The Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast Brad Layland, CEO of The Focus Group

As God laid on his heart a desire to re-orient education to the focus of glorifying God, David Nees was drawn to classical education. He is now the Head of School at Heritage Classical Academy outside Cleveland, OH, and has led the school through a phenomenal season of growth in the last decade. More students often leads to a need for new physical spaces, and Heritage is, indeed, in the midst of a campaign to consolidate multiple campuses into one.
A book that David recommends is:
George Washington's Secret Six: The Spy Ring That Saved the American Revolution 
by Brian Kilmeade

Hear from Ty Fischer, a 27-year veteran Head of School at Veritas Academy in Lancaster, PA. He shares about the need for humility in asking for help with fundraising as well as the surprising diversity God has brought to his school via the refugee community. For a school nestled in Amish country, it has been an unexpected blessing to have students from over 10 different countries become part of this classical school community. 

Some books that Ty is reading are:
Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up, by Abigail Shrier
Biblical Critical Theory: How the Bible's Unfolding Story Makes Sense of Modern Life and Culture, by Christopher Watkin

Oliver Asher, President of Advancing Native Missions, tells his story of a journey from a Virginia "Holler" to leading an organization that takes good news to the world. From him we hear about joy, optimism, commitment, and strategies he has employed to lead his growing organization successfully and effectively.
Read more about Advancing Native Missions, Oliver, and his book “Invincible Joy!”
https://advancingnativemissions.com/
https://www.oliverasher.com/

Dr. Calvin Troup, President of Geneva College opens up about his personal journey into higher ed and shares invaluable insights he's gleaned along the way that will benefit any fundraising professional. Delve into Geneva College's strategic planning process, feasibility studies and pivotal elements in their successful capital campaign. But beyond strategies, discover the profound significance of fostering real relationships and pursuing transparency throughout the fundraising process.
 
Mentioned in the podcast:
A Spirituality of Fundraising: The Henri Nouwen Spirituality Series
by Henri J. M. Nouwen and John S. Mogabgab
 
Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age
Confronts Controversial Topics Including Sexuality, Faith, Feminism, Gender Roles, and Modesty
by Rosaria Butterfield and Kevin DeYoung
 
The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes
by Nancy R. Pearcey
 
“Meditation on the Third Commandment” by C.S. Lewis (Found in the book "God in the Dock")

Here’s the story of Ben Homan, President of Langham Partnership US, finishing his 14-year career with them. When it comes to fundraising, Brad says, “Follow Ben!” He has had a remarkable ministry as a leader and has seen the ministry multiply three times over this past capital campaign. He has used strategic planning, feasibility studies, capital campaigns, and team training in his fund-raising efforts. Perhaps the more important thing is how Ben sees his work with donors as a ministry. How he cares about them and cares for them. Not to mention the excellent fruit in the work of the Kingdom by Langham Partnership.
Ben mentions the book, “A Terrible Glory: Custer and the Little Bighorn - the Last Great Battle of the American West” from his reading list.
 

Listen to Beth Greco explain to Brad how she became the President and CEO of the Hoving Home, what has happened along the way, and how she manages to get the work done.