In this episode, I sit down with Patrick Dunn, Executive Director of the International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation (IPPF)  I walk you through exactly how I would pitch donors if I was looking to pick up an additional 200k in funding. 

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why storytelling and donor connection matter more than fancy tech
• The biggest pain points in donor stewardship—and how Patrick is thinking about improving it
• What Patrick believes is possible with their top donors if they had better systems and stronger asks
• A live role-play of a real donor conversation (yes, Patrick practices a pitch on the fly!)
• Messaging that moves donors into deeper giving (without pressure)

I loved this conversation with Patrick because it shows the heart of what fundraising should be: human, values-driven, and impact-focused. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about making the ask and building real relationships. If you’re wondering how to inspire major gifts even without a big team or budget, this episode will give you ideas (and courage).

Do you need to make bolder asks, but you have to figure out what the heck you're going to say? I have a free gift for you. Go to JulieOrdonez. com and get my free donor scripts cheat sheet. You'll get the exact words I've used to raise 50 million from individuals.

If you are in a season where you need to grow exponentially, check out my new program, Million Dollar VIP and see if it’s right for you: https://julieordonez.com/million

Get on the waitlist to the join the next cohort of the CourageLab today! https://julieordonez.com/waitlist

Music credit: With the Flow by Fin Productions

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

In this episode, I sit down with Maria from Soft Landing Missoula- an incredible nonprofit helping refugee and immigrant families build new lives in Montana. We talk about how they got started, how they fund their work, and the emotional reality of fundraising in a world that’s constantly shifting.

Maria shares what it’s like to lead fundraising efforts at an organization where over half of their revenue comes from individual donors and what she’s hearing from those donors right now. Spoiler alert: It’s not always about money. Sometimes donors just need to process what’s happening in the world, and Maria’s learning how to hold space for that while keeping her focus.

We also talk honestly about what it means to lead yourself well during tough times, how to listen without taking everything at face value, and why emotional intelligence might be your most important skill as a fundraiser.

What we cover in this episode:

• The mission and impact of Soft Landing Missoula
• Why people in their community give and keep giving
• Navigating the emotional side of donor conversations
• The difference between what donors say and what they do
• Fundraising challenges in uncertain political and economic times
• Why you should trust the data over the noise
• What bravery looks like when you're asking for big gifts

My favorite moment? When we talk about how life is always "lifeing" for your donors—even when it’s not making headlines. It’s a powerful reminder that generosity isn’t always logical or linear, but it is resilient.

Donors are still giving. The work still matters. And part of our job is managing our own mindset so we can keep showing up with passion and purpose—no matter what.

Do you need to make bolder asks, but you have to figure out what the heck you're going to say? I have a free gift for you. Go to JulieOrdonez. com and get my free donor scripts cheat sheet. You'll get the exact words I've used to raise 50 million from individuals.

If you are in a season where you need to grow exponentially, check out my new program, Million Dollar VIP and see if it’s right for you: https://julieordonez.com/million

Get on the waitlist to the join the next cohort of the CourageLab today! https://julieordonez.com/waitlist

Music credit: With the Flow by Fin Productions

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Heather Beam, founder of Practical Education Network (PEN), a nonprofit that’s transforming the way science and math are taught in Africa. Heather shares the story of how building a wind turbine with students in Ghana sparked her mission to make hands-on, project-based learning the new normal across the continent. We talk about her big vision, the current impact of PEN, and the realities of fundraising for such an ambitious goal. If you're passionate about education, innovation, or nonprofit leadership, this conversation will inspire you.

• Heather’s Origin Story: How her experience in mechanical engineering—and a life-changing classroom project—led to starting PEN in Ghana.
• The Big Vision for PEN: Why Heather wants to make hands-on STEM education the norm across all of Africa, and what that really means in terms of scale and impact.
• Current Impact & Reach: Over 9,000 teachers trained since 2016, with programs expanding from Ghana to Rwanda and Liberia.
• The Challenge of Fundraising: How PEN funds its work through a mix of individual donors, foundations, corporate partnerships, and NGOs—and why individual giving is a key focus area for growth.
• The Power of Donor Relationships: We dive into why Heather’s most loyal donors give, how the 80/20 principle applies to fundraising, and how to personalize asks to inspire bigger gifts.
• Heather’s Next-Level Goals: Her plan to double individual giving and create sustainable funding that covers PEN’s operational needs.

I loved Heather’s passion for problem-solving and her belief that every student should leave school with the skills to tackle real-world challenges. Her story of building a wind turbine from a plastic bucket and scrap computer parts was such a powerful example of what’s possible with creativity and resourcefulness. And as a fundraiser myself, our discussion about donor motivation and making personalized asks really hit home.

Heather’s mission is bold, but so necessary. Education is the foundation for change, and Practical Education Network is doing the work to ensure students are equipped not just with knowledge, but with the confidence and skills to innovate and solve problems in their own communities. If you’re inspired by this conversation, I encourage you to learn more about PEN and consider supporting their work.

Do you need to make bolder asks, but you have to figure out what the heck you're going to say? I have a free gift for you. Go to JulieOrdonez. com and get my free donor scripts cheat sheet. You'll get the exact words I've used to raise 50 million from individuals.

If you are in a season where you need to grow exponentially, check out my new program, Million Dollar VIP and see if it’s right for you: https://julieordonez.com/million

Get on the waitlist to the join the next cohort of the CourageLab today! https://julieordonez.com/waitlist

Music credit: With the Flow by Fin Productions

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly how I build quarterly engagement plans for donors- even the ones who haven’t given a dollar yet. Whether you’re working with major donors, connectors, or board members, I’m sharing the strategy behind how I map out touchpoints, meeting goals, and creative ways to bring people closer to the mission.

I’m also talking about one of my favorite things: “big swings”. That’s the list of dream donors I revisit regularly with playful, intentional outreach. You’ll hear a couple of my favorite stories about how I got the attention of folks who ignored me for months- and how one woman’s love for golden doodles helped me land a meeting after total silence for nine months. 

What I cover in this episode:

- How I create custom engagement plans for every key relationship in my portfolio

- The exact tools I use to stay organized and track donor engagement

- How I split my time between current donors and new prospects

- Why protecting your focus is everything (and how I do it with calendar blocks)

- The “big swings” strategy I use to reach dream donors and companies

- Creative low-cost ideas for getting a donor’s attention when they’re MIA

- How I use leverage from my team and board to make connections easier

- Real-life examples of donor outreach that actually worked

You don’t need a massive donor file or a million-dollar budget to build strong relationships- you just need a system, some creativity, and the discipline to follow through. The biggest wins often come from the boldest (and most playful) outreach. Think about who’s on your big swings list right now, and what small move you could make today to reconnect.

Do you need to make bolder asks, but you have to figure out what the heck you're going to say? I have a free gift for you. Go to JulieOrdonez. com and get my free donor scripts cheat sheet. You'll get the exact words I've used to raise 50 million from individuals.

If you are in a season where you need to grow exponentially, check out my new program, Million Dollar VIP and see if it’s right for you: https://julieordonez.com/million

Get on the waitlist to the join the next cohort of the CourageLab today! https://julieordonez.com/waitlist

Music credit: With the Flow by Fin Productions

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

Last week, I hosted a 3-day intensive here in sunny Los Angeles with seven of my amazing clients, and let me tell you—it was powerful. Teaching for three full days was both exhausting and energizing in the best way, and I knew I had to bring a piece of it to the podcast. 

In today’s episode, I’m sharing the very first session I taught on Day 1 of the intensive. It’s all about the exact roadmap I’ve followed to raise $2.5 million—multiple times. This isn’t theory. This is what I actually do: how I think, how I plan, how I build relationships with donors, and how I stay consistent when things get hard.

We get into the real-life habits that fuel this work. The mindset I use. The calendar strategy. Even how I start my day (spoiler: intention-setting and gratitude are non-negotiables for me).

If you’re building a donor portfolio, raising money, or leading a fundraising team—you’re gonna want to take notes.

What I cover in this episode:

- The 3 words I choose every morning to set the tone for my day  

- Why intentional energy matters in high-stakes fundraising  

- How I build long-term relationships with donors like “Bob”  

- The exact outreach strategy that opened the door to a whole new donor network  

- The donor profile I write all my content for (and how I built it)  

- How I structure my weekly calendar to stay focused on my North Star  

- Why gratitude, follow-up, and *actually caring* are game-changers in this work

Let’s be real...

Fundraising is not easy. There’s pressure. There’s rejection. There’s a lot we can’t control. But what *is* in your control is how you show up. How you build trust. How you become someone donors remember—in good times *and* hard times.

If you want to know what it really takes to raise millions while staying grounded, intentional, and human… this episode is for you.

Hit play and let’s dive in.

Do you need to make bolder asks, but you have to figure out what the heck you're going to say? I have a free gift for you. Go to JulieOrdonez. com and get my free donor scripts cheat sheet. You'll get the exact words I've used to raise 50 million from individuals.

If you are in a season where you need to grow exponentially, check out my new program, Million Dollar VIP and see if it’s right for you: https://julieordonez.com/million

Get on the waitlist to the join the next cohort of the CourageLab today! https://julieordonez.com/waitlist

Music credit: With the Flow by Fin Productions

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

Last year, I worked with a client who was outwardly successful- they had just wrapped a major capital campaign and were bringing in over $2 million annually. But behind the scenes, they were working around the clock, checking emails late into the evening, and spending weekends catching up on work. When we started coaching together, their biggest desire wasn’t another big win,it was a different way to work.

In this episode, I talk about what it means to raise more by doing less, why growth often comes through subtraction, and how our internal beliefs about worthiness can either fuel or completely block our success. This is a deeply personal, honest conversation about why so many of us in the nonprofit space tie our worth to our output and how that mindset is costing us.

What we cover in this episode:

• The story of a client who looked successful on the outside—but felt unworthy inside
• Why doing more isn’t the key to raising more money
• How to identify your “Big Asks” and apply the 80/20 principle
• The difference between working from worthiness vs working for worthiness
• Why we often overwork, avoid asking for help, and tolerate misaligned donors
• How our subconscious beliefs about money, success, and worth can block major gifts
• The silent damage of perfectionism, people-pleasing, and proving ourselves
• Why judgment of wealthy donors might be sabotaging your fundraising
• An invitation to reflect on your worth—and what it would mean to truly accept it

This episode is raw, real, and reflective. If you’ve ever felt like your work, your results, or your impact are what make you worthy- this is your reminder that you already are. Your worth is not up for debate. Not based on your to-do list, your revenue goals, or how many people you help. I hope this conversation gives you the courage to lead, fundraise, and live from a place of truth and worthiness not exhaustion and overcompensation.

If this resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Take a moment to reflect and maybe even share this episode with someone who needs to hear it too.

Do you need to make bolder asks, but you have to figure out what the heck you're going to say? I have a free gift for you. Go to JulieOrdonez. com and get my free donor scripts cheat sheet. You'll get the exact words I've used to raise 50 million from individuals.

If you are in a season where you need to grow exponentially, check out my new program, Million Dollar VIP and see if it’s right for you: https://julieordonez.com/million

Get on the waitlist to the join the next cohort of the CourageLab today! https://julieordonez.com/waitlist

Music credit: With the Flow by Fin Productions

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

Hey friend — today's episode is one of those real talk moments we all need. If you're a leader or a fundraiser trying to navigate this wild moment in time, I want you to know: you're not imagining things. Things are changing. Funders are pulling back. DEI efforts are being defunded. And the economic and political climate is shaky at best.

But here's the truth: in uncertain times, you can still be unstoppable.

In this episode, I'm sharing what it takes to lead boldly, raise major gifts, and build crisis-proof relationships — no matter what’s happening around you. I’ve seen firsthand what happens when leaders double down on growth, strategy, and self-leadership. And I’ve also seen what happens when we freeze and play small. We can’t afford to do that anymore.

• Why the old strategies won't work anymore (and what to do instead)
• How to build funding relationships that actually last
• What it means to become truly self-led as a fundraiser and leader
• The power of iteration and how I learned to fundraise in the middle of the Great Recession
• The mindset shift you must make if you want to raise more with less stress
• Why being bold attracts bold donors — and how to stop playing small
• A reminder that you don’t have to do this alone (and in fact, you shouldn’t)

This episode is your invitation to step into the next level of your leadership. If you've been tuning in week after week, soaking up the pep talks — amazing. But the truth is, that’s not enough anymore.

• Get real support
• Uplevel your skills
• Stop spinning your wheels and start seeing results

Then now is the time to take action. Join Courage Lab or get inside Get Real Coaching. You already know the free stuff is powerful — just imagine what’s possible when we actually work together.

No more waiting. No more hoping things will get better. Bold leadership starts with you.

Until next time — see ya.

Do you need to make bolder asks, but you have to figure out what the heck you're going to say? I have a free gift for you. Go to JulieOrdonez. com and get my free donor scripts cheat sheet. You'll get the exact words I've used to raise 50 million from individuals.

If you are in a season where you need to grow exponentially, check out my new program, Million Dollar VIP and see if it’s right for you: https://julieordonez.com/million

Get on the waitlist to the join the next cohort of the CourageLab today! https://julieordonez.com/waitlist

Music credit: With the Flow by Fin Productions

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

If you’re looking to raise major gifts without working till 10 PM every night, this episode is for you. I’m breaking down exactly how my client raised $10.2 million in unrestricted revenue from individuals in just 12 months without burnout.

This episode is especially for you if you already have individual donors (including monthly donors and board members who give personally or through their companies). Major gifts are a priority for your nonprofit’s revenue strategy.  You have at least one person helping with fundraising, even if they’re just getting started. You want to become a stronger leader, a better fundraiser, and honestly a better human while doing this work.

But if you’re just looking for strategy and tactics without personal growth? This might not be your jam. There are plenty of people who can give you just the strategy, but I focus on both professional and personal development. If that sounds good to you, keep listening!

• The biggest mindset shifts my clients make to go from overwhelmed to effective.
• The common mistake of thinking you need to “do more” to raise more money - and what actually works instead.
• Why hiring consultants who add busy work won’t move the needle.
• How understanding wealth, non-liquid assets, and donor motivations leads to bigger gifts.
• The three key pillars that drive fundraising success: Strategy, Skills, and Self.
• How my coaching helps fundraisers double their revenue without doubling their workload.

I got into fundraising 16 years ago because I needed a job. I had no experience, but someone took a chance on me and trained me. I learned the ropes the hard way - working way too much for way too little, losing sleep, my hair falling out. I thought success meant doing everything and burning myself out in the process.

Fast forward to today: I’ve raised millions of dollars for top organizations, worked with some of the best mentors in the industry, and now I teach nonprofit leaders how to do the same without the burnout.

Success comes down to three key factors. First, having the right strategy where you spend your time matters. We start by analyzing your calendar, optimizing your time management, and creating a plan that actually works. Second, developing the right skills is essential. This includes learning how to have powerful donor conversations, crafting compelling messaging, and mastering negotiation so you stop settling for small gifts. Finally, success depends on you, your mindset, leadership, and personal growth. Fundraising isn’t just about tactics; it’s about how you show up and lead with confidence.

Do you need to make bolder asks, but you have to figure out what the heck you're going to say? I have a free gift for you. Go to JulieOrdonez. com and get my free donor scripts cheat sheet. You'll get the exact words I've used to raise 50 million from individuals.

If you are in a season where you need to grow exponentially, check out my new program, Million Dollar VIP and see if it’s right for you: https://julieordonez.com/million

Get on the waitlist to the join the next cohort of the CourageLab today! https://julieordonez.com/waitlist

Music credit: With the Flow by Fin Productions

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

In this episode, I’m diving into a question that came up inside my six-month coaching and training program, Courage Lab 2.0. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you totally should—people inside are seeing incredible results, making big moves, and getting a huge return on their investment.

During one of our recent community Q&A calls, someone asked a really important question: What do you do when a donor who previously committed to giving a certain amount suddenly decides to give less? Maybe they cite political or economic uncertainty, or their priorities are shifting—either way, it puts you in a tough spot.

I’ve seen this scenario play out many times, and there are two main ways to approach it. In this episode, I break down both paths and share how I navigate these conversations with boldness and leadership. Because here’s the thing—this isn’t a new phenomenon, and it’s not going away. But as fundraisers and leaders, we have to step up, challenge the status quo, and advocate for the resources we need to do our work effectively.

What we cover in this episode:

•  How to respond when a donor changes their commitment
• The importance of getting curious before reacting
• Why values clarification is key in donor relationships
• How to position your organization as a top-performing investment
• The power of bold, direct conversations that hold donors accountable
• Why now is the time to lead, not settle for less

If you’ve ever had a donor change course on you, this episode will give you the mindset and strategy to handle it with confidence. It’s time to lead with courage and make sure the best, most effective organizations—like yours—get the funding they deserve.

Listen in, take notes, and let me know what resonates with you!

Do you need to make bolder asks, but you have to figure out what the heck you're going to say? I have a free gift for you. Go to JulieOrdonez. com and get my free donor scripts cheat sheet. You'll get the exact words I've used to raise 50 million from individuals.

If you are in a season where you need to grow exponentially, check out my new program, Million Dollar VIP and see if it’s right for you: https://julieordonez.com/million

Get on the waitlist to the join the next cohort of the CourageLab today! https://julieordonez.com/waitlist

Music credit: With the Flow by Fin Productions

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

Hey friend! In this episode, I’m walking you through a case study of what I’d do if I were part of Samaritan—a nonprofit that’s tackling homelessness in an innovative way. They’ve built a tech platform that connects unhoused neighbors with social and financial capital to help them move forward. It’s a mission that’s close to my heart, and I see so much opportunity for growth.

So, here’s the fun part: If I were in their shoes, how would I raise $5 million in six months? Let’s break it down.

• Why Samaritan’s model is so compelling and different from traditional nonprofits
• The three main revenue streams I’d focus on to hit a $5M fundraising goal
• How to maximize corporate healthcare partnerships for bigger investments
• The power of unrestricted funding from high-net-worth donors and family foundations
• Engaging and scaling a grassroots volunteer donor program
• The role of a strong board and network in attracting major funding
• The importance of storytelling, data, and strategic donor outreach

This episode is all about strategy, innovation, and thinking bigger when it comes to funding a mission-driven organization. Whether you’re in the nonprofit world or just love hearing about creative fundraising approaches, I think you’ll get a lot out of this one.

If you found this episode helpful, send me a message! I’d love to hear your thoughts. And if you’re part of a nonprofit looking to scale, this might give you some fresh ideas to apply.

Do you need to make bolder asks, but you have to figure out what the heck you're going to say? I have a free gift for you. Go to JulieOrdonez. com and get my free donor scripts cheat sheet. You'll get the exact words I've used to raise 50 million from individuals.

If you are in a season where you need to grow exponentially, check out my new program, Million Dollar VIP and see if it’s right for you: https://julieordonez.com/million

Get on the waitlist to the join the next cohort of the CourageLab today! https://julieordonez.com/waitlist

Music credit: With the Flow by Fin Productions

A Podcast Launch Bestie production