Nonprofit CourageLab

If you’re looking to raise major gifts without working till 10 PM every night, this episode is for you. I’m breaking down exactly how my client raised $10.2 million in unrestricted revenue from individuals in just 12 months without burnout.This episode is especially for you if you already have individual donors (including monthly donors and board members who give personally or through their companies). Major gifts are a priority for your nonprofit’s revenue strategy.  You have at least one person helping with fundraising, even if they’re just getting started. You want to become a stronger leader, a better fundraiser, and honestly a better human while doing this work.But if you’re just looking for strategy and tactics without personal growth? This might not be your jam. There are plenty of people who can give you just the strategy, but I focus on both professional and personal development. If that sounds good to you, keep listening!What We Cover in This Episode:The biggest mindset shifts my clients make to go from overwhelmed to effective.The common mistake of thinking you need to “do more” to raise more money - and what actually works instead.Why hiring consultants who add busy work won’t move the needle.How understanding wealth, non-liquid assets, and donor motivations leads to bigger gifts.The three key pillars that drive fundraising success: Strategy, Skills, and Self.How my coaching helps fundraisers double their revenue without doubling their workload.I got into fundraising 16 years ago because I needed a job. I had no experience, but someone took a chance on me and trained me. I learned the ropes the hard way - working way too much for way too little, losing sleep, my hair falling out. I thought success meant doing everything and burning myself out in the process.Fast forward to today: I’ve raised millions of dollars for top organizations, worked with some of the best mentors in the industry, and now I teach nonprofit leaders how to do the same without the burnout.Success comes down to three key factors. First, having the right strategy where you spend your time matters. We start by analyzing your calendar, optimizing your time management, and creating a plan that actually works. Second, developing the right skills is essential. This includes learning how to have powerful donor conversations, crafting compelling messaging, and mastering negotiation so you stop settling for small gifts. Finally, success depends on you, your mindset, leadership, and personal growth. Fundraising isn’t just about tactics; it’s about how you show up and lead 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 

In this episode, I’m diving into a question that came up inside my six-month coaching and training program, Courage Lab 2.0. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you totally should—people inside are seeing incredible results, making big moves, and getting a huge return on their investment.During one of our recent community Q&A calls, someone asked a really important question: What do you do when a donor who previously committed to giving a certain amount suddenly decides to give less? Maybe they cite political or economic uncertainty, or their priorities are shifting—either way, it puts you in a tough spot.I’ve seen this scenario play out many times, and there are two main ways to approach it. In this episode, I break down both paths and share how I navigate these conversations with boldness and leadership. Because here’s the thing—this isn’t a new phenomenon, and it’s not going away. But as fundraisers and leaders, we have to step up, challenge the status quo, and advocate for the resources we need to do our work effectively.What we cover in this episode: How to respond when a donor changes their commitmentThe importance of getting curious before reactingWhy values clarification is key in donor relationshipsHow to position your organization as a top-performing investmentThe power of bold, direct conversations that hold donors accountableWhy now is the time to lead, not settle for lessIf you’ve ever had a donor change course on you, this episode will give you the mindset and strategy to handle it with confidence. It’s time to lead with courage and make sure the best, most effective organizations—like yours—get the funding they deserve.Listen in, take notes, and let me know what resonates with you!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 

Hey friend! In this episode, I’m walking you through a case study of what I’d do if I were part of Samaritan—a nonprofit that’s tackling homelessness in an innovative way. They’ve built a tech platform that connects unhoused neighbors with social and financial capital to help them move forward. It’s a mission that’s close to my heart, and I see so much opportunity for growth.So, here’s the fun part: If I were in their shoes, how would I raise $5 million in six months? Let’s break it down.What We Cover in This Episode:Why Samaritan’s model is so compelling and different from traditional nonprofitsThe three main revenue streams I’d focus on to hit a $5M fundraising goalHow to maximize corporate healthcare partnerships for bigger investmentsThe power of unrestricted funding from high-net-worth donors and family foundationsEngaging and scaling a grassroots volunteer donor programThe role of a strong board and network in attracting major fundingThe importance of storytelling, data, and strategic donor outreachThis episode is all about strategy, innovation, and thinking bigger when it comes to funding a mission-driven organization. Whether you’re in the nonprofit world or just love hearing about creative fundraising approaches, I think you’ll get a lot out of this one.Let’s Connect:If you found this episode helpful, send me a message! I’d love to hear your thoughts. And if you’re part of a nonprofit looking to scale, this might give you some fresh ideas to apply.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 

Hey friend, I had an eye-opening strategy session with a client last week, and I have to share it with you. She came to our call struggling with prioritizing the ask in her fundraising efforts. She was caught up in the day-to-day grind, and when I asked her how many asks she made last month, she had no idea. Sound familiar?Here’s the thing: If you’re not tracking your asks, how do you know you’re not making enough? In this episode, I break down why tracking Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is critical for fundraising success. You may have big revenue goals, but if you're only tracking how much money you've raised, you're missing key data points that tell you how to adjust your strategy in real time. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:- The difference between lagging indicators(like money raised) and leading indicators (like asks made)- Why tracking your daily fundraising activities matters more than just the end-of-year total- How setting and tracking the right KPIs can give you clarity, accountability, and confidence in your fundraising strategy- The emotional intelligence and communication skills you need to make stronger, more effective asks- How radical accountability—both for yourself and your team—can transform your fundraising resultsAsk Yourself:- How many asks are you making each month?- Are you tracking your progress daily, or waiting until it’s too late?- Is your team holding themselves accountable, or are you picking up the slack?If you want to grow your fundraising revenue, it’s time to stop guessing and start tracking the right things. Tune in now and let’s get to work!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 is a little different—it's a snippet from a coaching call where we dive deep into the "Ten Asks in Ten Days" challenge. If you’ve ever struggled with making bold asks, whether in fundraising, business, or life, this one’s for you.I started my business nearly seven years ago because I saw so many smart, relationally savvy leaders who were “stuck”—not because they lacked strategy, but because they lacked courage. I kept hearing, “I need a better strategy,” but what I realized? Strategy wasn’t the issue. People just weren’t taking action. They weren’t making the ask.So, I became a student of courage. I read, I studied, I surrounded myself with bold people, and I learned that courage isn’t something that just “happens”—it’s built. It’s designed. And it’s necessary if we’re going to do the work that actually moves the needle.Why We Don’t Ask (And Why That Needs to Change) I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, “I’m just not comfortable asking for that amount.” And let me be real with you—that both breaks my heart and fires me up. If we want to raise millions, build reserves, and truly change our communities, we need to get past our discomfort. Because courage isn’t about confidence. It’s about taking risks “even when” confidence isn’t there.The Ten Asks in Ten Days ChallengeHere’s the deal: Over the next 10 business days, you’re going to make 10 asks.- These can be professional or personal. Maybe you’re asking a donor for a $10K+ gift. Maybe you’re asking your partner for support. Maybe you’re asking a board member to step up.- The goal? Push yourself outside your comfort zone. If your asks don’t make you at least a little sweaty, you’re playing too safe.The key? Stay curious. Drop the defense. Listen more than you talk. And when it comes to those big asks—don’t wait until the last minute. Start now.What’s Next?  1. Write down your 10 asks—who you're asking, what you're asking for, and when you’ll do it.2. Commit to taking action. This is a “risk sprint”—it should stretch you.3. Be prepared to be “surprised” by how people show up for you.So, are you in? Let’s make some bold moves. Listen in for the full conversation and let’s get to work!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 

Building strong relationships with major donors is essential for nonprofits looking to sustain and grow their impact. Major donors provide significant financial contributions, but more importantly, they become long-term supporters and ambassadors for your cause. In this episode, we’ll cover the key strategies to attract and cultivate these high-value donors. What You Will Learn:- How to identify potential major donors and understand their giving motivations.- Effective ways to build relationships and engage with prospective donors.- The importance of personalized outreach and storytelling.- Strategies for hosting events and creating exclusive donor experiences.- How to follow up and maintain long-term donor relationships.Attracting major donors requires a strategic and relationship-driven approach. By understanding donor motivations, crafting personalized outreach, and offering meaningful engagement opportunities, your nonprofit can build a strong network of committed supporters. Implement these strategies consistently, and you’ll create lasting partnerships that fuel your mission for years to come.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 friend,  In this episode, I’m giving you an inside look at one of our Courage Lab coaching calls. During this session, I shared insights about the relationship between executive directors and development directors and how they can create a culture of feedback to thrive.  Here’s what you’ll hear:  - Why feedback is essential for growth: If your goals include personal and professional growth—or raising more money than ever before—feedback isn’t optional. It's critical.  - Lessons from elite athletes: Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant didn’t just rely on natural talent; they invested in feedback to refine their skills and gain even the smallest edge.  - The real cost of avoiding feedback: In nonprofits, a lack of accountability often means the community we’re serving pays the price. As leaders, we need to step up, even when it’s uncomfortable.  - Practical strategies for better feedback:    - Be honest consistently—not just during annual performance reviews.    - Share feedback immediately to avoid letting frustrations build up.    - Create a culture where feedback flows in all directions: manager-to-team, peer-to-peer, and even upward.  I also share a story about coaching a development team that struggled to get the best out of their staff. Spoiler: The issue wasn’t the team—it was a lack of honest, ongoing feedback from leadership.  If you’ve been holding back on giving feedback because you’re afraid of being perceived the wrong way or making someone uncomfortable, this episode is for you. Growth requires courage—and honest conversations.  Enjoy the episode!  Let me know your biggest takeaway, and as always, I’m cheering you on.  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 friend, welcome back to the podcast. Today, we’re diving into the mindset mistakes that keep our impact, budgets, teams, and dreams too small. If you’re here, I know you’re driven to create bold, transformative change—not just in your world, but across systems and communities. Me too. But sometimes, our mindset trips us up, and we don’t even realize it.Here’s what we unpacked in this episode:  - Scarcity Mindset About Money:    Many of us were raised to see money as scarce, stressful, or even taboo to discuss. But wealthy donors view money differently—it’s a growing resource, not a pie that disappears. Are you budgeting for your donors or hesitating to ask because you think it’s too much?  - Time vs. Money Perspectives:    Wealthy individuals often value their time more than money. They know they can make more money, but time is irreplaceable. Nonprofit leaders, on the other hand, often ask for volunteers’ time but hesitate to ask for significant financial contributions. Let’s flip the script.  - Fear of Delegating:    “If I want it done right, I’ll do it myself.” Sound familiar? This mindset limits your team and piles unnecessary work on your shoulders. Trust your team to rise to the occasion, or have the courage to hold them accountable if they don’t.  - Avoiding Honest Conversations:    Kindness isn’t withholding feedback—it’s being clear and direct. Radical accountability builds stronger teams. Are you ready to stop sugarcoating and start having real conversations?  - Settling for Passive Boards:    Your board isn’t just there for their name on your website. It’s time to reestablish expectations and turn your board into active partners in fundraising and advocacy.  - Overvaluing Comfort:    Let’s be real: if comfort is your priority, nonprofit fundraising might not be the job for you. Growth and transformation live outside your comfort zone.  - Taking Rejection Personally:    Hearing “no” isn’t the end—it’s information. The more you hear it, the closer you get to a “yes.” Reframe rejection as part of the process, not a reflection of your worth.  Work on shifting your relationship with time, money, and risk to align with your bold goals. Practice honesty and accountability with your team, board, and donors.  Embrace discomfort as a sign you’re growing.  If this resonated with you, let’s connect! Share this episode with a friend, reflect on where these mindset mistakes show up for you, and join me in creating a brave, bold, and generous world.  Thanks for listening—I’m rooting for you! See you next time.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, friend!  In this episode of Nonprofit Courage Lab, I dive into what it takes to make serious cultural shifts within your organization. If you’re committed to raising millions in the next few years and creating lasting change, this conversation is for you.  Here’s what I cover:  - Why culture change is non-negotiable: You can’t just hire a fundraiser and expect miracles. To raise millions, your organization needs a culture that fosters accountability, bold leadership, and strategic action.  - The board’s role in success: Well-intentioned but unhelpful board members can derail your mission. Learn how to hold your board accountable and build a team that aligns with your bold vision.  - Leadership starts with you: Your team’s performance reflects your leadership. I break down how to lead with courage, clarity, and a coaching mindset to bring out the best in your people.  - The power of direct feedback: Avoiding tough conversations or waiting too long to address performance issues only holds your team back. I share tips on giving feedback that inspires growth.  - Why coaching matters: Being a great leader isn’t just about managing tasks—it’s about helping your team uncover their own solutions, develop confidence, and take ownership of their results.  This isn’t just about hitting fundraising goals—it’s about building a sustainable culture of excellence, courage, and impact.  To create a culture capable of raising millions, start by auditing your team and board dynamics to address accountability gaps and ensure everyone is positioned for success. Invest in your people through ongoing training, coaching, and development opportunities. Shift from managing to coaching by empowering your team to find solutions and take ownership. Reassess your leadership approach, modeling the culture of excellence you want to see, and clarify expectations with your board, ensuring members take meaningful action toward supporting your goals.Creating a culture that raises millions requires intentional leadership, direct conversations, and ongoing investment in your people. This transformation won’t happen overnight, but by addressing cultural gaps and modeling bold leadership, you can build an organization capable of achieving extraordinary impact. Now’s the time to step up, lead with courage, and build the culture that will carry your vision forward.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 

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