appeals. Talk about the strengths you're building on, not just the need.
  • Be honest about AI and composites. If you use a composite person or an AI-assisted draft, make it clear, and don't pass off generated art as real.
  • The $10-a-month donor often has more lifetime value than a one-time large gift. Retention beats constantly chasing new donors.
  • Ask your board to introduce you to five new people a year, and don't rush the ask. Build the relationship first.
  • Translate impact into donor-sized terms. "Your gift trains one mentor" lands better than abstract capacity-building language.
  • On a lean team, build a yearly calendar (grants, appeals, communications) so you're not chasing your tail, and find a development mentor so you're not doing it alone.

LINKS

]]>e028dd02-88d5-488b-9d9a-6193848f6b22Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>Most fundraisers who say they hate fundraising were never actually trained to do it. That was true for Mary Rockwell Thon, until she learned to talk about giving in a donor-centric way. Twenty years later, she's raised money for Girl Scouts, the Alzheimer's Association, child abuse prevention, and now MENTOR Vermont.</p><p>In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke talks with Mary about the storytelling habit every fundraiser should drop, why the $10-a-month donor can be worth more than a one-time big gift, and how to make donors feel the impact of slow, relationship-based work. Mary also shares a grounded, honest take on ethical fundraising and where AI does and doesn't belong in nonprofit communications.</p><p>If you're on a lean team, or you're the whole team, this conversation is full of practical ways to spend your limited hours where they actually pay off.</p><p><b>CHAPTERS</b> </p><p>00:00 - Intro: focusing on what moves a mission forward </p><p>00:51 - Mary's accidental path into fundraising </p><p>02:46 - The training that changed everything: donor-centric fundraising </p><p>03:49 - The storytelling habit to drop and the one to add </p><p>04:45 - Make your organization the guide, not the hero </p><p>05:18 - What transfers from cause to cause, and what to unlearn </p><p>06:28 - Different fundraising styles: events, major donors, corporate </p><p>07:21 - Ethical fundraising and asset-based storytelling </p><p>08:35 - Navigating AI in nonprofit communications </p><p>09:29 - Disclosure, composite stories, and honesty with donors </p><p>10:14 - Donor retention in a small market </p><p>11:56 - Making impact felt when outcomes are slow </p><p>13:35 - Where lean and solo teams should spend their time </p><p>14:40 - Find a development mentor: you don't have to do it alone </p><p>15:14 - Wrap up</p><p><b>KEY TAKEAWAYS</b></p><ul><li>Fundraising is a learnable skill. The discomfort many people feel usually means they were never trained to talk about giving in a donor-centric way.</li><li>Stop telling stories about your programs. Tell the story of your beneficiary and how the donor made a difference. Make the donor the hero and your organization the guide.</li><li>Use asset-based framing, not "sad puppy" appeals. Talk about the strengths you're building on, not just the need.</li><li>Be honest about AI and composites. If you use a composite person or an AI-assisted draft, make it clear, and don't pass off generated art as real.</li><li>The $10-a-month donor often has more lifetime value than a one-time large gift. Retention beats constantly chasing new donors.</li><li>Ask your board to introduce you to five new people a year, and don't rush the ask. Build the relationship first.</li><li>Translate impact into donor-sized terms. "Your gift trains one mentor" lands better than abstract capacity-building language.</li><li>On a lean team, build a yearly calendar (grants, appeals, communications) so you're not chasing your tail, and find a development mentor so you're not doing it alone.</li></ul><p><b>LINKS</b></p><ul><li>MENTOR Vermont: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://mentorvt.org" target="_blank">https://mentorvt.org</a></li><li>Connect with Mary on LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-thon-5317421a/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-thon-5317421a/</a></li><li>Association of Fundraising Professionals (find a local chapter and mentoring): <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://afpglobal.org" target="_blank">https://afpglobal.org</a></li><li>Learn how DonorDock helps you find clarity and build retention through Smart Stewardship: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://donordock.com" target="_blank">https://donordock.com</a></li></ul>no00:16:10231Donor-Centric Storytelling: How to Turn Your Mission Into Gifts | Mary Rockwell Thonfull<![CDATA[70 Million Meals, Zero Trucks: Move for Hunger's Fundraising Playbook]]>Move for Hunger has transported more than 70 million meals to food banks and pantries across the US and Canada, and they don't own a single truck. In this episode, Rob Burke sits down with Jennifer Bushinger-Ortiz, Director of Development at Move for Hunger, to unpack how you fund a mission that runs on a network instead of a warehouse.

Jennifer has spent nearly two decades in development, and she brings a refreshingly honest take on building a corporate-first fundraising model, making enormous impact numbers feel human, holding two messages at once (fighting hunger and cutting food waste), and knowing when a big, risky campaign is worth it. If you lead fundraising or development at a nonprofit, this one is full of tactics you can use this week.

Chapters

00:00 - Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser

00:56 - From theater to fundraising: Jennifer's path

03:21 - Inside Move for Hunger's corporate-first model

06:45 - Making big numbers mean something: food as the hero

10:11 - Holding two messages: hunger and food waste

12:27 - Segmenting your story for the room you're in

14:40 - Big, risky campaigns and a Guinness World Record

17:55 - The fundraising tactic Jennifer thinks is overrated

20:38 - Tactical takeaway: keep learning, trust your gut

22:21 - How to connect with Jennifer

Key Takeaways

  • Know your type. Build your fundraising model on the strength you actually have, not the one every other nonprofit copies. Move for Hunger leaned into its network of 1,400+ moving and transportation companies instead of chasing individual donors.
  • Make the food the hero. When your impact numbers are too big to picture (50,000 pounds of potatoes), put the tangible thing at the center of the story. See: their "Operation Fruit Cup" campaign.
  • Segment by industry and motivation. Some partners care about environmental impact and CO2 saved from landfills; others care about data and local impact. Research the room before you walk in.
  • Big, splashy events (like their Guinness World Record cereal domino run) raise awareness at a scale no marketing budget can buy, but they require leadership that will invest in risk.
  • Diversify or hit your ceiling. There is no one-size revenue model anymore. If too much of your funding sits in one bucket and that bucket disappears, you're stuck.
  • Trust your gut, then defend it. Before you push a bold idea past your board or team, poke every hole in it so your "why" is airtight.

About Move for Hunger Founded in 2009 by Adam Lowy, Move for Hunger rescues food that would otherwise be thrown out when people move and gets it to food banks and pantries. In the US, 38% of perfectly good food ends up in landfills. It's not a food creation problem, it's an access and waste problem.

Links

]]>72eca2f5-ccfb-4398-a7d2-f7d29e4571a5Tue, 04 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>Move for Hunger has transported more than 70 million meals to food banks and pantries across the US and Canada, and they don't own a single truck. In this episode, Rob Burke sits down with Jennifer Bushinger-Ortiz, Director of Development at Move for Hunger, to unpack how you fund a mission that runs on a network instead of a warehouse.</p><p>Jennifer has spent nearly two decades in development, and she brings a refreshingly honest take on building a corporate-first fundraising model, making enormous impact numbers feel human, holding two messages at once (fighting hunger and cutting food waste), and knowing when a big, risky campaign is worth it. If you lead fundraising or development at a nonprofit, this one is full of tactics you can use this week.</p><p>Chapters </p><p>00:00 - Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser </p><p>00:56 - From theater to fundraising: Jennifer's path </p><p>03:21 - Inside Move for Hunger's corporate-first model </p><p>06:45 - Making big numbers mean something: food as the hero </p><p>10:11 - Holding two messages: hunger and food waste </p><p>12:27 - Segmenting your story for the room you're in </p><p>14:40 - Big, risky campaigns and a Guinness World Record </p><p>17:55 - The fundraising tactic Jennifer thinks is overrated </p><p>20:38 - Tactical takeaway: keep learning, trust your gut </p><p>22:21 - How to connect with Jennifer</p><p>Key Takeaways</p><ul><li>Know your type. Build your fundraising model on the strength you actually have, not the one every other nonprofit copies. Move for Hunger leaned into its network of 1,400+ moving and transportation companies instead of chasing individual donors.</li><li>Make the food the hero. When your impact numbers are too big to picture (50,000 pounds of potatoes), put the tangible thing at the center of the story. See: their "Operation Fruit Cup" campaign.</li><li>Segment by industry and motivation. Some partners care about environmental impact and CO2 saved from landfills; others care about data and local impact. Research the room before you walk in.</li><li>Big, splashy events (like their Guinness World Record cereal domino run) raise awareness at a scale no marketing budget can buy, but they require leadership that will invest in risk.</li><li>Diversify or hit your ceiling. There is no one-size revenue model anymore. If too much of your funding sits in one bucket and that bucket disappears, you're stuck.</li><li>Trust your gut, then defend it. Before you push a bold idea past your board or team, poke every hole in it so your "why" is airtight.</li></ul><p>About Move for Hunger Founded in 2009 by Adam Lowy, Move for Hunger rescues food that would otherwise be thrown out when people move and gets it to food banks and pantries. In the US, 38% of perfectly good food ends up in landfills. It's not a food creation problem, it's an access and waste problem.</p><p>Links</p><ul><li>Move for Hunger: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://moveforhunger.org" target="_blank">https://moveforhunger.org</a></li><li>Learn how DonorDock helps you find clarity and build retention through smart stewardship: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.donordock.com" target="_blank">https://www.donordock.com</a></li></ul>no00:23:2023070 Million Meals, Zero Trucks: Move for Hunger's Fundraising Playbookfull<![CDATA[How to Fundraise for a Cause Your Donors Will Never See | Morgan Gross & Sjeel Haarhuis]]>Can you get someone to give to a cause they'll never see in person? Morgan Gross and Sjeel Haarhuis, co-founders of Fundraising Beyond Borders, have spent a combined decade-plus raising money for international programs across East and Southern Africa. In this episode, they break down the four pillars of fundraising across distance, why authentic beats polished every time, and how "shiny object syndrome" quietly wrecks small nonprofit teams that are already stretched thin.

Whether your donors are down the street or across the world, this conversation is about building trust you can't do in person, choosing the right channels for your actual donors (not everyone else's), and focusing on the two or three fundraising activities that will actually move the needle.

Chapters: 00:00 - Cold Open: The Shiny Object Syndrome Trap

00:32 - Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser

01:29 - Morgan's Path: From Second-Grade Teacher to Zambia

02:53 - Sjeel's Path: From the Netherlands to Nonprofit Ops

03:51 - What International Fundraising Teaches Every Nonprofit

04:15 - The Four Pillars of International Fundraising

05:48 - Moving Donors to Give to a Cause They Can't See

08:03 - Why Authentic Beats Polished

09:51 - Choosing the Right Channels: Acquisition vs. Retention

12:24 - Mobile Giving and the Apple Pay Shift

12:58 - Email Stewardship: Quality Over Frequency

13:55 - Pressure-Testing a Fundraising Plan

16:07 - Finding Your Ideal Donor

16:53 - What Lean Teams Should Stop Doing

19:10 - Busyness vs. Building Fundraising Capacity

21:14 - Say "Not Yet," Not "No"

22:34 - Tactical Takeaways

23:47 - Relationships First, Community Second

25:19 - Connect With Fundraising Beyond Borders

Key Takeaways:

Fundraising across distance rests on four pillars: donor trust, cross-cultural communication, digital presence, and connection.

Authentic, unedited content (a live video, a behind-the-scenes look) builds more donor trust today than a polished, produced campaign.

Know your ideal donor and put your time where they actually are, not on every channel at once.

Small teams grow fastest by focusing on two to three fundraising activities with the highest ROI, not by chasing every "shiny object" idea from a webinar or board member.

Say "not yet" instead of "no" to new ideas. It keeps the door open without derailing your focus.

Stewardship beats frequency in email. Send fewer, better emails rather than hitting an arbitrary weekly quota.

Links:

Fundraising Beyond Borders: fundraisingbeyondborders.com

DonorDock: donordock.com

]]>5bb9f74c-0048-4724-b919-a3f1186e7c1bTue, 28 Jul 2026 13:30:00 GMT<p>Can you get someone to give to a cause they'll never see in person? Morgan Gross and Sjeel Haarhuis, co-founders of Fundraising Beyond Borders, have spent a combined decade-plus raising money for international programs across East and Southern Africa. In this episode, they break down the four pillars of fundraising across distance, why authentic beats polished every time, and how "shiny object syndrome" quietly wrecks small nonprofit teams that are already stretched thin.</p><p>Whether your donors are down the street or across the world, this conversation is about building trust you can't do in person, choosing the right channels for your actual donors (not everyone else's), and focusing on the two or three fundraising activities that will actually move the needle.</p><p>Chapters: 00:00 - Cold Open: The Shiny Object Syndrome Trap </p><p>00:32 - Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser </p><p>01:29 - Morgan's Path: From Second-Grade Teacher to Zambia </p><p>02:53 - Sjeel's Path: From the Netherlands to Nonprofit Ops </p><p>03:51 - What International Fundraising Teaches Every Nonprofit </p><p>04:15 - The Four Pillars of International Fundraising </p><p>05:48 - Moving Donors to Give to a Cause They Can't See </p><p>08:03 - Why Authentic Beats Polished </p><p>09:51 - Choosing the Right Channels: Acquisition vs. Retention </p><p>12:24 - Mobile Giving and the Apple Pay Shift </p><p>12:58 - Email Stewardship: Quality Over Frequency </p><p>13:55 - Pressure-Testing a Fundraising Plan </p><p>16:07 - Finding Your Ideal Donor </p><p>16:53 - What Lean Teams Should Stop Doing </p><p>19:10 - Busyness vs. Building Fundraising Capacity </p><p>21:14 - Say "Not Yet," Not "No" </p><p>22:34 - Tactical Takeaways </p><p>23:47 - Relationships First, Community Second </p><p>25:19 - Connect With Fundraising Beyond Borders</p><p>Key Takeaways:</p><p>Fundraising across distance rests on four pillars: donor trust, cross-cultural communication, digital presence, and connection.</p><p>Authentic, unedited content (a live video, a behind-the-scenes look) builds more donor trust today than a polished, produced campaign.</p><p>Know your ideal donor and put your time where they actually are, not on every channel at once.</p><p>Small teams grow fastest by focusing on two to three fundraising activities with the highest ROI, not by chasing every "shiny object" idea from a webinar or board member.</p><p>Say "not yet" instead of "no" to new ideas. It keeps the door open without derailing your focus.</p><p>Stewardship beats frequency in email. Send fewer, better emails rather than hitting an arbitrary weekly quota.</p><p>Links:</p><p>Fundraising Beyond Borders: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://fundraisingbeyondborders.com" target="_blank">fundraisingbeyondborders.com</a></p><p>DonorDock: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://donordock.com" target="_blank">donordock.com</a></p>no00:26:21229How to Fundraise for a Cause Your Donors Will Never See | Morgan Gross & Sjeel Haarhuisfull<![CDATA[Stewardship Is the New Acquisition: Building a Recurring Donor Base from Scratch | Jackie Jones]]>Most fundraisers are taught to chase: more grants, more new donors, more names on the list. Jackie Jones did the opposite and built something that lasts.

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke talks with Dr. Jacqueline "Jackie" Jones, founder of the I SEE ME Foundation, which helps girls build inner confidence in a social-media age. A former accountant turned 26-year teacher turned nonprofit founder, Jackie funds free programming through community partnerships, in-person conversations, and a foundation of small recurring donors. We get tactical on how she stewards those relationships, where she lets AI help (and where she refuses to), and the hardest lesson every founder eventually faces: letting go.

If you run a small shop and feel like you're applying for everything and gaining nothing, this one is for you.

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:00 - Why "I SEE ME" exists: confidence in a social media age

01:05 - From accountant to 26-year teacher to nonprofit founder

03:28 - The fundraising lesson: stop applying to everything

05:07 - Why $5/month recurring donors keep the lights on

06:43 - Beyond the statistic: story-driven giving that sticks

08:21 - Using AI ethically without cheapening the relationship

11:57 - Building a brand that stays focused

14:23 - The founder bottleneck: learning to let go

17:48 - Tactical takeaway: connect, don't just collect

19:14 - Where to find Jackie and I SEE ME

✅ KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Don't apply for everything. A constant flow of "no" wears you down. Laser-focus every application on your exact mission so even a no teaches you something.
  • A base of small recurring donors ($5/month) can cover your core operating needs and protect you when grants fall through.
  • Stewardship beats acquisition. Send photo collages 3–4x a year and testimonials that tell donors, "you are responsible for these faces."
  • Don't sell a statistic. Use photos, video, and audio so donors feel like they were in the room.
  • AI should be an exponent to relationships, not a replacement. Use it for the logistical, mundane work (flyers, formatting) and protect the authentic voice of the people you serve.
  • Founders stall growth when everything runs through them. Train people you trust, hand off delivery, and free yourself to focus on the board and the mission.

🔗 LINKS

🎧 The Focused Fundraiser is where we talk about focusing on the fundraising practices that actually matter, with the experts and founders doing the hard work. New episodes weekly.

]]>5d76b36d-83f3-4669-af95-ae46a1dac46eTue, 21 Jul 2026 13:30:00 GMT<p>Most fundraisers are taught to chase: more grants, more new donors, more names on the list. Jackie Jones did the opposite and built something that lasts.</p><p>In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke talks with Dr. Jacqueline "Jackie" Jones, founder of the I SEE ME Foundation, which helps girls build inner confidence in a social-media age. A former accountant turned 26-year teacher turned nonprofit founder, Jackie funds free programming through community partnerships, in-person conversations, and a foundation of small recurring donors. We get tactical on how she stewards those relationships, where she lets AI help (and where she refuses to), and the hardest lesson every founder eventually faces: letting go.</p><p>If you run a small shop and feel like you're applying for everything and gaining nothing, this one is for you.</p><p>⏱️ CHAPTERS </p><p>00:00 - Why "I SEE ME" exists: confidence in a social media age </p><p>01:05 - From accountant to 26-year teacher to nonprofit founder </p><p>03:28 - The fundraising lesson: stop applying to everything </p><p>05:07 - Why $5/month recurring donors keep the lights on </p><p>06:43 - Beyond the statistic: story-driven giving that sticks </p><p>08:21 - Using AI ethically without cheapening the relationship </p><p>11:57 - Building a brand that stays focused </p><p>14:23 - The founder bottleneck: learning to let go </p><p>17:48 - Tactical takeaway: connect, don't just collect </p><p>19:14 - Where to find Jackie and I SEE ME</p><p>✅ KEY TAKEAWAYS</p><ul><li>Don't apply for everything. A constant flow of "no" wears you down. Laser-focus every application on your exact mission so even a no teaches you something.</li><li>A base of small recurring donors ($5/month) can cover your core operating needs and protect you when grants fall through.</li><li>Stewardship beats acquisition. Send photo collages 3–4x a year and testimonials that tell donors, "you are responsible for these faces."</li><li>Don't sell a statistic. Use photos, video, and audio so donors feel like they were in the room.</li><li>AI should be an exponent to relationships, not a replacement. Use it for the logistical, mundane work (flyers, formatting) and protect the authentic voice of the people you serve.</li><li>Founders stall growth when everything runs through them. Train people you trust, hand off delivery, and free yourself to focus on the board and the mission.</li></ul><p>🔗 LINKS</p><ul><li>I SEE ME Foundation: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://iseemefoundation.org" target="_blank">https://iseemefoundation.org</a></li><li>Connect with Jackie on LinkedIn (search "I SEE ME" / Jacqueline Jones)</li><li>Learn how DonorDock helps you build retention through smart stewardship: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.donordock.com" target="_blank">https://www.donordock.com</a></li></ul><p>🎧 The Focused Fundraiser is where we talk about focusing on the fundraising practices that actually matter, with the experts and founders doing the hard work. New episodes weekly.</p>no00:20:20228Stewardship Is the New Acquisition: Building a Recurring Donor Base from Scratch | Jackie Jonesfull<![CDATA[Using AI in Fundraising Without Breaking Donor Trust | Sami Zoss]]>Fundraising drives relationships and the big gifts. Nobody puts the systems, the data, and the back-end operations on the flyer, and that's exactly the work that keeps an organization alive. In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke talks with Sami Zoss, founder of Zoss Collaborations and a former higher-ed foundation COO who calls herself a "systems girly with an ADHD aesthetic."

Sami makes the case for a project-management mindset in nonprofits (the non-techie kind), the healthy tension between relationship-driven fundraisers and the people who build the systems, and how to earn trust through small wins instead of big overhauls. We get practical about the smallest data cleanups with the biggest payoff, how to advocate to your board for the time to fix your back end, and where AI is genuinely useful for a development team versus where it's just hype. She closes with one of the most doable tactical takeaways we've shared: get one thing out of your head and into the institution every week.

If you've ever felt too busy raising money to fix the systems underneath it, this one is for you.

Chapters

00:00 - The unglamorous side of fundraising: systems and operations

00:45 - Sami's path: from criminal justice major to foundation COO

03:08 - A "systems girly with an ADHD aesthetic"

03:57 - The most common broken system: no project management

06:25 - Getting relationship-driven fundraisers to trust a process

06:55 - "We're going to trip over money": building trust through small wins

11:06 - Leadership buy-in and the grace to fail

12:27 - Institutional knowledge walking out the door

13:06 - The smallest data cleanup with the biggest payoff

15:42 - "Too busy raising money to fix the back end"

18:52 - Where AI is genuinely useful, and where it's hype

24:12 - Context is everything: using AI safely

26:22 - Tactical takeaway: one thing out of your head each week

Key takeaways

Most nonprofits are so good at saying yes that they lose track of what they're working on and whether it's still mission-aligned. A light project-management mindset fixes that.

Trust between fundraisers and operations is built in small, incremental wins, not big overhauls.

You need leadership buy-in to fail gracefully. Processes are wrong before they're right.

Institutional knowledge walks out the door when staff leave. Document it before that happens.

Smallest cleanup, biggest payoff: keep contact info current and run a monthly contact-record cleanup.

Advocate to your board for the time to fix systems. Lower the short-term fundraising expectation to raise long-term accuracy.

AI is useful when it's genuinely useful, not just interesting. Mind your context and your data, and never let it manipulate the donor relationship. AI amplifies the relationship, it doesn't replace it.

Tactical takeaway: every Friday, write down one thing that lives only in your head and get it into the institution.

Connect with Sami Zoss

Zoss Collaborations | Fundraising.AI advisory council

About DonorDock

DonorDock helps nonprofits find clarity, build stronger donor relationships, and grow retention through smart stewardship. Learn more at https://www.donordock.com

Subscribe for a new episode every week.

]]>47110993-a792-41c8-8606-2744038921d8Tue, 14 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>Fundraising drives relationships and the big gifts. Nobody puts the systems, the data, and the back-end operations on the flyer, and that's exactly the work that keeps an organization alive. In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke talks with Sami Zoss, founder of Zoss Collaborations and a former higher-ed foundation COO who calls herself a "systems girly with an ADHD aesthetic."</p><p>Sami makes the case for a project-management mindset in nonprofits (the non-techie kind), the healthy tension between relationship-driven fundraisers and the people who build the systems, and how to earn trust through small wins instead of big overhauls. We get practical about the smallest data cleanups with the biggest payoff, how to advocate to your board for the time to fix your back end, and where AI is genuinely useful for a development team versus where it's just hype. She closes with one of the most doable tactical takeaways we've shared: get one thing out of your head and into the institution every week.</p><p>If you've ever felt too busy raising money to fix the systems underneath it, this one is for you.</p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 - The unglamorous side of fundraising: systems and operations</p><p>00:45 - Sami's path: from criminal justice major to foundation COO</p><p>03:08 - A "systems girly with an ADHD aesthetic"</p><p>03:57 - The most common broken system: no project management</p><p>06:25 - Getting relationship-driven fundraisers to trust a process</p><p>06:55 - "We're going to trip over money": building trust through small wins</p><p>11:06 - Leadership buy-in and the grace to fail</p><p>12:27 - Institutional knowledge walking out the door</p><p>13:06 - The smallest data cleanup with the biggest payoff</p><p>15:42 - "Too busy raising money to fix the back end"</p><p>18:52 - Where AI is genuinely useful, and where it's hype</p><p>24:12 - Context is everything: using AI safely</p><p>26:22 - Tactical takeaway: one thing out of your head each week</p><p>Key takeaways</p><p>Most nonprofits are so good at saying yes that they lose track of what they're working on and whether it's still mission-aligned. A light project-management mindset fixes that.</p><p>Trust between fundraisers and operations is built in small, incremental wins, not big overhauls.</p><p>You need leadership buy-in to fail gracefully. Processes are wrong before they're right.</p><p>Institutional knowledge walks out the door when staff leave. Document it before that happens.</p><p>Smallest cleanup, biggest payoff: keep contact info current and run a monthly contact-record cleanup.</p><p>Advocate to your board for the time to fix systems. Lower the short-term fundraising expectation to raise long-term accuracy.</p><p>AI is useful when it's genuinely useful, not just interesting. Mind your context and your data, and never let it manipulate the donor relationship. AI amplifies the relationship, it doesn't replace it.</p><p>Tactical takeaway: every Friday, write down one thing that lives only in your head and get it into the institution.</p><p>Connect with Sami Zoss</p><p>Zoss Collaborations | <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://Fundraising.AI" target="_blank">Fundraising.AI</a> advisory council</p><p>About DonorDock</p><p>DonorDock helps nonprofits find clarity, build stronger donor relationships, and grow retention through smart stewardship. Learn more at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.donordock.com" target="_blank">https://www.donordock.com</a></p><p>Subscribe for a new episode every week.</p>no00:28:25227Using AI in Fundraising Without Breaking Donor Trust | Sami Zossfull<![CDATA[Stop Building the Plane While You Fly It: Nonprofit Structure & Burnout | Leah Wiley]]>Passion starts a nonprofit. Structure keeps it alive. In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke sits down with strategic advisor Leah Wiley, who spent nearly two decades as a community organizer before she began coaching nonprofit leaders. Leah explains why so many mission-driven organizations stay in "building the plane while flying it" mode for too long, how that fuels leadership burnout, and what it actually takes to build the structure underneath the mission.

We get into letting go of the vine as you scale, stewarding your staff the way you steward donors, the discipline of saying no, and the one question every fundraiser should ask themselves today: am I doing this alone?

If passion alone isn't moving your mission forward, this conversation will help you find the focus and the framework to do work that lasts.

Chapters

00:00 - Building the plane while flying it

00:50 - Leah's path: from community organizing to nonprofit coaching

03:36 - Strengthening how an organization is structured

04:41 - The #1 structural problem: building too long without a blueprint

06:45 - Letting go of the vine as you scale

09:16 - Burnout and why it comes up every episode

11:35 - Stewarding your staff the way you steward donors

13:20 - Saying no and focusing on what matters most

17:12 - The question to ask donors: why do you do this work?

18:44 - Tactical takeaway: am I fundraising alone?

20:35 - How to connect with Leah

Key takeaways

"Building the plane while you fly it" is healthy at launch and a liability when it lasts for years.

Strong mission-driven organizations require a strong mission-driven architecture: bookkeeping, hiring, roles, and a fundraising plan that fits the strategy.

Burnout is usually a structure problem, not a willpower problem.

Stewardship starts internally. Leaders who ask their staff about their lives and roles build cultures people don't want to leave.

Ask donors why they got involved and what keeps them here, then actually listen.

Fundraising should never sit on one person. Board, staff, and volunteers all have a role.

Connect with Leah Wiley

Email: leah@ledcoaching.net

About DonorDock

DonorDock helps nonprofits find clarity and build stronger donor relationships through smarter retention and stewardship. Learn more at https://www.donordock.com

Subscribe for a new episode every week. New conversations with the people in the trenches of nonprofit fundraising.

]]>0868737b-9901-4c8b-b1dc-e5f4a18bd4a5Tue, 07 Jul 2026 13:30:00 GMT<p>Passion starts a nonprofit. Structure keeps it alive. In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke sits down with strategic advisor Leah Wiley, who spent nearly two decades as a community organizer before she began coaching nonprofit leaders. Leah explains why so many mission-driven organizations stay in "building the plane while flying it" mode for too long, how that fuels leadership burnout, and what it actually takes to build the structure underneath the mission.</p><p>We get into letting go of the vine as you scale, stewarding your staff the way you steward donors, the discipline of saying no, and the one question every fundraiser should ask themselves today: am I doing this alone?</p><p>If passion alone isn't moving your mission forward, this conversation will help you find the focus and the framework to do work that lasts.</p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 - Building the plane while flying it</p><p>00:50 - Leah's path: from community organizing to nonprofit coaching</p><p>03:36 - Strengthening how an organization is structured</p><p>04:41 - The #1 structural problem: building too long without a blueprint</p><p>06:45 - Letting go of the vine as you scale</p><p>09:16 - Burnout and why it comes up every episode</p><p>11:35 - Stewarding your staff the way you steward donors</p><p>13:20 - Saying no and focusing on what matters most</p><p>17:12 - The question to ask donors: why do you do this work?</p><p>18:44 - Tactical takeaway: am I fundraising alone?</p><p>20:35 - How to connect with Leah</p><p>Key takeaways</p><p>"Building the plane while you fly it" is healthy at launch and a liability when it lasts for years.</p><p>Strong mission-driven organizations require a strong mission-driven architecture: bookkeeping, hiring, roles, and a fundraising plan that fits the strategy.</p><p>Burnout is usually a structure problem, not a willpower problem.</p><p>Stewardship starts internally. Leaders who ask their staff about their lives and roles build cultures people don't want to leave.</p><p>Ask donors why they got involved and what keeps them here, then actually listen.</p><p>Fundraising should never sit on one person. Board, staff, and volunteers all have a role.</p><p>Connect with Leah Wiley</p><p>Email: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:leah@ledcoaching.net" target="_blank">leah@ledcoaching.net</a></p><p>About DonorDock</p><p>DonorDock helps nonprofits find clarity and build stronger donor relationships through smarter retention and stewardship. Learn more at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.donordock.com" target="_blank">https://www.donordock.com</a></p><p>Subscribe for a new episode every week. New conversations with the people in the trenches of nonprofit fundraising.</p>no00:21:45226Stop Building the Plane While You Fly It: Nonprofit Structure & Burnout | Leah Wileyfull<![CDATA[Stop Chasing New Donors. Pick Up the Phone. | Patrick Kirby]]>Every nonprofit wants more new donors. Patrick Kirby thinks that is exactly the problem. The people who already love your mission are where your major gifts, your bequests, and your steadiest support come from, and they are the ones we keep ignoring.

In this episode, Rob Burke sits down with Patrick Kirby, founder of Do Good Better Consulting and author of Fundraise Like a Fifth Grader. After 20 years helping nonprofits "suck less at fundraising," Patrick makes the case for going back to the basics: real human connection, one question almost no one asks their donors, and a phone call with no ask attached. He breaks down what to track in your CRM, how to get a reluctant board to open doors instead of fundraise, and how to fight the burnout taking down nonprofit leaders across the sector.

If you have ever felt like fundraising advice was written for someone with a bigger team or a bigger budget, this conversation is for you.

Chapters

00:00 - Don't Forget the Donors Who Loved You First

00:30 - Welcome and Meet Patrick Kirby

01:25 - From Losing an Election to Winning at Fundraising

02:52 - The Biggest Mistake: Skipping the Basics

05:28 - Why Retention Beats Chasing New Donors

05:52 - The One Question: How Do You Like to Be Thanked?

08:59 - Matching Gratitude to Communication Style

11:10 - Stewardship Is Showing Impact All Year

13:13 - What to Actually Track in Your CRM

16:22 - How to Get a Reluctant Board to Open Doors

20:31 - Burnout, Turnover, and Playing the Long Game

23:40 - Tactical Takeaway: Pick Up the Phone

25:37 - Patrick's Book and Where to Connect

Key Takeaways

- The most common fundraising mistake has nothing to do with budget or team size. It is trying to do everything and forgetting the basics. Technology should free up your time for human connection, not replace it.

- Retention beats acquisition every time, yet nonprofits do the opposite. Love the ones who have loved you longest. They are where major gifts and bequests come from.

- Ask every donor one question almost nobody asks: "How do you like to be thanked?" It unlocks a hyper-personalized gratitude plan and tells the donor you actually know them.

- Don't go a full year without connecting. Ask permission to send updates and notes with no solicitation attached, then steward consistently across the calendar.

- Track the right things in your CRM: last contact, communication preferences, how they like to be thanked, and the weird, specific details that prove you are curious about the person, not the pocketbook. You never ask for a major gift unless you know the name of the donor's dog.

- Stop asking your board to fundraise. Ask them for warm introductions instead, recalibrate expectations every year, and set a doable KPI (one or two names a quarter, not five a month).

- Burnout is the number one issue facing nonprofit leadership. Acknowledge it, treat fundraising as a long game, and find a peer community so you know you are not alone.

- The single best thing you can do today: pick up the phone. Call a donor to say thank you and share their impact. Make no ask. Let the CRM handle the back-end work so you can focus on the conversation.

Links

- Do Good Better Consulting: https://dogoodbetterconsulting.com

- Fundraise Like a Fifth Grader (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Fundraise+Like+a+Fifth+Grader+Patrick+Kirby

- See how DonorDock helps you build relationships and retention through smart stewardship: https://donordock.com

]]>77b0ce26-2b97-4061-bb16-7fdfc85b5ff0Tue, 30 Jun 2026 13:30:00 GMT<p>Every nonprofit wants more new donors. Patrick Kirby thinks that is exactly the problem. The people who already love your mission are where your major gifts, your bequests, and your steadiest support come from, and they are the ones we keep ignoring.</p><p>In this episode, Rob Burke sits down with Patrick Kirby, founder of Do Good Better Consulting and author of <i>Fundraise Like a Fifth Grader</i>. After 20 years helping nonprofits "suck less at fundraising," Patrick makes the case for going back to the basics: real human connection, one question almost no one asks their donors, and a phone call with no ask attached. He breaks down what to track in your CRM, how to get a reluctant board to open doors instead of fundraise, and how to fight the burnout taking down nonprofit leaders across the sector.</p><p>If you have ever felt like fundraising advice was written for someone with a bigger team or a bigger budget, this conversation is for you.</p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 - Don't Forget the Donors Who Loved You First</p><p>00:30 - Welcome and Meet Patrick Kirby</p><p>01:25 - From Losing an Election to Winning at Fundraising</p><p>02:52 - The Biggest Mistake: Skipping the Basics</p><p>05:28 - Why Retention Beats Chasing New Donors</p><p>05:52 - The One Question: How Do You Like to Be Thanked?</p><p>08:59 - Matching Gratitude to Communication Style</p><p>11:10 - Stewardship Is Showing Impact All Year</p><p>13:13 - What to Actually Track in Your CRM</p><p>16:22 - How to Get a Reluctant Board to Open Doors</p><p>20:31 - Burnout, Turnover, and Playing the Long Game</p><p>23:40 - Tactical Takeaway: Pick Up the Phone</p><p>25:37 - Patrick's Book and Where to Connect</p><p>Key Takeaways</p><p>- The most common fundraising mistake has nothing to do with budget or team size. It is trying to do everything and forgetting the basics. Technology should free up your time for human connection, not replace it.</p><p>- Retention beats acquisition every time, yet nonprofits do the opposite. Love the ones who have loved you longest. They are where major gifts and bequests come from.</p><p>- Ask every donor one question almost nobody asks: "How do you like to be thanked?" It unlocks a hyper-personalized gratitude plan and tells the donor you actually know them.</p><p>- Don't go a full year without connecting. Ask permission to send updates and notes with no solicitation attached, then steward consistently across the calendar.</p><p>- Track the right things in your CRM: last contact, communication preferences, how they like to be thanked, and the weird, specific details that prove you are curious about the person, not the pocketbook. You never ask for a major gift unless you know the name of the donor's dog.</p><p>- Stop asking your board to fundraise. Ask them for warm introductions instead, recalibrate expectations every year, and set a doable KPI (one or two names a quarter, not five a month).</p><p>- Burnout is the number one issue facing nonprofit leadership. Acknowledge it, treat fundraising as a long game, and find a peer community so you know you are not alone.</p><p>- The single best thing you can do today: pick up the phone. Call a donor to say thank you and share their impact. Make no ask. Let the CRM handle the back-end work so you can focus on the conversation.</p><p>Links</p><p>- Do Good Better Consulting: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://dogoodbetterconsulting.com" target="_blank">https://dogoodbetterconsulting.com</a></p><p>- <i>Fundraise Like a Fifth Grader</i> (Amazon): <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Fundraise+Like+a+Fifth+Grader+Patrick+Kirby" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Fundraise+Like+a+Fifth+Grader+Patrick+Kirby</a></p><p>- See how DonorDock helps you build relationships and retention through smart stewardship: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://donordock.com" target="_blank">https://donordock.com</a></p>no00:26:33225Stop Chasing New Donors. Pick Up the Phone. | Patrick Kirbyfull<![CDATA[Why Development Directors Quit in 16 Months | Eddie Allen]]>Most nonprofits run the same play: hire a development director, watch them work themselves to the bone, then watch them walk out the door 16 months later. Eddie Allen says that cycle isn't a people problem. It's a systems problem.

In this episode, Rob Burke sits down with Eddie Allen, founder of Pacific Northwest Fundraising and author of the forthcoming book The Unicorn Development Director, to unpack why fundraising breaks when an organization builds it around one impossible job. Eddie explains the difference between fundraising, development, and philanthropy, why the math behind turnover is far worse than the often-cited $130K, and how "infrastructure fundraising" gives the person in the seat a fighting chance.

If you have ever felt like your role wasn't actually possible, this conversation reframes the problem and points to what to do instead.

Chapters

00:00 - Doing More Isn't the Goal

00:52 - Meet Eddie Allen and the Fractional Model

03:04 - The Unicorn Development Director Problem

05:30 - The Real Cost of Turnover

08:18 - Raising Money Now Without Burning Out

11:39 - Systems Problem or Money Problem?

15:35 - Why Retention Beats Acquisition

17:23 - Where to Spend 10 Focused Hours a Week

20:05 - The Tactical Takeaway

21:01 - The Book and How to Reach Eddie

Key Takeaways

Communications, marketing, database management, grant writing, and major gifts are separate jobs at large nonprofits. Smaller orgs pile them all onto one development director and wonder why the role fails.

"No database, no donor development." Almost every project starts by building the data clearinghouse first, because data lives in someone's head or scattered across spreadsheets.

Development takes time. Major gifts can take 24 to 48 months, yet most hires are told to raise money right now. That timing mismatch is built to fail.

The true cost of turnover is roughly double the $130K salary-and-benefits figure once you count mission interruption, brand damage, donor distrust, and staff stress.

Retention loses to acquisition because of bandwidth, not strategy. When one person is doing nine jobs, stewardship is the first thing to get dropped.

Block standing time on your calendar for donor conversations (Eddie protects a weekly Wednesday lunch slot) and spend 80% of your time on the 20% that moves the organization forward.

About the Guest

Eddie Allen is the founder, CEO, and self-described "lead guide" of Pacific Northwest Fundraising, a fractional development team that gives nonprofits C-suite-level fundraising experience without the cost of building a full team in-house. His book, The Unicorn Development Director, comes out in July.

Links

Pacific Northwest Fundraising: https://pacificnorthwestfundraising.us

Email Eddie: eddie@pacificnorthwestfundraising.us

Learn how DonorDock helps you build relationships and retention through smart stewardship: https://donordock.com

]]>2f54f9a5-0732-4ea4-872c-d41fd650d137Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>Most nonprofits run the same play: hire a development director, watch them work themselves to the bone, then watch them walk out the door 16 months later. Eddie Allen says that cycle isn't a people problem. It's a systems problem.</p><p>In this episode, Rob Burke sits down with Eddie Allen, founder of Pacific Northwest Fundraising and author of the forthcoming book The Unicorn Development Director, to unpack why fundraising breaks when an organization builds it around one impossible job. Eddie explains the difference between fundraising, development, and philanthropy, why the math behind turnover is far worse than the often-cited $130K, and how "infrastructure fundraising" gives the person in the seat a fighting chance.</p><p>If you have ever felt like your role wasn't actually possible, this conversation reframes the problem and points to what to do instead.</p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 - Doing More Isn't the Goal</p><p>00:52 - Meet Eddie Allen and the Fractional Model</p><p>03:04 - The Unicorn Development Director Problem</p><p>05:30 - The Real Cost of Turnover</p><p>08:18 - Raising Money Now Without Burning Out</p><p>11:39 - Systems Problem or Money Problem?</p><p>15:35 - Why Retention Beats Acquisition</p><p>17:23 - Where to Spend 10 Focused Hours a Week</p><p>20:05 - The Tactical Takeaway</p><p>21:01 - The Book and How to Reach Eddie</p><p>Key Takeaways</p><p>Communications, marketing, database management, grant writing, and major gifts are separate jobs at large nonprofits. Smaller orgs pile them all onto one development director and wonder why the role fails.</p><p>"No database, no donor development." Almost every project starts by building the data clearinghouse first, because data lives in someone's head or scattered across spreadsheets.</p><p>Development takes time. Major gifts can take 24 to 48 months, yet most hires are told to raise money right now. That timing mismatch is built to fail.</p><p>The true cost of turnover is roughly double the $130K salary-and-benefits figure once you count mission interruption, brand damage, donor distrust, and staff stress.</p><p>Retention loses to acquisition because of bandwidth, not strategy. When one person is doing nine jobs, stewardship is the first thing to get dropped.</p><p>Block standing time on your calendar for donor conversations (Eddie protects a weekly Wednesday lunch slot) and spend 80% of your time on the 20% that moves the organization forward.</p><p>About the Guest</p><p>Eddie Allen is the founder, CEO, and self-described "lead guide" of Pacific Northwest Fundraising, a fractional development team that gives nonprofits C-suite-level fundraising experience without the cost of building a full team in-house. His book, The Unicorn Development Director, comes out in July.</p><p>Links</p><p>Pacific Northwest Fundraising: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pacificnorthwestfundraising.us" target="_blank">https://pacificnorthwestfundraising.us</a></p><p>Email Eddie: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:eddie@pacificnorthwestfundraising.us" target="_blank">eddie@pacificnorthwestfundraising.us</a></p><p>Learn how DonorDock helps you build relationships and retention through smart stewardship: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://donordock.com" target="_blank">https://donordock.com</a></p>no00:22:37224Why Development Directors Quit in 16 Months | Eddie Allenfull<![CDATA[Galas Are Getting Played Out. Try This Instead | Ryan Yuhas]]>Ryan Yuhas has fundraised for food, faith, animals, and now furniture. He's seen what carries across every mission type and what only worked in one place. In this episode, he digs into why galas and golf outings are losing steam, the events grassroots nonprofits are using to bring in entirely new donor bases, and the simple mechanic Open Door Exchange uses to turn in-kind furniture donors into recurring cash donors.

We also get into the human side of stewardship, including why donors leave when fundraisers leave, what a great executive director actually does for your job, and the story of a veteran with PTSD and five kids that explains why furniture is more than furniture.

If you run events, work with in-kind donations, or have ever felt like you're carrying your fundraising shop alone, this one is for you.

Chapters

00:00 - Welcome and intro to Ryan Yuhas
00:56 - Ryan's path: food, faith, animals, furniture
02:10 - Five rescue dogs and the animal welfare outlier
02:31 - Galas are getting played out: trivia night, music bingo
03:46 - The Glass Pumpkin Patch annual event
05:05 - What's on the scorecard besides net revenue
06:09 - Scaling grassroots into a larger budget
06:23 - Spinning out as their own 501(c)(3)
07:03 - What great EDs do and the red flags to avoid
08:44 - Donors invest in the mission AND the person
10:14 - Turning in-kind donors into financial donors
13:05 - Telling impact stories that go beyond the dollar amount
14:00 - The veteran's story and "the foundation of the home"
15:21 - Story plus statistics: how to communicate impact
16:43 - Tactical takeaway: ask for help, you're not alone
17:55 - How to connect with Ryan and Open Door Exchange

Key takeaways

  • Galas and golf outings are flat. Trivia nights, music bingo, and signature partnerships bring new donors.
  • Net revenue is not the only scorecard. Attendance and new audience reach matter just as much.
  • Free in-kind pickup is your best cash cultivation tool. Donors who would've paid $150 to dump it now want to support you instead.
  • When a fundraiser leaves, donors leave too. Rebuild the relationship from scratch, in person, with a warehouse tour.
  • The story plus the statistic always beats either one alone.
  • A two-person shop survives by asking for help. Burnout is the real fundraising risk.

Links

]]>ebbecc73-73b9-40ce-973e-436511add7beTue, 16 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT<p>Ryan Yuhas has fundraised for food, faith, animals, and now furniture. He's seen what carries across every mission type and what only worked in one place. In this episode, he digs into why galas and golf outings are losing steam, the events grassroots nonprofits are using to bring in entirely new donor bases, and the simple mechanic Open Door Exchange uses to turn in-kind furniture donors into recurring cash donors.</p><p>We also get into the human side of stewardship, including why donors leave when fundraisers leave, what a great executive director actually does for your job, and the story of a veteran with PTSD and five kids that explains why furniture is more than furniture.</p><p>If you run events, work with in-kind donations, or have ever felt like you're carrying your fundraising shop alone, this one is for you.</p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 - Welcome and intro to Ryan Yuhas<br />00:56 - Ryan's path: food, faith, animals, furniture<br />02:10 - Five rescue dogs and the animal welfare outlier<br />02:31 - Galas are getting played out: trivia night, music bingo<br />03:46 - The Glass Pumpkin Patch annual event<br />05:05 - What's on the scorecard besides net revenue<br />06:09 - Scaling grassroots into a larger budget<br />06:23 - Spinning out as their own 501(c)(3)<br />07:03 - What great EDs do and the red flags to avoid<br />08:44 - Donors invest in the mission AND the person<br />10:14 - Turning in-kind donors into financial donors<br />13:05 - Telling impact stories that go beyond the dollar amount<br />14:00 - The veteran's story and "the foundation of the home"<br />15:21 - Story plus statistics: how to communicate impact<br />16:43 - Tactical takeaway: ask for help, you're not alone<br />17:55 - How to connect with Ryan and Open Door Exchange</p><p>Key takeaways</p><ul><li>Galas and golf outings are flat. Trivia nights, music bingo, and signature partnerships bring new donors.</li><li>Net revenue is not the only scorecard. Attendance and new audience reach matter just as much.</li><li>Free in-kind pickup is your best cash cultivation tool. Donors who would've paid $150 to dump it now want to support you instead.</li><li>When a fundraiser leaves, donors leave too. Rebuild the relationship from scratch, in person, with a warehouse tour.</li><li>The story plus the statistic always beats either one alone.</li><li>A two-person shop survives by asking for help. Burnout is the real fundraising risk.</li></ul><p>Links</p><ul><li>Open Door Exchange: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://opendoorexchange.org" target="_blank">https://opendoorexchange.org</a></li><li>Ryan Yuhas: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:ryan@opendoorexchange.org" target="_blank">ryan@opendoorexchange.org</a></li><li>DonorDock: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.donordock.com" target="_blank">https://www.donordock.com</a></li></ul>no00:18:46223Galas Are Getting Played Out. Try This Instead | Ryan Yuhasfull<![CDATA[Be a Secret Shopper to Your Own Nonprofit | Farra Trompeter, Big Duck]]>What if your donor retention problem is not a copy problem, but a brand problem?

Farra Trompeter has spent 30+ years in the nonprofit sector and 19 of those at Big Duck, helping organizations build brands that move donors. In this episode, she breaks down why brand is more than logos and colors, how brand stickiness inside your team determines whether donors recognize you, and why most rebrands fail to lift fundraising results.

We dig into the donor retention crisis, the difference between major-donor stewardship and the watered-down version everyone else gets, and the sub-brand strategy Big Duck used with the International Rescue Committee to build the Rescue Collective. Farra also explains why Q4 planning starts in Q3, and ends the episode with a tactical move every fundraiser can do this week: become a secret shopper to your own giving.

If you want donors who stay, this is the conversation.

Chapters

00:00 - Cold open: Be a secret shopper to your own giving

00:38 - Welcome and intro to Farra Trompeter

01:48 - Farra's path: from telefundraiser to Big Duck Co-Director

03:30 - What brand actually means for a development director

05:33 - Brand, culture, and where they overlap

06:22 - Why rebrands fail to lift fundraising results

09:04 - AI, generative tools, and brand consistency

10:43 - Donor retention is a stewardship problem, not a copy problem

12:54 - Monthly giving and sub-brands (Rescue Collective)

15:26 - Designing Q4: start in Q3 with a warm-up

17:25 - Prioritizing stewardship year-round

18:31 - Segmentation and treating mid-level donors like they matter

20:31 - Tactical takeaway: secret shop your own giving

21:46 - How to connect with Farra and Big Duck

Key takeaways

- Brand is every email, ask, event, and acknowledgement, not just your logo.

- Internal "brand stickiness" comes before external recognition.

- Donor retention is built between asks, not inside them.

- Q4 results are decided in Q3 with a non-fundraising warm-up.

- The fastest way to find your stewardship gaps: give to your own organization from a personal account and watch what happens.

Links

- Smart Communications Podcast: https://bigduck.com/insights/?type=podcasts

- Farra Trompeter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farra

- DonorDock: https://www.donordock.com

]]>9f8d82e4-d9d5-4184-9485-91497f8230e1Tue, 09 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT<p>What if your donor retention problem is not a copy problem, but a brand problem?</p><p>Farra Trompeter has spent 30+ years in the nonprofit sector and 19 of those at Big Duck, helping organizations build brands that move donors. In this episode, she breaks down why brand is more than logos and colors, how brand stickiness inside your team determines whether donors recognize you, and why most rebrands fail to lift fundraising results.</p><p>We dig into the donor retention crisis, the difference between major-donor stewardship and the watered-down version everyone else gets, and the sub-brand strategy Big Duck used with the International Rescue Committee to build the Rescue Collective. Farra also explains why Q4 planning starts in Q3, and ends the episode with a tactical move every fundraiser can do this week: become a secret shopper to your own giving.</p><p>If you want donors who stay, this is the conversation.</p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 - Cold open: Be a secret shopper to your own giving</p><p>00:38 - Welcome and intro to Farra Trompeter</p><p>01:48 - Farra's path: from telefundraiser to Big Duck Co-Director</p><p>03:30 - What brand actually means for a development director</p><p>05:33 - Brand, culture, and where they overlap</p><p>06:22 - Why rebrands fail to lift fundraising results</p><p>09:04 - AI, generative tools, and brand consistency</p><p>10:43 - Donor retention is a stewardship problem, not a copy problem</p><p>12:54 - Monthly giving and sub-brands (Rescue Collective)</p><p>15:26 - Designing Q4: start in Q3 with a warm-up</p><p>17:25 - Prioritizing stewardship year-round</p><p>18:31 - Segmentation and treating mid-level donors like they matter</p><p>20:31 - Tactical takeaway: secret shop your own giving</p><p>21:46 - How to connect with Farra and Big Duck</p><p>Key takeaways</p><p>- Brand is every email, ask, event, and acknowledgement, not just your logo.</p><p>- Internal "brand stickiness" comes before external recognition.</p><p>- Donor retention is built between asks, not inside them.</p><p>- Q4 results are decided in Q3 with a non-fundraising warm-up.</p><p>- The fastest way to find your stewardship gaps: give to your own organization from a personal account and watch what happens.</p><p>Links</p><p>- Smart Communications Podcast: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bigduck.com/insights/?type=podcasts" target="_blank">https://bigduck.com/insights/?type=podcasts</a></p><p>- Farra Trompeter on LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/farra" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/farra</a></p><p>- DonorDock: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.donordock.com" target="_blank">https://www.donordock.com</a></p>no00:22:53222Be a Secret Shopper to Your Own Nonprofit | Farra Trompeter, Big Duckfull<![CDATA[Relationship Mapping, Grant Transparency & the Biases Costing You Donors | Tori Tishman]]>Tori Tishman has fundraised across education, healthcare, and political campaigns, and she came out of it with strong opinions about what the sector gets wrong.

In this episode, Rob and Tori dig into relationship mapping for major donors, why grant reporting needs a radical transparency overhaul, the uncomfortable truth about pay in nonprofits, and how cognitive biases might be quietly tanking your fundraising results.

Whether you're running your first capital campaign or you're a seasoned development director, Tori's systems-driven approach to CRM documentation, institutional knowledge, and storytelling will give you a new way to think about the work.

What you'll learn:

How to use relationship mapping and LinkedIn to unlock the right person to make a major donor ask

Why fundraising is never just about numbers — and what that means for how you build trust

The case for radical transparency in grant reporting (and why it protects you legally)

Tori's honest take on pay transparency and executive compensation in the nonprofit sector

How to structure a capital campaign — from goal-setting to leveraging foundation gifts as social proof

Storytelling in HIPAA-sensitive environments: how Tori tracks and anonymizes client stories

Why the playbook you build today protects your org the day you're gone

The one exercise every fundraiser should do to uncover the biases holding them back

Chapters

00:00 - The Ask Has to Come From Someone They Trust

00:42 - Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser

01:15 - Tori Tishman's Background in Fundraising

02:09 - Diversifying Revenue and Relationship-Centered Fundraising

03:48 - What Actually Works With Major Donors

05:37 - AI + CRM: Why Unstructured Data Is a Game Changer

06:50 - Dysfunction in the Nonprofit Sector

07:11 - Radical Transparency in Grant Reporting

09:38 - Pay Transparency and Executive Compensation

10:46 - Capital Campaigns: Strategy, Goals, and Getting There

12:59 - Advice for Fundraisers New to Multi-Million Dollar Campaigns

13:46 - Storytelling as a Fundraising Tool

15:16 - Telling Stories in Healthcare Under HIPAA

16:23 - Systems Thinking, CRM Documentation, and Institutional Knowledge

18:37 - Tactical Takeaway: Examine Your Cognitive Biases

19:50 - Where to Find Tori Tishman

Connect with Tori Tishman:

LinkedIn: Victoria Tishman

Medium: Fundraising blog

Learn more about DonorDock: donordock.com

]]>32af3ec6-1bcc-4c5e-a1ea-6d1acd3d6feaTue, 02 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT<p>Tori Tishman has fundraised across education, healthcare, and political campaigns, and she came out of it with strong opinions about what the sector gets wrong.</p><p>In this episode, Rob and Tori dig into relationship mapping for major donors, why grant reporting needs a radical transparency overhaul, the uncomfortable truth about pay in nonprofits, and how cognitive biases might be quietly tanking your fundraising results.</p><p>Whether you're running your first capital campaign or you're a seasoned development director, Tori's systems-driven approach to CRM documentation, institutional knowledge, and storytelling will give you a new way to think about the work.</p><p>What you'll learn:</p><p>How to use relationship mapping and LinkedIn to unlock the right person to make a major donor ask</p><p>Why fundraising is never just about numbers — and what that means for how you build trust</p><p>The case for radical transparency in grant reporting (and why it protects you legally)</p><p>Tori's honest take on pay transparency and executive compensation in the nonprofit sector</p><p>How to structure a capital campaign — from goal-setting to leveraging foundation gifts as social proof</p><p>Storytelling in HIPAA-sensitive environments: how Tori tracks and anonymizes client stories</p><p>Why the playbook you build today protects your org the day you're gone</p><p>The one exercise every fundraiser should do to uncover the biases holding them back</p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 - The Ask Has to Come From Someone They Trust</p><p>00:42 - Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser</p><p>01:15 - Tori Tishman's Background in Fundraising</p><p>02:09 - Diversifying Revenue and Relationship-Centered Fundraising</p><p>03:48 - What Actually Works With Major Donors</p><p>05:37 - AI + CRM: Why Unstructured Data Is a Game Changer</p><p>06:50 - Dysfunction in the Nonprofit Sector</p><p>07:11 - Radical Transparency in Grant Reporting</p><p>09:38 - Pay Transparency and Executive Compensation</p><p>10:46 - Capital Campaigns: Strategy, Goals, and Getting There</p><p>12:59 - Advice for Fundraisers New to Multi-Million Dollar Campaigns</p><p>13:46 - Storytelling as a Fundraising Tool</p><p>15:16 - Telling Stories in Healthcare Under HIPAA</p><p>16:23 - Systems Thinking, CRM Documentation, and Institutional Knowledge</p><p>18:37 - Tactical Takeaway: Examine Your Cognitive Biases</p><p>19:50 - Where to Find Tori Tishman</p><p>Connect with Tori Tishman:</p><p>LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriatishman" target="_blank">Victoria Tishman</a></p><p>Medium: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://medium.com/@tishmanvictoria" target="_blank">Fundraising blog</a></p><p>Learn more about DonorDock: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://donordock.com" target="_blank">donordock.com</a></p>no00:20:32221Relationship Mapping, Grant Transparency & the Biases Costing You Donors | Tori Tishmanfull<![CDATA[Fundraising as Ecosystem Building: Lessons from Zimbabwe with Terrence Mugova]]>What if you thought about fundraising the way a farmer thinks about soil, not just what you can extract, but what you're building over time?

Terrence Mugova joins Rob Burke from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, where he founded Educate, a financing company that helps students at more than 50 schools afford school fees, and runs a hunger relief program and money coaching practice in his community.

Terrence brings a perspective rarely heard on fundraising podcasts: what it actually looks like to raise money without collateral, without a wealthy network, and inside an economy that's wrestled with hyperinflation.

In this episode, Terrence breaks down how he built a sustainable funding model that blends donor relationships, corporate shared-value partnerships, micro-loans, and earned revenue — and why he believes nonprofits everywhere need to start thinking more like business operators. He also shares a sharp critique of how global organizations often get it wrong when they show up in Africa with a predetermined vision and no understanding of local context.

If you work in fundraising — whether in the US or anywhere else — this episode will challenge you to widen your lens.

Chapters:

00:00 - Fundraising as Ecosystem Building (Teaser)

00:22 - Welcome and Guest Introduction

01:21 - Terrence's Story: Almost Losing His University Seat and Founding Educate

04:15 - Starting Small: Six Students, One Proof of Concept

07:25 - What Success Really Means: Identity, Action, and Dreams

08:57 - The Fintech Partnership: Making Diaspora Education Funding Direct and Accountable

10:26 - Building a Sustainable Funding Mix Beyond Grants

14:14 - Shared Value Partnerships: Speaking the Language of Business People

15:53 - What Global Nonprofits Get Wrong When They Enter Africa

19:11 - Tactical Takeaway: Approach Fundraising Like Building an Ecosystem

Learn more about DonorDock: https://donordock.com

]]>366987e7-87c2-453d-9ce5-843c3f01d6beTue, 26 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT<p>What if you thought about fundraising the way a farmer thinks about soil, not just what you can extract, but what you're building over time?</p><p>Terrence Mugova joins Rob Burke from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, where he founded Educate, a financing company that helps students at more than 50 schools afford school fees, and runs a hunger relief program and money coaching practice in his community.</p><p>Terrence brings a perspective rarely heard on fundraising podcasts: what it actually looks like to raise money without collateral, without a wealthy network, and inside an economy that's wrestled with hyperinflation.</p><p>In this episode, Terrence breaks down how he built a sustainable funding model that blends donor relationships, corporate shared-value partnerships, micro-loans, and earned revenue — and why he believes nonprofits everywhere need to start thinking more like business operators. He also shares a sharp critique of how global organizations often get it wrong when they show up in Africa with a predetermined vision and no understanding of local context.</p><p>If you work in fundraising — whether in the US or anywhere else — this episode will challenge you to widen your lens.</p><p>Chapters:</p><p>00:00 - Fundraising as Ecosystem Building (Teaser)</p><p>00:22 - Welcome and Guest Introduction</p><p>01:21 - Terrence's Story: Almost Losing His University Seat and Founding Educate</p><p>04:15 - Starting Small: Six Students, One Proof of Concept</p><p>07:25 - What Success Really Means: Identity, Action, and Dreams</p><p>08:57 - The Fintech Partnership: Making Diaspora Education Funding Direct and Accountable</p><p>10:26 - Building a Sustainable Funding Mix Beyond Grants</p><p>14:14 - Shared Value Partnerships: Speaking the Language of Business People</p><p>15:53 - What Global Nonprofits Get Wrong When They Enter Africa</p><p>19:11 - Tactical Takeaway: Approach Fundraising Like Building an Ecosystem</p><p>Learn more about DonorDock<b>:</b> <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://donordock.com" target="_blank">https://donordock.com</a></p>no00:20:23220Fundraising as Ecosystem Building: Lessons from Zimbabwe with Terrence Mugovafull<![CDATA[From 500 to 3,200 Donors: Stewardship, Retention & Planned Giving with Andrew Kerr]]>Andrew Kerr shares how he grew the Georgia Conservancy's donor base from 500 to 3,200 donors, lifted retention from 33% to 51%, and built a planned giving program with 25 estate commitments totaling over $2 million — all in just a few years.

This episode is packed with practical tactics: how to scale your thank-you process with a handwriting robot and video messages, how to use the PASS Framework to create urgency without fear-based fundraising, how to prospect for foundation and corporate grants using LinkedIn Sales Navigator, and exactly how to start the planned giving conversation without it feeling awkward.

Andrew's tactical takeaway alone is worth the listen: time blocking the last 30 minutes of every day for stewardship will change your numbers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Fix your leaking stewardship bucket before spending a dollar on acquisition
  • Donor avatars (Engaged Explorer vs. Legacy Builder) let you tailor messaging that actually resonates
  • Video thank-yous get shared — 250 videos watched by 350 unique IPs
  • Planned giving doesn't require a direct ask, just consistent conversation throughout the year
  • A donor match is the most effective tool to get estate gift amounts on record
  • Time blocking is the one habit that keeps your pipeline from drying up

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction & Andrew Kerr's Origin Story
03:30 - Why Fundraising Is Relationship Selling
04:35 - Donor Identity and the Conservation Giving Mindset
05:29 - The PASS Framework: Creating Urgency Without Fear
07:37 - Balancing Grants and Individual Donors
09:00 - LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Chambers of Commerce & Getting Past the First Filter
11:36 - Growing Your Donor Base When the Sector Is Shrinking
13:13 - Building a Stewardship System That Scales (Handwriting Robots, Video Messages)
15:37 - Introduction to Planned Giving: When to Start the Conversation
18:28 - How to Capture Estate Gift Amounts Without Pushing Donors Away
21:33 - Tactical Takeaway: Time Block the Last 30 Minutes of Every Day
22:39 - How to Connect with Andrew Kerr

Links & Resources Mentioned:

Georgia Conservancy

DonorDock — donordock.com

]]>83469ce5-029c-4c0d-8596-687c7f8f95eaTue, 19 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT<p>Andrew Kerr shares how he grew the Georgia Conservancy's donor base from 500 to 3,200 donors, lifted retention from 33% to 51%, and built a planned giving program with 25 estate commitments totaling over $2 million — all in just a few years.</p><p>This episode is packed with practical tactics: how to scale your thank-you process with a handwriting robot and video messages, how to use the PASS Framework to create urgency without fear-based fundraising, how to prospect for foundation and corporate grants using LinkedIn Sales Navigator, and exactly how to start the planned giving conversation without it feeling awkward.</p><p>Andrew's tactical takeaway alone is worth the listen: time blocking the last 30 minutes of every day for stewardship will change your numbers.</p><p>Key Takeaways:</p><ul><li>Fix your leaking stewardship bucket before spending a dollar on acquisition</li><li>Donor avatars (Engaged Explorer vs. Legacy Builder) let you tailor messaging that actually resonates</li><li>Video thank-yous get shared — 250 videos watched by 350 unique IPs</li><li>Planned giving doesn't require a direct ask, just consistent conversation throughout the year</li><li>A donor match is the most effective tool to get estate gift amounts on record</li><li>Time blocking is the one habit that keeps your pipeline from drying up</li></ul><p>Chapters:</p><p>00:00 - Introduction &amp; Andrew Kerr's Origin Story<br />03:30 - Why Fundraising Is Relationship Selling<br />04:35 - Donor Identity and the Conservation Giving Mindset<br />05:29 - The PASS Framework: Creating Urgency Without Fear<br />07:37 - Balancing Grants and Individual Donors<br />09:00 - LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Chambers of Commerce &amp; Getting Past the First Filter<br />11:36 - Growing Your Donor Base When the Sector Is Shrinking<br />13:13 - Building a Stewardship System That Scales (Handwriting Robots, Video Messages)<br />15:37 - Introduction to Planned Giving: When to Start the Conversation<br />18:28 - How to Capture Estate Gift Amounts Without Pushing Donors Away<br />21:33 - Tactical Takeaway: Time Block the Last 30 Minutes of Every Day<br />22:39 - How to Connect with Andrew Kerr</p><p>Links &amp; Resources Mentioned:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.georgiaconservancy.org" target="_blank">Georgia Conservancy</a></p><p>DonorDock — <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://donordock.com" target="_blank">donordock.com</a></p>no00:23:25219From 500 to 3,200 Donors: Stewardship, Retention & Planned Giving with Andrew Kerrfull<![CDATA[Fundraise From Your Laptop: The Sprint Method with Christina Edwards]]>If your fundraising strategy is basically "year-end campaign and maybe a gala," Christina Edwards has something to say about that. As founder of Splendid Consulting and creator of the Sprint Method, she has worked with thousands of nonprofits and identified the same bottleneck again and again: organizations stuck in the grant-gala cycle, burning out their teams, and getting diminishing returns.

In this episode, Christina breaks down why email is where conversions happen (not social), how to build a "social street team" using ambassadors and micro influencers you already know, why you should be planning in 3-6 month windows instead of annually, and how the Sprint Method lets you fundraise from your laptop in short controlled bursts throughout the year — including when a surprise donor match lands in your inbox this week.

Her tactical takeaway is one of the most actionable ones we've had on the show: send your list a micro moment email today.

Key Takeaways:

  • Email is the conversion channel — social is for visibility, not dollars
  • The Sprint Method replaces the exhausting grant-gala cycle with focused, repeatable online campaigns
  • You don't need a celebrity influencer — your most engaged volunteers and community members are your social street team
  • Start with just 3 email segments: monthly givers, major donors, and last campaign donors
  • Fundraisers struggle to close gifts because the campaign isn't doing the lifting — not because the ask is scary
  • Planning annually is fine as a skeleton, but execute in 3-6 month windows

Chapters:

00:00 - Why Compounding Systems Beat One-Off Campaigns
03:12 - What Compounding Fundraising Actually Looks Like in Practice
04:31 - The Social Street Team Method: Ambassadors Over Celebrities
07:53 - Email vs. Social: Where Conversions Actually Happen
09:44 - Introducing the Sprint Method (and Why the Gala Is Burning You Out)
12:45 - Can You Use Sprints for In-Person Events? (Yes, and Here's How)
15:03 - Planning in 3-6 Month Windows Instead of Annually
16:28 - Micro Events: Which Lane Are You In?
17:44 - Donor Segmentation: Just 3 Buckets to Start
20:23 - Why Fundraisers Struggle to Close Gifts (Hint: It's the Campaign, Not the Ask)
22:38 - The Mindset Layer: Fear Is Costing You More Than You Think
23:19 - Tactical Takeaway: Send a Micro Moment Email Today

Links & Resources Mentioned:

]]>b9f47a94-1aed-4d61-aeb2-d667650cde18Tue, 12 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT<p>If your fundraising strategy is basically "year-end campaign and maybe a gala," Christina Edwards has something to say about that. As founder of Splendid Consulting and creator of the Sprint Method, she has worked with thousands of nonprofits and identified the same bottleneck again and again: organizations stuck in the grant-gala cycle, burning out their teams, and getting diminishing returns.</p><p>In this episode, Christina breaks down why email is where conversions happen (not social), how to build a "social street team" using ambassadors and micro influencers you already know, why you should be planning in 3-6 month windows instead of annually, and how the Sprint Method lets you fundraise from your laptop in short controlled bursts throughout the year — including when a surprise donor match lands in your inbox this week.</p><p>Her tactical takeaway is one of the most actionable ones we've had on the show: send your list a micro moment email today.</p><p>Key Takeaways:</p><ul><li>Email is the conversion channel — social is for visibility, not dollars</li><li>The Sprint Method replaces the exhausting grant-gala cycle with focused, repeatable online campaigns</li><li>You don't need a celebrity influencer — your most engaged volunteers and community members are your social street team</li><li>Start with just 3 email segments: monthly givers, major donors, and last campaign donors</li><li>Fundraisers struggle to close gifts because the campaign isn't doing the lifting — not because the ask is scary</li><li>Planning annually is fine as a skeleton, but execute in 3-6 month windows</li></ul><p>Chapters:</p><p>00:00 - Why Compounding Systems Beat One-Off Campaigns<br />03:12 - What Compounding Fundraising Actually Looks Like in Practice<br />04:31 - The Social Street Team Method: Ambassadors Over Celebrities<br />07:53 - Email vs. Social: Where Conversions Actually Happen<br />09:44 - Introducing the Sprint Method (and Why the Gala Is Burning You Out)<br />12:45 - Can You Use Sprints for In-Person Events? (Yes, and Here's How)<br />15:03 - Planning in 3-6 Month Windows Instead of Annually<br />16:28 - Micro Events: Which Lane Are You In?<br />17:44 - Donor Segmentation: Just 3 Buckets to Start<br />20:23 - Why Fundraisers Struggle to Close Gifts (Hint: It's the Campaign, Not the Ask)<br />22:38 - The Mindset Layer: Fear Is Costing You More Than You Think<br />23:19 - Tactical Takeaway: Send a Micro Moment Email Today</p><p></p><p>Links &amp; Resources Mentioned:</p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://splendidatl.com" target="_blank">Splendid Consulting</a> — Christina's consultancy</li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://splendidatl.com" target="_blank">Purpose and Profit Club</a> — Christina's coaching program and podcast</li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://donordock.com" target="_blank">DonorDock</a> — donor segmentation and stewardship</li></ul>no00:24:56218Fundraise From Your Laptop: The Sprint Method with Christina Edwardsfull<![CDATA[How to Win Corporate Partners: The Pipeline Strategy That Pays Off]]>Most nonprofits have a fundraising plan. Very few have a fundraising pipeline. And that difference? It's costing them corporate partners, donor retention, and long-term sustainability.

In this episode, Rob sits down with Alexa Diaz Formidoni, founder of Be Better Together and creator of the Development Fundraising Pipeline (DFP). Alexa brings 20+ years of experience from both sides of the table, leading development inside major nonprofits like Junior Achievement and Neighbors for Neighbors, and now consulting organizations on how to build the systems that make funding predictable.

They dig into why corporate sponsorship feels hard (and how to fix it), why the first "no" is just a touch point, and what it actually takes to build a relationship-based funding model that holds up when the economy shifts.

What you'll learn:

  • Why a strategic plan is not a fundraising pipeline and why you need both
  • The touch point framework for corporate partnerships (no ask required at first)
  • Why corporate giving takes 12 to 25 months to convert and what to do in the meantime
  • How to use AI to research corporate philanthropy pillars before you ever reach out
  • The mindset shift from transactional fundraising to relational funding
  • Alexa's tactical takeaway: the one question every fundraiser should ask themselves today

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction

00:53 - Alexa's 20-year journey: LLS, Junior Achievement, and building community

06:06 - The difference between a fundraising plan and a real funding pipeline

10:21 - Stewardship starts at acquisition: why it's all relationship building

13:35 - Corporate sponsorships beyond galas: common mistakes and smarter approaches

17:00 - Touch points, timelines, and why 12-25 months is the real runway

22:17 - Tactical takeaway: ask yourself this question before tomorrow

24:34 - How to find Alexa and the Development Fundraising Pipeline

]]>6a0b2692-6116-4722-96c8-0714f5a24e4cTue, 05 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT<p>Most nonprofits have a fundraising plan. Very few have a fundraising pipeline. And that difference? It's costing them corporate partners, donor retention, and long-term sustainability.</p><p>In this episode, Rob sits down with Alexa Diaz Formidoni, founder of Be Better Together and creator of the Development Fundraising Pipeline (DFP). Alexa brings 20+ years of experience from both sides of the table, leading development inside major nonprofits like Junior Achievement and Neighbors for Neighbors, and now consulting organizations on how to build the systems that make funding predictable.</p><p>They dig into why corporate sponsorship feels hard (and how to fix it), why the first "no" is just a touch point, and what it actually takes to build a relationship-based funding model that holds up when the economy shifts.</p><p>What you'll learn:</p><ul><li>Why a strategic plan is not a fundraising pipeline and why you need both</li><li>The touch point framework for corporate partnerships (no ask required at first)</li><li>Why corporate giving takes 12 to 25 months to convert and what to do in the meantime</li><li>How to use AI to research corporate philanthropy pillars before you ever reach out</li><li>The mindset shift from transactional fundraising to relational funding</li><li>Alexa's tactical takeaway: the one question every fundraiser should ask themselves today</li></ul><p>Chapters<b>:</b> </p><p>00:00 - Introduction </p><p>00:53 - Alexa's 20-year journey: LLS, Junior Achievement, and building community </p><p>06:06 - The difference between a fundraising plan and a real funding pipeline </p><p>10:21 - Stewardship starts at acquisition: why it's all relationship building </p><p>13:35 - Corporate sponsorships beyond galas: common mistakes and smarter approaches </p><p>17:00 - Touch points, timelines, and why 12-25 months is the real runway </p><p>22:17 - Tactical takeaway: ask yourself this question before tomorrow </p><p>24:34 - How to find Alexa and the Development Fundraising Pipeline</p><ul><li>Be Better Together: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bebettertogether.org" target="_blank">https://www.bebettertogether.org</a></li><li>DonorDock: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.donordock.com" target="_blank">https://www.donordock.com</a></li></ul>no00:25:38217How to Win Corporate Partners: The Pipeline Strategy That Pays Offfull<![CDATA[The Fundraising Power of Radical Transparency | Kerry Lowry, M25 Initiative]]>What happens when your nonprofit's biggest outcomes can't be captured in a spreadsheet? Kerry Lowry, founder of the M25 Initiative in Reno, Nevada, has figured out how to fundraise anyway.

In just 18 months, Kerry has grown M25 from a vision to an organization running programs in rehab facilities, building toward prison reentry work, and housing people in sober living, largely through grassroots community relationships, radical transparency, and a simple but powerful approach to storytelling that makes donors feel like the heroes they are.

In this episode, Rob and Kerry dig into what it actually takes to fundraise without grants, without a big team, and without a perfectly packaged impact number — and how organizations serving the hardest-to-quantify populations can still build deep donor trust.

Key takeaways:

  • Why consistency, not tactics, is the real inflection point in fundraising growth
  • How to tell a story that connects a simple donation (like flooring) to a life changed
  • Why donor stewardship matters more than most nonprofits realize
  • How a CRM becomes a community-building tool, not just a database
  • The "learn, implement, teach" framework that drives Kerry's organization

Chapters:

  • 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome
  • 00:47 - Kerry's Story: From Lived Experience to Founding M25 Initiative
  • 03:17 - Growing a Reentry Nonprofit in 18 Months
  • 07:03 - The Real Fundraising Strategy: Consistency Over Tactics
  • 09:43 - Why AI Can't Replace the Donor Relationship
  • 12:22 - Donor Retention: What Kerry Actually Invests In
  • 14:00 - How Kerry Uses Her CRM to Deepen Community Connection
  • 15:58 - Make Your Donor the Hero: A Storytelling Framework
  • 16:16 - Quantifying the Unquantifiable: The Flooring Story
  • 20:14 - Tactical Takeaway: Learn, Implement, Teach

About M25 Initiative: https://m25nv.org/

🔗 Learn how DonorDock helps nonprofits like M25 build stronger donor relationships: https://www.donordock.com

]]>431e019d-d6cb-4f9f-8222-555f4ced16b1Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT<p>What happens when your nonprofit's biggest outcomes can't be captured in a spreadsheet? Kerry Lowry, founder of the M25 Initiative in Reno, Nevada, has figured out how to fundraise anyway.</p><p>In just 18 months, Kerry has grown M25 from a vision to an organization running programs in rehab facilities, building toward prison reentry work, and housing people in sober living, largely through grassroots community relationships, radical transparency, and a simple but powerful approach to storytelling that makes donors feel like the heroes they are.</p><p>In this episode, Rob and Kerry dig into what it actually takes to fundraise without grants, without a big team, and without a perfectly packaged impact number — and how organizations serving the hardest-to-quantify populations can still build deep donor trust.</p><p>Key takeaways:</p><ul><li>Why consistency, not tactics, is the real inflection point in fundraising growth</li><li>How to tell a story that connects a simple donation (like flooring) to a life changed</li><li>Why donor stewardship matters more than most nonprofits realize</li><li>How a CRM becomes a community-building tool, not just a database</li><li>The "learn, implement, teach" framework that drives Kerry's organization</li></ul><p>Chapters:</p><ul><li>00:00 - Introduction &amp; Welcome</li><li>00:47 - Kerry's Story: From Lived Experience to Founding M25 Initiative</li><li>03:17 - Growing a Reentry Nonprofit in 18 Months</li><li>07:03 - The Real Fundraising Strategy: Consistency Over Tactics</li><li>09:43 - Why AI Can't Replace the Donor Relationship</li><li>12:22 - Donor Retention: What Kerry Actually Invests In</li><li>14:00 - How Kerry Uses Her CRM to Deepen Community Connection</li><li>15:58 - Make Your Donor the Hero: A Storytelling Framework</li><li>16:16 - Quantifying the Unquantifiable: The Flooring Story</li><li>20:14 - Tactical Takeaway: Learn, Implement, Teach</li></ul><p>About M25 Initiative: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://m25nv.org/" target="_blank">https://m25nv.org/</a></p><p>🔗 Learn how DonorDock helps nonprofits like M25 build stronger donor relationships: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.donordock.com" target="_blank">https://www.donordock.com</a></p>no00:21:56216The Fundraising Power of Radical Transparency | Kerry Lowry, M25 Initiativefull<![CDATA[The Hidden Cost of Avoiding Conflict in Nonprofits]]>What happens inside the leader when the systems around them stay broken?

Daniela Cohen, founder of Transformative Conversations, has spent 15+ years in nonprofit leadership in Canada and South Africa, and experienced burnout firsthand. Now she works at the intersection of leadership coaching and conflict transformation, helping nonprofit leaders (especially women) shift out of survival mode so they can lead with confidence and sustain their impact long-term.

In this episode, Rob and Daniela unpack the invisible patterns that drain nonprofit leaders: conflict avoidance, over-giving, the confidence gap you can't see from the outside, and the identity trap that turns dedication into depletion.

If you've ever felt like if you stop, everything falls apart — this conversation is for you.

Key Takeaways:

Why conflict avoidance is costing your organization more than you think

What the "invisible confidence gap" looks like for development directors

How over-giving is different from mission alignment — and how to tell the difference

The mindset shift that changes everything: "just because I can doesn't mean I should"

One simple, practical thing you can do today to stop running on empty

Connect with Daniela:Website: https://transformativeconversations.ca

Learn how DonorDock helps nonprofits build a strong donor base through smart stewardship: https://donordock.com

Chapters

00:00 - Welcome & Introduction
00:58 - Daniela's Background: 15 Years in Nonprofit Leadership
02:18 - What Is Conflict Transformation?
04:12 - Why Nonprofit Leaders Avoid Hard Conversations (and What It Costs)
07:17 - The Invisible Confidence Gap in Development Directors
09:16 - Over-Giving vs. Mission Alignment: Do You Know the Difference?
11:12 - Identity, Women, and the Nonprofit Sector
12:09 - Where the Overwhelm Breaks Down First — and What to Do About It
15:19 - Freedom to Thrive: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
16:35 - Tactical Takeaway: Create Space in Your Day

]]>5bf6e1ce-2baa-40b4-b27b-87c27e4eb816Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT<p>What happens inside the leader when the systems around them stay broken?</p><p>Daniela Cohen, founder of Transformative Conversations, has spent 15+ years in nonprofit leadership in Canada and South Africa, and experienced burnout firsthand. Now she works at the intersection of leadership coaching and conflict transformation, helping nonprofit leaders (especially women) shift out of survival mode so they can lead with confidence and sustain their impact long-term.</p><p>In this episode, Rob and Daniela unpack the invisible patterns that drain nonprofit leaders: conflict avoidance, over-giving, the confidence gap you can't see from the outside, and the identity trap that turns dedication into depletion.</p><p>If you've ever felt like if you stop, everything falls apart — this conversation is for you.</p><p><b>Key Takeaways:</b></p><p>Why conflict avoidance is costing your organization more than you think</p><p>What the "invisible confidence gap" looks like for development directors</p><p>How over-giving is different from mission alignment — and how to tell the difference</p><p>The mindset shift that changes everything: "just because I can doesn't mean I should"</p><p>One simple, practical thing you can do today to stop running on empty</p><p><b>Connect with Daniela:</b>Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://transformativeconversations.ca" target="_blank">https://transformativeconversations.ca</a></p><p><b>Learn how DonorDock helps nonprofits build a strong donor base through smart stewardship:</b> <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://donordock.com" target="_blank">https://donordock.com</a></p><h3>Chapters</h3><p>00:00 - Welcome &amp; Introduction<br />00:58 - Daniela's Background: 15 Years in Nonprofit Leadership<br />02:18 - What Is Conflict Transformation?<br />04:12 - Why Nonprofit Leaders Avoid Hard Conversations (and What It Costs)<br />07:17 - The Invisible Confidence Gap in Development Directors<br />09:16 - Over-Giving vs. Mission Alignment: Do You Know the Difference?<br />11:12 - Identity, Women, and the Nonprofit Sector<br />12:09 - Where the Overwhelm Breaks Down First — and What to Do About It<br />15:19 - Freedom to Thrive: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything<br />16:35 - Tactical Takeaway: Create Space in Your Day</p>no00:18:50215The Hidden Cost of Avoiding Conflict in Nonprofitsfull<![CDATA[AI, Tool Fatigue, and the Future of Nonprofit Fundraising | Matt Bitzegaio]]>Most fundraising teams don't have a technology problem. They have a process problem. And buying a new tool just makes the broken process run faster.

In this episode, Rob sits down with Matt Bitzegaio, CEO and co-founder of DonorDock, to discuss where the nonprofit sector is right now and where it's headed.

Matt has spent over 20 years working with CRMs across for-profit and nonprofit organizations. He's seen what works, what doesn't, and what's actually changing versus what's just hype.

They dig into the biggest shifts happening in fundraising operations, why "tool fatigue" is real and getting worse, what AI can genuinely do for you today (and what it can't), and what the next generation of nonprofit software actually needs to look like.

If your systems feel messy, your team is stretched thin, or you're wondering whether AI is going to save you or just create more noise, this episode is for you.

Links & Resources

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction: A Different Kind of Episode
01:26 - Matt's Background and Building DonorDock
05:02 - The Biggest Shift in How Fundraising Teams Operate
07:30 - Tool Fatigue and the Year of Consolidation
08:30 - Process Before Platform: Getting the Order of Operations Right
10:54 - Your Process Needs to Be Tool-Agnostic
12:24 - AI in Fundraising: What's Real vs. What's Hype
17:06 - AI as an Exponent, Not a Replacement
18:19 - What the Next Generation of Nonprofit Software Needs to Look Like
22:39 - Clean Data Is the Foundation
23:13 - Advice for Fundraisers Who Feel Stuck
26:27 - Tactical Takeaway: Work Your Lapsed Donor List
28:36 - Closing Thoughts and Where to Learn More

Key Takeaways

  • Technology amplifies your process — good or broken. Fix the process first.
  • AI is genuinely useful for drafts, summaries, data cleanup, and unstructured notes. It is not a relationship builder.
  • The 2026 consolidation trend is real. Teams are asking "what can we get rid of?" not "what can we add?"
  • Small teams now have the tools to do what large teams used to do. That's both an opportunity and a pressure.
  • Your lapsed donor list (gave last year, not yet this year) is your highest-ROI activity for the next 30 days. Pick up the phone.
  • AI can only be as good as the data you've been keeping. Start tracking donor interactions now — in any format.
]]>9439b952-54b6-4439-8e93-c990a77ba9f6Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:05:56 GMT<p>Most fundraising teams don't have a technology problem. They have a process problem. And buying a new tool just makes the broken process run faster.</p><p>In this episode, Rob sits down with Matt Bitzegaio, CEO and co-founder of DonorDock, to discuss where the nonprofit sector is right now and where it's headed.</p><p>Matt has spent over 20 years working with CRMs across for-profit and nonprofit organizations. He's seen what works, what doesn't, and what's actually changing versus what's just hype.</p><p>They dig into the biggest shifts happening in fundraising operations, why "tool fatigue" is real and getting worse, what AI can genuinely do for you today (and what it can't), and what the next generation of nonprofit software actually needs to look like.</p><p>If your systems feel messy, your team is stretched thin, or you're wondering whether AI is going to save you or just create more noise, this episode is for you.</p><p>Links &amp; Resources</p><ul><li>DonorDock Nonprofit Maturity Assessment: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.donordock.com/tools/smart-steward-assessment" target="_blank">donordock.com/tools/smart-steward-assessment</a></li><li>Learn more about DonorDock: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://donordock.com" target="_blank">donordock.com</a></li></ul><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 - Introduction: A Different Kind of Episode<br />01:26 - Matt's Background and Building DonorDock<br />05:02 - The Biggest Shift in How Fundraising Teams Operate<br />07:30 - Tool Fatigue and the Year of Consolidation<br />08:30 - Process Before Platform: Getting the Order of Operations Right<br />10:54 - Your Process Needs to Be Tool-Agnostic<br />12:24 - AI in Fundraising: What's Real vs. What's Hype<br />17:06 - AI as an Exponent, Not a Replacement<br />18:19 - What the Next Generation of Nonprofit Software Needs to Look Like<br />22:39 - Clean Data Is the Foundation<br />23:13 - Advice for Fundraisers Who Feel Stuck<br />26:27 - Tactical Takeaway: Work Your Lapsed Donor List<br />28:36 - Closing Thoughts and Where to Learn More</p><p>Key Takeaways</p><ul><li>Technology amplifies your process — good or broken. Fix the process first.</li><li>AI is genuinely useful for drafts, summaries, data cleanup, and unstructured notes. It is not a relationship builder.</li><li>The 2026 consolidation trend is real. Teams are asking "what can we get rid of?" not "what can we add?"</li><li>Small teams now have the tools to do what large teams used to do. That's both an opportunity and a pressure.</li><li>Your lapsed donor list (gave last year, not yet this year) is your highest-ROI activity for the next 30 days. Pick up the phone.</li><li>AI can only be as good as the data you've been keeping. Start tracking donor interactions now — in any format.</li></ul>no00:29:10214AI, Tool Fatigue, and the Future of Nonprofit Fundraising | Matt Bitzegaiofull<![CDATA[The Real Fix for Development Turnover]]>The average development director lasts 18 to 24 months, and that number is shrinking. Christina Martin Kenny, founder of Guava Tree Strategies, has spent her career figuring out why fundraising teams burn out, why they leave, and what it actually takes to fix it.

In this episode, Rob and Christina dig into the structural problems that lead to constant fundraiser turnover: hiring when you're already desperate, writing job descriptions for an imaginary unicorn, and expecting one person to build a culture of philanthropy from scratch. Christina also shares her Solo Fundraiser Survival Guide framework for pushing back on unrealistic revenue goals with data.

If your organization has ever lost a great development director too soon, this conversation is for you.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction: Why fundraiser burnout is a structural problem 00:44 - Christina's path into nonprofits and her own experience with turnover 03:19 - The 18-24 month average tenure — and why it's getting worse 03:48 - The root cause: organizations hire fundraisers when they need money 07:00 - Writing job descriptions for who you want to be, not where you are 08:02 - Flipping the budget mindset: profit first for nonprofits 09:22 - The Solo Fundraiser Survival Guide: pushing back with data 13:29 - Shared ownership of fundraising across the organization 17:43 - Reframing what fundraisers actually do (it's not asking for money all day) 20:31 - What to do when you're a few months in and already seeing red flags 22:18 - Go see your programs: the antidote to fundraiser burnout 23:25 - How to interview when job descriptions are unrealistic 25:22 - The fractional fundraiser movement and where it fits 25:22 - Tactical Takeaway: experience your programs firsthand

Key Takeaways:

  • Organizations hire fundraisers out of desperation, that's the root cause of the turnover problem
  • Job descriptions that list 40 responsibilities set fundraisers up to fail from day one
  • Hire for where you currently are, not who you aspire to be
  • Use data and projections to push back on unrealistic revenue goals — not just "no"
  • A culture of philanthropy starts with leadership, not the development director
  • Before updating your resume: go see your programs in person

Connect with Christina:

Learn more about DonorDock: donordock.com

]]>7e0b869c-ee96-4239-b0db-bbebf846136aTue, 07 Apr 2026 17:44:32 GMT<p>The average development director lasts 18 to 24 months, and that number is shrinking. Christina Martin Kenny, founder of Guava Tree Strategies, has spent her career figuring out why fundraising teams burn out, why they leave, and what it actually takes to fix it.</p><p>In this episode, Rob and Christina dig into the structural problems that lead to constant fundraiser turnover: hiring when you're already desperate, writing job descriptions for an imaginary unicorn, and expecting one person to build a culture of philanthropy from scratch. Christina also shares her Solo Fundraiser Survival Guide framework for pushing back on unrealistic revenue goals with data.</p><p>If your organization has ever lost a great development director too soon, this conversation is for you.</p><p><b>Chapters:</b></p><p>00:00 - Introduction: Why fundraiser burnout is a structural problem 00:44 - Christina's path into nonprofits and her own experience with turnover 03:19 - The 18-24 month average tenure — and why it's getting worse 03:48 - The root cause: organizations hire fundraisers when they need money 07:00 - Writing job descriptions for who you want to be, not where you are 08:02 - Flipping the budget mindset: profit first for nonprofits 09:22 - The Solo Fundraiser Survival Guide: pushing back with data 13:29 - Shared ownership of fundraising across the organization 17:43 - Reframing what fundraisers actually do (it's not asking for money all day) 20:31 - What to do when you're a few months in and already seeing red flags 22:18 - Go see your programs: the antidote to fundraiser burnout 23:25 - How to interview when job descriptions are unrealistic 25:22 - The fractional fundraiser movement and where it fits 25:22 - Tactical Takeaway: experience your programs firsthand</p><p><b>Key Takeaways:</b></p><ul><li>Organizations hire fundraisers out of desperation, that's the root cause of the turnover problem</li><li>Job descriptions that list 40 responsibilities set fundraisers up to fail from day one</li><li>Hire for where you currently are, not who you aspire to be</li><li>Use data and projections to push back on unrealistic revenue goals — not just "no"</li><li>A culture of philanthropy starts with leadership, not the development director</li><li>Before updating your resume: go see your programs in person</li></ul><p><b>Connect with Christina:</b></p><ul><li>Guava Tree Strategies: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.guavatreestrategies.com/" target="_blank">https://www.guavatreestrategies.com/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: Christina Martin Kenny</li></ul><p><b>Learn more about DonorDock:</b> <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://donordock.com" target="_blank">donordock.com</a></p>no00:27:30213The Real Fix for Development Turnoverfull<![CDATA[Profitability Isn't a Dirty Word | Kim Nagle on Financial Sustainability]]>What does it cost to change a life, and what's the return on that investment? Kim Nagle has spent over three decades answering that question. As the creator of the DAMN Plan and author of Nonprofit Profitability, Kim brings hard-won for-profit business thinking into the nonprofit sector. Not to strip away the mission, but to make it last.

In this episode, Rob Burke and Kim dig into why so many nonprofits are one month away from closing their doors, why cashflow is more important than total fundraising revenue, and how telling the financial truth to your board (even when it's uncomfortable) can actually strengthen your organization. Kim also shares a powerful tactical takeaway: calculate the ROI of a changed life, so your donors understand exactly what their investment is worth.

If you're a fundraiser, an executive director, or a board member who wants to stop white-knuckling your organization's finances — this episode is for you.

Learn more about DonorDock: https://donordock.com

Attend WellTold: https://welltoldconference.com/
Purchase Kim's Book: https://damnplan.com

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction: Kim Nagel and Why Financial Sustainability Is Backwards
00:56 - Kim's Story: From Nonprofit Recipient to Nonprofit Strategist
02:44 - Why She Wrote Nonprofit Profitability (and What Robin Danner Had to Do With It)
07:50 - Nonprofit Profitability: Why the Word Makes People Uncomfortable
08:16 - The DAMN Plan Explained: Determined Decisions, Act Consistently, Mind Your Business, No Excuses
11:21 - Calculating the ROI of a Changed Life ($10.5 Million)
12:14 - Revenue Diversification: The 40% Rule and the Danger of One-Source Funding
14:56 - Cashflow vs. Total Fundraising Revenue: What Actually Keeps Doors Open
19:12 - What Boards Get Wrong and How to Lead Them Into Financial Honesty
23:06 - Tactical Takeaway: Calculate the Value of a Changed Life
26:00 - Where to Find Kim, the Book, and the AI Prompts

]]>051cb1bd-60d5-441d-a380-58773554e641Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:33:45 GMT<p>What does it cost to change a life, and what's the return on that investment? Kim Nagle has spent over three decades answering that question. As the creator of the DAMN Plan and author of <i>Nonprofit Profitability</i>, Kim brings hard-won for-profit business thinking into the nonprofit sector. Not to strip away the mission, but to make it last.</p><p>In this episode, Rob Burke and Kim dig into why so many nonprofits are one month away from closing their doors, why cashflow is more important than total fundraising revenue, and how telling the financial truth to your board (even when it's uncomfortable) can actually strengthen your organization. Kim also shares a powerful tactical takeaway: calculate the ROI of a changed life, so your donors understand exactly what their investment is worth.</p><p>If you're a fundraiser, an executive director, or a board member who wants to stop white-knuckling your organization's finances — this episode is for you.</p><p>Learn more about DonorDock: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://donordock.com" target="_blank">https://donordock.com</a></p><p>Attend WellTold: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://welltoldconference.com/" target="_blank">https://welltoldconference.com/</a><br />Purchase Kim's Book: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://damnplan.com" target="_blank">https://damnplan.com</a></p><p><b>Chapters:</b></p><p>00:00 - Introduction: Kim Nagel and Why Financial Sustainability Is Backwards<br />00:56 - Kim's Story: From Nonprofit Recipient to Nonprofit Strategist<br />02:44 - Why She Wrote <i>Nonprofit Profitability</i> (and What Robin Danner Had to Do With It)<br />07:50 - Nonprofit Profitability: Why the Word Makes People Uncomfortable<br />08:16 - The DAMN Plan Explained: Determined Decisions, Act Consistently, Mind Your Business, No Excuses<br />11:21 - Calculating the ROI of a Changed Life ($10.5 Million)<br />12:14 - Revenue Diversification: The 40% Rule and the Danger of One-Source Funding<br />14:56 - Cashflow vs. Total Fundraising Revenue: What Actually Keeps Doors Open<br />19:12 - What Boards Get Wrong and How to Lead Them Into Financial Honesty<br />23:06 - Tactical Takeaway: Calculate the Value of a Changed Life<br />26:00 - Where to Find Kim, the Book, and the AI Prompts</p>no00:29:21212Profitability Isn't a Dirty Word | Kim Nagle on Financial Sustainabilityfull<![CDATA[The Right Story at the Right Time: How to match your message to your donor's journey]]>What if your nonprofit doesn't have a storytelling problem.. it has a timing problem? In this episode, Rob Burke sits down with Max Kringan, founder of Tellwell Story Co., who has spent nearly two decades helping mission-driven organizations use human stories to deepen donor engagement and drive real fundraising results.

Max breaks down his "storytelling rhythm" framework and explains why the most effective nonprofits aren't the ones collecting the most stories, they're the ones matching the right story to where each donor actually is in the relationship. He also shares how Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley consistently nails their gala storytelling by focusing on hope rather than trauma, and why your About page might be quietly pushing donors away.

You'll walk away with a concrete framework, a fresh perspective on donor relationships, and one action you can take today.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Welcome
01:00 - How Tellwell Story Co. Found Its Way Back to Nonprofits
03:27 - What Is the WellTold Conference and Why It's Different
08:04 - What Is a Storytelling Rhythm? The Trust Framework Explained
10:30 - Introduce, Educate, Engage, Remind: A Donor Relationship Model
13:18 - Democratizing Storytelling: Do More With Fewer Stories
16:32 - What Makes a Story Land at a Gala (vs. Falling Flat)
18:30 - Hope vs. Trauma: Why Donors Invest in Aspiration, Not Sadness
20:19 - Story Arcs and the Conflict-Resolution Principle
21:04 - Tactical Takeaway: Rewrite Your About Page With "You" Language
23:22 - Closing Thoughts and How to Connect with Max

]]>767db59f-43c6-4c43-bcc6-71831cab2a38Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:47:07 GMT<p>What if your nonprofit doesn't have a storytelling problem.. it has a <i>timing</i> problem? In this episode, Rob Burke sits down with Max Kringan, founder of Tellwell Story Co., who has spent nearly two decades helping mission-driven organizations use human stories to deepen donor engagement and drive real fundraising results.</p><p>Max breaks down his "storytelling rhythm" framework and explains why the most effective nonprofits aren't the ones collecting the most stories, they're the ones matching the right story to where each donor actually is in the relationship. He also shares how Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley consistently nails their gala storytelling by focusing on hope rather than trauma, and why your About page might be quietly pushing donors away.</p><p>You'll walk away with a concrete framework, a fresh perspective on donor relationships, and one action you can take today.</p><p><b>Chapters:</b></p><p>00:00 - Introduction and Welcome<br />01:00 - How Tellwell Story Co. Found Its Way Back to Nonprofits<br />03:27 - What Is the WellTold Conference and Why It's Different<br />08:04 - What Is a Storytelling Rhythm? The Trust Framework Explained<br />10:30 - Introduce, Educate, Engage, Remind: A Donor Relationship Model<br />13:18 - Democratizing Storytelling: Do More With Fewer Stories<br />16:32 - What Makes a Story Land at a Gala (vs. Falling Flat)<br />18:30 - Hope vs. Trauma: Why Donors Invest in Aspiration, Not Sadness<br />20:19 - Story Arcs and the Conflict-Resolution Principle<br />21:04 - Tactical Takeaway: Rewrite Your About Page With "You" Language<br />23:22 - Closing Thoughts and How to Connect with Max</p>no00:23:58212The Right Story at the Right Time: How to match your message to your donor's journeyfull<![CDATA[Audaciously Visible: How to Own Your Message and Raise More Money]]>Most fundraisers don't lose donors by asking too big...they lose them by playing it safe, apologizing for their needs, and never showing up boldly enough. Dayna Del Val joins Rob Burke to change that.

Dayna spent 13 years as President and CEO of a regional arts nonprofit before becoming a speaker and coach who helps leaders become audaciously visible. In this episode, she shares how her acting background unlocked her approach to donor conversations, why so many nonprofit professionals shrink in the moments that require boldness, and the one shift that can transform how you walk into every donor meeting.

Whether you're heading into your fundraising season, prepping for a major ask, or just tired of feeling underprepared when it matters most, this conversation will give you practical tools and real permission to show up differently.

Dayna is also a featured speaker at the WellTold Nonprofit Conference this April, details in the links below.

WellTold Conference: https://welltoldconference.com/

Learn about DonorDock: https://www.donordock.com/

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Welcome and intro: Who is Dayna Del Val?
00:52 - Accidentally becoming a nonprofit leader
03:01 - What is Well Told and why should fundraisers attend?
05:39 - Leadership lessons from 13 years running an arts nonprofit
06:15 - How acting background shaped donor conversation skills
08:28 - Where nonprofit professionals shrink and play small
10:30 - The donor who told her she was thinking too small
11:17 - Listening well before making the big ask
12:03 - Do your research: understanding donor capacity
13:29 - The cost of staying hidden: what fear of rejection actually costs you
14:08 - A practical shift for communicating with more authority now
15:52 - A real story: the multi-year funding ask that broke her heart
18:00 - Tactical takeaway: own your message unapologetically
19:02 - Closing thoughts and Well Told Conference details

If this episode sparked something in you, subscribe so you never miss a conversation that helps you focus on what moves the needle in fundraising.

]]>02224ee2-fe7e-4338-9b75-36e20130653aTue, 17 Mar 2026 14:11:40 GMT<p>Most fundraisers don't lose donors by asking too big...they lose them by playing it safe, apologizing for their needs, and never showing up boldly enough. Dayna Del Val joins Rob Burke to change that.</p><p>Dayna spent 13 years as President and CEO of a regional arts nonprofit before becoming a speaker and coach who helps leaders become audaciously visible. In this episode, she shares how her acting background unlocked her approach to donor conversations, why so many nonprofit professionals shrink in the moments that require boldness, and the one shift that can transform how you walk into every donor meeting.</p><p>Whether you're heading into your fundraising season, prepping for a major ask, or just tired of feeling underprepared when it matters most, this conversation will give you practical tools and real permission to show up differently. </p><p></p><p>Dayna is also a featured speaker at the WellTold Nonprofit Conference this April, details in the links below.</p><p>WellTold Conference: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://welltoldconference.com/" target="_blank">https://welltoldconference.com/</a></p><p>Learn about DonorDock: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.donordock.com/" target="_blank">https://www.donordock.com/</a></p><p></p><p>CHAPTERS:<br />00:00 - Welcome and intro: Who is Dayna Del Val?<br />00:52 - Accidentally becoming a nonprofit leader<br />03:01 - What is Well Told and why should fundraisers attend?<br />05:39 - Leadership lessons from 13 years running an arts nonprofit<br />06:15 - How acting background shaped donor conversation skills<br />08:28 - Where nonprofit professionals shrink and play small<br />10:30 - The donor who told her she was thinking too small<br />11:17 - Listening well before making the big ask<br />12:03 - Do your research: understanding donor capacity<br />13:29 - The cost of staying hidden: what fear of rejection actually costs you<br />14:08 - A practical shift for communicating with more authority now<br />15:52 - A real story: the multi-year funding ask that broke her heart<br />18:00 - Tactical takeaway: own your message unapologetically<br />19:02 - Closing thoughts and Well Told Conference details</p><p>If this episode sparked something in you, subscribe so you never miss a conversation that helps you focus on what moves the needle in fundraising.</p>no00:20:08211Audaciously Visible: How to Own Your Message and Raise More Moneyfull<![CDATA[Relational vs Transactional Fundraising (What Fundraisers Get Wrong)]]>Are you focusing on the right fundraising strategies or just doing more tasks? In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke sits down with nonprofit growth expert Noah Barnett to break down what actually drives sustainable fundraising.

They dive into the difference between transactional fundraising vs relational fundraising, why most nonprofit teams struggle with strategy, and how fundraisers can prioritize donor stewardship, donor retention, and meaningful relationships even with limited time and small teams.

Noah also shares a powerful growth framework for nonprofits, how to think about fundraising technology and donor CRM systems, and why your data strategy matters more than your tools—especially as AI becomes more integrated into nonprofit fundraising.

If you’re a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or development director looking to improve donor engagement, fundraising strategy, and sustainable nonprofit growth, this conversation will give you practical ideas you can apply immediately.

You’ll also hear about the upcoming WellTold Conference, where fundraisers gather to sharpen storytelling, leadership, and fundraising strategy.

Welltold Conference: www.welltoldconference.com

DonorDock: www.donordock.com

CHAPTERS

0:00 Introduction to The Focused Fundraiser

0:45 Noah Barnett’s nonprofit background

1:47 The WellTold Conference and why it matters

4:44 Transactional vs relational fundraising

10:00 A simple growth strategy framework for nonprofits

16:44 How fundraisers should evaluate technology tools

23:12 Why data matters for AI and fundraising

24:01 A tactical donor stewardship action you can take today

26:29 The power of community at fundraising conferences

]]>c7978a98-8011-4aad-8266-ff023d4c012aTue, 10 Mar 2026 19:40:24 GMT<p>Are you focusing on the right fundraising strategies or just doing more tasks? In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke sits down with nonprofit growth expert Noah Barnett to break down what actually drives sustainable fundraising.</p><p></p><p>They dive into the difference between transactional fundraising vs relational fundraising, why most nonprofit teams struggle with strategy, and how fundraisers can prioritize donor stewardship, donor retention, and meaningful relationships even with limited time and small teams.</p><p></p><p>Noah also shares a powerful growth framework for nonprofits, how to think about fundraising technology and donor CRM systems, and why your data strategy matters more than your tools—especially as AI becomes more integrated into nonprofit fundraising.</p><p></p><p>If you’re a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or development director looking to improve donor engagement, fundraising strategy, and sustainable nonprofit growth, this conversation will give you practical ideas you can apply immediately.</p><p></p><p>You’ll also hear about the upcoming WellTold Conference, where fundraisers gather to sharpen storytelling, leadership, and fundraising strategy.</p><p></p><p>Welltold Conference: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.welltoldconference.com" target="_blank">www.welltoldconference.com</a></p><p>DonorDock: www.donordock.com</p><h1>CHAPTERS</h1><p>0:00 Introduction to The Focused Fundraiser</p><p>0:45 Noah Barnett’s nonprofit background</p><p>1:47 The WellTold Conference and why it matters</p><p>4:44 Transactional vs relational fundraising</p><p>10:00 A simple growth strategy framework for nonprofits</p><p>16:44 How fundraisers should evaluate technology tools</p><p>23:12 Why data matters for AI and fundraising</p><p>24:01 A tactical donor stewardship action you can take today</p><p>26:29 The power of community at fundraising conferences</p>no00:28:10210Relational vs Transactional Fundraising (What Fundraisers Get Wrong)full<![CDATA[Build a Revenue Engine with Major Gift Strategy | Sherry Quam Taylor]]>Discover how to build a sustainable revenue engine through high-ROI, investment-level giving conversations.

On this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Sherry Quam Taylor, a leading fundraising strategist, reveals the "other half of the story" that most nonprofits miss when talking to major donors.

Learn why mid- and major-level donors need more than just mission stories, how to align your fundraising hours with actual dollars, and why framing giving as an investment (not a transaction) transforms your revenue strategy.

Perfect for executive directors, major gift officers, and development leaders ready to move beyond event-driven fundraising.

Featured Guest: Sherry Quam Taylor, Fundraising Strategist (Chicagoland)

Conference Mentioned: WellTold 2026 (April, Fargo, MN) — in-person + online https://welltoldconference.com/

CHAPTERS

0:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction

0:39 – Sherry's Background: Corporate to Nonprofit

2:03 – The "Hours to Dollars" Mentality

3:12 – The Hard Truth: Fundraisers Tell Only Half the Story

5:16 – Why ROI Matters: CEO-to-CEO Conversations

5:37 – Who Should Attend Sherry's WellTold Session

6:56 – WellTold Conference Overview & Speaker Lineup

7:45 – Diving Into Major Gift Strategy

]]>8de25933-3cf6-49e1-adfd-496f0ab28e04Tue, 03 Mar 2026 19:18:43 GMT<p>Discover how to build a sustainable revenue engine through high-ROI, investment-level giving conversations.</p><p>On this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Sherry Quam Taylor, a leading fundraising strategist, reveals the "other half of the story" that most nonprofits miss when talking to major donors.</p><p>Learn why mid- and major-level donors need more than just mission stories, how to align your fundraising hours with actual dollars, and why framing giving as an investment (not a transaction) transforms your revenue strategy.</p><p>Perfect for executive directors, major gift officers, and development leaders ready to move beyond event-driven fundraising.</p><p><b>Featured Guest:</b> Sherry Quam Taylor, Fundraising Strategist (Chicagoland) </p><p><b>Conference Mentioned:</b> WellTold 2026 (April, Fargo, MN) — in-person + online <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://welltoldconference.com/" target="_blank">https://welltoldconference.com/</a></p><p></p><p>CHAPTERS</p><p>0:00 – Welcome &amp; Guest Introduction</p><p>0:39 – Sherry's Background: Corporate to Nonprofit</p><p>2:03 – The "Hours to Dollars" Mentality</p><p>3:12 – The Hard Truth: Fundraisers Tell Only Half the Story</p><p>5:16 – Why ROI Matters: CEO-to-CEO Conversations</p><p>5:37 – Who Should Attend Sherry's WellTold Session</p><p>6:56 – WellTold Conference Overview &amp; Speaker Lineup</p><p>7:45 – Diving Into Major Gift Strategy</p>no00:22:1129Build a Revenue Engine with Major Gift Strategy | Sherry Quam Taylorfull<![CDATA[Why Inclusive Fundraising Is the Foundation of Every Strong Giving Program | Clay Buck]]>T. Clay Buck has spent over 30 years in the trenches of nonprofit fundraising and he's got a message every fundraiser needs to hear: the foundation of a great giving program isn't a tactic. It's a philosophy.

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Clay joins Rob Burke to talk about what inclusive fundraising really looks like, why recurring giving is an outcome (not a strategy), and how to tell compelling stories even when your mission doesn't fit the "sad picture" mold.

Clay is also previewing two of his upcoming talks at the WellTold Conference this April — "The Impossible Story" and his future-focused look at where philanthropy is headed over the next 5, 10, and 20 years.

Whether you're a development director juggling five roles or an ED trying to build real donor relationships on a tight budget, this conversation will shift how you think about your fundraising program from the ground up.

🎟️ WellTold Conference — April 2026 in Fargo, ND (in-person + online). welltoldconference.com

📌 What you'll learn in this episode:

  • Why inclusivity is the #1 marker of a healthy giving program
  • How to tell stories when your mission doesn't have a clear "beneficiary face"
  • Why recurring giving works best as an outcome of culture, not a standalone ask
  • What fundraisers should be doing NOW to prepare for the next decade of giving
  • A preview of Clay's WellTold sessions on storytelling and the future of philanthropy

🔗 Learn more about DonorDock: https://www.donordock.com
🎙️ The Focused Fundraiser is brought to you by DonorDock — donor management that just works.

Chapters

0:00 Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser
0:49 Clay Buck's path from actor to 30-year fundraiser
2:02 What Clay is most excited about at WellTold
3:10 The Impossible Story — rethinking nonprofit storytelling
3:50 Future-focused philanthropy — planting trees for tomorrow
4:17 WellTold Conference details and speaker lineup
5:50 What does a healthy individual giving program look like?
6:03 Why inclusivity is the foundation of strong fundraising
7:30 Recurring giving as outcome, not starting point
8:30 Welcoming every donor into the mission
10:00 How community culture shapes generosity
12:00 Closing thoughts and where to find Clay

]]>2e54d952-9586-499a-99dc-2f10deb9fcb0Tue, 24 Feb 2026 21:21:06 GMT<p>T. Clay Buck has spent over 30 years in the trenches of nonprofit fundraising and he's got a message every fundraiser needs to hear: the foundation of a great giving program isn't a tactic. It's a philosophy.</p><p></p><p>In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Clay joins Rob Burke to talk about what inclusive fundraising really looks like, why recurring giving is an outcome (not a strategy), and how to tell compelling stories even when your mission doesn't fit the "sad picture" mold.</p><p></p><p>Clay is also previewing two of his upcoming talks at the WellTold Conference this April — "The Impossible Story" and his future-focused look at where philanthropy is headed over the next 5, 10, and 20 years.</p><p></p><p>Whether you're a development director juggling five roles or an ED trying to build real donor relationships on a tight budget, this conversation will shift how you think about your fundraising program from the ground up.</p><p></p><p>🎟️ WellTold Conference — April 2026 in Fargo, ND (in-person + online). <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://welltoldconference.com" target="_blank">welltoldconference.com</a></p><p></p><p>📌 What you'll learn in this episode:</p><ul><li>Why inclusivity is the #1 marker of a healthy giving program</li><li>How to tell stories when your mission doesn't have a clear "beneficiary face"</li><li>Why recurring giving works best as an outcome of culture, not a standalone ask</li><li>What fundraisers should be doing NOW to prepare for the next decade of giving</li><li>A preview of Clay's WellTold sessions on storytelling and the future of philanthropy</li></ul><p>🔗 Learn more about DonorDock: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.donordock.com" target="_blank">https://www.donordock.com</a><br />🎙️ The Focused Fundraiser is brought to you by DonorDock — donor management that just works.</p><h2><b>Chapters</b></h2><p>0:00 Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser<br />0:49 Clay Buck's path from actor to 30-year fundraiser<br />2:02 What Clay is most excited about at WellTold<br />3:10 The Impossible Story — rethinking nonprofit storytelling<br />3:50 Future-focused philanthropy — planting trees for tomorrow<br />4:17 WellTold Conference details and speaker lineup<br />5:50 What does a healthy individual giving program look like?<br />6:03 Why inclusivity is the foundation of strong fundraising<br />7:30 Recurring giving as outcome, not starting point<br />8:30 Welcoming every donor into the mission<br />10:00 How community culture shapes generosity<br />12:00 Closing thoughts and where to find Clay</p>no00:27:2928Why Inclusive Fundraising Is the Foundation of Every Strong Giving Program | Clay Buckfull<![CDATA[The Secret to Strong Nonprofit Boards and Better Fundraising]]>Are your nonprofit board members disengaged from fundraising? In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke sits down with nonprofit strategist Christal Cherry to talk about how boards set the tone for fundraising culture, how executive directors can better manage up, and how to build strong governance practices that drive real impact.

With over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and board development, Christal shares practical strategies to help fundraisers:

• Reframe fundraising as storytelling and relationship building

• Engage disengaged board members

• Build accountability between boards and executive directors

• Strengthen board governance and recruitment practices

• Increase recurring giving and planned giving

• Improve donor retention with meaningful appreciation

If you’re a fundraiser, executive director, or board member looking to build stronger relationships and create a healthy fundraising culture, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can implement immediately.

Christal will also be speaking at the WellTold Conference in Fargo (and virtually), where nonprofit leaders will walk away with hands-on, actionable strategies—not just inspiration.

Listen now and learn how to focus on what truly matters in fundraising: relationships, accountability, and mission-driven leadership.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser

00:55 Christal Cherry’s nonprofit journey

02:04 Why speak at the WellTold Conference?

03:33 How boards set the tone for fundraising culture

05:55 Making fundraising less scary for board members

06:16 How to engage a disengaged board

08:08 Board accountability and partnership with leadership

11:43 Managing up as an executive director

13:25 Building strong board governance

17:01 Fundraising trends: recurring & planned giving

19:17 Tactical takeaway: creative donor appreciation

20:41 Storytelling, leadership, and actionable fundraising

]]>3b983beb-b0b6-4f63-a071-fef52743311eTue, 17 Feb 2026 18:41:17 GMT<p>Are your nonprofit board members disengaged from fundraising? In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke sits down with nonprofit strategist Christal Cherry to talk about how boards set the tone for fundraising culture, how executive directors can better manage up, and how to build strong governance practices that drive real impact.</p><p></p><p>With over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and board development, Christal shares practical strategies to help fundraisers:</p><p></p><p>• Reframe fundraising as storytelling and relationship building</p><p>• Engage disengaged board members</p><p>• Build accountability between boards and executive directors</p><p>• Strengthen board governance and recruitment practices</p><p>• Increase recurring giving and planned giving</p><p>• Improve donor retention with meaningful appreciation</p><p></p><p>If you’re a fundraiser, executive director, or board member looking to build stronger relationships and create a healthy fundraising culture, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can implement immediately.</p><p></p><p>Christal will also be speaking at the WellTold Conference in Fargo (and virtually), where nonprofit leaders will walk away with hands-on, actionable strategies—not just inspiration.</p><p></p><p>Listen now and learn how to focus on what truly matters in fundraising: relationships, accountability, and mission-driven leadership.</p><p></p><p>CHAPTERS</p><p>00:00 Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser</p><p>00:55 Christal Cherry’s nonprofit journey</p><p>02:04 Why speak at the WellTold Conference?</p><p>03:33 How boards set the tone for fundraising culture</p><p>05:55 Making fundraising less scary for board members</p><p>06:16 How to engage a disengaged board</p><p>08:08 Board accountability and partnership with leadership</p><p>11:43 Managing up as an executive director</p><p>13:25 Building strong board governance</p><p>17:01 Fundraising trends: recurring &amp; planned giving</p><p>19:17 Tactical takeaway: creative donor appreciation</p><p>20:41 Storytelling, leadership, and actionable fundraising</p>no00:21:4127The Secret to Strong Nonprofit Boards and Better Fundraisingfull<![CDATA[Why Storytelling Is the Most Powerful Fundraising Tool]]>Fundraising isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke sits down with Amanda Clark-Wahl, founder of Cocktails and Caregivers, to talk about storytelling, donor relationships, and the fundraising habits that actually move the needle.

Amanda shares her personal journey into nonprofit leadership, why caregivers are often invisible, and how simple, authentic storytelling can outperform polished campaigns. They also dig into donor stewardship, thanking supporters, fundraising events, hiring your first employee, and why unpolished videos are often the most effective tool fundraisers have.

If you’re a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or executive director looking to raise more while staying mission-focused, this episode is packed with practical, real-world insights.

👇 Topics covered:

• Storytelling vs statistics in fundraising

• Donor retention and stewardship

• Thank-you strategies that actually work

• Video fundraising without big budgets

• Hiring your first nonprofit employee

• Gala fundraising realities

• Staying focused on mission while growing

Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser

00:27 – Amanda’s caregiver journey and nonprofit origin story

02:35 – Balancing full-time work and nonprofit leadership

03:46 – Why storytelling drives donor behavior

05:49 – Where nonprofits get storytelling wrong

07:10 – Emotional transparency in fundraising

08:35 – What nonprofit messaging should stay the same (and what should change)

11:08 – Non-negotiable fundraising activities

12:42 – Unpolished video thank-yous that work

14:53 – Hiring your first nonprofit employee

16:48 – Fundraising habits leaders must learn

18:45 – Tactical takeaway for fundraisers

19:26 – The power of saying thank you

]]>f34895d4-4190-48eb-ba11-a43fa64678b1Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:58:04 GMT<p>Fundraising isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.</p><p></p><p>In this episode of <i>The Focused Fundraiser</i>, host Rob Burke sits down with Amanda Clark-Wahl, founder of Cocktails and Caregivers, to talk about storytelling, donor relationships, and the fundraising habits that actually move the needle.</p><p></p><p>Amanda shares her personal journey into nonprofit leadership, why caregivers are often invisible, and how simple, authentic storytelling can outperform polished campaigns. They also dig into donor stewardship, thanking supporters, fundraising events, hiring your first employee, and why unpolished videos are often the most effective tool fundraisers have.</p><p></p><p>If you’re a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or executive director looking to raise more while staying mission-focused, this episode is packed with practical, real-world insights.</p><p></p><p>👇 Topics covered:</p><p>• Storytelling vs statistics in fundraising</p><p>• Donor retention and stewardship</p><p>• Thank-you strategies that actually work</p><p>• Video fundraising without big budgets</p><p>• Hiring your first nonprofit employee</p><p>• Gala fundraising realities</p><p>• Staying focused on mission while growing</p><p></p><h2><b>Chapters / Timestamps</b></h2><p>00:00 – Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser</p><p>00:27 – Amanda’s caregiver journey and nonprofit origin story</p><p>02:35 – Balancing full-time work and nonprofit leadership</p><p>03:46 – Why storytelling drives donor behavior</p><p>05:49 – Where nonprofits get storytelling wrong</p><p>07:10 – Emotional transparency in fundraising</p><p>08:35 – What nonprofit messaging should stay the same (and what should change)</p><p>11:08 – Non-negotiable fundraising activities</p><p>12:42 – Unpolished video thank-yous that work</p><p>14:53 – Hiring your first nonprofit employee</p><p>16:48 – Fundraising habits leaders must learn</p><p>18:45 – Tactical takeaway for fundraisers</p><p>19:26 – The power of saying thank you</p>no00:20:4926Why Storytelling Is the Most Powerful Fundraising Toolfull<![CDATA[Fundraising vs Development: What Nonprofits Get Wrong]]>Fundraising doesn’t have to feel reactionary or chaotic.

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke sits down with nonprofit leader Erin Davison to unpack one of the biggest challenges fundraisers face today: balancing short-term fundraising pressure with long-term donor stewardship.

Erin shares real-world insights from leading nonprofits through economic disruption, crisis, and growth, and explains why stewardship isn’t seasonal, fundraising calendars can be misleading, and nonprofits must stop thinking like charities and start operating like confident businesses.

This conversation is a must-listen for nonprofit leaders, development professionals, and executive directors who want to simplify fundraising, strengthen donor relationships, and build sustainable growth.

What you’ll learn:

• Why reactionary fundraising hurts long-term success

• How stewardship should operate year-round

• The difference between fundraising and development

• How to educate boards and CEOs on donor development

• Why transparency and storytelling build stronger donor trust

• How to plan fundraising without living in crisis mode

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser

00:44 – Erin Davison’s nonprofit journey

02:43 – The fundraising habit to leave behind

05:58 – Why stewardship must be year-round

06:57 – What fundraisers should prioritize earlier

10:27 – Leading through crisis and disruption

12:22 – Why nonprofits must think like businesses

13:39 – Short-term pressure vs long-term relationships

15:34 – Fundraising vs development explained

18:10 – Transparency with donors and investors

19:31 – Honest storytelling and real impact

22:33 – One action every fundraiser should take today

]]>49a2ab70-ad0b-4e38-a613-2009ef27d213Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:12:40 GMT<p>Fundraising doesn’t have to feel reactionary or chaotic.</p><p>In this episode of <i>The Focused Fundraiser</i>, host Rob Burke sits down with nonprofit leader Erin Davison to unpack one of the biggest challenges fundraisers face today: balancing short-term fundraising pressure with long-term donor stewardship.</p><p>Erin shares real-world insights from leading nonprofits through economic disruption, crisis, and growth, and explains why stewardship isn’t seasonal, fundraising calendars can be misleading, and nonprofits must stop thinking like charities and start operating like confident businesses.</p><p>This conversation is a must-listen for nonprofit leaders, development professionals, and executive directors who want to simplify fundraising, strengthen donor relationships, and build sustainable growth.</p><p></p><h3><b>What you’ll learn:</b></h3><p>• Why reactionary fundraising hurts long-term success</p><p>• How stewardship should operate year-round</p><p>• The difference between fundraising and development</p><p>• How to educate boards and CEOs on donor development</p><p>• Why transparency and storytelling build stronger donor trust</p><p>• How to plan fundraising without living in crisis mode</p><p></p><h3>Chapters</h3><p>00:00 – Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser</p><p>00:44 – Erin Davison’s nonprofit journey</p><p>02:43 – The fundraising habit to leave behind</p><p>05:58 – Why stewardship must be year-round</p><p>06:57 – What fundraisers should prioritize earlier</p><p>10:27 – Leading through crisis and disruption</p><p>12:22 – Why nonprofits must think like businesses</p><p>13:39 – Short-term pressure vs long-term relationships</p><p>15:34 – Fundraising vs development explained</p><p>18:10 – Transparency with donors and investors</p><p>19:31 – Honest storytelling and real impact</p><p>22:33 – One action every fundraiser should take today</p>no00:23:5325Fundraising vs Development: What Nonprofits Get Wrongfull<![CDATA[From Major Gifts to Legacy Giving: Real Fundraising Strategies]]>What does it really take to build sustainable donor relationships and confidently talk about planned giving?

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke sits down with Rachel Gitner, Director of Advancement at Serendipity Center, to unpack what works in fundraising across large institutions and small nonprofits.

Rachel shares practical lessons from her journey—from classical singer to leading development efforts in healthcare, education, and mental health nonprofits. Together, they dive into donor trust, relationship-building, planned giving conversations, and how fundraisers can use systems (and AI) to stay focused and effective.

Whether you’re new to fundraising or leading development strategy, this episode is packed with real-world advice you can use today.

🎧 Topics include:

  • How donor relationships actually grow over time
  • Making planned giving feel natural (not scary)
  • Large vs. small nonprofit fundraising strategies
  • Using donor databases and AI effectively
  • The single most important thing fundraisers should do today

CHAPTERS

00:22 – Rachel’s path into nonprofit fundraising

02:18 – What skills translate across nonprofit sectors

03:22 – Fundraising at large vs. small organizations

05:44 – Wearing many hats vs. specialization

05:59 – Turning local relationships into long-term donors

08:53 – Tracking donor conversations and follow-ups

10:24 – Using AI and donor databases effectively

11:19 – How to talk about planned giving with confidence

14:12 – One thing every fundraiser should do today

]]>420e96c6-1797-4646-a120-136c0e7e5901Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:03:22 GMT<p>What does it really take to build <b>sustainable donor relationships</b> and confidently talk about <b>planned giving</b>?</p><p></p><p>In this episode of <i>The Focused Fundraiser</i>, host Rob Burke sits down with Rachel Gitner, Director of Advancement at Serendipity Center, to unpack what works in fundraising across <b>large institutions and small nonprofits</b>.</p><p></p><p>Rachel shares practical lessons from her journey—from classical singer to leading development efforts in healthcare, education, and mental health nonprofits. Together, they dive into donor trust, relationship-building, planned giving conversations, and how fundraisers can use systems (and AI) to stay focused and effective.</p><p></p><p>Whether you’re new to fundraising or leading development strategy, this episode is packed with <b>real-world advice you can use today</b>.</p><p></p><p>🎧 Topics include:</p><ul><li>How donor relationships actually grow over time</li><li>Making planned giving feel natural (not scary)</li><li>Large vs. small nonprofit fundraising strategies</li><li>Using donor databases and AI effectively</li><li>The single most important thing fundraisers should do today</li></ul><p></p><h2>CHAPTERS</h2><p>00:22 – Rachel’s path into nonprofit fundraising</p><p>02:18 – What skills translate across nonprofit sectors</p><p>03:22 – Fundraising at large vs. small organizations</p><p>05:44 – Wearing many hats vs. specialization</p><p>05:59 – Turning local relationships into long-term donors</p><p>08:53 – Tracking donor conversations and follow-ups</p><p>10:24 – Using AI and donor databases effectively</p><p>11:19 – How to talk about planned giving with confidence</p><p>14:12 – One thing every fundraiser should do today</p>no00:15:0024From Major Gifts to Legacy Giving: Real Fundraising Strategiesfull<![CDATA[Ethical Storytelling & Donor Trust with Joshway Founder David Robertson]]>How do you build donor trust, steward supporters well, and grow a nonprofit with clarity and purpose?

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, David Robertson, founder of Joshway, talks about building a mission-driven nonprofit rooted in personal story, strong business fundamentals, and ethical storytelling.

David shares how his background in fintech shaped Joshway’s donor journey, why nonprofits must think like businesses (without losing heart), and how to steward donors in a way that builds long-term trust — not transactional giving.

This conversation is packed with practical fundraising advice, especially for small teams and one-person development shops.

🎧 Topics include:

• Turning personal pain into purpose

• Applying for-profit strategy to nonprofit fundraising

• Donor stewardship that actually builds trust

• Ethical storytelling without exploiting beneficiaries

• Using data and KPIs without losing the human story

• Messaging clarity for growing nonprofits

• A powerful reflection every fundraiser should do today

If you’re a fundraiser, nonprofit founder, or development leader looking to sharpen your strategy and reconnect with your “why,” this episode is for you.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser

00:51 The story behind Joshway

02:05 Starting a nonprofit rooted in personal loss

03:49 What fundraisers can learn from for-profit business

07:33 Why data and metrics matter in nonprofit growth

08:00 Choosing the right CRM for donor stewardship

11:55 Measuring impact through real stories

12:23 Ethical storytelling without using people as props

14:01 Building donor trust through stewardship

16:47 Inviting donors into the mission

17:11 Messaging clarity for small nonprofit teams

19:38 Tactical takeaway for fundraisers

20:02 Remembering your “why”

21:12 Final thoughts & DonorDock mention

]]>68100f4d-4682-466b-8849-3dc636b3fe88Tue, 20 Jan 2026 17:49:50 GMT<p>How do you build <b>donor trust</b>, steward supporters well, and grow a nonprofit with clarity and purpose?</p><p></p><p>In this episode of <i>The Focused Fundraiser</i>, <b>David Robertson</b>, founder of Joshway, talks about building a mission-driven nonprofit rooted in personal story, strong business fundamentals, and ethical storytelling.</p><p></p><p>David shares how his background in fintech shaped Joshway’s donor journey, why nonprofits must think like businesses (without losing heart), and how to steward donors in a way that builds long-term trust — not transactional giving.</p><p></p><p>This conversation is packed with <b>practical fundraising advice</b>, especially for small teams and one-person development shops.</p><p></p><p>🎧 Topics include:</p><p>• Turning personal pain into purpose</p><p>• Applying for-profit strategy to nonprofit fundraising</p><p>• Donor stewardship that actually builds trust</p><p>• Ethical storytelling without exploiting beneficiaries</p><p>• Using data and KPIs without losing the human story</p><p>• Messaging clarity for growing nonprofits</p><p>• A powerful reflection every fundraiser should do today</p><p></p><p>If you’re a fundraiser, nonprofit founder, or development leader looking to sharpen your strategy and reconnect with your “why,” this episode is for you.</p><p></p><h2><b>Chapters</b></h2><p>00:00 Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser</p><p>00:51 The story behind Joshway</p><p>02:05 Starting a nonprofit rooted in personal loss</p><p>03:49 What fundraisers can learn from for-profit business</p><p>07:33 Why data and metrics matter in nonprofit growth</p><p>08:00 Choosing the right CRM for donor stewardship</p><p>11:55 Measuring impact through real stories</p><p>12:23 Ethical storytelling without using people as props</p><p>14:01 Building donor trust through stewardship</p><p>16:47 Inviting donors into the mission</p><p>17:11 Messaging clarity for small nonprofit teams</p><p>19:38 Tactical takeaway for fundraisers</p><p>20:02 Remembering your “why”</p><p>21:12 Final thoughts &amp; DonorDock mention</p>no00:21:3123Ethical Storytelling & Donor Trust with Joshway Founder David Robertsonfull<![CDATA[Donor Retention, KPIs & What Actually Works in Fundraising]]>What should fundraisers focus on at the beginning of a new year? And what should they stop doing altogether?

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke and Chris Stibbs, Director of Development at Growing Futures, talk about what actually moves the needle in modern nonprofit fundraising. From donor retention and stewardship to avoiding burnout, segmentation, KPIs, and realistic goal-setting, this conversation is packed with practical insights for fundraisers at every level.

Key Topics Covered:

• Healthy fundraising habits for the new year

• Donor stewardship vs. transactional fundraising

• Donor journeys and segmentation strategies

• KPIs that actually matter

• Grant strategy and approval tracking

• Mid-level donor growth

• Avoiding burnout on fundraising teams

• One simple action every fundraiser should take today

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser

00:47 – Chris Stibbs’ fundraising journey

02:47 – What a healthy start to the year looks like

04:27 – Moving from transactions to stewardship

06:07 – Fundraising trends that aren’t working anymore

07:15 – Donor journeys & segmentation

09:03 – Why every donor matters

10:29 – The overlooked power of mid-level donors

11:21 – Setting realistic fundraising goals

13:27 – KPIs fundraisers should actually track

15:53 – Grant strategy & approval rates

17:27 – Hard conversations fundraisers avoid

19:51 – Tactical takeaway: one thing to do today

]]>84518aa6-67fc-4365-90f8-3e61998587e7Tue, 13 Jan 2026 18:17:27 GMT<p>What should fundraisers focus on at the beginning of a new year? And what should they stop doing altogether?</p><p>In this episode of <i>The Focused Fundraiser</i>, Rob Burke and Chris Stibbs, Director of Development at Growing Futures, talk about what actually moves the needle in modern nonprofit fundraising. From donor retention and stewardship to avoiding burnout, segmentation, KPIs, and realistic goal-setting, this conversation is packed with practical insights for fundraisers at every level.</p><p><b>Key Topics Covered:</b></p><p>• Healthy fundraising habits for the new year</p><p>• Donor stewardship vs. transactional fundraising</p><p>• Donor journeys and segmentation strategies</p><p>• KPIs that actually matter</p><p>• Grant strategy and approval tracking</p><p>• Mid-level donor growth</p><p>• Avoiding burnout on fundraising teams</p><p>• One simple action every fundraiser should take today</p><h3><b>Chapters</b></h3><p>00:00 – Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser</p><p>00:47 – Chris Stibbs’ fundraising journey</p><p>02:47 – What a healthy start to the year looks like</p><p>04:27 – Moving from transactions to stewardship</p><p>06:07 – Fundraising trends that aren’t working anymore</p><p>07:15 – Donor journeys &amp; segmentation</p><p>09:03 – Why every donor matters</p><p>10:29 – The overlooked power of mid-level donors</p><p>11:21 – Setting realistic fundraising goals</p><p>13:27 – KPIs fundraisers should actually track</p><p>15:53 – Grant strategy &amp; approval rates</p><p>17:27 – Hard conversations fundraisers avoid</p><p>19:51 – Tactical takeaway: one thing to do today</p>no00:21:0222Donor Retention, KPIs & What Actually Works in Fundraisingfull<![CDATA[Doing Less to Raise More: The Fundraising Focus Most Nonprofits Miss]]>What does it really take to build strong donor relationships that last?

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke and Serena Steele, Development Director at the Center for Working Families, talk about relationship-based fundraising, donor stewardship, and why doing less—but better—leads to greater impact.

Serena shares her unconventional path into nonprofit fundraising, practical systems she uses to steward donors long-term, and how setting healthy boundaries makes you a better fundraiser—not a weaker one. This conversation is packed with grounded wisdom for fundraisers navigating year-end pressure, burnout, and the constant tension between short-term revenue goals and long-term donor retention.

If you’re a nonprofit professional looking to focus on what truly matters in fundraising, this episode is for you.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:

  • How to steward donors without fancy systems or automation
  • Why Google Alerts are an underrated fundraising tool
  • How relationship-based fundraising drives retention and sustainability
  • Setting boundaries to avoid burnout in nonprofit work
  • Balancing year-end fundraising with long-term donor trust
  • Why “doing more” can actually hurt your fundraising results

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser

00:28 Serena’s Path Into Nonprofit Fundraising

02:32 Turning Volunteering Into a Career

04:48 Stewarding Long-Term Donor Relationships

05:16 Practical Donor Stewardship Systems

07:55 Using Google Alerts for Donor Engagement

08:46 Staying Focused During Uncertain Times

11:32 Short-Term Revenue vs Long-Term Relationships

15:28 Doing Less to Raise More

16:11 Setting Boundaries as a Fundraiser

18:12 Recognizing Seasons of Work and Rest

18:54 Tactical Takeaway for Fundraisers

]]>de38b645-ea2d-4bf7-bfb9-633cf2d392cfTue, 30 Dec 2025 17:00:00 GMT<p>What does it really take to build <b>strong donor relationships that last</b>?</p><p></p><p>In this episode of <i>The Focused Fundraiser</i>, Rob Burke and <b>Serena Steele</b>, Development Director at the Center for Working Families, talk about <b>relationship-based fundraising</b>, donor stewardship, and why <i>doing less—but better—leads to greater impact</i>.</p><p></p><p>Serena shares her unconventional path into nonprofit fundraising, practical systems she uses to steward donors long-term, and how setting healthy boundaries makes you a better fundraiser—not a weaker one. This conversation is packed with grounded wisdom for fundraisers navigating year-end pressure, burnout, and the constant tension between short-term revenue goals and long-term donor retention.</p><p></p><p>If you’re a nonprofit professional looking to focus on what truly matters in fundraising, this episode is for you.</p><p></p><h3><b>🎯 What You’ll Learn:</b></h3><ul><li>How to steward donors without fancy systems or automation</li><li>Why Google Alerts are an underrated fundraising tool</li><li>How relationship-based fundraising drives retention and sustainability</li><li>Setting boundaries to avoid burnout in nonprofit work</li><li>Balancing year-end fundraising with long-term donor trust</li><li>Why “doing more” can actually hurt your fundraising results</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser</p><p>00:28 Serena’s Path Into Nonprofit Fundraising</p><p>02:32 Turning Volunteering Into a Career</p><p>04:48 Stewarding Long-Term Donor Relationships</p><p>05:16 Practical Donor Stewardship Systems</p><p>07:55 Using Google Alerts for Donor Engagement</p><p>08:46 Staying Focused During Uncertain Times</p><p>11:32 Short-Term Revenue vs Long-Term Relationships</p><p>15:28 Doing Less to Raise More</p><p>16:11 Setting Boundaries as a Fundraiser</p><p>18:12 Recognizing Seasons of Work and Rest</p><p>18:54 Tactical Takeaway for Fundraisers</p>no00:21:19125Doing Less to Raise More: The Fundraising Focus Most Nonprofits Missfull<![CDATA[How Better Marketing Leads to Better Fundraising]]>What if better marketing was the key to greater impact?

Daniel Francavilla, founder of Good Growth Company, to unpack how brand clarity, messaging, and focus directly influence fundraising success.

Daniel shares why “marketing” isn’t a dirty word in the nonprofit world, how brand builds trust with donors, and why doing fewer things better leads to stronger donor relationships. From choosing the right marketing channels to using storytelling and proof effectively, this conversation is packed with practical insights fundraisers can apply immediately.

If you’re a fundraiser, nonprofit leader, or executive director trying to cut through the noise and raise more by focusing on what truly matters—this episode is for you.

Key Topics Covered:

  • Why brand is a fundraising amplifier
  • Common nonprofit misconceptions about marketing
  • How clarity and consistency build donor trust
  • Choosing the right marketing channels (email, social, ads)
  • Paid ads for nonprofits: what actually works
  • How to audit your nonprofit’s messaging today

Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser

00:54 – Daniel’s journey into nonprofit marketing

02:24 – Why marketing skills are missing in social impact

03:25 – Misconceptions nonprofits have about marketing

04:51 – Why brand matters more than you think

05:07 – How clarity builds donor trust

06:56 – Defining nonprofit brand positioning

07:14 – The 5 elements of strong nonprofit branding

09:41 – Choosing the right marketing channels

11:55 – Email, SMS, and owning your audience

12:41 – Paid ads for nonprofits: realistic expectations

15:33 – Making the case for marketing internally

17:45 – One tactical takeaway every fundraiser can do today

18:57 – Final thoughts on focus and impact

]]>9b97a14b-0c84-4eec-8b75-f32ad3aeba31Mon, 05 Jan 2026 14:00:00 GMT<p>What if <b>better marketing was the key to greater impact</b>?</p><p><b>Daniel Francavilla</b>, founder of Good Growth Company, to unpack how <b>brand clarity, messaging, and focus</b> directly influence fundraising success.</p><p>Daniel shares why “marketing” isn’t a dirty word in the nonprofit world, how brand builds trust with donors, and why doing fewer things better leads to stronger donor relationships. From choosing the right marketing channels to using storytelling and proof effectively, this conversation is packed with practical insights fundraisers can apply immediately.</p><p>If you’re a fundraiser, nonprofit leader, or executive director trying to cut through the noise and raise more by focusing on what truly matters—this episode is for you.</p><h3><b>Key Topics Covered:</b></h3><ul><li>Why brand is a fundraising amplifier</li><li>Common nonprofit misconceptions about marketing</li><li>How clarity and consistency build donor trust</li><li>Choosing the right marketing channels (email, social, ads)</li><li>Paid ads for nonprofits: what actually works</li><li>How to audit your nonprofit’s messaging today</li></ul><p></p><hr /><h2><b>Chapters / Timestamps</b></h2><p>00:00 – Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser</p><p>00:54 – Daniel’s journey into nonprofit marketing</p><p>02:24 – Why marketing skills are missing in social impact</p><p>03:25 – Misconceptions nonprofits have about marketing</p><p>04:51 – Why brand matters more than you think</p><p>05:07 – How clarity builds donor trust</p><p>06:56 – Defining nonprofit brand positioning</p><p>07:14 – The 5 elements of strong nonprofit branding</p><p>09:41 – Choosing the right marketing channels</p><p>11:55 – Email, SMS, and owning your audience</p><p>12:41 – Paid ads for nonprofits: realistic expectations</p><p>15:33 – Making the case for marketing internally</p><p>17:45 – One tactical takeaway every fundraiser can do today</p><p>18:57 – Final thoughts on focus and impact</p>no00:19:2921How Better Marketing Leads to Better Fundraisingfull<![CDATA[The Secret to Appeals That Consistently Overperform]]>What does it really take to build sustainable fundraising without burning yourself (or your team) out?

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke sits down with Maddie Szymanski, Director of Development & Marketing at CP and founder of Lucky Seven Dog Rescue. Maddie shares hard-earned lessons from more than a decade in nonprofit leadership—from building donor relationships and running successful appeals to avoiding burnout and creating systems that last beyond any one fundraiser.

If you’re a nonprofit fundraiser, development director, or executive leader juggling too many priorities, this episode will help you refocus on what actually moves the needle.

]]>5aa39ea4-4641-4d51-9b55-dc800a5fe326Tue, 23 Dec 2025 17:32:12 GMT<p>What does it really take to build <b>sustainable fundraising</b> without burning yourself (or your team) out?</p><p></p><p>In this episode of <i>The Focused Fundraiser</i>, host Rob Burke sits down with Maddie Szymanski, Director of Development &amp; Marketing at CP and founder of Lucky Seven Dog Rescue. Maddie shares hard-earned lessons from more than a decade in nonprofit leadership—from building donor relationships and running successful appeals to avoiding burnout and creating systems that last beyond any one fundraiser.</p><p></p><p>If you’re a nonprofit fundraiser, development director, or executive leader juggling too many priorities, this episode will help you refocus on what actually moves the needle.</p>no00:24:19124The Secret to Appeals That Consistently Overperformfull<![CDATA[13 Years in One Fundraising Role: How Pam Still Loves Her Job]]>This episode of The Focused Fundraiser dives into how small-shop fundraisers can beat burnout, build better donor relationships, and focus on what matters most. 

Rob Burke sits down with Pam Thompson, Development Director at Cystic Fibrosis of North Dakota, to unpack what 13 years in the same fundraising role has taught her about avoiding burnout, setting boundaries, and juggling “all the hats” in a tiny development shop.

Pam shares how she turns a Turkey Trot into a year-end fundraising engine, uses donor segmentation and journeys in DonorDock, and treats every supporter according to their unique “donor love language.” You’ll hear practical ways to use your nonprofit CRM for better notes, stronger donor retention, and moving people from a $25 gift to long-term, major-donor relationships.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, behind on thank-yous, or afraid to pick up the phone, this conversation will help you simplify, refocus, and build a healthier, more sustainable fundraising practice.

What you’ll learn:

  • How to recognize and fight fundraiser burnout
  • Why boundaries and a shorter work week can actually improve results
  • Turning event participants (like Turkey Trot runners) into year-round donors
  • Using tags, journeys, and notes in DonorDock (or any CRM) to personalize outreach
  • How to discover each donor’s “love language” and steward them accordingly
  • Simple ways to re-engage lapsed donors with authentic conversations
  • The #1 action you should take today: pick up the phone and call a donor

If you’re curious how DonorDock can help you focus on what matters most and build a strong donor base, visit DonorDock.com and keep up with future episodes of The Focused Fundraiser.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser & intro to Pam

00:27 Pam’s unlikely path into fundraising

01:28 Burnout is real: how Pam stayed 13 years in the same role

02:37 Wearing all the hats in a small development shop

03:24 Prioritizing the “loudest” tasks & Turkey Trot focus

05:10 Turning a Turkey Trot into a year-end fundraising engine

06:45 Tagging Turkey Trot participants & email journeys in DonorDock

07:31 Donor “love languages” & personalized stewardship

09:12 Using CRM notes to deepen donor relationships

11:10 Fighting fundraiser burnout with peers & perspective

12:50 From $25 gift to major donor: the long game

13:36 Overcoming overwhelm with simple next steps

15:39 The one thing every fundraiser should do today: pick up the phone

16:42 Closing thoughts & DonorDock invitation

]]>10351773-15a2-4f17-80bd-dbc521c28d05Tue, 16 Dec 2025 16:00:00 GMT<p>This episode of The Focused Fundraiser dives into how small-shop fundraisers can beat burnout, build better donor relationships, and focus on what matters most. </p><p>Rob Burke sits down with Pam Thompson, Development Director at Cystic Fibrosis of North Dakota, to unpack what 13 years in the same fundraising role has taught her about avoiding burnout, setting boundaries, and juggling “all the hats” in a tiny development shop.</p><p>Pam shares how she turns a Turkey Trot into a year-end fundraising engine, uses donor segmentation and journeys in DonorDock, and treats every supporter according to their unique “donor love language.” You’ll hear practical ways to use your nonprofit CRM for better notes, stronger donor retention, and moving people from a $25 gift to long-term, major-donor relationships.</p><p>If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, behind on thank-yous, or afraid to pick up the phone, this conversation will help you simplify, refocus, and build a healthier, more sustainable fundraising practice.</p><p>What you’ll learn:</p><ul><li>How to recognize and fight fundraiser burnout</li><li>Why boundaries and a shorter work week can actually improve results</li><li>Turning event participants (like Turkey Trot runners) into year-round donors</li><li>Using tags, journeys, and notes in DonorDock (or any CRM) to personalize outreach</li><li>How to discover each donor’s “love language” and steward them accordingly</li><li>Simple ways to re-engage lapsed donors with authentic conversations</li><li>The #1 action you should take today: pick up the phone and call a donor</li></ul><p>If you’re curious how DonorDock can help you focus on what matters most and build a strong donor base, visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://DonorDock.com" target="_blank">DonorDock.com</a> and keep up with future episodes of The Focused Fundraiser.</p><p>CHAPTERS</p><p>00:00 Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser &amp; intro to Pam</p><p>00:27 Pam’s unlikely path into fundraising</p><p>01:28 Burnout is real: how Pam stayed 13 years in the same role</p><p>02:37 Wearing all the hats in a small development shop</p><p>03:24 Prioritizing the “loudest” tasks &amp; Turkey Trot focus</p><p>05:10 Turning a Turkey Trot into a year-end fundraising engine</p><p>06:45 Tagging Turkey Trot participants &amp; email journeys in DonorDock</p><p>07:31 Donor “love languages” &amp; personalized stewardship</p><p>09:12 Using CRM notes to deepen donor relationships</p><p>11:10 Fighting fundraiser burnout with peers &amp; perspective</p><p>12:50 From $25 gift to major donor: the long game</p><p>13:36 Overcoming overwhelm with simple next steps</p><p>15:39 The one thing every fundraiser should do today: pick up the phone</p><p>16:42 Closing thoughts &amp; DonorDock invitation</p>no00:17:5512313 Years in One Fundraising Role: How Pam Still Loves Her Jobfull<![CDATA[Why Fundraisers Are Burning Out | How to Build a Sustainable Dev Team]]>How do you run year-end fundraising without burning out your team or putting donors in a “fishbowl”? 🎧

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke sits down with Raegan Mach, Director of Development at Urban Bridge in Oklahoma City, to talk about relationship-based, community-centric fundraising, trauma-informed donor engagement, and how project management can totally transform your nonprofit fundraising strategy.

You’ll hear how Urban Bridge invites donors into a youth-focused space without centering donors, how Raegan builds an annual and quarterly development plan, and how her team launched a “10 for 10” monthly giving campaign for Urban Bridge’s 10-year anniversary. They also dive into using your nonprofit CRM and integrations (like DonorDock) to track campaigns, tag donors, and avoid siloed spreadsheets.

Raegan also shares why fundraiser burnout and high turnover are one of the biggest threats to long-term sustainability—and what leaders can do to better invest in their development teams with benefits, professional development, and healthy culture.

If you care about major gifts, year-end fundraising, donor stewardship, and retaining both donors and fundraisers, this conversation is for you.

👉 Learn more about DonorDock and how it can help you simplify donor management and fundraising: [add your link here]

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser

00:30 – Raegan’s path into nonprofit development

01:58 – Fundraising as relationship-building

03:33 – Trauma-informed donor engagement at Urban Bridge

06:30 – From donor-centric to community-centric fundraising

08:58 – Development planning, calendars & project management

11:46 – CRMs, integrations & tracking campaign data

14:42 – Designing a strategic year-end giving campaign

19:45 – Turning year-end giving into year-round relationships

21:45 – Micro-reporting, touchpoints & donor storytelling

23:03 – Fighting fundraiser burnout & investing in your team

25:38 – Wrap-up & DonorDock invitation

]]>4760571d-0dba-48ef-ad66-dcea0c9c6f75Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:13:39 GMT<p>How do you run year-end fundraising without burning out your team or putting donors in a “fishbowl”? 🎧</p><p>In this episode of <i>The Focused Fundraiser</i>, host Rob Burke sits down with <b>Raegan Mach</b>, Director of Development at <b>Urban Bridge in Oklahoma City</b>, to talk about relationship-based, <b>community-centric fundraising</b>, trauma-informed donor engagement, and how project management can totally transform your <b>nonprofit fundraising strategy</b>.</p><p>You’ll hear how Urban Bridge invites donors into a youth-focused space <i>without</i> centering donors, how Raegan builds an annual and quarterly <b>development plan</b>, and how her team launched a “10 for 10” <b>monthly giving campaign</b> for Urban Bridge’s 10-year anniversary. They also dive into using your <b>nonprofit CRM and integrations</b> (like DonorDock) to track campaigns, tag donors, and avoid siloed spreadsheets.</p><p>Raegan also shares why <b>fundraiser burnout</b> and high turnover are one of the biggest threats to long-term sustainability—and what leaders can do to better invest in their <b>development teams</b> with benefits, professional development, and healthy culture.</p><p>If you care about <b>major gifts, year-end fundraising, donor stewardship, and retaining both donors and fundraisers</b>, this conversation is for you.</p><p>👉 Learn more about DonorDock and how it can help you simplify donor management and fundraising: [add your link here]</p><p>CHAPTERS</p><p>00:00 – Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser</p><p>00:30 – Raegan’s path into nonprofit development</p><p>01:58 – Fundraising as relationship-building</p><p>03:33 – Trauma-informed donor engagement at Urban Bridge</p><p>06:30 – From donor-centric to community-centric fundraising</p><p>08:58 – Development planning, calendars &amp; project management</p><p>11:46 – CRMs, integrations &amp; tracking campaign data</p><p>14:42 – Designing a strategic year-end giving campaign</p><p>19:45 – Turning year-end giving into year-round relationships</p><p>21:45 – Micro-reporting, touchpoints &amp; donor storytelling</p><p>23:03 – Fighting fundraiser burnout &amp; investing in your team</p><p>25:38 – Wrap-up &amp; DonorDock invitation</p>no00:26:22122Why Fundraisers Are Burning Out | How to Build a Sustainable Dev Teamfull<![CDATA["How Dare You Assume They Don’t Want to Give?"]]>What if your most personal pain became the fuel for a powerful fundraising mission? 💛

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke talks with Ashley Hamm, co-founder and Executive Director of Dear NICU Mama. Ashley shares how her son’s 3-month NICU stay led her to launch a nonprofit that provides peer support for NICU moms—and how she’s learned to focus her fundraising, not just “do more.”

You’ll hear:

– Ashley’s NICU story and why Dear NICU Mama exists

– The surprising challenge of fundraising for a deeply personal mission

– How a small nonprofit measures impact when the work is emotional and relational

– Why revitalizing their nonprofit board in 2024 was a game changer

– Practical ways small-shop executive directors can stay focused and avoid burnout

– The fundraising quote that changed everything: “How dare you assume they don’t want to give?” (via Patrick Kirby)

– How tools like DonorDock help build a strong donor base through better stewardship

If you’re a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or executive director wearing “all the hats,” this conversation will encourage you to focus on what matters most: your mission, your people, and your donors.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro – Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser

00:28 Ashley’s NICU story & founding Dear NICU Mama

03:05 Fundraising when the mission is personal

06:03 Measuring impact for peer support nonprofits

09:25 How Ashley stays focused as an executive director

13:06 The one thing she’d invest in sooner: the board

14:57 Building a supportive, high-impact nonprofit board

17:50 “How dare you assume they don’t want to give?”

19:39 DonorDock and episode wrap-up

Want to learn how DonorDock can help you find clarity and build a strong donor base through smart stewardship?

Visit: DonorDock.com

]]>d3a0b6c6-1bc7-4442-a588-e93ab9e3028eTue, 02 Dec 2025 20:40:34 GMT<p>What if your most personal pain became the fuel for a powerful fundraising mission? 💛</p><p>In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke talks with Ashley Hamm, co-founder and Executive Director of Dear NICU Mama. Ashley shares how her son’s 3-month NICU stay led her to launch a nonprofit that provides peer support for NICU moms—and how she’s learned to focus her fundraising, not just “do more.”</p><p>You’ll hear:</p><p>– Ashley’s NICU story and why Dear NICU Mama exists</p><p>– The surprising challenge of fundraising for a deeply personal mission</p><p>– How a small nonprofit measures impact when the work is emotional and relational</p><p>– Why revitalizing their nonprofit board in 2024 was a game changer</p><p>– Practical ways small-shop executive directors can stay focused and avoid burnout</p><p>– The fundraising quote that changed everything: “How dare you assume they don’t want to give?” (via Patrick Kirby)</p><p>– How tools like DonorDock help build a strong donor base through better stewardship</p><p>If you’re a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or executive director wearing “all the hats,” this conversation will encourage you to focus on what matters most: your mission, your people, and your donors.</p><p>CHAPTERS</p><p>00:00 Intro – Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser</p><p>00:28 Ashley’s NICU story &amp; founding Dear NICU Mama</p><p>03:05 Fundraising when the mission is personal</p><p>06:03 Measuring impact for peer support nonprofits</p><p>09:25 How Ashley stays focused as an executive director</p><p>13:06 The one thing she’d invest in sooner: the board</p><p>14:57 Building a supportive, high-impact nonprofit board</p><p>17:50 “How dare you assume they don’t want to give?”</p><p>19:39 DonorDock and episode wrap-up</p><p>Want to learn how DonorDock can help you find clarity and build a strong donor base through smart stewardship?</p><p>Visit: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://DonorDock.com" target="_blank">DonorDock.com</a></p>no00:19:55121"How Dare You Assume They Don’t Want to Give?"full<![CDATA[Fundraising Is an AND Game: Smarter Events, Bigger Impact with Trevor Nelson]]>Rob and Trevor unpack the real truth behind successful fundraising events, why “fundraising is an AND game, not an OR game,” and how organizations can reduce burnout, retain donors, and design smarter, more intentional events that raise more money.

Trevor and his team at HGA have supported thousands of fundraising events and helped raise millions, giving him a deep, data-backed perspective on what actually works. From redefining what an event is, to avoiding the most common preventable mistakes, to creating donor experiences that actually build long-term loyalty—this conversation is full of actionable insight.

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser

00:39 – Introducing Trevor Nelson of HGA Fundraising

01:47 – Trevor’s background & how he fell into fundraising

03:13 – The most common preventable event mistake

04:47 – Micro vs. macro events: why smaller can be more impactful

05:22 – Fundraising as an AND game, not an OR game

06:38 – Avoiding fundraiser burnout & protecting your energy

09:23 – How events impact donor retention

11:28 – Messaging & stewardship after the event

11:57 – What’s working in events heading into 2026

13:30 – Stop nickel-and-diming: be bold in the ask

15:57 – Misconceptions nonprofit leaders have about events

18:17 – Redefining “events” & operating on a budget

20:11 – Trevor’s #1 tactical takeaway for fundraisers

21:31 – Closing & where to connect with Trevor

]]>ecec0ddd-a135-4dd1-9e39-2174261f3e07Tue, 25 Nov 2025 20:45:00 GMT<p><b>Rob and Trevor </b>unpack the <i>real truth</i> behind successful fundraising events, why <i>“fundraising is an AND game, not an OR game,”</i> and how organizations can reduce burnout, retain donors, and design smarter, more intentional events that raise more money.</p><p></p><p>Trevor and his team at HGA have supported <b>thousands of fundraising events</b> and helped raise millions, giving him a deep, data-backed perspective on what actually works. From redefining what an event <i>is</i>, to avoiding the most common preventable mistakes, to creating donor experiences that actually build long-term loyalty—this conversation is full of actionable insight.</p><p></p><h2><b>CHAPTERS</b></h2><p>00:00 – Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser</p><p>00:39 – Introducing Trevor Nelson of HGA Fundraising</p><p>01:47 – Trevor’s background &amp; how he fell into fundraising</p><p>03:13 – The most common preventable event mistake</p><p>04:47 – Micro vs. macro events: why smaller can be more impactful</p><p>05:22 – Fundraising as an AND game, not an OR game</p><p>06:38 – Avoiding fundraiser burnout &amp; protecting your energy</p><p>09:23 – How events impact donor retention</p><p>11:28 – Messaging &amp; stewardship after the event</p><p>11:57 – What’s working in events heading into 2026</p><p>13:30 – Stop nickel-and-diming: be bold in the ask</p><p>15:57 – Misconceptions nonprofit leaders have about events</p><p>18:17 – Redefining “events” &amp; operating on a budget</p><p>20:11 – Trevor’s #1 tactical takeaway for fundraisers</p><p>21:31 – Closing &amp; where to connect with Trevor</p>no00:22:19120Fundraising Is an AND Game: Smarter Events, Bigger Impact with Trevor Nelsonfull<![CDATA[Faith, Fundraising, and Finding Purpose at 60 | Debbie Oxford’s Story]]>In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke sits down with Debbie Oxford, founder and president of Grow Our Faith Ministries, to explore what it really means to live your calling — and fund it. From selling everything to move to Kenya at 60 to rescuing children and building wells, Debbie’s story reminds us that purpose and generosity are deeply connected.

Discover how she found new life through mission work, her honest take on the realities of fundraising, and why she believes “if it’s God’s will, it’s God’s bill.” Whether you lead a small nonprofit or just need a reminder of why your work matters, this conversation will move you.

]]>https://www.donordock.com/the-focused-fundraiser-podcast?wchannelid=2kmakhnngu&wmediaid=39tndyw13l2009eb33-d656-49f8-920a-dcb9babdc706Tue, 14 Oct 2025 18:57:47 GMT<p>In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke sits down with Debbie Oxford, founder and president of Grow Our Faith Ministries, to explore what it really means to live your calling — and fund it. From selling everything to move to Kenya at 60 to rescuing children and building wells, Debbie’s story reminds us that purpose and generosity are deeply connected.</p><p>Discover how she found new life through mission work, her honest take on the realities of fundraising, and why she believes “if it’s God’s will, it’s God’s bill.” Whether you lead a small nonprofit or just need a reminder of why your work matters, this conversation will move you.</p>no00:21:09114Faith, Fundraising, and Finding Purpose at 60 | Debbie Oxford’s Storyfull<![CDATA[Donor Expectations Have Shifted—Here’s How to Keep Up]]>In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke sits down with Chris Maggiolo, Deputy Executive Director at Black River Innovation Campus (BRIC) in Vermont, to unpack how a rural innovation nonprofit shifted from relying on federal and state grants to building a stronger philanthropy and individual giving engine.

You’ll learn how BRIC uses data-driven fundraising and clear impact metrics to win support, why cross-sector partnerships (with universities, industry, and nonprofits) are now central to donor expectations, and practical ways to balance storytelling with data when you’re still early and light on numbers. Chris also shares real-world tactics to avoid fundraiser burnout, manage competing priorities with Gantt charts and agile sprints, and make space for a healthy team culture.

What you’ll learn: • Moving from grants to diversified revenue (individual donors, match funding, and community-led campaigns) • Designing donor-ready STEAM education and workforce development initiatives • Turning asset mapping and stakeholder interviews into compelling nonprofit stories • Using partnerships as social proof to scale reach and outcomes—especially in rural communities • Personal systems for focus, prioritization, and burnout prevention

]]>https://www.donordock.com/the-focused-fundraiser-podcast?wchannelid=2kmakhnngu&wmediaid=z1avdng2nq00350cf4-9e83-4eb5-a28a-515950698c78Tue, 07 Oct 2025 14:00:28 GMT<p>In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke sits down with Chris Maggiolo, Deputy Executive Director at Black River Innovation Campus (BRIC) in Vermont, to unpack how a rural innovation nonprofit shifted from relying on federal and state grants to building a stronger philanthropy and individual giving engine.</p><p>You’ll learn how BRIC uses data-driven fundraising and clear impact metrics to win support, why cross-sector partnerships (with universities, industry, and nonprofits) are now central to donor expectations, and practical ways to balance storytelling with data when you’re still early and light on numbers. Chris also shares real-world tactics to avoid fundraiser burnout, manage competing priorities with Gantt charts and agile sprints, and make space for a healthy team culture.</p><p>What you’ll learn: • Moving from grants to diversified revenue (individual donors, match funding, and community-led campaigns) • Designing donor-ready STEAM education and workforce development initiatives • Turning asset mapping and stakeholder interviews into compelling nonprofit stories • Using partnerships as social proof to scale reach and outcomes—especially in rural communities • Personal systems for focus, prioritization, and burnout prevention</p>no00:19:02113Donor Expectations Have Shifted—Here’s How to Keep Upfull<![CDATA[From Teacher to Fundraiser: Donor Expectations & Storytelling]]>In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke sits down with Maya Severns, Director of Development and Marketing at LION Charter School in New York, to explore the real-world challenges and strategies of fundraising in today’s nonprofit landscape.

Maya shares her journey from teaching to development, the lessons she’s learned about donor relationships, and how her team integrates marketing and fundraising to maximize impact. Together, they discuss how to stay mission-driven, avoid burnout, and use storytelling for fundraising to build lasting connections with donors.

You’ll hear insights on: • Shifting donor expectations post-pandemic • Why relationships and storytelling remain the cornerstone of nonprofit fundraising • Practical ways to connect donors to the programs they care about most • Tips for avoiding burnout as a fundraiser • The importance of involving your whole organization in fundraising

Whether you’re a fundraiser, nonprofit leader, or simply passionate about mission-driven work, this episode will help you simplify, focus, and engage donors more effectively.

👉 Learn more about how DonorDock helps nonprofits steward donors and streamline fundraising at DonorDock.com.

]]>https://www.donordock.com/the-focused-fundraiser-podcast?wchannelid=2kmakhnngu&wmediaid=uivxptbgl4f6377223-f3eb-469c-941a-e44d9ecb3427Tue, 09 Sep 2025 17:16:32 GMT<p>In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke sits down with Maya Severns, Director of Development and Marketing at LION Charter School in New York, to explore the real-world challenges and strategies of fundraising in today’s nonprofit landscape.</p><p>Maya shares her journey from teaching to development, the lessons she’s learned about donor relationships, and how her team integrates marketing and fundraising to maximize impact. Together, they discuss how to stay mission-driven, avoid burnout, and use storytelling for fundraising to build lasting connections with donors.</p><p>You’ll hear insights on: • Shifting donor expectations post-pandemic • Why relationships and storytelling remain the cornerstone of nonprofit fundraising • Practical ways to connect donors to the programs they care about most • Tips for avoiding burnout as a fundraiser • The importance of involving your whole organization in fundraising</p><p>Whether you’re a fundraiser, nonprofit leader, or simply passionate about mission-driven work, this episode will help you simplify, focus, and engage donors more effectively.</p><p>👉 Learn more about how DonorDock helps nonprofits steward donors and streamline fundraising at DonorDock.com.</p>no00:24:5619From Teacher to Fundraiser: Donor Expectations & Storytellingfull<![CDATA[Run Your Nonprofit Like a Business (Without Losing the Mission)]]>In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke sits down with Kristen Mitchell, co-founder & executive director of Youth Futures, to unpack practical nonprofit fundraising strategies: leading as an accidental fundraiser, why authenticity beats charisma, lessons from capital campaigns, building business-grade systems, and how to prioritize donor outreach with time blocking, your CRM, and LinkedIn/Sales Navigator. Kristen also shares a refreshing take on “burnout,” staff wellness programs, and staying connected to client stories to fuel resilience.

You’ll learn: • Why founders/EDs must embrace being the face of the organization • How to seed momentum for new sites with pre-opening capital • The daily habit that keeps fundraising from getting sidelined • Tactical tools: Calendar + CRM + LinkedIn (and Sales Navigator) • How to build a development department and run your nonprofit like a business • Mindset shifts to avoid burnout and keep donor relationships warm

]]>https://www.donordock.com/the-focused-fundraiser-podcast?wchannelid=2kmakhnngu&wmediaid=qstlb1d2wl67491937-0351-4af6-858d-9334d7321b80Tue, 28 Oct 2025 13:00:28 GMT<p>In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke sits down with Kristen Mitchell, co-founder &amp; executive director of Youth Futures, to unpack practical nonprofit fundraising strategies: leading as an accidental fundraiser, why authenticity beats charisma, lessons from capital campaigns, building business-grade systems, and how to prioritize donor outreach with time blocking, your CRM, and LinkedIn/Sales Navigator. Kristen also shares a refreshing take on “burnout,” staff wellness programs, and staying connected to client stories to fuel resilience.</p><p>You’ll learn: • Why founders/EDs must embrace being the face of the organization • How to seed momentum for new sites with pre-opening capital • The daily habit that keeps fundraising from getting sidelined • Tactical tools: Calendar + CRM + LinkedIn (and Sales Navigator) • How to build a development department and run your nonprofit like a business • Mindset shifts to avoid burnout and keep donor relationships warm</p>no00:15:22116Run Your Nonprofit Like a Business (Without Losing the Mission)full<![CDATA[Burnout, Balance, & Capital Campaigns | Frances Roen on The Focused Fundraiser]]>In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke sits down with Frances Roen, founder of Fundraising Sol, to talk about what really drives successful fundraising. From her early days at the Bakken Museum to launching her own consultancy, Frances shares powerful insights on burnout, prioritization, capital campaigns, and the importance of wellness for nonprofit teams.

If you’re a fundraiser juggling too many priorities, this episode will help you pause, focus, and find clarity in your work.

Frances emphasizes that tools will always evolve, but relationships remain at the heart of fundraising. Whether you’re leading a capital campaign or just trying to balance short-term fires with long-term strategy, you’ll find practical advice and encouragement here.

👉 Subscribe for weekly conversations with fundraisers who are redefining what it means to focus on what matters most.

]]>https://www.donordock.com/the-focused-fundraiser-podcast?wchannelid=2kmakhnngu&wmediaid=od7whquwep985649d9-d886-4b5d-9df8-76662f54154fTue, 16 Sep 2025 18:10:02 GMT<p>In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke sits down with Frances Roen, founder of Fundraising Sol, to talk about what really drives successful fundraising. From her early days at the Bakken Museum to launching her own consultancy, Frances shares powerful insights on burnout, prioritization, capital campaigns, and the importance of wellness for nonprofit teams.</p><p>If you’re a fundraiser juggling too many priorities, this episode will help you pause, focus, and find clarity in your work.</p><p>Frances emphasizes that tools will always evolve, but relationships remain at the heart of fundraising. Whether you’re leading a capital campaign or just trying to balance short-term fires with long-term strategy, you’ll find practical advice and encouragement here.</p><p>👉 Subscribe for weekly conversations with fundraisers who are redefining what it means to focus on what matters most.</p>no00:21:56110Burnout, Balance, & Capital Campaigns | Frances Roen on The Focused Fundraiserfull<![CDATA[Why Authenticity Wins in Fundraising]]>In this conversation, Rob Burke and Ian Toville discuss the evolving landscape of fundraising, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing what truly matters in nonprofit work. Ian shares his experiences transitioning from the for-profit sector to nonprofit fundraising, highlighting the shift towards collaboration among organizations in Maine. They explore the significance of authentic connections with donors, the need for flexibility and experimentation in fundraising strategies, and the importance of community building. Ian also offers insights on avoiding burnout by reconnecting with the cause and taking personal time away from work.

]]>https://www.donordock.com/the-focused-fundraiser-podcast?wchannelid=2kmakhnngu&wmediaid=e30cgu4ybnd24d2db8-7214-4a9a-b186-daa18ae4adb1Tue, 29 Jul 2025 18:20:37 GMT<p>In this conversation, Rob Burke and Ian Toville discuss the evolving landscape of fundraising, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing what truly matters in nonprofit work. Ian shares his experiences transitioning from the for-profit sector to nonprofit fundraising, highlighting the shift towards collaboration among organizations in Maine. They explore the significance of authentic connections with donors, the need for flexibility and experimentation in fundraising strategies, and the importance of community building. Ian also offers insights on avoiding burnout by reconnecting with the cause and taking personal time away from work.</p>no00:20:1014Why Authenticity Wins in Fundraisingfull<![CDATA[Nonprofit Automation That Still Feels Personal (with Rachel Bearbower)]]>In this episode of the Focused Fundraiser podcast, host Rob interviews Rachel Bearbower, founder of the Nonprofit Automation Agency and former executive director, about how nonprofits can use automation to improve their fundraising effectiveness. Rachel shares her journey from accidentally starting in the nonprofit sector to becoming an automation expert. The conversation covers key topics including how automation can make fundraising more consistent and personal rather than cold or impersonal, the importance of starting with a CRM as your source of truth when building a tech stack, and specific automation examples like draft thank you emails that speed up donor response time. Rachel addresses common misconceptions about automation being impersonal and provides practical advice for dealing with fragmented technology systems. The discussion also touches on how proper systems and documentation can help mitigate knowledge loss from high fundraiser turnover. Rachel's key takeaway emphasizes building systematic donor stewardship processes before implementing automation tools.

]]>https://www.donordock.com/the-focused-fundraiser-podcast?wchannelid=2kmakhnngu&wmediaid=sep7r172y3a91929f9-032e-4e70-bec2-9c9c8887bdcbTue, 18 Nov 2025 19:18:03 GMT<p>In this episode of the Focused Fundraiser podcast, host Rob interviews Rachel Bearbower, founder of the Nonprofit Automation Agency and former executive director, about how nonprofits can use automation to improve their fundraising effectiveness. Rachel shares her journey from accidentally starting in the nonprofit sector to becoming an automation expert. The conversation covers key topics including how automation can make fundraising more consistent and personal rather than cold or impersonal, the importance of starting with a CRM as your source of truth when building a tech stack, and specific automation examples like draft thank you emails that speed up donor response time. Rachel addresses common misconceptions about automation being impersonal and provides practical advice for dealing with fragmented technology systems. The discussion also touches on how proper systems and documentation can help mitigate knowledge loss from high fundraiser turnover. Rachel's key takeaway emphasizes building systematic donor stewardship processes before implementing automation tools.</p>no00:25:10119Nonprofit Automation That Still Feels Personal (with Rachel Bearbower)full<![CDATA[Identify • Engage • Ask • Steward: Fundraising That Works (Amy Pokela)]]>In this episode, Amy Pocola, a seasoned nonprofit strategist, shares her journey into fundraising, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what truly matters. She discusses the common challenges faced by fundraisers, regardless of the size of their organizations, and highlights the significance of building strong donor relationships. Amy encourages fundraisers to prepare for key giving periods while maintaining a long-term vision and strategic planning. She also stresses the importance of self-care, urging fundraisers to prioritize their well-being amidst the stresses of their work. The session concludes with an invitation to explore additional resources for support.

]]>https://www.donordock.com/the-focused-fundraiser-podcast?wchannelid=2kmakhnngu&wmediaid=ziobux4rvo5e828c3d-9ea4-4ffe-ac75-84d58fe6ade7Tue, 04 Nov 2025 20:04:29 GMT<p>In this episode, Amy Pocola, a seasoned nonprofit strategist, shares her journey into fundraising, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what truly matters. She discusses the common challenges faced by fundraisers, regardless of the size of their organizations, and highlights the significance of building strong donor relationships. Amy encourages fundraisers to prepare for key giving periods while maintaining a long-term vision and strategic planning. She also stresses the importance of self-care, urging fundraisers to prioritize their well-being amidst the stresses of their work. The session concludes with an invitation to explore additional resources for support.</p>no00:20:22117Identify • Engage • Ask • Steward: Fundraising That Works (Amy Pokela)full<![CDATA[Less Events, More Relationships: A Fundraising Evolution]]>In this conversation, Rob Burke and Trevor McPherson discuss effective fundraising strategies, emphasizing the importance of relationship building over traditional event-based fundraising. Trevor shares his journey from a sports performance background to becoming the Director of Development at the Kinder Smile Foundation, highlighting the changes in the fundraising landscape, the significance of utilizing CRM systems, and the necessity of setting clear goals to avoid burnout. The discussion provides valuable insights for fundraisers looking to enhance their impact and focus on what truly matters in their work.

]]>https://www.donordock.com/the-focused-fundraiser-podcast?wchannelid=2kmakhnngu&wmediaid=0ncv1prqbz36373936-651d-453f-b827-6b04e4e46ddfTue, 15 Jul 2025 19:19:03 GMT<p>In this conversation, Rob Burke and Trevor McPherson discuss effective fundraising strategies, emphasizing the importance of relationship building over traditional event-based fundraising. Trevor shares his journey from a sports performance background to becoming the Director of Development at the Kinder Smile Foundation, highlighting the changes in the fundraising landscape, the significance of utilizing CRM systems, and the necessity of setting clear goals to avoid burnout. The discussion provides valuable insights for fundraisers looking to enhance their impact and focus on what truly matters in their work.</p>no00:13:3911Less Events, More Relationships: A Fundraising Evolutionfull<![CDATA[How to Focus in a World of Lemonade Stands]]>In this episode, Rob sits down with Kevin Mehrer, Development Director at Scouting America’s Northern Lights Council, to talk about the real magic in fundraising: focus, relationships, and human connection.

Kevin shares:

• Why unscalable, personal touches matter more than ever

• How to avoid burnout by asking for help and protecting your energy

• The danger of transactional giving (and what to do instead)

• How wildly important goals (WIGs) help fight mission creep

• The underestimated power of mentorship and adaptability

Whether you’re fundraising solo or leading a team, this episode will help you quiet the noise and zero in on what actually moves the needle.

]]>https://www.donordock.com/the-focused-fundraiser-podcast?wchannelid=2kmakhnngu&wmediaid=i1knpppw4k1b03c493-945f-4322-87b3-cd415c79e172Tue, 22 Jul 2025 17:44:15 GMT<p>In this episode, Rob sits down with Kevin Mehrer, Development Director at Scouting America’s Northern Lights Council, to talk about the real magic in fundraising: focus, relationships, and human connection.</p><p>Kevin shares:</p><p> • Why unscalable, personal touches matter more than ever</p><p> • How to avoid burnout by asking for help and protecting your energy</p><p> • The danger of transactional giving (and what to do instead)</p><p> • How wildly important goals (WIGs) help fight mission creep</p><p> • The underestimated power of mentorship and adaptability</p><p>Whether you’re fundraising solo or leading a team, this episode will help you quiet the noise and zero in on what actually moves the needle.</p>no00:21:4413How to Focus in a World of Lemonade Standsfull<![CDATA[Fundraise your way: Why Following Your Mission Beats Following the Crowd]]>https://www.donordock.com/the-focused-fundraiser-podcast?wchannelid=2kmakhnngu&wmediaid=xjrqxnbri5ee71c006-2f33-46a2-898a-f3bee5af453dTue, 05 Aug 2025 21:08:47 GMT-no00:23:2615Fundraise your way: Why Following Your Mission Beats Following the Crowdfull<![CDATA[Major Gifts Fundraising in 2025: How to Win with Joy and Authenticity]]>In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke sits down with fundraising consultant Jake Kubik, founder of Valuable Visits, to talk about the real practices that move the needle in fundraising.

Jake shares his journey from healthcare administration to major gifts officer to launching his own consulting practice. Together, we dive deep into:

• Why authentic human relationships will always be the foundation of major gifts fundraising

• How AI tools can streamline admin work so fundraisers can spend more time with donors

• The mindset shift from budget pressure to joy-filled fundraising (#JoyDealer)

• Practical ways to segment donors and treat them differently without losing consistency

• Why values-based giving is changing donor expectations in 2025

• How fundraisers can fight overwhelm by finding mentors and community

]]>https://www.donordock.com/the-focused-fundraiser-podcast?wchannelid=2kmakhnngu&wmediaid=mejelpgggma723eec4-aed5-4ea4-9ac0-382821c1e845Tue, 02 Sep 2025 16:38:47 GMT<p>In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke sits down with fundraising consultant Jake Kubik, founder of Valuable Visits, to talk about the real practices that move the needle in fundraising.</p><p>Jake shares his journey from healthcare administration to major gifts officer to launching his own consulting practice. Together, we dive deep into:</p><p> • Why authentic human relationships will always be the foundation of major gifts fundraising</p><p> • How AI tools can streamline admin work so fundraisers can spend more time with donors</p><p> • The mindset shift from budget pressure to joy-filled fundraising (#JoyDealer)</p><p> • Practical ways to segment donors and treat them differently without losing consistency</p><p> • Why values-based giving is changing donor expectations in 2025</p><p> • How fundraisers can fight overwhelm by finding mentors and community</p>no00:25:4718Major Gifts Fundraising in 2025: How to Win with Joy and Authenticityfull<![CDATA[Beating Imposter Syndrome and Raising Millions: A Fundraiser’s Guide]]>This interview features Elizabeth Scott, Director of Development at Galleo Latino Community Development Fund, sharing her journey from ordering copy paper at the League of Women Voters to managing a multimillion-dollar fundraising budget. Elizabeth Scott discusses practical fundraising strategies including grant writing techniques, the importance of accurate data and approachable language, and building relationships with funders. She emphasizes planning ahead by using slow periods to prepare grants, limiting daily tasks to 3-5 items for better focus, and reusing successful grant language. The conversation covers current challenges in fundraising due to political uncertainty affecting foundation and corporate giving, especially for DEI-focused organizations. Scott also addresses nonprofit burnout, advocating for open conversations about mental health and the importance of taking breaks. She concludes with tactical advice for fundraisers to subscribe to newsletters from potential funders to stay informed about their current funding priorities.

]]>https://www.donordock.com/the-focused-fundraiser-podcast?wchannelid=2kmakhnngu&wmediaid=t6m13wa9nd676b1500-7421-485d-a829-53514c95c638Tue, 11 Nov 2025 18:33:41 GMT<p>This interview features Elizabeth Scott, Director of Development at Galleo Latino Community Development Fund, sharing her journey from ordering copy paper at the League of Women Voters to managing a multimillion-dollar fundraising budget. Elizabeth Scott discusses practical fundraising strategies including grant writing techniques, the importance of accurate data and approachable language, and building relationships with funders. She emphasizes planning ahead by using slow periods to prepare grants, limiting daily tasks to 3-5 items for better focus, and reusing successful grant language. The conversation covers current challenges in fundraising due to political uncertainty affecting foundation and corporate giving, especially for DEI-focused organizations. Scott also addresses nonprofit burnout, advocating for open conversations about mental health and the importance of taking breaks. She concludes with tactical advice for fundraisers to subscribe to newsletters from potential funders to stay informed about their current funding priorities.</p>no00:22:56118Beating Imposter Syndrome and Raising Millions: A Fundraiser’s Guidefull<![CDATA[20,000 Calls, $16M Raised: Kel Haney’s Phone Strategy for Nonprofits]]>Focusing on building strong donor relationships is key to successful nonprofit fundraising. To improve your nonprofit organization, implement effective fundraising strategies and follow essential fundraising tips. Strong nonprofit strategies lead to better donor relationships and overall success.

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke sits down with fundraising consultant Kel Haney—who’s made 20,000+ fundraising calls and helped raise $16M—to unpack a realistic, phone-first strategy for mid-level donors, Giving Tuesday, and year-end fundraising. We dig into segmentation, CRM hygiene, burnout prevention, voicemail tactics, and Kel’s 5-minute ask framework (no scripts, just a simple tent-pole structure). If you’re a nonprofit leader or fundraiser looking to boost donor retention and drive major results from mid-level gifts, this is your playbook.

What you’ll learn: • How to define and prioritize mid-level donors ($1k–$10k) with their own strategy • The 5-minute phone call structure: opening, main event, specific ask, wrap-up • Why matches are magic (1:1 for year-end, 2:1 for Giving Tuesday) • Segmenting by behavior and channel preference using your CRM • The voicemail + follow-up email tactic that landed an $18k gift • Burnout-smart planning and realistic goals for November–December

]]>https://www.donordock.com/the-focused-fundraiser-podcast?wchannelid=2kmakhnngu&wmediaid=kfp8mhtwc4b2c8cf14-18b0-4340-88c7-340efb34bd66Tue, 21 Oct 2025 17:47:30 GMT<p>Focusing on building strong donor relationships is key to successful nonprofit fundraising. To improve your nonprofit organization, implement effective fundraising strategies and follow essential fundraising tips. Strong nonprofit strategies lead to better donor relationships and overall success.</p><p>In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke sits down with fundraising consultant Kel Haney—who’s made 20,000+ fundraising calls and helped raise $16M—to unpack a realistic, phone-first strategy for mid-level donors, Giving Tuesday, and year-end fundraising. We dig into segmentation, CRM hygiene, burnout prevention, voicemail tactics, and Kel’s 5-minute ask framework (no scripts, just a simple tent-pole structure). If you’re a nonprofit leader or fundraiser looking to boost donor retention and drive major results from mid-level gifts, this is your playbook.</p><p>What you’ll learn: • How to define and prioritize mid-level donors ($1k–$10k) with their own strategy • The 5-minute phone call structure: opening, main event, specific ask, wrap-up • Why matches are magic (1:1 for year-end, 2:1 for Giving Tuesday) • Segmenting by behavior and channel preference using your CRM • The voicemail + follow-up email tactic that landed an $18k gift • Burnout-smart planning and realistic goals for November–December</p>no00:26:5811520,000 Calls, $16M Raised: Kel Haney’s Phone Strategy for Nonprofitsfull<![CDATA[From Global to Local: A Fundraiser's Journey]]>In this inaugural episode of the Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke and Courtney Harrness discuss the essence of effective fundraising, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what truly matters. Courtney shares her journey in the nonprofit sector, highlighting the shift from a global to a local impact mindset. They explore the significance of prioritizing human connections, leveraging technology for relationship management, and strategies to avoid burnout in the demanding world of fundraising. The conversation concludes with valuable advice for fundraisers feeling overwhelmed, encouraging them to embrace the noble nature of their work and seek support when needed.

Takeaways

Fundraising is about doing what matters most.

Success in fundraising can be measured differently at local vs. global levels.

Focusing on local impact can create a snowball effect of change.

Prioritize human connections over transactional relationships.

Technology can enhance, but not replace, human interaction.

Avoid burnout by shifting from a scarcity to an abundance mindset.

Taking breaks and going for walks can help clear the mind.

Fundraising is a noble profession that connects people to causes.

It's okay to not have all the answers in fundraising.

Every small success in fundraising is meaningful.

"Don't try to boil the ocean."

"Go for walks to clear your mind."

"Every success is really meaningful."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Focused Fundraising

01:25 Courtney's Journey in Fundraising

02:55 Shifting Perspectives: Local vs. Global Impact

05:27 Prioritizing People in Fundraising

08:19 Leveraging Technology for Human Connection

10:52 Avoiding Burnout in Fundraising

15:55 Advice for Overwhelmed Fundraisers

]]>https://www.donordock.com/the-focused-fundraiser-podcast?wchannelid=2kmakhnngu&wmediaid=4ds1g69fma85259a09-d8f9-4bc5-9fc4-1c900961fbf6Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:14:12 GMT<p>In this inaugural episode of the Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke and Courtney Harrness discuss the essence of effective fundraising, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what truly matters. Courtney shares her journey in the nonprofit sector, highlighting the shift from a global to a local impact mindset. They explore the significance of prioritizing human connections, leveraging technology for relationship management, and strategies to avoid burnout in the demanding world of fundraising. The conversation concludes with valuable advice for fundraisers feeling overwhelmed, encouraging them to embrace the noble nature of their work and seek support when needed.</p><p>Takeaways</p><p>Fundraising is about doing what matters most.</p><p>Success in fundraising can be measured differently at local vs. global levels.</p><p>Focusing on local impact can create a snowball effect of change.</p><p>Prioritize human connections over transactional relationships.</p><p>Technology can enhance, but not replace, human interaction.</p><p>Avoid burnout by shifting from a scarcity to an abundance mindset.</p><p>Taking breaks and going for walks can help clear the mind.</p><p>Fundraising is a noble profession that connects people to causes.</p><p>It's okay to not have all the answers in fundraising.</p><p>Every small success in fundraising is meaningful. </p><p>"Don't try to boil the ocean."</p><p>"Go for walks to clear your mind."</p><p>"Every success is really meaningful."</p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Focused Fundraising</p><p>01:25 Courtney's Journey in Fundraising</p><p>02:55 Shifting Perspectives: Local vs. Global Impact</p><p>05:27 Prioritizing People in Fundraising</p><p>08:19 Leveraging Technology for Human Connection</p><p>10:52 Avoiding Burnout in Fundraising</p><p>15:55 Advice for Overwhelmed Fundraisers</p>no00:17:5912From Global to Local: A Fundraiser's Journeyfull<![CDATA[Stop Feast or Famine Fundraising]]>Nonprofit fundraising is changing, but donors are still giving. In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, former Big Brothers Big Sisters CEO and current Scouting America development leader Erin Davison breaks down how to win with donor intentionality, raw storytelling, and simple focus you can sustain.

You will learn how to:

- Align with today’s more intentional donors through clear priorities and mission fit

- Use raw, phone-shot storytelling to drive real engagement across generations

- Segment communication for Boomers to Gen Z and meet donors where they are

- Build capacity when your team is stretched thin and time is scarce

- Communicate fiscal responsibility the right way, including reserves, endowments, and matching gifts

Highlights:

- Erin’s path from social work to CEO to development leadership

- Multi-generation donor reality. Letters, email, text to give, streaming, and mobile

- Raw storytelling beats polished edits when trust matters

- The three priorities every shop needs: Funding, Growth, People

- Ending the feast or famine cycle with pipeline consistency and transparent reporting

]]>https://www.donordock.com/the-focused-fundraiser-podcast?wchannelid=2kmakhnngu&wmediaid=1z5ixejsoj54ea8425-5160-4ed6-b683-a19c682bd112Tue, 23 Sep 2025 16:00:31 GMT<p>Nonprofit fundraising is changing, but donors are still giving. In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, former Big Brothers Big Sisters CEO and current Scouting America development leader Erin Davison breaks down how to win with donor intentionality, raw storytelling, and simple focus you can sustain.</p><p>You will learn how to:</p><p>- Align with today’s more intentional donors through clear priorities and mission fit</p><p>- Use raw, phone-shot storytelling to drive real engagement across generations</p><p>- Segment communication for Boomers to Gen Z and meet donors where they are</p><p>- Build capacity when your team is stretched thin and time is scarce</p><p>- Communicate fiscal responsibility the right way, including reserves, endowments, and matching gifts</p><p>Highlights:</p><p>- Erin’s path from social work to CEO to development leadership</p><p>- Multi-generation donor reality. Letters, email, text to give, streaming, and mobile</p><p>- Raw storytelling beats polished edits when trust matters</p><p>- The three priorities every shop needs: Funding, Growth, People</p><p>- Ending the feast or famine cycle with pipeline consistency and transparent reporting</p>no00:32:36111Stop Feast or Famine Fundraisingfull<![CDATA[Nonprofit Storytelling & Events That Inspire Giving | Ada O’Quain Interview]]>In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke sits down with Ada O’Quain, Donor Engagement Manager at the Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. Ada shares her journey into nonprofit fundraising, the lessons she’s learned navigating burnout, hurricanes, and community challenges in Southwest Louisiana, and how she keeps her focus on what matters most.

You’ll learn how to: • Balance donor storytelling with statistics to inspire giving. • Build lasting donor relationships through intentional communication. • Run effective fundraising events without burning out your team. • Segment and personalize donor outreach to keep major, mid-level, and recurring donors engaged. • Stay organized with time-blocking, calendars, and automation tools.

If you’re a fundraiser looking for practical strategies and encouragement, this episode will give you fresh ideas and a reminder of why your work matters.

👉 Learn more about simplifying your fundraising with DonorDock: https://donordock.com

]]>https://www.donordock.com/the-focused-fundraiser-podcast?wchannelid=2kmakhnngu&wmediaid=w1s9j627jnf07d35a2-3ed1-4cf8-ae4e-b6ad697a6932Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:27:09 GMT<p>In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke sits down with Ada O’Quain, Donor Engagement Manager at the Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. Ada shares her journey into nonprofit fundraising, the lessons she’s learned navigating burnout, hurricanes, and community challenges in Southwest Louisiana, and how she keeps her focus on what matters most.</p><p>You’ll learn how to: • Balance donor storytelling with statistics to inspire giving. • Build lasting donor relationships through intentional communication. • Run effective fundraising events without burning out your team. • Segment and personalize donor outreach to keep major, mid-level, and recurring donors engaged. • Stay organized with time-blocking, calendars, and automation tools.</p><p>If you’re a fundraiser looking for practical strategies and encouragement, this episode will give you fresh ideas and a reminder of why your work matters.</p><p>👉 Learn more about simplifying your fundraising with DonorDock: https://donordock.com</p>no00:26:3512Nonprofit Storytelling & Events That Inspire Giving | Ada O’Quain Interviewfull<![CDATA[Executive Director Secrets: Activating Boards & Raising Funds]]>In this episode, Carrie Grover, the executive director of TCCC, shares her journey from a stay-at-home mom to a nonprofit leader. She emphasizes that successful fundraising is about building relationships and creativity rather than just asking for money. Carrie highlights the importance of board support and training, as well as the need for difficult conversations regarding performance. TCCC has seen significant growth by focusing on effective programs and adapting to changes in funding sources. Ultimately, she encourages listeners to prioritize community connections and work-life balance.

]]>https://www.donordock.com/the-focused-fundraiser-podcast?wchannelid=2kmakhnngu&wmediaid=qu47ivbfs18b27e5a9-052c-4c84-a6a8-92f04eeebc3aTue, 26 Aug 2025 18:39:24 GMT<p>In this episode, Carrie Grover, the executive director of TCCC, shares her journey from a stay-at-home mom to a nonprofit leader. She emphasizes that successful fundraising is about building relationships and creativity rather than just asking for money. Carrie highlights the importance of board support and training, as well as the need for difficult conversations regarding performance. TCCC has seen significant growth by focusing on effective programs and adapting to changes in funding sources. Ultimately, she encourages listeners to prioritize community connections and work-life balance.</p>no00:15:3717Executive Director Secrets: Activating Boards & Raising Fundsfull<![CDATA[How to Make Donors Feel the Mission (and Give More)]]>In a heartfelt discussion, a seasoned fundraiser shares her journey from falling into the nonprofit sector to becoming an executive director. She emphasizes the importance of meaningful work and the direct impact fundraising has on organizations, particularly in addressing issues like food insecurity. The conversation highlights the need for honesty in fundraising and the value of inviting donors into the organization's story. Additionally, she discusses the challenges of burnout in leadership roles and the necessity of self-care practices, such as taking unstructured time to recharge. Ultimately, the dialogue encourages a focus on what truly matters in the mission of fundraising.

]]>https://www.donordock.com/the-focused-fundraiser-podcast?wchannelid=2kmakhnngu&wmediaid=q8ccgc32zpec8a5702-7234-4a76-a63d-0f551b8f6972Tue, 19 Aug 2025 18:52:02 GMT<p>In a heartfelt discussion, a seasoned fundraiser shares her journey from falling into the nonprofit sector to becoming an executive director. She emphasizes the importance of meaningful work and the direct impact fundraising has on organizations, particularly in addressing issues like food insecurity. The conversation highlights the need for honesty in fundraising and the value of inviting donors into the organization's story. Additionally, she discusses the challenges of burnout in leadership roles and the necessity of self-care practices, such as taking unstructured time to recharge. Ultimately, the dialogue encourages a focus on what truly matters in the mission of fundraising.</p>no00:23:1916How to Make Donors Feel the Mission (and Give More)full