Lead with Heart | Philanthropy, Nonprofit Leadership, Nonprofit Management & Fundraising

I am so excited to have Kel Haney back on the podcast. She is a fundraising expert who knows firsthand how a simple five minute conversation can transform donor relationships and significantly boost engagement. 

In this episode, we're exploring the power of picking up the phone to grow mid-level donors. Discover practical strategies to build meaningful relationships with donors through phone calls, ensure effective follow-ups, and leave impactful voicemails.

If you're ready to learn how to pick up the phone and watch your donor engagement level up, join us in this conversation.

How a 5-Minute Fundraising Call Can Boost Mid-Level Donor Engagement - in this episode:

• [04:10] Identifying and engaging with mid-level donors
• [07:48] Key moments in an effective 5 minute fundraising call
• [12:34] Leading a phone call with curiosity
• [15:14] The value of a follow-up
• [19:17] Leaving impactful voicemails
• [23:17] Text messages versus phone calls
• [26:28] Implementing a successful phone call fundraising strategy
• [30:47] Tracking the success of a 5 minute fundraising call

E51: The Art of Fundraising as a Relationship-Building Opportunity with Kel Haney

Gift Range Chart: https://bloomerang.co/blog/how-a-gift-range-chart-can-help-small-nonprofits-raise-more-money/ 

“ Quite frequently, you've got people in your grassroots level who do have the capacity, the propensity, and the affinity to give at a higher level, and we just may not have asked them and started to develop that rel

Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE!

My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact.

Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org

Dr. Lola Gershfeld’s EmC Masterclass helps you boost communication skills to raise more revenue. Trusted by top universities and global organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART for 10% off.

CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com
YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser
Produced by Ideablossoms

 I'm thrilled to welcome Sean Littman to this episode of Lead with Heart. Sean is a true disruptor in the nonprofit digital space, bringing over a decade of expertise in digital marketing to help organizations grow and scale. He has transformed the way nonprofits leverage Google Grants and email marketing to build stronger communities and increase impact. 

We’re diving deep into the importance of digital marketing for nonprofits, effective strategies for email marketing, how to leverage Google Grants, and how to create impactful campaigns.

In this episode:

• [02:51] Sean’s journey into the nonprofit digital space
• [06:38] Offers that nonprofits can use to get people in the door
• [10:38] Mistakes that nonprofits make when leveraging digital tools
• [13:27] Understanding your audience
• [18:49] Leveraging Google Grants
• [20:45] Retention marketing
• [26:29] Effective nonprofit email marketing strategies
• [32:23] Scaling your digital impact without overwhelming your donors

CONNECT WITH SEAN

LinkedIn: Sean Littman

YouTube: @NonprofitAcademy

Podcast: Profiting With Nonprofits

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://givesuite.com/ & https://catch22nonprofit.com/ 

Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE!

My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact.

Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org

CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com
YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser
Produced by Ideablossoms

I am excited and honored to welcome Jeff Schreifels to this episode of Lead with Heart. Jeff is the principal and owner of Veritus Group - a global consulting agency specializing in major gifts and mid-level fundraising strategy. He is a pioneer of relationship-centered fundraising, and under his leadership, Veritus has helped increase mid and major gift revenue and decrease donor value attrition for hundreds of nonprofits worldwide.

We’re exploring the Veritus way of mid and major gifts fundraising, creating a culture of philanthropy within nonprofit organizations, integrating donors into your mission, and so much more.

In this episode:

• [02:36] The Veritus Group’s origin and focus on mid and major gifts
• [11:10] The difference between major and mid-level gifts
• [14:45] Key characteristics of a successful major gifts officer
• [19:11] Building a culture of philanthropy within an organization
• [31:51] Integrating donors into the mission beyond asking for money
• [36:19] Indicators that an organization truly values its employees
• [39:32] Building relationships with major gifts officers and major donors as a leader

RESOURCES

Resources from the Veritus Group: https://veritusgroup.com/resources/ 

It's NOT JUST about the Money by Richard Perry and Jeff Schreifels

It’s Not JUST About the Donor by Jeff Schreifels and Richard Perry

Nothing But Major Gifts podcast

CONNECT WITH JEFF

LinkedIn: Jeff Schreifels

Instagram:

Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE!

My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact.

Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org

Dr. Lola Gershfeld’s EmC Masterclass helps you boost communication skills to raise more revenue. Trusted by top universities and global organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART for 10% off.

CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com
YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser
Produced by Ideablossoms

On this episode of Lead with Heart, I am thrilled to introduce the incredible work of Chanda Hinton and the Chanda Center for Health, an organization dedicated to empowering individuals living with long-term physical disabilities through innovative healthcare services. 

In bold advocacy efforts, the Chanda Center ensures that everyone, regardless of their physical challenges, has the right to build their own healthcare path, live independently, and actively engage with their communities. Join us as we explore how the center is breaking barriers and pioneering systemic changes to improve access and equity for people with disabilities.

In this episode:

• [02:36] Chanda’s personal journey navigating the medical system
• [07:51] Challenges as a nonprofit founder and CEO
• [10:15] Advocating for systemic or legislative changes
• [13:43] Addressing challenges and promoting independence for people with long-term disabilities
• [17:18] The value of collaboration
• [20:19] Using the needs of your community to shape your program 
• [23:54] The Chanda Center’s goals for 2025
• [27:20] Strategies for building awareness for your nonprofit
• [29:35] Supporting the Chanda Center

CONNECT WITH CHANDA

LinkedIn: Chanda Hinton

Instagram: @chandacenterforhealth

Website: https://chandacenter.org/ 

Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE!

My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact.

Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org

CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com
YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser
Produced by Ideablossoms

On this episode, I am thrilled to welcome Elaine Lankford, a passionate advocate for Christian female entrepreneurs and a true champion of empowering women to pursue their God-sized dreams.

Elaine is the founder of She Steps Forward Coaching and She Steps Forward International. She has dedicated her life to equipping women to launch and grow successful businesses, ministries, and nonprofits. With her expertise as a certified John Maxwell team member, Elaine blends faith-based entrepreneurial coaching, leadership development, and strategic planning to help women step confidently into their calling.

I can’t wait for you to hear her wisdom on these topics today.

In this episode:

• [02:39] Elaine’s transition from nursing to coaching
• [05:53] The two main challenges female entrepreneurs face
• [07:22] A four-pronged approach to empowering female entrepreneurs
• [13:29] How to serve diverse communities
• [19:00] John Maxwell’s leadership principles
• [22:07] Key leadership traits for running a successful small business, nonprofit, or ministry
• [23:47] Building organizational legacy
• [26:31] Highlights from the She Steps Forward Conference

Find John Maxwell’s books HERE.

CONNECT WITH ELAINE

LinkedIn: Elaine Lankford

Instagram: @shestepsforwardinternational

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://shestepsforwardinternational.org   

Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE!

My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact.

Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org

CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com
YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser
Produced by Ideablossoms

Principled leadership is essential to nonprofit success—a belief strongly held by my guest, Andrew Olsen.

Andrew helps nonprofit leaders increase impact through thriving organizational cultures that drive revenue growth. He's assisted over 500 nonprofits in raising half a billion dollars, authored bestselling books, and hosts the Rainmaker Fundraising Podcast.

We discuss leadership's role in fundraising, building strong donor relationships, and what's inhibiting change in nonprofits.

In this episode:

• [02:35] Andrew’s inspirational journey
• [04:19] Core principles for building a successful fundraising program
• [06:10] Challenges in nonprofit leadership relating to fundraising and philanthropy and how to combat them
• [13:35] Hiring an effective fundraiser
• [19:32] The connection between a positive internal culture and fundraising success
• [21:23] The factor that is inhibiting change in nonprofits
• [29:30] Strengthening relationships with major donors
• [34:39] Managing time to prioritize the most effective fundraising strategies

101 Biggest Mistakes Nonprofits Make and How You Can Avoid Them by Andrew Olsen

CONNECT WITH ANDREW

LinkedIn: Andrew Olsen

Instagram: @andrewolsencfre

Website: https://andrewolsen.net/ 

Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE!

My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact.

Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org

Dr. Lola Gershfeld’s EmC Masterclass helps you boost communication skills to raise more revenue. Trusted by top universities and global organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART for 10% off.

CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com
YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser
Produced by Ideablossoms

I am thrilled to welcome Christy Pretzinger as my guest on this episode of Lead with Heart. Christy is the CEO and founder of WG Content - a company that has reshaped the healthcare content landscape through an inspiring approach centered on kindness and people-focused values. 

She's a sought-after speaker and expert on topics like emotional intelligence, trust, and the often overlooked soft skills that create truly connected and effective workplaces. 

These are some of my favorite topics to discuss, so let’s dive into Christy's insights on creating inclusive, trust-filled cultures that prioritize human connection.

In this episode:

• [02:33] Building a business on the foundation of kindness
• [05:19] Co-creating your business's values with your team
• [08:54] Using personality typing to engage your team
• [12:39] Radical empathy and emotional intelligence in leadership
• [20:14] Leading with trust and vulnerability
• [25:12] Holding people accountable with empathy
• [29:10] Building team culture intentionally
• [30:47] Personal development for business growth

CONNECT WITH CHRISTY

LinkedIn: Christy Pretzinger

Website: https://wgcontent.com/ 

Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE!

My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact.

Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org

Dr. Lola Gershfeld’s EmC Masterclass helps you boost communication skills to raise more revenue. Trusted by top universities and global organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART for 10% off.

CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com
YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser
Produced by Ideablossoms

In this episode of Lead with Heart, I am joined by Laura Bonnell, the founder of The Bonnell Foundation and host of the Living with Cystic Fibrosis Podcast. 

Laura's journey into advocacy began when her mother's instincts clashed with initial medical skepticism, ultimately leading to a life-changing diagnosis for her daughter Molly. Fueled by a passion to help her daughter and others with cystic fibrosis (CF), Laura shifted from a journalism career to nonprofit leadership, combining her storytelling skills and commitment to advocacy. Now, she's raising awareness, supporting families, and working with legislators to drive meaningful change for those living with CF.

Our conversation delves into the challenges faced by CF families, the importance of storytelling in fundraising and awareness, and the role of nonprofit advocacy in creating meaningful change.

In this episode:

• [02:46] Turning a challenging experience into a mission-driven career
• [06:11] Understanding cystic fibrosis and The Bonnell Foundation
• [08:38] The challenges cystic fibrosis families face once they receive the diagnosis
• [10:10] The Bonnell Foundation’s funding model
• [11:55] The value of telling your story
• [14:10] The key components of ethical storytelling
• [21:24] Adopting an advocacy mindset to create impactful and sustainable nonprofit growth
• [27:37] Involving children in advocacy
• [29:09] The Bonnell Foundation’s goals for the future

CONNECT WITH LAURA

LinkedIn: Laura Bonnell

Instagram: @laurabonnell

Website: https://thebonnellfoundation.org/ 

Email: [email protected]

Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE!

My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact.

Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org

CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com
YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser
Produced by Ideablossoms

In this episode of Lead with Heart, we’re talking all about connection and collaboration with Britt Hogue - the founder of The Collective Good. 

With over 20 years of experience spanning the social, public, and private sectors, Britt has dedicated her career to fostering collaboration and connection. She knows firsthand that working collectively, whether as families, teams, or nations, can drive impactful solutions to some of our most pressing challenges.

We’re discussing the importance of collectivism in nonprofit work, the impact of connection on human well-being, and practical ways organizations can build relationships to enhance their mission.

In this episode:

• [02:18] Britt’s background
• [04:31] The value of collaboration
• [09:27] The impact of connection and loneliness on individuals and societies
• [14:39] Engaging volunteers and donors through authentic relationships
• [16:51] Finding common ground between diverse groups of people
• [25:06] Practical strategies for collaborating effectively in situations that may appear adverse
• [28:00] How to invest in relationships

CONNECT WITH BRITT

LinkedIn: Britt Hogue

Website: https://www.the-collective-good.com/  

Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE!

My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact.

Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org

CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com
YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser
Produced by Ideablossoms

This episode is all about navigating HR in the nonprofit sector. We’re discussing the importance of onboarding, building a supportive work culture, employee retention and more with Dr. Tiffany Slater.

Tiffany is the founder and CEO of HR Tailormade and is here to help nonprofit leaders and small business owners navigate the complex world of HR with heart and expertise.

She is a trailblazing entrepreneur who built her business from the ground up, offering HR solutions that not only ensure compliance, but also foster thriving workplace cultures. Tiffany has so much practical advice to share with us today.

In this episode:

• [04:04] Understanding human resources
• [06:38] Cultivating culture within an organization and prioritising feedback
• [11:44] The critical role of the onboarding process
• [17:15] When to hire HR in-house versus a consultant
• [18:50] Approaching difficult conversations with empathy and professionalism
• [22:36] Building an inclusive work environment in the nonprofit space
• [32:00] The key to employee retention in nonprofits and investing in employee well-being

CONNECT WITH TIFFANY

LinkedIn: Tiffany E. Slater

Instagram: @hrtailormade

Website: https://hrtailormade.com/

Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE!

My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact.

Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org

Dr. Lola Gershfeld’s EmC Masterclass helps you boost communication skills to raise more revenue. Trusted by top universities and global organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART for 10% off.

CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com
YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser
Produced by Ideablossoms