What really happens when nonprofit CEOs step out of the boardroom and into one-on-one conversations with their donors?

In this episode of the Fit Fundraising Podcast, Roy Jones sits down with Michelle Porter, CEO and Co-Founder of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, to unpack what she learned by personally meeting with key supporters—without a large fundraising staff or a formal major gifts department.

Michelle shares how Souls Harbour grew from serving one meal to becoming a $17 million, multi-site mission, and how intentional, relational donor meetings from the C-suite transformed both donor engagement and internal culture. You'll hear practical insights on involving program staff in donor stewardship, shifting from fundraising to friend-raising, and discovering what truly motivates long-term supporters to give.

If you're a nonprofit leader wondering whether major donor meetings are worth your time—or how to start without "doing it wrong"—this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and a proven path forward.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What surprised Michelle most when she began meeting donors one-on-one

• Why major donor programs don't have to start with professional fundraisers

• How involving staff and clients strengthens donor relationships

• The most common motivations donors shared—and how to listen for them

• Why CEOs play a critical role in major donor engagement