Nonprofit CourageLab

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.

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 — 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.

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 

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.

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 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!

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 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.

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, I had an eye-opening strategy session with a client last week, and I have to share it with you. She came to our call struggling with prioritizing the ask in her fundraising efforts. She was caught up in the day-to-day grind, and when I asked her how many asks she made last month, she had no idea. Sound familiar?

Here’s the thing: If you’re not tracking your asks, how do you know you’re not making enough? 

In this episode, I break down why tracking Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is critical for fundraising success. You may have big revenue goals, but if you're only tracking how much money you've raised, you're missing key data points that tell you how to adjust your strategy in real time. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

- The difference between lagging indicators(like money raised) and leading indicators (like asks made)

- Why tracking your daily fundraising activities matters more than just the end-of-year total

- How setting and tracking the right KPIs can give you clarity, accountability, and confidence in your fundraising strategy

- The emotional intelligence and communication skills you need to make stronger, more effective asks

- How radical accountability—both for yourself and your team—can transform your fundraising results

Ask Yourself:

- How many asks are you making each month?

- Are you tracking your progress daily, or waiting until it’s too late?

- Is your team holding themselves accountable, or are you picking up the slack?

If you want to grow your fundraising revenue, it’s time to stop guessing and start tracking the right things. Tune in now and let’s get to 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 

This episode is a little different—it's a snippet from a coaching call where we dive deep into the "Ten Asks in Ten Days" challenge. If you’ve ever struggled with making bold asks, whether in fundraising, business, or life, this one’s for you.

I started my business nearly seven years ago because I saw so many smart, relationally savvy leaders who were “stuck”—not because they lacked strategy, but because they lacked courage. I kept hearing, “I need a better strategy,” but what I realized? Strategy wasn’t the issue. People just weren’t taking action. They weren’t making the ask.

So, I became a student of courage. I read, I studied, I surrounded myself with bold people, and I learned that courage isn’t something that just “happens”—it’s built. It’s designed. And it’s necessary if we’re going to do the work that actually moves the needle.

Why We Don’t Ask (And Why That Needs to Change) 

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, “I’m just not comfortable asking for that amount.” And let me be real with you—that both breaks my heart and fires me up. If we want to raise millions, build reserves, and truly change our communities, we need to get past our discomfort. Because courage isn’t about confidence. It’s about taking risks “even when” confidence isn’t there.

The Ten Asks in Ten Days Challenge

Here’s the deal: Over the next 10 business days, you’re going to make 10 asks.

- These can be professional or personal. Maybe you’re asking a donor for a $10K+ gift. Maybe you’re asking your partner for support. Maybe you’re asking a board member to step up.

- The goal? Push yourself outside your comfort zone. If your asks don’t make you at least a little sweaty, you’re playing too safe.

The key? Stay curious. Drop the defense. Listen more than you talk. And when it comes to those big asks—don’t wait until the last minute. Start now.

What’s Next?  

1. Write down your 10 asks—who you're asking, what you're asking for, and when you’ll do it.

2. Commit to taking action. This is a “risk sprint”—it should stretch you.

3. Be prepared to be “surprised” by how people show up for you.

So, are you in? Let’s make some bold moves. Listen in for the full conversation and let’s get to 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 

Building strong relationships with major donors is essential for nonprofits looking to sustain and grow their impact. Major donors provide significant financial contributions, but more importantly, they become long-term supporters and ambassadors for your cause. In this episode, we’ll cover the key strategies to attract and cultivate these high-value donors.

 What You Will Learn:

- How to identify potential major donors and understand their giving motivations.

- Effective ways to build relationships and engage with prospective donors.

- The importance of personalized outreach and storytelling.

- Strategies for hosting events and creating exclusive donor experiences.

- How to follow up and maintain long-term donor relationships.

Attracting major donors requires a strategic and relationship-driven approach. By understanding donor motivations, crafting personalized outreach, and offering meaningful engagement opportunities, your nonprofit can build a strong network of committed supporters. Implement these strategies consistently, and you’ll create lasting partnerships that fuel your mission for years to come.

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 

Hi friend,  In this episode, I’m giving you an inside look at one of our Courage Lab coaching calls. During this session, I shared insights about the relationship between executive directors and development directors and how they can create a culture of feedback to thrive.  

Here’s what you’ll hear:  

- Why feedback is essential for growth: If your goals include personal and professional growth—or raising more money than ever before—feedback isn’t optional. It's critical.  

- Lessons from elite athletes: Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant didn’t just rely on natural talent; they invested in feedback to refine their skills and gain even the smallest edge.  

- The real cost of avoiding feedback: In nonprofits, a lack of accountability often means the community we’re serving pays the price. As leaders, we need to step up, even when it’s uncomfortable.  

- Practical strategies for better feedback:  

  - Be honest consistently—not just during annual performance reviews.  

  - Share feedback immediately to avoid letting frustrations build up.  

  - Create a culture where feedback flows in all directions: manager-to-team, peer-to-peer, and even upward.  

I also share a story about coaching a development team that struggled to get the best out of their staff. Spoiler: The issue wasn’t the team—it was a lack of honest, ongoing feedback from leadership.  

If you’ve been holding back on giving feedback because you’re afraid of being perceived the wrong way or making someone uncomfortable, this episode is for you. Growth requires courage—and honest conversations.  

Enjoy the episode!  

Let me know your biggest takeaway, and as always, I’m cheering you on. 

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 

Hi friend, welcome back to the podcast. Today, we’re diving into the mindset mistakes that keep our impact, budgets, teams, and dreams too small. If you’re here, I know you’re driven to create bold, transformative change—not just in your world, but across systems and communities. Me too. But sometimes, our mindset trips us up, and we don’t even realize it.

Here’s what we unpacked in this episode:  

- Scarcity Mindset About Money:  

  Many of us were raised to see money as scarce, stressful, or even taboo to discuss. But wealthy donors view money differently—it’s a growing resource, not a pie that disappears. Are you budgeting for your donors or hesitating to ask because you think it’s too much?  

- Time vs. Money Perspectives:  

  Wealthy individuals often value their time more than money. They know they can make more money, but time is irreplaceable. Nonprofit leaders, on the other hand, often ask for volunteers’ time but hesitate to ask for significant financial contributions. Let’s flip the script.  

- Fear of Delegating:  

  “If I want it done right, I’ll do it myself.” Sound familiar? This mindset limits your team and piles unnecessary work on your shoulders. Trust your team to rise to the occasion, or have the courage to hold them accountable if they don’t.  

- Avoiding Honest Conversations:  

  Kindness isn’t withholding feedback—it’s being clear and direct. Radical accountability builds stronger teams. Are you ready to stop sugarcoating and start having real conversations?  

- Settling for Passive Boards:  

  Your board isn’t just there for their name on your website. It’s time to reestablish expectations and turn your board into active partners in fundraising and advocacy.  

- Overvaluing Comfort:  

  Let’s be real: if comfort is your priority, nonprofit fundraising might not be the job for you. Growth and transformation live outside your comfort zone.  

- Taking Rejection Personally:  

  Hearing “no” isn’t the end—it’s information. The more you hear it, the closer you get to a “yes.” Reframe rejection as part of the process, not a reflection of your worth.  

Work on shifting your relationship with time, money, and risk to align with your bold goals. Practice honesty and accountability with your team, board, and donors.  Embrace discomfort as a sign you’re growing.  

If this resonated with you, let’s connect! Share this episode with a friend, reflect on where these mindset mistakes show up for you, and join me in creating a brave, bold, and generous world.  

Thanks for listening—I’m rooting for you! 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