Mastering Fundraising

FulcrumLeader
  • 5.0 (1)
  • NON-PROFIT

Mastering Fundraising is a show for nonprofit leaders of all titles and all experience levels. Mastering Fundraising endeavors to cover the most important fundraising topics with the goal of helping the audience reach their full potential as fundraisers. Mastering Fundraising is a collaboration between Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership and The Five Tool Fundraiser. #fundraising #masteringfundraising #development @advancement #charity #nonprofit #nonprofitleader #nonprofitleadership #nonprofits @FulcrumNonprofitLeadership @The5ToolFundraiser

  1. Mastering Fundraising: A Conversation with Anna Lee - Episode 18

    1D AGO

    Mastering Fundraising: A Conversation with Anna Lee - Episode 18

    Mastering Fundraising Episode: Co-Creating Impact With Donors featuring Anna Lee In this episode, Chris Looney sits down with Anna Lee, Executive Director of the AIP Foundation, to explore one of the most important and evolving topics in fundraising today: co-creating impact with donors and funders. Anna brings more than two decades of experience across corporate relations, foundation partnerships, and major gift fundraising. Now leading the philanthropic arm of the American Institute of Physics, she works at the intersection of science, philanthropy, and social impact, helping supporters invest in discovery and the people who make it possible. Together we explore • What co-creation really means in a nonprofit context • How to identify early signals that a donor is ready for partnership thinking • How fundraisers can do the internal homework that paves the way for shared design • The differences and similarities across individuals, foundations, and corporate funders • Real examples of co-creation, from the first spark of an idea all the way to execution • How to translate technical or scientific work into clear and inspiring language • Why transparency and trust are essential for long term partnerships • The role of storytelling in helping donors feel ownership of the impact they help create Anna also shares practical advice for fundraisers who feel hesitant to invite donors into early stage conversations, and offers a simple but powerful reminder. The strongest partnerships start with active listening. If you are a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or anyone who wants to deepen donor relationships and design programs with greater clarity and alignment, this episode will give you tools you can use right away. Tune in and learn how to move from transactions to true collaboration.

    47 min
  2. Mastering Fundraising: A Conversation with Jamie Cappetta - Episode 17

    6D AGO

    Mastering Fundraising: A Conversation with Jamie Cappetta - Episode 17

    In this episode of Mastering Fundraising, host Chris Looney sits down with Jamie Cappetta, Senior Vice President at FOCUS, to explore a career move that many leaders consider but few openly discuss: stepping out of the CEO seat and into frontline development leadership. Jamie shares his deeply personal and professional journey from executive leadership in campus ministry to managing a major gift portfolio within one of the fastest growing Catholic organizations in the country. Together, Chris and Jamie unpack what truly transfers from executive leadership into fundraising, what does not, and what leaders must be willing to relearn when they return to the day to day work of donor engagement. This conversation goes beyond tactics. It touches identity, humility, patience, trust, rejection, and faith. Whether you are a seasoned fundraiser, a nonprofit executive, or someone discerning your next chapter, this episode offers rare insight into the inner life of leadership transitions and the long arc of authentic philanthropy. Key Takeaways Why executive skills like trust building, communication, and relationship management translate powerfully into fundraising The biggest misconception executives have about development, especially timelines for transformational giving How shifting from organizational oversight to donor relationships can challenge identity and ego Why activity, not dollars raised, is the most important early metric in development work How patience, persistence, and courage in the face of rejection shape long term fundraising success What organizations can do to better support leaders transitioning into development roles If you believe fundraising is about relationships, not transactions, this episode will resonate deeply. Subscribe to Mastering Fundraising for more conversations that strengthen leaders and advance mission driven work.

    33 min
  3. Mastering Fundraising: A Conversation with Christina Romero - Episode 16

    JAN 22

    Mastering Fundraising: A Conversation with Christina Romero - Episode 16

    Mastering Fundraising welcomes Christina Romero, Executive Director of the Santa Ana College Foundation, for a powerful conversation on social capital, authenticity, and the Trust Triangle in donor relationships. Christina shares how genuine connection, emotional intelligence, and a personalized approach help fundraisers create meaningful donor experiences that last far beyond a single gift. Her insights include how to understand donor motivations, how to build trust through consistent and transparent communication, and why successful fundraising blends both personal and professional connection. In this episode you will learn: • How social capital shapes donor meaning and engagement • Why authenticity is the foundation of trust in fundraising • How the Trust Triangle strengthens donor relationships • How donor love languages and personal operating systems influence giving behavior • Practical strategies for fundraisers who are not naturally extroverted • Why personal equals professional when developing long term donor loyalty • Small habits that create big outcomes in donor stewardship If you are looking for practical ways to deepen donor relationships and elevate your fundraising practice, this episode offers inspiration and real world tools you can use immediately. Be sure to like and subscribe to Mastering Fundraising, and check out our other shows, Lead for Good and The Nonprofit Edge, for more conversations that support nonprofit leaders and fundraisers everywhere.

    51 min
  4. Mastering Fundraising: A Conversation with Justin Coleman - Episode 15

    JAN 14

    Mastering Fundraising: A Conversation with Justin Coleman - Episode 15

    Episode Title: What Is Behind Christian Generosity and Fundraising for a Christian Organization Guest: Justin Coleman, Salvation Army In this episode of the Mastering Fundraising Podcast, host Chris Looney sits down with Justin Coleman to explore the deeper foundations of Christian generosity and what it truly means to fundraise for a Christian organization. This conversation goes beyond fundraising tactics to examine faith, stewardship, leadership, and responsibility. Justin shares how his leadership journey has always been rooted in ministry rather than a traditional career path, and how his faith shapes the way he leads teams, stewards resources, and builds trust with donors. Together, Chris and Justin unpack core biblical principles that inform Christian generosity, including the belief that God owns it all and we are simply stewards, that to whom much is given much is required, and that God loves a cheerful giver. Justin explains how joy in giving comes from understanding impact and how transparency and accountability are essential expressions of faithful stewardship. The conversation also highlights the unique responsibility fundraisers carry when representing Christian organizations, the importance of meeting human need without discrimination, and how leaders can invite donors into participation in God’s work rather than framing giving as sacrifice or obligation. Key Takeaways from the Episode: Christian generosity flows from stewardship, not ownership. Joyful giving grows when donors clearly see the impact of their generosity. Transparency builds trust and honors both donors and God. Fundraising in a Christian context is ministry, not transaction. Leaders must stay grounded in mission, especially during economic uncertainty. Vision, humility, prayer, and authenticity are essential for Christian fundraising leadership. This episode offers encouragement and perspective for fundraisers, nonprofit leaders, and anyone interested in faith based generosity that is rooted in purpose, trust, and impact.

    44 min
  5. Mastering Fundraising: A Conversation with Ray Watts - Episode 14

    JAN 7

    Mastering Fundraising: A Conversation with Ray Watts - Episode 14

    In this episode of the Mastering Fundraising, host Chris Looney sits down with Ray Watts, Interim Vice President for Advancement at California State University, San Bernardino, for a thoughtful and practical conversation on plannual giving. Plannual giving is the intentional integration of annual giving and planned or asset-based giving. Ray challenges the traditional separation between these strategies and makes the case that loyalty, consistency, and generosity today are often the strongest indicators of legacy gifts tomorrow. This conversation moves beyond technical planned giving mechanics and focuses on donor behavior, mindset, and relationships. Ray reframes planned giving as a celebration of asset-based philanthropy and shares real-world examples from his career in higher education advancement. In this episode, you will learn: • Why planned giving should be understood as asset-based philanthropy, not a technical specialty • How annual giving behavior predicts future legacy giving • Why most donor wealth is not held in cash and what that means for fundraising strategy • The Three Circles of Philanthropy and how they help identify donor opportunity • How loyalty, leadership, and legacy intersect in donor relationships • Why planned gifts are often simpler than nonprofits assume • How annual fund and planned giving teams can work together more effectively • Practical ways to invite donors into conversations about perpetuity and long-term impact This episode is ideal for nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and board members who want to build sustainable philanthropy while honoring donors as whole people, not just transactions. Be sure to like, follow, and subscribe to Mastering Fundraising, and check out our other podcasts, Lead for Good and The Nonprofit Edge, for more conversations on leadership, governance, and the future of the nonprofit sector.

    55 min
  6. Mastering Fundraising: A Conversation with Ryan Marshall - Episode 13

    12/04/2025

    Mastering Fundraising: A Conversation with Ryan Marshall - Episode 13

    Mastering Fundraising Podcast: Capital Campaigns with Ryan Marshall, Assistant Vice President for Development at Atrium Health Foundation In this episode of Mastering Fundraising, Chris Looney sits down with Ryan Marshall to explore one of the most important and misunderstood areas of fundraising: capital campaigns. Ryan brings more than a decade of hands-on campaign experience, from national consulting work to leading major philanthropic initiatives within Atrium Health, one of the most dynamic healthcare systems in the country. This conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to prepare for a successful campaign long before the first gift is solicited. Ryan shares candid insights on organizational readiness, feasibility studies, early donor engagement, and how to build momentum that carries through the quiet phase and beyond. Key takeaways from the episode include: • Why organizations often fall in love with solutions instead of the problems donors want to solve • The five conditions every nonprofit should evaluate before entering a campaign • How leaders can build early buy-in through curiosity, listening, and donor partnership • Why the quiet phase is where campaigns are won or lost • How to guide volunteers with realistic expectations and clearly defined roles • Strategies for recharging momentum when a campaign feels stalled • Why adaptability is one of the most important leadership skills in campaign management • What healthcare systems will face in the next decade and why philanthropy must sit at the strategy table • The mindset shift that turns transactional giving into transformational support Ryan’s blend of humility, clarity, and practical wisdom makes this a must-listen for any fundraiser preparing for a campaign, considering a campaign, or currently in one. Listen, learn, and subscribe for more conversations that help you master the art and science of fundraising.

    57 min
  7. Mastering Fundraising: A Conversation with Victor Martin - Episode 12

    11/19/2025

    Mastering Fundraising: A Conversation with Victor Martin - Episode 12

    Integrating Storytelling, Marketing, and Philanthropy with Victor Martin – University of Puget Sound How do you build a communications strategy that inspires generosity and strengthens donor relationships? In this episode of Mastering Fundraising, host Chris Looney sits down with Victor Martin, Vice President for University Relations at the University of Puget Sound, to explore how his team has successfully integrated a centralized marketing and communications function within the advancement office. Together, they discuss how storytelling, brand, and philanthropy intersect — and how aligning these disciplines can elevate fundraising results, enhance donor stewardship, and deepen community engagement. You’ll learn: How an integrated MarCom-Advancement model transforms institutional storytelling Ways to infuse philanthropy and donor impact into communications across all channels Strategies for improving collaboration between fundraisers and communicators The leadership mindset needed to unite teams around shared purpose Whether you’re a chief advancement officer, communications director, or frontline fundraiser, this episode offers a practical and inspiring look at how authentic storytelling drives meaningful philanthropy. 🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Podbean — and subscribe for future conversations that help you master the art and science of fundraising.

    59 min
  8. Mastering Fundraising: A Conversation with John Scola - Episode 11

    11/13/2025

    Mastering Fundraising: A Conversation with John Scola - Episode 11

    A huge thank you to John Scola for joining me on the Mastering Fundraising podcast for a powerful and timely conversation on Ethical Fundraising — a topic that sits at the very heart of our profession. As Chair of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Ethics Committee and a respected leader with decades of advancement experience, John shared deep insights into what it really means to uphold integrity while navigating the complex realities of philanthropy today. 💡 Key Takeaways from our conversation: ✅ Why defining and living out your ethical framework matters more than ever ✅ How to navigate gray areas when donor intent and mission don’t perfectly align ✅ The importance of transparency, accountability, and values-based leadership ✅ How to build an organizational culture where ethics aren’t just policies—but practice ✅ What the future holds for ethics in an age of data, AI, and shifting donor expectations If you care about elevating trust, integrity, and impact in fundraising, this episode is a must-watch.

    46 min
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About

Mastering Fundraising is a show for nonprofit leaders of all titles and all experience levels. Mastering Fundraising endeavors to cover the most important fundraising topics with the goal of helping the audience reach their full potential as fundraisers. Mastering Fundraising is a collaboration between Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership and The Five Tool Fundraiser. #fundraising #masteringfundraising #development @advancement #charity #nonprofit #nonprofitleader #nonprofitleadership #nonprofits @FulcrumNonprofitLeadership @The5ToolFundraiser

Information

  • Creator
    FulcrumLeader
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Mastering Fundraising