Nonprofit CourageLab

In today’s episode, I’m bringing you a really special conversation with someone I adore — my friend and Courage Lab grad, Sheena Grosshans If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I love highlighting fundraisers who are doing courageous, meaningful work, and Sheena is truly one of the best examples of what’s possible when you combine heart, boldness, and a willingness to grow.Sheena raised $250,000 in just six months while working only 1–2 hours a week inside Courage Lab. Yep — you read that right. And what makes her story even more powerful is that she’s doing life-changing work at To Write Love on Her Arms, supporting young people who are struggling with depression, addiction, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. Her commitment, her empathy, and her sheer belief in the mission shine through in everything she does.In this episode, you’ll hear us talk about: • How Sheena built a major gifts program from scratch • The mindset shift that transformed her confidence asking for bigger gifts • Why being bold, direct, and unapologetic changed the way donors responded • The tiny follow-up habit that unlocked a $10,000 gift (and a $40,000 annual fundraiser!) • How one “small” $500 gift turned into a $20,000 annual donor • The courage it takes to restructure your role so you can actually raise more money • What it looks like to advocate for your own capacity and get things off your plate • Why consistency builds trust faster than any fancy stewardship plan • How relationship-based fundraising helped her donors feel deeply connected to the missionOne of my favorite moments in this conversation is when Sheena shares the internal shift from “maybe you could give if you want” to “we are the best at what we do, and I’m inviting you into something powerful.” That shift alone can change everything — and you’ll hear exactly how it did for her.If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to step fully into your leadership as a fundraiser, to believe in the value of your work, and to ask boldly from that place of conviction, Sheena’s story is going to light you up.I’m so proud of the work she’s done, and even more excited for you to learn from her today. Let’s dive in.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 

This episode originally aired on the We Are For Good Podcast in their Working Sessions series. I’m sharing it here on my own channel so you can dive into practical strategies for closing major gifts this season.It’s giving season, and if you want to close major gifts in the next few weeks, this episode is for you. I walk you through exactly who to ask, how to ask, and how to approach these conversations with courage and confidence. No fluff—just actionable steps to help you move forward with clarity and impact.Here’s what we cover:Identifying your warm prospects: I guide you through how to focus on donors who are already primed to give—those who’ve expressed support recently or are “all in” with your mission. Stop overthinking and start taking action.Recognizing signals from your community: From emails, social media engagement, to personal encounters—learn how to spot the people who are most likely to respond.Managing mindset and fear: I talk about why discomfort is normal when asking for major gifts and how courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s acting despite it.How to ask for more confidently: I break down the importance of being specific in your ask, giving donors clarity, and removing obstacles that slow their decision-making.Handling mistakes with humility: I share how showing up authentically, even if imperfectly, builds trust and strengthens relationships.Tools and resources: I offer my free Opportunity Brainstorm PDF to help you map your warm prospects and take immediate action.Asking for major gifts doesn’t have to feel paralyzing. By focusing on the right people, preparing internally, and showing up courageously, you can increase your impact and build stronger relationships with your supporters. Refusing to let fear hold you back ensures your mission gets the resources it deserves—and it’s easier than you think to take those first steps.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 

In this episode, I’m bringing you a powerful conversation with someone I’ve had the absolute privilege of working with over the last year and a half: Katherine Powers, Executive Director at Pacific Opera Project (POP). Katherine’s story is one of real transformation — as a leader, as a fundraiser, and as a steward of a growing arts organization that’s doing incredible, joyful, boundary-pushing work in Los Angeles.When Katherine stepped into the ED role, she had no fundraising experience and very little time to figure it out. But what she did have was determination, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. In our conversation, she shares honestly about what it was like to come into major gifts as a total beginner, why fundraising initially terrified her, and what shifted once she began learning a clear framework and building her confidence.We talk through the mindset changes that helped her grow POP’s contributed revenue from under $200k to over $400k a year — in just a couple of years — including closing multiple $50k gifts and preparing for POP’s first-ever six-figure solicitation. She gets into the practical steps she took, the scripts and tools that helped her, and the moments where she realized she was becoming the kind of leader who could ask boldly and lead her board and donors with clarity and vision.I love this conversation so much because Katherine’s story proves what I deeply believe: when you have the right model and the right support, you can learn how to raise transformational money — even if you’re a one-person development shop doing five other jobs at the same time.In this episode, you’ll learn:How Katherine went from “I never want to ask for money” to confidently closing $50k giftsThe mindset shifts that unlocked her ability to lead boldly and fundraise effectivelyWhy major gifts became POP’s biggest opportunity — and how she structured her timeThe exact tools and frameworks she used to make her first successful asksHow her transformation changed her board’s culture, donor relationships, and the organization’s trajectoryWhy investing in her own development helped the entire organization growThe revenue growth POP has experienced and what that means for their community, staff, and artistsThis episode is such an encouragement if you’re a solo ED, a first-time fundraiser, or someone who knows major gifts is the next step — but aren’t sure how to start. Katherine’s story is proof that you can learn this, and you can thrive in it.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 

Join Regina Nixon, Executive Director of the Phoenix Conservatory of Music, as she shares her insights on authentic leadership in fundraising. With nearly thirty years in the industry, Regina reveals how dropping the overly cheerful persona helped her connect with donors more genuinely. She discusses securing $235,000 through candid communication and building trust without grants or galas. Discover the importance of honesty in donor relationships, overcoming personal money beliefs, and how aligning energy with real needs can transform an organization.

Hey friend — this episode is a bit of a rant, because honestly, I just can’t take it anymore. There is some really bad fundraising advice floating around the nonprofit world, and one piece in particular absolutely drives me up the wall. You may have heard it before — “If you want money, ask for advice. If you want advice, ask for money.”The idea behind it is that you should ask donors for their input first as a “relationship building tactic,” and then eventually you’ll be able to ask for money. But here’s what actually ends up happening: nonprofit leaders avoid asking for financial support altogether. They keep having meetings, asking for advice, collecting feedback… and meanwhile, the mission is still under-funded. I see this constantly with EDs, CEOs, development staff — and it’s not relationship-building. It’s manipulation. It’s having a hidden agenda.And I don’t do hidden agendas.In this episode, I talk about why “ask for advice to get money” is dysfunctional, manipulative, and ultimately ineffective in raising sustainable funding. I share why honesty is the real trust-builder, why clarity is more respectful than tip-toeing around your intentions, and why being direct is not rude — it’s actually generous. If we’re asking for support because our work matters, then we don’t need to hide that.We also talk about:Why confidence matters more than perfectly scripted asksHow “advice collecting” is often just procrastination dressed up as strategyWhy you should only ask for advice from people who have actually done what you’re trying to doHow implementing someone’s feedback (and reporting back) is what actually strengthens relationshipsWhy direct, honest asking raises more money faster — without the emotional exhaustionIf you've been told to “build the relationship first” but were never taught how, this episode is going to feel like taking a huge breath of fresh air. You don’t need to manipulate. You don’t need to disguise your intentions. You don’t need to be scared of asking.You need courage, clarity, and clean communication — and we talk about all of that here.Take a listen — especially if you’ve been avoiding the ask. This might be the moment everything clicks.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 

Discover the powerful strategy of asking for more from current donors without overthinking it. Learn how humility can trump perfectionism and why direct, confident conversations are key. Overcome the fear of asking too much and embrace the reality that mistakes can strengthen donor relationships. Explore how to navigate awkwardness and conflict, turning them into opportunities for growth. Plus, hear tips on determining ask amounts and the importance of revisiting and adjusting your requests for maximum impact.

Discover three game-changing habits to streamline end-of-year fundraising without burning out. Learn why dedicating the first hour of your day to donor outreach boosts momentum. Uncover the power of ruthless time management to align activities with your fundraising goals. Embrace an abundance mindset to foster stronger connections with donors, while setting healthy boundaries with your team. This insightful guide equips you with practical strategies to enhance your fundraising efforts and achieve success.

C Stewart, an attendee representing a nonprofit, dives into donor stewardship and capital campaign asks during a practical workshop replay. They explore strategies for upgrading consistent donors, emphasizing the importance of one-on-one interactions over events. Key topics include how to effectively request higher amounts based on donor passion, establishing clear projections for fundraising goals, and the significance of building courage in asking for big gifts. C Stewart's insights make the case for simplicity in fundraising efforts.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your gala is really worth all the time, money, and energy it takes to pull off, this episode is for you. I’ve been in the trenches planning big-name events with celebrity co-chairs and keynote speakers, and I’ve also seen nonprofits raise six- and seven-figure gifts in just a few conversations. When you compare the cost, the time, and the results—it’s not even close.In this episode, I’m breaking down the true ROI of galas versus focusing on major gifts, why galas are almost always more exhausting than they are profitable, and how you can start raising unrestricted dollars in less time with a better strategy. IN THIS EPISODE, I TALK ABOUT:Listener wins: real stories of people who closed $15K, $75K, and even seven-figure gifts just from listening to this podcastThe hidden costs of galas- staff time, hard expenses, and energy drainWhy gala money is often restricted (and why that ties your hands)The challenge of converting gala guests into loyal donorsHow major gifts free up your time and bring in bigger, unrestricted dollars fasterA client case study: what shifted when she stopped underestimating her board and started asking for moreThe real reason leaders cling to galas (hint: it’s a courage problem, not a strategy problem) If you say you value relationship-building, why are you still prioritizing event planning? Major gifts are hands-down the highest ROI strategy, and they don’t burn out your team. You can raise six figures in just a few hours a week with the right strategy, confidence, and language—and without spending nine months planning a gala.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 

 Hi friends! I’m so excited to share this episode with you because it’s a conversation with one of my Courage Lab grads, Cara Augspurger. Cara is the Executive Director of the Grace Care Center Foundation just north of Indianapolis, and she’s an all-star leader who has experienced incredible growth over the last six months.When Cara and I started working together, she was confident in operations and communications but hesitant around major gifts and board engagement. Fast forward just half a year, and her board has hosted an event that raised $273,000 in one night - with multi-year commitments and new major donors at the table. Even more powerful? Cara’s own confidence has skyrocketed.In this episode, Cara shares how she went from overthinking and procrastinating to boldly inviting donors and board members into the mission  and the specific Courage Lab strategies that helped her get there.Cara’s journey from board chair to solo ED  and why she invested in coaching instead of a bonusHow she made the case to her board to join Courage LabThe mindset shift that stopped her from overthinking major giftsThe event strategy that brought in $273k in one night (with 18 three-year commitments!)Why accountability, templates, and consistent invitations completely changed her fundraising resultsHow she’s now 25% ahead of her fundraising projections - for the first time in organizational history Cara’s story is proof that you don’t have to do fundraising alone  and that courage, clarity, and accountability can change everything. Whether you’re a solo ED or just feeling stuck, her transformation shows what’s possible when you stop playing it safe and step into major gifts with confidence.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