Story‑Driven Fundraising | Ministry, Fundraising Ideas, Donations, Marketing Plan, NonProfit Groups

Lisa Diaz - Fundraising Coach, Nonprofit Strategist

Do you wish fundraising was easier? Do you wish you didn’t have to worry so much about the money? Feeling the awkwardness, the icky-shame feeling of asking for money? Putting so much effort in but still getting “nos” or worse… ghosting? I’m excited you’re here!! This is the place for you to learn how to fundraise easier, get rid of the shame and awkwardness of asking for money, and finally start growing supporters for your ministry that stay for the long haul! Hi, I’m Lisa. I love Jesus, have been in ministry since I was born (missionary kid here) and I love being a part of what God is doing in people’s lives! I’ve worked with and in ministries that struggle to truly connect with supporters. I’ve seen the stigma around raising support, the scramble across platforms and videos to “keep up,” and the relentless trial-and-error that never quite clicks—often ending in burnout. But then I saw first hand the power of story and was BLOWN AWAY at how quickly it engaged donors and encouraged them to donate- the first time I used the power of story in our messaging, we raised so much support, the team wasn’t even prepared for it! This had never happened before! And I want the same for your ministry!! If you’re ready to finally raise the support you need—without the constant stress or worry… If you want to grow your base of supporters and keep them with you for the long haul… If you’re looking for a simple strategy you can use again and again—one that replaces burnout with confidence… And if you’re ready to drop the awkward, icky, or shameful feelings around asking for money… Then this podcast is for you. Grab your coffee, your calling, and maybe a snack—let’s do this. -Lisa Connect w/ me:lisa@irisstorytelling.comhttps://irisstorytelling.com

  1. 2D AGO

    51 | Hate Fundraising? 3 Ways to Ease the "Ick" of Asking for Money in Ministry

    If you hate fundraising and feel an overwhelming sense of shame or “ick” every time you have to ask for money, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong.  In this episode, we unpack why asking for money feels so uncomfortable for so many ministry leaders and share three practical mindset shifts that can ease (and even dissolve) that icky feeling.  If fundraising feels heavy, awkward, or emotionally draining—and you’re tired of forcing yourself to push through it—this episode will help you begin approaching fundraising with more confidence, clarity, and freedom. Similar Episodes:  14 | 3 Things Confusing Your Donors (and How to Fix Them) 13 | Donors Aren’t Responding—Here’s What Your Fundraising Message Is Missing 31 | Did Your Big Fundraising Day Fall Flat? What to Do Before the Next One 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com

    22 min
  2. 5D AGO

    50 | LIVE COACHING: Clarify Your Ministry Fundraising Message w/ Cherilyn Kolbas

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/48-is-there-1-thing-that-creates-explosive-fundraising-growth/id1827301847?i=1000745702596If ministry fundraising feels heavy, confusing, or harder than it should be, unclear messaging may be the real issue holding you back.  In this episode, you’ll hear a live coaching conversation with a seasoned ministry leader who admits, “Sometimes I don’t even know what we’re doing”—and why that feeling makes fundraising intimidating, inconsistent, and exhausting.  We dig into the deeper reason donors struggle to connect and why leading with the real need changes everything. Similar Episodes: 48 | Is There One Thing That Creates Explosive Fundraising Growth? 46 | Donors Aren’t Responding—Here’s What Your Fundraising Message Is Missing 43 | Why Your Fundraising Messaging Isn’t Working—and How Storytelling Fixes It 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com

    22 min
  3. JAN 26

    48 | Is There 1 Thing That Creates Explosive Fundraising Growth?

    If your ministry is barely making ends meet and you’ve been searching for the one thing that will finally bring explosive fundraising growth, this episode is for you. Many ministry leaders feel stuck—faithful, hardworking, and called by God, yet seeing little or no growth in monthly support and donations. Is there a single change that can create overnight fundraising breakthroughs? This episode will help you release the pressure of “quick wins,” build a sustainable fundraising mindset, and begin making small, practical changes that lead to long-term donor trust, clearer messaging, and steady financial support for your ministry. Similar Episodes:  22 | Are You Tired of Chasing Donors? How to Attract Supporters Who Stay 26 | How to Quit the Burnout: Simplifying Your Fundraising Strategy 31 | Out of People to Ask? 3 Steps to Mission-Driven Fundraising 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com

    14 min
  4. JAN 19

    46 | Donors Aren’t Responding—Here’s What Your Fundraising Message Is Missing

    Donors aren’t responding—and it can leave you feeling confused, discouraged, and unsure of what’s actually wrong with your fundraising. You’re sending emails, posting on social media, updating your website, and sharing about the work you’re doing, yet donors still don’t seem to connect, engage, or give.  In this episode, we uncover what your fundraising message is likely missing and why story is the key to creating a real donor connection. If your fundraising feels stuck and you’re not sure where to start fixing your messaging, this episode will help you understand what’s not working—and how to make one small shift that can transform how donors connect with your ministry. Similar Episodes:  32 | Why Do Donors Go Silent? 3 Relationship Gaps Ministries Miss 31 | 4 Steps to Sharing Stories That Engage Donors 30 | 3 Fundraising Mistakes That Are Costing You Donors—And How to Fix Them 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com

    21 min
  5. JAN 12

    44 | The Mistake in Your Nonprofit Messaging That’s Costing You Donors

    Your nonprofit may be struggling with fundraising not because its mission isn’t important, but because its messaging is unclear. When nonprofit messaging relies on clever titles, insider language, or vague slogans, potential donors feel confused and move on.  In this episode, I'll unpack the most common nonprofit messaging mistake that quietly costs donors—why clarity builds trust, how confusing messaging hurts donor engagement and retention, and what nonprofit leaders can do to simplify their fundraising communication.  You’ll learn three practical steps to create clear, donor-focused messaging that helps supporters quickly understand your mission, connect with the need, and take the next step with confidence. Similar Episodes:  34 | Hard Time Fundraising? Clarify Your Ministry Story:  25 | Why Your Fundraising Stats Aren't Bringing Donations-and What Will 13 | Low Donor Growth? 3 Things to Prioritize in Your Donor Communication 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com

    18 min
5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Do you wish fundraising was easier? Do you wish you didn’t have to worry so much about the money? Feeling the awkwardness, the icky-shame feeling of asking for money? Putting so much effort in but still getting “nos” or worse… ghosting? I’m excited you’re here!! This is the place for you to learn how to fundraise easier, get rid of the shame and awkwardness of asking for money, and finally start growing supporters for your ministry that stay for the long haul! Hi, I’m Lisa. I love Jesus, have been in ministry since I was born (missionary kid here) and I love being a part of what God is doing in people’s lives! I’ve worked with and in ministries that struggle to truly connect with supporters. I’ve seen the stigma around raising support, the scramble across platforms and videos to “keep up,” and the relentless trial-and-error that never quite clicks—often ending in burnout. But then I saw first hand the power of story and was BLOWN AWAY at how quickly it engaged donors and encouraged them to donate- the first time I used the power of story in our messaging, we raised so much support, the team wasn’t even prepared for it! This had never happened before! And I want the same for your ministry!! If you’re ready to finally raise the support you need—without the constant stress or worry… If you want to grow your base of supporters and keep them with you for the long haul… If you’re looking for a simple strategy you can use again and again—one that replaces burnout with confidence… And if you’re ready to drop the awkward, icky, or shameful feelings around asking for money… Then this podcast is for you. Grab your coffee, your calling, and maybe a snack—let’s do this. -Lisa Connect w/ me:lisa@irisstorytelling.comhttps://irisstorytelling.com