Just Ask - Rethinking Development

Ever wish you could go back and give your younger fundraising self a few pointers?

Greg and Bryan unpack the insights, the pitfalls, and the practical advice they’d offer any new fundraiser stepping into the field.

Behind every transformational gift is a donor wondering whether the vision is real and their investment will matter.

In this episode, we unpack the simple questions that build confidence—and keep campaigns from stalling.

Fundraising is full of familiar phrases—but some might be past their prime.

In this episode, Bryan and Greg swap stories, share mild rants, and explore the words and clichés that feel tired, stale, or overused in nonprofit fundraising.

What’s the single most important factor that determines a major gift?

It’s not your case statement, your campaign, or your vision. It’s something more personal.

Greg explains the surprising key behind every major gift—and how leaders can build the kind of trust that moves generosity.

Before you book the caterer or send the invites, stop and ask: why are you holding an event in the first place?

In this episode, Bryan leads a candid conversation with Greg on what truly makes a fundraising banquet worth doing — and what the key steps are for a successful event.

Who are the donors most likely to make the ultimate gift—and what keeps your nonprofit in their will?

Dr. Russell James returns to Just Ask to share the top three insights every fundraiser needs to understand bequest giving.

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.