It's Not About the Money: In Search of Grounded Fundraising

"Trust isn’t built overnight—it’s built in the little, consistent moments where we show up authentically."

"When you go in for a transaction instead of a relationship, it feels dirty. But fundraising isn’t about money—it’s about partnerships and impact."

"We aren’t selling a product—we’re inviting people to be part of the greatest mission of all time."

In this episode, Mary Valloni, fundraising expert and host of the Fully Funded Podcast, joins the conversation to unpack the crucial role of trust in donor relationships. She shares insights from her journey, from raising her own support in college ministry to helping nonprofits secure sustainable funding. Mary emphasizes that fundraising isn’t just about money—it’s about building authentic partnerships, shifting from a scarcity to an abundance mindset, and representing ministry with integrity. She also introduces practical strategies, including the Know-Like-Trust-Give model and the power of having a personal advisory team to strengthen donor relationships. Packed with wisdom and actionable takeaways, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to fundraise with confidence and purpose.

In this episode:

• Why trust is more critical than ever in today's skeptical world
• How being genuine transforms donor partnerships
• Kingdom perspective on fundraising
• Actionable advice for cultivating trust and authenticity
• You can get your copy of Fully Funded now!
• More information on Fully Funded Academy and the work and partnership of Mary Valloni and Mike Kim

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WOW, what a season. We had fantastic stand alone conversations about church partnerships, domestic fundraising, spiritual health, soul care, and so much more. Heather was joined by special co-host Jenn Smyth for a six part mini-series on fundraising in ethnically diverse communities. 

Andy and Heather briefly review this season's episodes, give some stats from Spotify,  and share a sneak peak for what is coming up in season 4! 

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In this episode of "It's Not About the Money," Heather and Andy sit down with Dr. Will Smallwood from Cedarville University. Dr. Smallwood shares the incredible journey of Cedarville's 1000 Days Transformed campaign, which has raised over $158.7 million to date. He discusses his unexpected path to becoming a career fundraiser, the vital role of storytelling in fundraising, and the importance of intentional discipleship at Cedarville.

Dr. Smallwood also opens up about personal challenges, including his battle with cancer, and how it has shaped his perspective on faith and leadership. This episode is a compelling exploration of God's provision, the power of vision casting, and the significance of culture in advancement work.

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Join Heather and co-host Jenn as they conclude their mini-series on the unique considerations of support raising in ethnically diverse communities. In this episode, they are joined by Beth Smith, interim MPD director with BSM in Texas. Beth shares her extensive experience in fundraising within the Baptist Student Ministry and the insights gained from supporting a diverse staff. From understanding the cultural nuances of different communities to creating effective resources, Beth sheds light on the importance of listening, learning, and adapting in the fundraising process.

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In this fifth episode of the mini-series, Heather and Jenn are excited to welcome Jeremiah Vaught, who, along with his wife Maysa, has been deeply involved in ministry and church planting in Chicago. Jeremiah shares his journey from the initial days of fundraising to planting a church in one of the most diverse zip codes in the nation. He discusses the cultural nuances of fundraising, the challenges of asking for support within different communities, and how their entrepreneurial ventures have supported their ministry. 

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network. Follow It’s Not About the Money for more insightful discussions on faith-based fundraising and support raising!

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Join Heather and special co-host Jenn as they continue their mini-series focused on fundraising considerations from ethnically diverse backgrounds. In this episode, they are thrilled to speak with Dennis and Evangeline Chow, who are currently serving in the Philippines. The Chows share their unique journey from college days at Penn State to their impactful ministry at Faith Academy, where they support missionary kids. They delve into the challenges and joys of fundraising within Asian American communities, highlighting the cultural nuances and relational dynamics that shape their support-raising efforts. From overcoming initial fears to embracing a partnership development approach, Dennis and Evangeline offer invaluable insights and practical tips for thriving in support-based ministry.

Tailored Fundraising

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Join Heather and co-host Jenn as they continue their mini-series on fundraising in ethnically diverse communities with special guest Chay'vion Carter. Chay'vion, who has been working with Campus Outreach at the University of North Texas since 2021, shares his unique journey of raising support from a Black church context. From the initial challenges of fear and doubt to the practical steps that led to his success, Chay'vion offers invaluable insights and encouragement for anyone navigating the complexities of support-based ministry.

Chevion opens up about the importance of preparation, the role of community, and the power of relational wisdom in fundraising. He also discusses how his personal experiences, including his upbringing and family dynamics, have shaped his approach to ministry.

Funding Tribe
Campus Outreach

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Join Heather and co-host Jenn as they dive into the unique challenges and opportunities of support raising in ethnically diverse communities with special guest Becca Acuna. Becca, who has been working with Texas BSM in San Antonio for the past five years, shares her journey from nursing to campus ministry, the cultural nuances she navigates in Hispanic communities, and the relational dynamics that shape her fundraising efforts.

Becca opens up about the initial struggles she faced, the cultural filters that influenced her approach, and the importance of relational work in Hispanic culture. She also discusses the role of mentors and coaches in her journey, and how open communication and prayer have been pivotal in her support raising process.

Listen in as Becca recounts heartwarming stories of God's provision, the importance of community, and the lessons she's learned along the way. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone involved in ministry fundraising, especially those working in multicultural settings.

Mentioned in today's episode:
Funding Tribe
The God Ask by Steve Shadrach

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Join Heather and her new co-host, Jen Smith, as they kick off a mini-series focusing on support raising in ethnically diverse communities. Jen shares her unique journey from high school fundraisers to long-term missions in China, and the cultural nuances she navigated within Korean American churches. Together, they explore the generational shifts in the Korean church, the importance of relational fundraising, and the power of being sent by a local church.

From personal anecdotes to practical advice, this episode is packed with insights that will resonate with anyone involved in support-based ministry. Whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned fundraiser, you'll find valuable takeaways to ground you in God's call and His promise to provide.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network. Follow It’s Not About the Money for more insightful discussions on faith-based fundraising and support raising!

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Join Heather and Andy as they kick off a new mini-series focusing on support raising in ethnically diverse communities with a compelling conversation featuring Brandon and Cat Samuel from Wycliffe Bible Translators. They delve into the Bridge Program, an initiative aimed at bringing more diverse staff into global missions, and share their unique journey from atheism to a Christ-centered mission life.

Brandon and Cat reveal how they transitioned from traditional jobs to fully embracing their calling in missions, highlighting the challenges and blessings of support-based ministry. They discuss the importance of representation in the mission field, the innovative approaches to fundraising in minority communities, and the spiritual formation that comes with relying on God's provision. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in or considering support-based ministry, especially within diverse cultural contexts.

✍️ Episode References

Wycliffe Bible Translators
Perspectives
Vanguard of a Missionary Uprising by Michael Farris
The Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri Nouwen
The God Ask by Steve Shadrach
More Than Money, More Than Faith by Paul Johnson

African-Americans in missions

Rebecca Protten

George Liele

Betsy Stockton

Lott Carey

Maria Fearing

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network. Follow It’s Not About the Money for more insightful discussions on faith-based fundraising and support raising!

Get help today! Visit www.provisiofundraising.com

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THANKS FOR LISTENING!