Nonprofit CourageLab

We’ve made it to the final episode of Season 6! Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many episodes we’ve done together, but I do know this: I’m so grateful for you. Thank you for being here, for trusting me, and for committing to your own journey of becoming a more courageous fundraiser, leader, and human.

In this episode, I’m talking all about how to build confidence — and not in the fluffy, "say affirmations in the mirror" kind of way (though hey, nothing wrong with that!). I'm diving into the real, practical ways I’ve built confidence myself and how I’ve seen my clients do the same.

Here’s the truth: Confidence is self-trust. And self-trust is built one promise at a time.

I break down:

• Why we often break our word to ourselves (and how it erodes trust)
• How understanding your own motivation style (shoutout to Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies!) can change everything
• Why your environment matters so much — and how to get in rooms with people who are braver than you
• The critical link between courage and confidence (spoiler: courage comes first)
• Practical steps to build momentum, keep your promises, and track your growth
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Plus, I get into the difference between confidence and arrogance, how people-pleasing keeps us stuck, and why living by obligation will always dull your light.

I share a few client wins too — like someone who raised $560K in just 6 months as a one-person shop. Not because they suddenly became confident overnight, but because they created an environment where courage was the norm.

Take this with you:

Make a list of the things you’ve been putting off.

Give yourself a deadline.

Tell someone.

Take the risk.

Track the win.

Repeat.

If you’ve been feeling like confidence is just out of reach — listen to this. I promise, you are more capable than you think. And building self-trust is totally possible, no matter where you’re starting from.

 I’d love to hear from you:

What’s a courageous risk you’ve taken recently? Share it in the comments or DM me on LinkedIn — let’s celebrate together.

If this episode resonated, pass it on to a colleague who needs a confidence boost today.

Here’s to living by design, not default.

Want 15 leads in 5 minutes? DM me "Breakfast burrito" on LinkedIn and I'll send you a pdf and 6-minute training to help you generate 15 leads for your nonprofit in minutes. It's totally free. All you need is an email to sign up. DM me "Breakfast burrito" - I'm from Texas, what can I say? - to get your pdf and mini training. 

If you're an org with at least $800k annual budget and major gifts is your top priority, but you need a better strategy and approach, get on the waitlist for the next CourageLab cohort here: https://julieordonez.kit.com/couragelab2 

Hey friend ,in this episode I’m breaking down the three biggest pain points I see over and over again when it comes to raising the money you need to fund your mission. Whether you're a nonprofit CEO, ED, or development leader, these are the places where we often get stuck... but we don’t have to stay stuck.

Here’s what we’re diving into:

It’s not enough to copy what worked for another organization. I walk through how to develop a fundraising strategy that’s aligned with your culture, your team, your values, and your capacity -not just what looks good on paper. Spoiler: if your org deeply values sustainability, don’t expect an events-heavy model to work.

No one talks about how much courage it takes to raise major gifts. To face rejection. To say no to donors who want to dictate your mission. To speak up when something’s not working. Courage is the backbone of effective fundraising, and I’m sharing real stories -including my own failures - to help you build that muscle.

I used to say “relationships” were the third key, but I’m refining that: it’s actually emotional intelligence (EQ). I break down the four components of EQ and why it’s the number one indicator of fundraising success. You’ll get a peek into the book I’m currently rereading (Emotional Intelligence 2.0), and how this work has changed the way I lead and raise money.

Whether you're struggling with awkward board meetings, feeling stuck in fear, or wondering why your strategy just isn’t landing - this one’s for you.

If you loved this episode or had a lightbulb moment, hit me up on LinkedIn and let me know. 

Want 15 leads in 5 minutes? DM me "Breakfast burrito" on LinkedIn and I'll send you a pdf and 6-minute training to help you generate 15 leads for your nonprofit in minutes. It's totally free. All you need is an email to sign up. DM me "Breakfast burrito" - I'm from Texas, what can I say? - to get your pdf and mini training. 

If you're an org with at least $800k annual budget and major gifts is your top priority, but you need a better strategy and approach, get on the waitlist for the next CourageLab cohort here: https://julieordonez.kit.com/couragelab2 

I’ve always wanted to host a live call-in show where folks ask their biggest fundraising questions and I just dive right in with real-time advice. Since we’re not quite doing live radio, this episode is the next best thing.

In this one, I’m answering three tough, common questions I’ve gotten from past clients and people on my email list. These are the situations that come up all the time - and they’re not easy. But I’m walking you through how I’d handle them, step by step.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

• What to do when a major donor doesn’t want to talk to you
• How to stay in your role and keep doing your job even when a donor says, “Don’t waste your time”
• What to say (and how to say it) when your executive director has stepped way back from fundraising
• How to finally have the honest conversation you’ve been avoiding with your leadership
• What it really means when your board says they “don’t do fundraising” and how to respond

This episode is honest, practical, and full of scripts and mindset shifts you can use right now to move through these challenges.

Also, if you want to raise six figures in 16 weeks, I have three one-on-one spots open right now. This is the most affordable private coaching I’ve ever offered, and it’s a powerful way to work together if you’ve been waiting for the right time. If you’re interested, send me a message on LinkedIn.

If you’re not on my email list yet, stop what you’re doing and go sign up. You’ll get instant access to my free templates, including my 24-page donor scripts cheat sheet, plus first dibs on workshops and coaching opportunities.

You can sign up at julieordonez.com or nonprofitcouragelab.com.

Message me on LinkedIn to inquire about 1:1 coaching: linkedin.com/in/julieordonez

Thanks for listening. Keep showing up, telling the truth, and leading with courage.

 In this episode, I’m bringing you a story that perfectly captures why courage is one of the most important skills you can build as a fundraiser — and how it can completely change your results. You’ll hear about my client Laura, a high-performing fundraiser who pushed herself to take a huge risk. First, she asked a donor for a $250,000 gift and heard “no.” But she didn’t let that stop her. She kept strengthening her “ask” muscle and later made a $1.5 million ask — which led to an incredible $810,000 gift that helped her team close out their fiscal year strong.

And here’s the thing — this transformation wasn’t about tactics or scripts (though we worked on those too). It was about how Laura saw herself, how she built her courage, and how she led by example for her team. Whether you’re trying to hit a big revenue goal or just want to feel more confident going after major gifts, there’s so much in this story for you.

Here’s what you will learn:

• Why taking bigger swings with loyal donors is key to reaching your next fundraising level
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• How to strengthen your “ask muscle” and get comfortable with hearing “no”
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• Why the way you see yourself as a fundraiser impacts the size of the gifts you ask for
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• How emotional intelligence helps you identify which donors are ready for a bigger ask
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• The behind-the-scenes story of how one bold ask turned into an $810,000 gift
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• How to model courage as a leader so your entire team rises with you
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• Why generosity is contagious — and how your boldness can ripple through donor networks
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Thanks so much for tuning in today. I hope Laura’s story inspires you to take more courageous swings in your own fundraising work. It’s not always easy to push past fear or to risk hearing “no” — but when you do, the doors it can open are incredible. Remember, your donors want to give. Your mission deserves big gifts. And YOU are capable of asking for them.

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love it if you’d share it with someone else who’s on this fundraising journey too. The more we encourage each other to lead with courage, the more impact we can all create. See you next time!

Want 15 leads in 5 minutes? DM me "Breakfast burrito" on LinkedIn and I'll send you a pdf and 6-minute training to help you generate 15 leads for your nonprofit in minutes. It's totally free. All you need is an email to sign up. DM me "Breakfast burrito" - I'm from Texas, what can I say? - to get your pdf and mini training. 

If you're an org with at least $800k annual budget and major gifts is your top priority, but you need a better strategy and approach, get on the waitlist for the next CourageLab cohort here: https://julieordonez.kit.com/couragelab2 

Hey, friends in this episode, I’m breaking down what it really looks like to operate from an abundance mindset as a fundraiser or nonprofit leader. If you're tired of feeling pressure to chase every donor, scared to hear “no,” or stuck in scarcity, this is for you. I’m sharing real stories and practical signs that show when you’re leading from a place of trust, service, and confidence, not desperation.

Let’s talk about donor referrals, releasing misaligned people, and making bold asks with zero attachment. Abundance isn't just a nice idea — it's a powerful shift in how you show up and invite generosity.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• How to know when you're in an abundance mindset (and what it actually looks like in real life)
• Why I refer donors to other nonprofits and how that move came back around years later
• The power of low-pressure, service-based leadership in major donor relationships
• Letting go of board members, donors, and prospects who aren’t aligned
• Why cycling through unresponsive prospects is necessary for growth
• The mindset shift behind bold, audacious asks  and how I went from $5K/month to a $300K gift
• How to stop budgeting donors’ philanthropy for them
• Owning your mistakes and asking for donor feedback with confidence

Here’s what I want you to take away: there is plenty. There are plenty of donors, plenty of money, plenty of opportunities. The more we let go of clinging and chasing, the more we make room for aligned, meaningful generosity to flow in.

Being in an abundance mindset doesn’t mean you don’t want results — it means you trust that the right people, the right gifts, and the right timing will come when you lead with service, clarity, and courage.

Want 15 leads in 5 minutes? DM me "Breakfast burrito" on LinkedIn and I'll send you a pdf and 6-minute training to help you generate 15 leads for your nonprofit in minutes. It's totally free. All you need is an email to sign up. DM me "Breakfast burrito" - I'm from Texas, what can I say? - to get your pdf and mini training. 

If you're an org with at least $800k annual budget and major gifts is your top priority, but you need a better strategy and approach, get on the waitlist for the next CourageLab cohort here: https://julieordonez.kit.com/couragelab2 

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).

Want 15 leads in 5 minutes? DM me "Breakfast burrito" on LinkedIn and I'll send you a pdf and 6-minute training to help you generate 15 leads for your nonprofit in minutes. It's totally free. All you need is an email to sign up. DM me "Breakfast burrito" - I'm from Texas, what can I say? - to get your pdf and mini training. 

If you're an org with at least $800k annual budget and major gifts is your top priority, but you need a better strategy and approach, get on the waitlist for the next CourageLab cohort here: https://julieordonez.kit.com/couragelab2 

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.

Want 15 leads in 5 minutes? DM me "Breakfast burrito" on LinkedIn and I'll send you a pdf and 6-minute training to help you generate 15 leads for your nonprofit in minutes. It's totally free. All you need is an email to sign up. DM me "Breakfast burrito" - I'm from Texas, what can I say? - to get your pdf and mini training. 

If you're an org with at least $800k annual budget and major gifts is your top priority, but you need a better strategy and approach, get on the waitlist for the next CourageLab cohort here: https://julieordonez.kit.com/couragelab2 

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.

Want 15 leads in 5 minutes? DM me "Breakfast burrito" on LinkedIn and I'll send you a pdf and 6-minute training to help you generate 15 leads for your nonprofit in minutes. It's totally free. All you need is an email to sign up. DM me "Breakfast burrito" - I'm from Texas, what can I say? - to get your pdf and mini training. 

If you're an org with at least $800k annual budget and major gifts is your top priority, but you need a better strategy and approach, get on the waitlist for the next CourageLab cohort here: https://julieordonez.kit.com/couragelab2 

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.

Want 15 leads in 5 minutes? DM me "Breakfast burrito" on LinkedIn and I'll send you a pdf and 6-minute training to help you generate 15 leads for your nonprofit in minutes. It's totally free. All you need is an email to sign up. DM me "Breakfast burrito" - I'm from Texas, what can I say? - to get your pdf and mini training. 

If you're an org with at least $800k annual budget and major gifts is your top priority, but you need a better strategy and approach, get on the waitlist for the next CourageLab cohort here: https://julieordonez.kit.com/couragelab2 

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.

Want 15 leads in 5 minutes? DM me "Breakfast burrito" on LinkedIn and I'll send you a pdf and 6-minute training to help you generate 15 leads for your nonprofit in minutes. It's totally free. All you need is an email to sign up. DM me "Breakfast burrito" - I'm from Texas, what can I say? - to get your pdf and mini training. 

If you're an org with at least $800k annual budget and major gifts is your top priority, but you need a better strategy and approach, get on the waitlist for the next CourageLab cohort here: https://julieordonez.kit.com/couragelab2