The Big Lie Blocking BIG Gifts

Last year, I worked with a client who was outwardly successful- they had just wrapped a major capital campaign and were bringing in over $2 million annually. But behind the scenes, they were working around the clock, checking emails late into the evening, and spending weekends catching up on work. When we started coaching together, their biggest desire wasn’t another big win,it was a different way to work.

In this episode, I talk about what it means to raise more by doing less, why growth often comes through subtraction, and how our internal beliefs about worthiness can either fuel or completely block our success. This is a deeply personal, honest conversation about why so many of us in the nonprofit space tie our worth to our output and how that mindset is costing us.

What we cover in this episode:

• The story of a client who looked successful on the outside—but felt unworthy inside
• Why doing more isn’t the key to raising more money
• How to identify your “Big Asks” and apply the 80/20 principle
• The difference between working from worthiness vs working for worthiness
• Why we often overwork, avoid asking for help, and tolerate misaligned donors
• How our subconscious beliefs about money, success, and worth can block major gifts
• The silent damage of perfectionism, people-pleasing, and proving ourselves
• Why judgment of wealthy donors might be sabotaging your fundraising
• An invitation to reflect on your worth—and what it would mean to truly accept it

This episode is raw, real, and reflective. If you’ve ever felt like your work, your results, or your impact are what make you worthy- this is your reminder that you already are. Your worth is not up for debate. Not based on your to-do list, your revenue goals, or how many people you help. I hope this conversation gives you the courage to lead, fundraise, and live from a place of truth and worthiness not exhaustion and overcompensation.

If this resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Take a moment to reflect and maybe even share this episode with someone who needs to hear it too.

Want 15 leads in 5 minutes? DM me "Breakfast burrito" on LinkedIn and I'll send you a pdf and 6-minute training to help you generate 15 leads for your nonprofit in minutes. It's totally free. All you need is an email to sign up. DM me "Breakfast burrito" - I'm from Texas, what can I say? - to get your pdf and mini training. 

If you're an org with at least $800k annual budget and major gifts is your top priority, but you need a better strategy and approach, get on the waitlist for the next CourageLab cohort here: https://julieordonez.kit.com/couragelab2