Run Your Nonprofit Like a Business (Without Losing the Mission)

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke sits down with Kristen Mitchell, co-founder & executive director of Youth Futures, to unpack practical nonprofit fundraising strategies: leading as an accidental fundraiser, why authenticity beats charisma, lessons from capital campaigns, building business-grade systems, and how to prioritize donor outreach with time blocking, your CRM, and LinkedIn/Sales Navigator. Kristen also shares a refreshing take on “burnout,” staff wellness programs, and staying connected to client stories to fuel resilience.

You’ll learn: • Why founders/EDs must embrace being the face of the organization • How to seed momentum for new sites with pre-opening capital • The daily habit that keeps fundraising from getting sidelined • Tactical tools: Calendar + CRM + LinkedIn (and Sales Navigator) • How to build a development department and run your nonprofit like a business • Mindset shifts to avoid burnout and keep donor relationships warm