Dr. Russell James of Texas Tech joins Greg today to share insights from decades of charitable giving research—and why three words, “identity, challenge, and hero”, can reshape how you connect with donors.

If you think the top reasons a campaign fails are because of money, messaging, or motivation—you’d be wrong.

The real killers are much simpler—and far more common. Last time, we uncovered the #1 reason campaigns fail. This week, Greg pulls back the curtain on reason #2, and it’s one that might be hiding in plain sight.

The last place any nonprofit wants to end up is in a stalled—or worse, failing—capital campaign.

But what’s the real cause when that happens?

With more than 30 years of experience leading campaigns for Catholic schools and institutions, Greg reveals the number one reason campaigns fail—and what you should be doing to avoid it.

What’s the difference between good and great?

Bryan makes the case today for why “hustle” is one of the key ingredients for fundraising success today, and yet, many nonprofits lack it.

What happens when you ask for too much?

Bryan is back with Greg to unpack a recent visit—one that led to one of the worst reactions to an ask he’s ever seen.

It raises the age-old fundraising question: Can you really ask for too much? Bryan says yes... but the story doesn’t end there. Tune in to hear why.

Welcome to part two of Greg’s conversation with Karyn Macfarlane, founder of Supporting Stars and certified Working Genius Certified Facilitator.

How does the Working Genius apply to a development teams of one?

Together Greg and Karyn go through the 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni and why knowing them can enhance your fundraising potential.

You can learn more about the Working Genius, take the test, or purchase the book at:

https://www.workinggenius.com

Find out more about Karyn and her work at supportingstars.com.

Greg sits down today for part one of a conversation with Karyn Macfarlane, founder of Supporting Stars and certified Working Genius Certified Facilitator.

Together they go through the 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni and why knowing them can enhance your fundraising potential.

You can learn more about the Working Genius, take the test, or purchase the book at:

https://www.workinggenius.com

Find out more about Karyn and her work at supportingstars.com.

Welcome to part two of a two part podcast series with our guest Stephanie Ballis, Director of Development for University of Idaho College of Law.

Greg picks up where we left off, diving deeper into Stephanie’s journey and insights from her career in fundraising.

Welcome to part one of a two part podcast series with our guest Stephanie Ballis, Director of Development for University of Idaho College of Law.

Stephanie spent almost seven years working in development for a Catholic elementary school, where she organized everything from gala auctions to fun runs — often with a very hands-on, community-driven approach.

There she ran up against the "candy bar" fundraising culture--where the idea of meeting with actual donors and building an endowment were out of the question.

Listen to her interview with Greg as she highlights the the fundraising growth possible when you “just ask!”

Bryan challenges the unspoken status quo of the non-profit world: spend as little money as possible.

Find out why you may be stunting the growth of your mission by striving to spend as little as possible under the pretense of “good stewardship.”