Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast

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

Taking Donors Seriously® is a time-tested, sustainable framework for relational fundraising. Hundreds of nonprofits and schools have used TDS over 30+ years to successfully raise the funds that are critical to their missions. Brad Layland, CEO of The FOCUS Group shares insight, stories, and tips on this podcast.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Stained Glass Windows

    Service, Learning & People. Romanita calls these the “red threads” that have been woven into her life and work since she was little. Her current role as CEO of M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is simply the next step in her journey of living out these themes and following the quiet leading in her life. As a leader, she seeks to lift up and empower everyone around her by listening well and always investing in people. https://murdocktrust.org/ Book recommendations: A Testament of Devotion by Thomas Kelly The Way of the Heart: Connecting with God Through Prayer, Wisdom, and Silence by Henri Nouwen

    30 min

  2. NOV 4

    Fitness, Faith and Fundraising

    Andrew Smalley is UK-born, loves running and triathlons, and relishes the role he gets to play as head of school in St. Augustine, FL. Hear about Andrew’s journey to his current leadership role and the joy he finds in furthering classical Christian education. The school is in the process of launching a capital campaign, and Andrew knows that to do it well, “You have to start with a strategic plan that tells you what you need to raise money for.” https://veritasclassicalschool.org Books Mentioned Mathematics for Human Flourishing, by Francis Su The Coddling of the American Mind, by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt

    39 min

  3. OCT 15

    All For Jesus

    Reid Saunders is an evangelist who has led his organization for 27 years. During the past 15 years of Brad and Reid's friendship, RSA has grown 10x and has seen a million people make decisions to follow Jesus worldwide! Enjoy this inspiring and fun interview. Our prayer is that you are encouraged in your journey. Reid’s Book Recommendation: Finishing Strong: Going the Distance for Your Family by Steve Farrar Links: https://reidsaunders.org/ https://reidsaunders.org/books/ Book mentioned: Stories From The Ends Of The Earth

    35 min

  4. SEP 23

    Too Good To Be True?

    When I first learned about Medical Ambassadors International, the scale of their ministry relative to their budget seemed so crazy that it was almost too good to be true. In this episode, we dive deep with Dr. Ravi Jayakaran, the current President, to explore this incredible Christ-centered, grassroots organization. Their holistic approach beautifully intertwines physical and spiritual care, creating lasting change in communities. We’ll also discuss their recent capital campaign, which has dramatically transformed their work. Medical Ambassadors International has 231 staff members in 76 countries and utilize a robust number of volunteers. They combine medical help with the gospel's good news, impacting 3,007 communities and 3.4 million people!  Website: https://www.medicalambassadors.org/ Healing Lives Magazine: https://www.medicalambassadors.org/publications/ Ravi’s book list: "Best Things in the Worst Times: An Insider’s View of World Vision” by Graeme Irvine Flamin' Hot: The Incredible True Story of One Man's Rise from Janitor to Top Executive Hardcover – by Richard Montanez Subversive Jesus: An Adventure in Justice, Mercy, and Faithfulness in a Broken World by Craig Warren Greenfield Transforming Worldviews: An Anthropological Understanding of How People Change by Paul G. Hiebert

    47 min

  5. SEP 9

    Deep Voice and Depth of Character

    Playing two truths and a lie with Trinidad-born Dr. Wintley Phipps would be tricky. It’s hard to fathom the number of famous people whose paths he has crossed—whether singing for Mother Theresa or for one of six different U.S. Presidents, or at Diana Ross’s wedding, or a divine appointment with a young and not-yet-famous Oprah Winfrey. However, one such “chance” meeting on an Amtrak commute with Chuck Colson, Prison Fellowship founder, eventually led to his passion for youth and the founding of the U.S. Dream Academy. Dr. Phipps entreats us to consider, “Imagine how much greater America would be today if we invested in character building for the kids who need it most?” https://www.usdreamacademy.org/

    43 min

  6. AUG 20

    Can "Seminary" and "Innovative" Go Together?

    Dr. Felix Theonugraha, President of Western Theological Seminary shares how he sees fundraising as a way to minister to and care for his donor partners. As many seminaries are struggling, Western, instead is leaning into their distinctives such as focus on mental health and Hispanic ministry. Part of their current capital campaign is raising funding to further innovative initiatives including ministry to those with disabilities and a center for Christian imagination. https://www.westernsem.edu/

    43 min

  7. AUG 5

    What I Learned at Taco Tuesday

    Ray Keen exudes wisdom and compassion. He’s a veteran CEO of The Canby Center, a wrap-around care ministry to youth and families in a small town in Oregon. Even as a growing organization–they are currently finishing up a $10 million campaign to expand their facilities and services– they seek to emphasize dignity and learning for everyone they serve. Advice to his younger self? "Get to know the Lord, yourself, and those you serve." The Canby Center: thecanbycenter.org Book List: Practicing the Way, by John Mark Comer Giving it all away... and getting it back again, by David Green The 6 Types of Working Genius, by Patrick Lencioni Atomic Habits, by James Clear

    38 min

  8. JUL 22

    Saying "Yes" To Kids

    Chuck Hagele, CEO of Project Patch, is no stranger to darkness. The ministry he leads provides therapeutic residential programs for teens struggling with severe depression, anxiety and other acute challenges. Through fundraising, they strive to say "Yes" to kids needing treatment even if finances are a barrier. Chuck discusses the difficulties of learning his role, including transitioning leadership from the founder (who also happens to be his father-in-law.)   Some helpful books he is reading are: Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood by Dr. Lisa Demore The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook

    39 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Taking Donors Seriously® is a time-tested, sustainable framework for relational fundraising. Hundreds of nonprofits and schools have used TDS over 30+ years to successfully raise the funds that are critical to their missions. Brad Layland, CEO of The FOCUS Group shares insight, stories, and tips on this podcast.

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