7-Figure Fundraising Podcast

7-Figure Fundraising
  • 4.8 (34)
  • Non-Profit
  • Updated Semimonthly

Welcome to the 7-Figure Fundraising Podcast hosted by Trevor Bragdon. Each episode features a successful nonprofit leader who explains a fundraising strategy or tactic to increase your impact and rapidly grow your organization.

  1. 16h ago

    Book That Flight to Chicago

    Growth rarely feels comfortable in the moment. In this episode of 7-Figure Fundraising, Trevor Bragdon shares a story from a flight home from Orlando where he met a woman flying for the very first time. What started as a simple conversation about turbulence and takeoff became a powerful reminder about what it feels like to learn something new. Trevor explains how moments of embarrassment, overwhelm, and uncertainty are often unavoidable when developing new skills.. But he also shares the often-overlooked side of growth: people are usually willing to help once you take the first step. If you’ve been hesitating to try something new, this episode is a reminder that discomfort is temporary, but growth can change everything. Take the step. Book the flight to Chicago. To see all the show notes visit: https://www.7figurefundraising.com/podcast/ To learn more about fundraising and our training visit: 7FigureFundraising.com

    7 min

  2. May 21

    Fundraising with Stories with Matt Paprocki

    On this episode of 7-Figure Fundraising, Trevor Bragdon sits down with Matt Paprocki, President and CEO of the Illinois Policy Institute, to break down one of the most important skills in fundraising: storytelling. Matt explains why most fundraising stories fail before they even begin. Instead of creating emotional connection, many fundraisers summarize facts, report outcomes, or speak in vague language that donors quickly forget. In this conversation, Trevor and Matt unpack a practical storytelling framework built around three core ideas: situation, stakes, and shift. Throughout the episode, Matt shares real examples from donor meetings, family life, leadership, and nonprofit work to show how stories create trust, emotional engagement, and long-term donor relationships. They also discuss how great storytellers use vivid details, dialogue, and emotion to pull listeners into a moment rather than simply describing it. Whether you are a nonprofit founder, major gift officer, executive director, or communicator, this episode gives actionable tactics you can immediately use in donor conversations, pitches, presentations, newsletters, and public speaking. If you want donors to remember your mission, start by giving them stories they can feel. Follow Matt: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-paprocki-86337220b Website: https://www.illinoispolicy.org/author/mpaprocki/ To see all the show notes visit: https://www.7figurefundraising.com/podcast/ To learn more about fundraising and our training visit: 7FigureFundraising.com

    56 min

  3. May 7

    Why Podcasts Are Becoming a Fundraising Advantage with Jared Musgrove of BYX

    “A donor may trust your voice before they ever meet you.” That idea sits at the center of this conversation between Trevor Bragdon and Dr. Jared Musgrove of Beta Upsilon Chi (BYX), the nation’s largest Christian fraternity. In this episode, Jared breaks down how BYX turned podcasting into a relationship-building tool that strengthens donor trust, deepens alumni engagement, and creates meaningful conversations at scale. What started as an attempt to better tell the organization’s story evolved into a long-term strategy for reaching supporters across the country without relying solely on travel, donor meetings, or traditional marketing. Trevor and Jared discuss: Why consistency matters more than perfection in podcastingHow to secure high-level guests for your showWhy evergreen content compounds over timeHow podcasts create familiarity before donor meetingsThe role storytelling plays in nonprofit fundraisingHow appearing on other podcasts can directly lead to donationsLearn more about BYX: BYX.org Man to Men Podcast To see all the show notes visit: https://www.7figurefundraising.com/podcast/ To learn more about fundraising and our training visit: 7FigureFundraising.com

    57 min

  4. Feb 11

    The Persuasive Speech Formula That Wins Donors

    In this episode of the 7 Figure Fundraising Podcast, Trevor Bragdon breaks down a proven strategy nonprofit leaders are using to attract new donors: persuasive public speaking. Drawing from both personal experience and recent fundraising trends, Trevor explains why getting in front of the right audience can lead directly to meaningful donor relationships — but only when the message is structured to inspire action. He introduces the Hand Framework, a five-part model designed to help leaders craft speeches that resonate. From defining the audience’s desired action to opening with a powerful hook, maintaining attention with clear structure, addressing objections, and delivering a frictionless next step, Trevor walks through the exact elements that turn presentations into fundraising opportunities. Whether preparing for a conference talk or a donor pitch, this episode provides a practical blueprint for building persuasive content that motivates giving and deepens engagement. Here's the link to the article talk about in the episode: How to Create a Persuasive Speech: The Hand Framework Here's a link to our handout: Handout: 5-Part Persuasive Speech Template To see all the show notes visit: https://www.7figurefundraising.com/podcast/ To learn more about fundraising and our training visit: 7FigureFundraising.com

    21 min

  5. 04/03/2025

    How To Answer Tough Questions Confidently

    What do you do when you're hit with a tough question—one you didn’t expect and don’t have a polished answer ready for? Whether it’s a curveball in a donor meeting, a media interview, or a town hall Q&A, today's episode of the 7-Figure Fundraising Podcast breaks down three clear strategies you can use to stay composed and persuasive—even under pressure. Trevor shares a memorable story from the Miss Teen USA pageant that became one of the first viral “word salad” moments on YouTube—and how most of us would probably stumble in similar high-stakes situations. From there, he walks through three tactics you can practice and deploy to answer confidently, clearly, and concisely. What You’ll Learn The 3 go-to frameworks for answering tough questions:Two Points – A simple, structured response to organize your thinking.Story + Insight – A technique to connect emotionally and drive home a takeaway.Thinking Then and Now – A method for gracefully correcting misinformation.Why pausing for just a few seconds before responding can help you sound more thoughtful and credible.Download the One-Page Cheat Sheet Click here to download a quick reference guide to the three tactics you can print or keep at your desk. https://7figurefundraising.kit.com/f7370c2df6 To see all the show notes visit: https://www.7figurefundraising.com/podcast/ To learn more about fundraising and our training visit: 7FigureFundraising.com

    22 min

  6. 02/19/2025

    53 - The Power of Storytelling in Your Pitch: 7-Figure Fundraising Book Clip

    How many of you know a good story? One you've never forgotten—one that moved you, inspired you, or stuck with you long after you heard it. What made it so compelling? In this clip, we dive into why stories are the lifeblood of an effective pitch and how you can find and frame great stories to persuade donors. Learn about: The Story Safe—a simple habit for collecting powerful storiesThe Story Buckets method for organizing and retrieving compelling narrativesHow to frame your story to maximize its impactWant to get the full formula for crafting unforgettable fundraising stories? Get the book:  Paperback & Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/7-Figure-Fundraising-guide-millions-change/dp/B0DC8K1MRD/  Audiobook: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0DJRSBL79?source_code=ASSORAP0511160006 To see all the show notes visit: https://www.7figurefundraising.com/podcast/ To learn more about fundraising and our training visit: 7FigureFundraising.com

    8 min

  7. 02/05/2025

    52 - Create an Amazing First 100 Days for Your New Donors: 7-Figure Fundraising Book Clip

    What do you want your new donors to see and hear from your organization during their first 100 days? This period is your chance to make a lasting impression and turn a first-time donor into a lifelong supporter. In this clip, we break down how to craft a 100-day plan that keeps donors engaged, including: The four-part thank-you strategy that sets the right toneHow to plan four meaningful touchpoints over the first 100 daysProven ideas like behind-the-scenes insights, success stories, and impact updatesWant the full strategy to build donor relationships that last? Get the book:  Paperback & Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/7-Figure-Fundraising-guide-millions-change/dp/B0DC8K1MRD/ Audiobook: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0DJRSBL79?source_code=ASSORAP0511160006 Make the first 100 days count—and create donors for life. To see all the show notes visit: https://www.7figurefundraising.com/podcast/ To learn more about fundraising and our training visit: 7FigureFundraising.com

    9 min

  8. 10/10/2024

    51 - Don't Project Fundraise

    In this episode, Trevor Bragdon and Tarren Bragdon discuss why project fundraising is not a sustainable strategy for nonprofits. They compare project fundraising to a gift card that offers a one-time benefit but does not engage donors in the organization's overall mission. They explain that project fundraising can actually cost money and send a negative message internally. They emphasize the importance of having a compelling vision and avoiding one-off projects that distract from the organization's mission. They provide tips on how to pitch the big vision to donors and build long-term partnerships. Takeaways Project fundraising is not a sustainable strategy for nonprofits as it reduces the organization's vision to one-off projects and can cost money.Donors who are engaged in the organization's overall mission are more likely to become long-term partners.When pitching to donors, focus on the problem you solve from their perspective, present a solution that feels safe or unique, and explain how it works in a concise and compelling way.Share success stories that demonstrate the impact of your organization's work and paint a vision of how lives will be improved in the future.Avoid project fundraising and instead focus on building relationships with donors based on the organization's big vision. To see all the show notes visit: https://www.7figurefundraising.com/podcast/ To learn more about fundraising and our training visit: 7FigureFundraising.com

    24 min
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4.8
out of 5
34 Ratings

About

Welcome to the 7-Figure Fundraising Podcast hosted by Trevor Bragdon. Each episode features a successful nonprofit leader who explains a fundraising strategy or tactic to increase your impact and rapidly grow your organization.

Information

  • Creator
    7-Figure Fundraising
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 7-Figure Fundraising Podcast
  • Show Website
    7-Figure Fundraising Podcast

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