In this episode of Nonprofit Courage Lab, we address a common fundraising issue raised by listener Ben: being too conservative in ask amounts. Many nonprofits fail to raise the desired funds because they don't ask for enough, often due to fears of offending donors.

It's important to observe your own thinking, understanding donor intentions, and being bold in asks. Having a strong conviction in an organization's mission and how it ties into successful fundraising is essential to being more bold in your asks.

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 

Welcome back to another episode of Nonprofit Courage Lab. In this episode I talk about becoming a leader that raises 7 figure gifts. I am going to walk you through what I've seen that it takes and what I have seen with my clients who actually become those leaders.

Leadership encompasses mindset, character, and team management. Technical skills cover donor communication, negotiation, and understanding wealth. The strategy involves creating and implementing high-return plans. The episode stresses the importance of personal transformation, continuous learning, and leveraging the right resources to achieve extraordinary fundraising results.

I hope this episode inspires you to become that leader.

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 am answering questions for my LinkedIn. We cover topics such as building relationships, how to ask for more money, how to get meetings, and more.

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 podcast episode, I walk you through The Courage Lab Method for helping you raise $1-3M in 6 months.

The method revolves around three key pillars: leadership, technical skills, and strategy. And its also important to develop the right mindset, character, and courage in leadership. You'll also learn about how imortantant it is to master negotiation skills and understanding the wealth dynamics in order to understand how to help donors identify where they have opportunities to be able to give even more.

We talk about identifying and focusing high ROI opportunities, whether it's optimizing donor communications or leveraging personal networks. By prioritizing current donors and fostering genuine connections, organizations can raise unrestricted revenue for their missions more efficiently.

To learn more about this approach and how it can benefit your organization, you can apply to work with me via her website www.julieordonez/millions

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 there, welcome back to Nonprofit Courage Lab! It's Julie, and today I'm thrilled to dive into a topic that's crucial for every fundraiser: how to score more major donor meetings. We're going to get super practical here, talking about what might be holding you back and what you can actually do to land those meetings.

So, let's address a couple of common reasons why you might not be getting as many meetings as you'd like with potential major donors. First off, are you actually asking for them? It sounds simple, but sometimes we forget to prioritize reaching out and making those requests.

If that rings a bell, let's take a look at where your time is going. Check out your calendar, your recent emails—see what's eating up your schedule. Remember, building relationships one-on-one is key for donor retention. Neglecting your current donors can lead to a leaky bucket situation, and we definitely want to avoid that!

Now, when it comes to asking for meetings, are you doing it effectively? Maybe your approach needs a little tweak. Let's carve out some dedicated time in your schedule for reaching out, and then let's work on improving the quality of your outreach.

Start by setting a goal for how many meetings you want to ask for each week. If you're not asking for any right now, let's start small and work our way up. And remember, timing is everything. Try asking for meetings first thing in the morning when you're fresh and focused.

But what if you're already asking for meetings and not getting the responses you hoped for? It might be time to optimize your approach. One common issue is that donors aren't clear on why you want to meet with them. So, let's get straight to the point in your outreach.

Personalize your emails, drop in their first name, and skip the generic pleasantries. Show them that you've done your homework and that you genuinely value their time and support. Make it crystal clear why you want to meet and how much time you're asking for.

And don't forget to inject some personality into your outreach! Think about how you can make your emails more engaging and authentic. Share something about yourself or your interests—it's all about building a genuine connection.

Now, when it comes to follow-ups, consistency is key. Keep following up at regular intervals, but make sure your follow-ups are just as thoughtful as your initial outreach.

Remember, fundraising is all about building relationships and making meaningful connections. So, approach each outreach with intention and creativity, and you'll be well on your way to scoring more major donor meetings. Happy fundraising, my friend!

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 we're diving in to what it takes to become a top-notch fundraiser and how it can transform your results.

First off, being a badass fundraiser isn't just about having a cool title – it's about getting the job done. So, what sets badass fundraisers apart? It starts with their attitude. Despite the pressure and stress that often come with fundraising, they remain cool under pressure and tap into their creativity, even when the clock is ticking.

Take, for example, the approach to engaging board members. Instead of simply asking for more major donors, a badass executive director focuses on connecting with individuals who are genuinely aligned with the organization's mission and values.

But badass fundraising isn't just about asking for money – it's about building genuine relationships. Rather than viewing donors as ATMs, badass fundraisers see them as potential teammates, each with a unique role to play in advancing the mission.

Negotiation is another key skill in the badass fundraiser's toolkit. They're not afraid to ask tough questions or push back when faced with a "no." By engaging in honest dialogue, they build trust and credibility with donors, ultimately leading to more successful outcomes.

And when it comes to communication, badass fundraisers know how to craft a compelling message that resonates with donors. They do their research, think strategically, and articulate the impact of their work in a way that inspires action.

But perhaps what truly sets badass fundraisers apart is their creativity and resilience. Whether it's sending a handwritten note adorned with cat stamps or owning up to mistakes and learning from them, they're always finding new ways to connect and persevere, even in the face of rejection.

So, if you're ready to take your fundraising game to the next level, channel your inner badass and remember – success lies in the journey, not just the destination.

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 

Hello, courageous leaders! In this episode, we dove deep into the concept that "You Are Your Results." We explored the idea that our actions, or lack thereof, directly reflect the outcomes we achieve in our fundraising efforts.

Many of you are leading incredible organizations and have the potential to make significant impacts. However, there's often a disconnect between what we say we want and the actions we take. If your goal is to grow and scale your impact, your calendar should reflect the necessary steps to achieve that growth. But for many, there's a mismatch between aspirations and actions.

We discussed the importance of asking for unrestricted revenue and major gifts. If you're not seeing the results you want, it's time to ask yourself when you last requested the funds you truly need. It's not enough to hope for million-dollar donations; you must actively seek them out and ask for them.

I challenge you to consider whether you've genuinely tried everything to raise the funds your organization needs. Have you reached out to that one donor who could make a transformative contribution? Have you been honest with your donors about the full extent of your financial needs?

This episode was a call to action. It's time to align your talk with your walk, to take bold steps, and to embrace the discomfort that comes with asking for more. You have the power to change your results by changing your actions. It's about integrity, courage, and the willingness to be vulnerable.

Next time, we'll discuss what it means to become a badass fundraiser. Until then, remember that changing the world starts with changing ourselves. Visit nonprofitcouragelab.com for more resources, and if this episode inspired you, please leave a review. Keep striving for greatness, and let your actions reflect your ambitions.

In this episode of Nonprofit Courage Lab, I had the pleasure of speaking with the exceptional Lindsay Fuller, the Executive Director of The Teaching Well. Lindsay's dedication and innovative approach to leadership in the nonprofit sector, particularly in education, is nothing short of remarkable.

Lindsay and her team at The Teaching Well are on a bold mission to address educator attrition by creating supportive environments where teachers can thrive. Their work is not only about retaining educators but also reimagining the field to inspire future generations to pursue teaching as a profession.

During our conversation, Lindsay shared the transformative journey of partnering with me to develop a custom fundraising strategy. We discussed the importance of having a clear vision, measurable goals, and the courage to ask for major gifts. Lindsay's organization stands out for its commitment to tracking effectiveness and making values-based decisions, which has led to significant fundraising success.

We also touched on the critical role of mindset shifts, strategic planning, and the use of communication tools like LinkedIn to engage potential funders. Lindsay's story is a testament to the power of investing in development and the impact it can have on an organization's financial stability and ability to serve its community.

I am incredibly proud to support leaders like Lindsay and organizations like The Teaching Well. Their success in building a strong reserve, even through challenging times like the global pandemic, is a shining example for others in the nonprofit world.

For those considering working with me, Lindsay's experience highlights the value of investing in your organization's future and the transformative results that can be achieved with the right strategy and support.

Thank you for tuning in to Nonprofit Courage Lab. Remember, change starts with the courage to ask for more. Visit nonprofitcouragelab.com to connect and learn more about how you can raise major gifts for your cause. If this episode has encouraged you, please rate and review the podcast. Together, we can make a difference—one major gift at a time.

In this inspiring episode of Nonprofit Courage Lab, I, Julie Ordonez, had the pleasure of speaking with Will Zweigert, the CEO of Flatbush Cats in Brooklyn. Will shared his transformative journey from the corporate world to the nonprofit sector, and how his passion for animal welfare led him to establish Flatbush Cats, an organization dedicated to solving the issue of overcrowded animal shelters.

Will's story is a testament to the power of personal transformation and the courage to ask for more. He discussed the challenges and successes of their recent capital campaign, which raised over $3 million to open their first spay, neuter, and veterinary clinic. This achievement was made possible through intense fundraising and development work, and Will is eager to share the lessons learned with other organizations.

During our conversation, we delved into the importance of building relationships with donors and the strategic decision-making that goes into fundraising. Will highlighted the value of stewardship and the joy of thanking and reporting back to supporters. He also emphasized the need to have direct conversations about financial needs, which can lead to more significant gifts and a deeper understanding of donors' passions.

Will's experience with the Courage Lab, my six-week major gifts training program, has been transformative. He learned to stop censoring himself and to ask for what his organization truly needs. This shift in mindset has already led to substantial fundraising wins, including a gift that was quadruple the amount he initially considered asking for.

I'm thrilled to see the impact that Courage Lab has had on Will and Flatbush Cats. If you're struggling with asking for major gifts or finding yourself avoiding the work, Courage Lab is designed to give you the strategy, training, and courage you need. For more information, visit JulieOrdonez.com and click on Courage Lab.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of Nonprofit Courage Lab. If you've been encouraged, please rate and review the podcast, and remember, no one has changed the world without first changing themselves.

This episode is a continuation of the Q&A recording of the live masterclass I did on wrapping up your year end strong. I answer questions about real life scenarios that come up with trying to get major gifts from donors. I dig into how to go deeper to find out what your donors are thinking, get insight from them that will help you shape conversations and give you more confidence to ask. 

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

Our next cohort will be in September 2023, so get on the waitlist for CourageLab today! https://julieordonez.com/waitlist

Music credit: With the Flow by Fin Productions

A Podcast Launch Bestie production