In this episode of the Mastering Fundraising, host Chris Looney sits down with Ray Watts, Interim Vice President for Advancement at California State University, San Bernardino, for a thoughtful and practical conversation on plannual giving.

Plannual giving is the intentional integration of annual giving and planned or asset-based giving. Ray challenges the traditional separation between these strategies and makes the case that loyalty, consistency, and generosity today are often the strongest indicators of legacy gifts tomorrow.

This conversation moves beyond technical planned giving mechanics and focuses on donor behavior, mindset, and relationships. Ray reframes planned giving as a celebration of asset-based philanthropy and shares real-world examples from his career in higher education advancement.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why planned giving should be understood as asset-based philanthropy, not a technical specialty

This episode is ideal for nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and board members who want to build sustainable philanthropy while honoring donors as whole people, not just transactions.

Be sure to like, follow, and subscribe to Mastering Fundraising, and check out our other podcasts, Lead for Good and The Nonprofit Edge, for more conversations on leadership, governance, and the future of the nonprofit sector.

Mastering Fundraising Podcast: Capital Campaigns with Ryan Marshall, Assistant Vice President for Development at Atrium Health Foundation

In this episode of Mastering Fundraising, Chris Looney sits down with Ryan Marshall to explore one of the most important and misunderstood areas of fundraising: capital campaigns. Ryan brings more than a decade of hands-on campaign experience, from national consulting work to leading major philanthropic initiatives within Atrium Health, one of the most dynamic healthcare systems in the country.

This conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to prepare for a successful campaign long before the first gift is solicited. Ryan shares candid insights on organizational readiness, feasibility studies, early donor engagement, and how to build momentum that carries through the quiet phase and beyond.

Key takeaways from the episode include:

Ryan’s blend of humility, clarity, and practical wisdom makes this a must-listen for any fundraiser preparing for a campaign, considering a campaign, or currently in one.

Listen, learn, and subscribe for more conversations that help you master the art and science of fundraising.

Integrating Storytelling, Marketing, and Philanthropy with Victor Martin – University of Puget Sound

How do you build a communications strategy that inspires generosity and strengthens donor relationships?

In this episode of Mastering Fundraising, host Chris Looney sits down with Victor Martin, Vice President for University Relations at the University of Puget Sound, to explore how his team has successfully integrated a centralized marketing and communications function within the advancement office.

Together, they discuss how storytelling, brand, and philanthropy intersect — and how aligning these disciplines can elevate fundraising results, enhance donor stewardship, and deepen community engagement.

You’ll learn:

How an integrated MarCom-Advancement model transforms institutional storytelling

Ways to infuse philanthropy and donor impact into communications across all channels

Strategies for improving collaboration between fundraisers and communicators

The leadership mindset needed to unite teams around shared purpose

Whether you’re a chief advancement officer, communications director, or frontline fundraiser, this episode offers a practical and inspiring look at how authentic storytelling drives meaningful philanthropy.

🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Podbean — and subscribe for future conversations that help you master the art and science of fundraising.

A huge thank you to John Scola for joining me on the Mastering Fundraising podcast for a powerful and timely conversation on Ethical Fundraising — a topic that sits at the very heart of our profession. As Chair of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Ethics Committee and a respected leader with decades of advancement experience, John shared deep insights into what it really means to uphold integrity while navigating the complex realities of philanthropy today. 💡 Key Takeaways from our conversation: ✅ Why defining and living out your ethical framework matters more than ever ✅ How to navigate gray areas when donor intent and mission don’t perfectly align ✅ The importance of transparency, accountability, and values-based leadership ✅ How to build an organizational culture where ethics aren’t just policies—but practice ✅ What the future holds for ethics in an age of data, AI, and shifting donor expectations If you care about elevating trust, integrity, and impact in fundraising, this episode is a must-watch.

A huge thank you to Keegan M. Bell, CFRE, Executive Vice President at the Irvine Public Schools Foundation, for joining me on Episode 10 of the Mastering Fundraising podcast.

Keegan shared powerful insights on how to create layered donor relationships—connections that go beyond a single point of contact to involve development staff, executive leaders, and program teams. His approach reframes donor cultivation as a shared organizational responsibility and a reflection of leadership, not just fundraising.

A few takeaways that really stood out:

Donors should experience at least three types of relationships within an organization: development, executive, and program.

Fundraising work is leadership work—it’s about vision, alignment, and shared purpose.

Keegan’s personal philosophy of “refilling the cup of others” reminds us that supporting and sustaining our colleagues is just as vital as stewarding our donors.

This conversation will resonate with anyone striving to build a stronger, more collaborative culture around fundraising and leadership.

🎧 Listen to Episode 10 of Mastering Fundraising to hear Keegan’s full insights and practical advice for every nonprofit leader.

https://youtu.be/usBFf6FfYLk

#Fundraising #NonprofitLeadership #Philanthropy #DonorEngagement #MasteringFundraising #FulcrumLeader #IrvinePublicSchoolsFoundation

Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership (Fulcrum) Christopher "Chris" Looney The Five Tool Fundraiser

https://youtu.be/usBFf6FfYLk

When a fundraising leader helps guide two billion-dollar campaigns, builds world-class advancement teams, and reshapes the future of one of America’s leading public universities, people pay attention.

In this episode of Mastering Fundraising, Chris Looney sits down with Brian Hervey, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and Alumni Relations at University of California, Irvine, to explore what it truly takes to lead transformational fundraising at the highest level.

Brian shares his remarkable journey from financial advisor, police officer, and community volunteer to becoming one of the nation’s most respected advancement leaders. Along the way, he reveals how a deeply personal family experience sparked a passion for philanthropy that would eventually lead him to help complete University of California, Irvine Foundation’s historic $2 billion Brilliant Future campaign.

In this powerful conversation, you’ll discover:

• How Brian’s personal story shaped his calling in fundraising

This episode is a masterclass in strategic leadership, campaign execution, and mission-driven fundraising at scale.

Whether you lead a university advancement shop, healthcare foundation, or growing nonprofit, Brian’s insights will challenge your thinking and expand your vision for what’s possible.

In this episode of Mastering Fundraising, host Chris Looney sits down with Kenya Beckmann, a dynamic leader in healthcare and higher education philanthropy, to explore one of the most under-discussed yet powerful strategies in modern fundraising: the shared support model.

Drawing from her experience at Providence, one of the nation’s largest health systems, Kenya unpacks how coordinated, enterprise-wide fundraising infrastructure can dramatically elevate performance across multiple foundations and communities. From donor research and communications to data analytics and principal gifts, she explains how shared services can drive greater speed, expertise, and impact without sacrificing the local relationships that fuel philanthropy.

This conversation goes far beyond theory. Kenya shares practical examples of how this model has led to record-breaking fundraising results, accelerated the adoption of strategies like comprehensive campaigns and endowed chairs, and strengthened physician and board engagement across diverse markets.

Equally compelling are her insights on leadership. Kenya outlines the mindset required to successfully manage complex, multi-entity fundraising environments, emphasizing emotional intelligence, humility, process discipline, and a deep commitment to local empowerment. Her philosophy of “high accountability and high love” offers a refreshing and actionable framework for nonprofit leaders at every level.

Whether you’re leading a hospital foundation, working within a federated nonprofit system, or simply looking to scale your fundraising impact, this episode provides a rare and valuable look into how shared support models can unlock new levels of performance and mission advancement.

Tune in to learn how to balance scale with local connection, leverage expertise across teams, and build fundraising systems that truly deliver on their promise.

In this powerful episode of Mastering Fundraising, host Chris Looney sits down with veteran fundraiser Jim Boyle, chief development leader at the Charles Darwin Foundation, to explore what it really takes to sustain hope, energy, and purpose in a profession defined by urgency and scale.

From leading one of the most ambitious ecological restoration efforts in the Galápagos Islands to navigating decades of fundraising across sectors, Jim offers a candid and deeply human perspective on burnout, resilience, and the emotional realities of the work. This conversation goes far beyond tactics, diving into the mindset required to stay motivated when the challenges feel endless and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

You’ll hear how small wins, like the unexpected return of a species after a century, can reignite belief in what’s possible. Jim also shares practical wisdom on managing stress, building support systems, and embracing both vulnerability and optimism in leadership. Most importantly, he reframes fundraising not as asking for money, but as inviting others to change the world.

Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or just beginning your journey, this episode is a reminder that your work matters, your effort is enough, and sustaining yourself is essential to sustaining the mission.

Listen in for a conversation that will challenge, ground, and inspire you to keep going.

Mastering Fundraising with Duane Rohrbacher

What happens when a seasoned development leader leans fully into artificial intelligence?

In this episode of Mastering Fundraising, Chris Looney sits down with Duane Rohrbacher, Executive Director of Development at UC Irvine, to explore how AI is already transforming fundraising operations and what leaders must understand to stay ahead .

Duane brings a rare perspective. With a background in higher education administration and years of frontline and operational leadership, he has been actively experimenting with AI tools since their earliest public releases. What began as curiosity quickly became a strategic advantage.

This is not a theoretical conversation about the future. It is a practical discussion about what fundraisers can do right now.

In this episode, you will learn:

Duane challenges fundraisers to move beyond casual experimentation. Instead of using AI for novelty, he argues that professionals must train it intentionally, integrate it into workflows, and treat it as a strategic partner.

At the same time, he makes something equally clear: AI does not replace relationships. It enhances preparation. It strengthens follow up. It improves discipline. But major gift work still demands in person engagement, active listening, and authentic human connection.

For leaders wondering whether AI belongs in fundraising, this conversation provides clarity. For those already experimenting, it offers direction.

If you care about efficiency, accountability, and staying competitive in a rapidly changing field, this episode is essential listening.

Listen now and consider one simple question:

Are you using AI as a novelty tool, or are you building it into your operating system?

Mastering Fundraising with Dr. Cheryl A. Bourgeois

In this episode of Mastering Fundraising, Chris Looney welcomes Dr. Cheryl A. Bourgeois, President and CEO of the St. John’s Health Center Foundation in Santa Monica, California .

Since stepping into her role in 2023, Dr. Bourgeois has led the foundation through its 50th anniversary while surpassing ambitious fundraising goals, raising more than $41 million to advance medical care, research, and patient services. But this conversation goes far beyond revenue totals.

Dr. Bourgeois offers a candid look at what it takes to step into long established institutions and thoughtfully lead change without dishonoring legacy. She shares how listening tours, data analysis, and board engagement laid the groundwork for reinvention while preserving trust.

You will hear practical insights on:

Dr. Bourgeois also challenges leaders to reject complacency. Continuous improvement is not optional. It is essential for relevance, growth, and long term impact.

If you are a nonprofit executive, chief advancement officer, or board leader seeking clarity on strategic planning, culture building, and execution, this episode delivers both inspiration and a practical roadmap.

Listen now and consider: Is your organization evolving fast enough to remain essential?