The Code We Live By That Raised $63.7M

Hey friend!  This episode is a special one—a snippet from my recent workshop, Best December Ever. In it, I walk through The Generosity Code, a set of principles I live by and teach my clients. I attribute 80-90% of our fundraising success to these foundational beliefs. Whether you’re looking to close out the year strong or need a mindset shift any time of year, this episode is packed with transformational insights.  

Here’s the heart of it: Giving is a gift to the giver. Fundraising isn’t about pleading for help; it’s about inviting people to align their money with their values and become the best versions of themselves. It’s also important to remember that we’re not entitled to anyone’s money. Even if we’re doing incredible work, gratitude and humility are crucial. Following up with donors? That’s not being pushy—it’s great customer service. It’s a way to help them follow through on their intentions, especially when life gets busy.  

Another key point: Get out of their wallet. It’s not our job to decide how much someone can or should give. Instead, present your big vision and the financial need, and let them determine their contribution. Lastly, invite, don’t push. We’re in a low-trust moment as a society, and genuine, pressure-free invitations to give resonate far more than high-pressure tactics. Taking the pressure off yourself first will naturally create a more inviting space for your donors.  

 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  

- The five core principles of The Generosity Code and how they can transform your fundraising.  

- Why the right mindset is more critical than tactics and strategies.  

- How to shift from scarcity to abundance thinking in your donor conversations.  

- Practical approaches to following up with donors without feeling pushy.  

- How to frame your asks around your big vision, not just your budget needs.  

- The importance of detaching from specific outcomes and leading with gratitude.  

These principles are more powerful than any tactic or strategy—they shape the energy you bring to every conversation and campaign. If you want to go deeper, you can purchase the full Best December Ever training at juliardoniez.com/training. It’s an invaluable resource to help you raise more money and make a bigger impact year-round. Let’s raise millions and change lives together!  

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