Nonprofit CourageLab

Julie Ordoñez
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Nonprofit CourageLab

Julie Ordoñez is a leading fundraiser, coach, speaker and founder of CourageLab, a 6-week group coaching accelerator for nonprofit founders, EDs and fundraisers ready to double their individual giving. Nonprofit CourageLab shares soul-shaking insights on how to become a more courageous leader and raise more money for your nonprofit. No one changed the world without first changing themselves. If you want to raise more money to change the world, you are in the right place.

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  1. EPISODE 1

    Become The Leader That Raises 7 Figure Gifts

    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. 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

    30 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    Ask Julie: How do we get bolder in our asks?

    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. 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

    25 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    If I were Boys & Girls Club of Bend, this is how I'd raise $2 million in 6 months

    In this episode, I share a comprehensive strategy for the Boys and Girls Club of Bend, Oregon, to raise $2 million in unrestricted funds from individuals within six months. This deep dive covers analyzing their annual report, website, 990 on GuideStar, and existing fundraising efforts. Key suggestions include auditing their messaging, effectively communicating their impact, leveraging compelling data points, optimizing events, and focusing on major gifts. I also discuss building custom donor strategies, creating big visions for future growth, and working smarter to minimize effort and maximize fundraising results. This episode provides practical advice that can be implemented to significantly enhance their fundraising success. 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

    34 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    How My Gun Violence Prevention Client Went From Good To Great

    In this episode, I walk through a case study of how I helped a gun violence prevention client elevate their Major Gifts program from good to great in just six months. We delve into the strategies and coaching techniques used to instill confidence, promote boldness in fundraising, and leverage team strengths to achieve significant results, including securing six and seven-figure gifts. Join me as I share insights from personalized coaching sessions, a strengths-focused team retreat, and practical steps to optimize donor engagement and departmental processes. If you're looking to elevate your fundraising game, this episode is a must-listen. 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

    19 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    How To Raise Millions Sustainably

    In this episode of the Nonprofit Courage Lab Podcast, host Julie Ordonez shares her insights on how to raise millions sustainably without burning out. Julie emphasizes the importance of simplifying efforts, treating donors as business partners, and negotiating to avoid unnecessary workload. She highlights common mistakes in the sector, such as asking for too little and overcomplicating messaging. Julie provides actionable strategies to build trust, credibility, and stronger relationships with donors, while encouraging nonprofit leaders to step up and communicate their needs clearly. She also introduces her coaching programs designed to help nonprofits achieve their fundraising goals more efficiently. 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

    32 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    8 Habits To Raise 1,000,000 In The Last 4 Months Of The Year

    In this episode of Nonprofit Courage Lab, we explore eight crucial habits to help you raise $1 million from September through December. These habits will position you to achieve your year-end fundraising goals. Additionally, consider joining my training on August 27th and 28th to map out your major gift strategy for the rest of the year. 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

    20 min

  7. EPISODE 7

    How Do I Know If CourageLab Is Right For Me?

    In this episode, I discuss how to determine if Courage Lab, my six-week group coaching accelerator, is the right fit for you. Courage Lab is designed for nonprofit professionals, such as executive and development directors, who are looking to raise unrestricted revenue from individual major gifts of $10k or more. I provide an overview of what the program entails, including live training, recorded modules with six months of access, and personalized feedback. Additionally, I share success stories from past participants to illustrate the potential impact of the program. If you are ready to take action, prioritize major gifts fundraising, and grow bolder in your approach, visit julieordonez.com/couragelab to learn more and sign up. 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

    18 min

  8. EPISODE 8

    Ask Julie: How Much Do I Ask For?

    In this episode, I dive into a frequently asked question: how to determine the right amount to ask a donor for? I break down my thought process and introduce my special Ask Amount ebook, which is available for free. I explore three key factors: the organization, the donor, and you, the fundraiser. I dive into evaluating an organization's size, effectiveness, vision, and fundraising goals. For donors, factors include their identity, mission alignment, financial capacity, and inclination to give. Lastly, I discuss the role of the fundraiser, emphasizing the importance of courage and technical skills. I also include tips on engaging with donors and making successful asks. If you leave a five-star Apple Podcast review and send me a screenshot on LinkedIn, I'll share my ebook with you. Thank you for listening and continue to raise millions for impactful 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

    21 min

  9. EPISODE 9

    How I Leveled Up to Get a $6 Million Dollar Gift

    In this episode, I share a case study about helping a New York City-based animal welfare organization secure an unrestricted $6 million gift, which is twice their annual budget of $3 million. The discussion covers mistakes to avoid, strategies to build trust and credibility with donors, and the importance of a strategic plan with a big vision for impact. Emphasizing the high capacity and trust with donors, I explore the significance of having direct conversations when asking for large donations, such as $6 million, and the power of a simple proposal. With personal anecdotes, I stress that generosity is a gift to the giver and that building strong relationships is key to acquiring major funds for impactful projects. This session aims to inspire and provide practical insights for nonprofit stakeholders seeking to level up their fundraising efforts. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Update 01:04 Case Study: Securing a $6 Million Gift 02:23 Building Trust and Credibility with Donors 04:51 Strategic Planning for Big Gifts 09:52 Crafting a Simple and Effective Proposal 13:41 The Importance of Direct Asks 30:07 Mindset and Personal Development 37:22 Conclusion and Encouragement 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

    38 min

  10. EPISODE 10

    Daily Habits to Raise More Major Gifts

    In this episode, I guide you through the essentials of major gift fundraising, focusing on strategic planning, effective donor engagement, and optimal time management. I'm going to go over how to schedule and prioritize tasks, reach out to loyal donors, and request multi-year pledges and one-time gifts and the importance of aligning donation requests with your organization's strategic plan and the frequent solicitation of referrals. Learn best practices for donor portfolio reviews, setting weekly goals, and utilizing various communication platforms. I'll show you how to proactively build relationships, leverage social media, and personally connect with potential donors. To enhance your fundraising impact, there is a big need for regular planning, clear donor criteria, and consistent tracking of progress. Additionally, I provide tips on decluttering your calendar, balancing new donor acquisition with nurturing existing relationships, and embracing creativity in your fundraising efforts. Don't forget to check out my free donor scripts cheat sheet available on my website for further support. 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

    39 min

  11. EPISODE 11

    Something's Gotta Give

    Hey friend! Today’s episode is a little different. I’m coming to you unfiltered, and honestly, I'm fed up. In my work with nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and development directors across the country, I’m seeing some serious gaps that we need to address. We’ve been talking a lot about mental health and wellness in the nonprofit sector, which is important—but what’s missing from the conversation is a real accountability check. We need to give ourselves grace, yes, but we also need discipline. Something has to change, and it starts with us getting real about what isn’t working. In this episode, I dive deep into the challenges we’re all facing in the fundraising world. I see people in leadership roles with no real training or support, fundraising teams stretched too thin, and an overall lack of reflection on what’s actually working. The reality is, we’re repeating the same mistakes over and over again and expecting different results. That needs to stop. I talk about: - The alarming turnover in fundraising roles and why the average tenure is only 18 months. - The rise of fractional fundraisers and why that’s a positive shift. - Why so many people in leadership feel burnt out and stuck—and how to move past that. - The importance of focusing on prospects who *actually* care, instead of wasting time chasing people who aren’t interested. - The hard truth about accountability and why leaders need to step up and have direct, honest conversations. This episode is all about getting real. It’s time to reflect, stop making excuses, and take control of what we can. If you're ready to be part of a revolution of courage and accountability in the nonprofit sector, this one’s for you. Key Takeaways: - Grace vs. Discipline: We need to balance grace with discipline. Sometimes, we’re too lenient with ourselves, and it’s holding us back from progress. - Stop Chasing Dead Ends: If a prospect isn’t interested after 18 months, let them go. Focus your energy on those who are engaged and willing to give. - Leadership Accountability: Leaders need to have the courage to address the elephant in the room and hold people accountable, whether it’s your CEO, board members, or yourself. - Reflect and Adjust: Are you taking time to reflect on what’s working? If you’re stuck in “go-go-go” mode, it’s time to pause and reassess your strategies. 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

    45 min

  12. EPISODE 12

    Pitch-A-Thon Sneak Peek

    Welcome to another episode of Nonprofit CourageLab! Today, I'm sharing a sneak peek into a recent Pitch-A-thon where we dive into the art of nonprofit pitching – not in a Shark Tank kind of way, but more like engaging in a powerful and meaningful conversation. Together, we’ll explore strategies to connect authentically with donors, practice impactful pitches, and avoid common missteps. This episode is perfect if you’re looking to make a difference through your ask, not just for your organization but in a way that resonates deeply with donors. In this episode, we work with Sheena, a nonprofit leader from "To Write Love on Her Arms," as she crafts a personalized pitch. She highlights the importance of youth mental health, shares their impact on high school students across the country, and tailors her message to resonate with the specific values and passions of her donor. Key Takeaways: - Building Relationships, Not Pitches: A pitch should feel like a natural extension of a relationship. We’re not here to talk "at" people but to create a back-and-forth that lets the donor feel heard, valued, and understood. - Focus on the Donor, Not Just the Cause: Too often, pitches spotlight only the organization’s needs. Remember: the donor is a partner. Tailor your ask to what drives them and make it clear why they’re essential to the mission. - Tell Stories, Don’t Share Stats: Highlight how your work impacts individuals. Personal stories can be more powerful than numbers alone. For example, share how an 11-year-old struggling with depression found hope and healing through your program. - Practice Makes Perfect (and Shorter!): Awareness of time is key. Practice your pitch, time it, and refine it so it lands clearly within a 2-3 minute window. You'll surprise yourself by how much impact you can make in a short, well-crafted pitch. 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

    30 min
See All Season 4 (12)

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About

Julie Ordoñez is a leading fundraiser, coach, speaker and founder of CourageLab, a 6-week group coaching accelerator for nonprofit founders, EDs and fundraisers ready to double their individual giving. Nonprofit CourageLab shares soul-shaking insights on how to become a more courageous leader and raise more money for your nonprofit. No one changed the world without first changing themselves. If you want to raise more money to change the world, you are in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Julie Ordoñez
  • Episodes
    49
  • Seasons
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 Julie Ordoñez
  • Show Website
    Nonprofit CourageLab

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