Nonprofit CourageLab

In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly how I build quarterly engagement plans for donors- even the ones who haven’t given a dollar yet. Whether you’re working with major donors, connectors, or board members, I’m sharing the strategy behind how I map out touchpoints, meeting goals, and creative ways to bring people closer to the mission.I’m also talking about one of my favorite things: “big swings”. That’s the list of dream donors I revisit regularly with playful, intentional outreach. You’ll hear a couple of my favorite stories about how I got the attention of folks who ignored me for months- and how one woman’s love for golden doodles helped me land a meeting after total silence for nine months. What I cover in this episode:- How I create custom engagement plans for every key relationship in my portfolio- The exact tools I use to stay organized and track donor engagement- How I split my time between current donors and new prospects- Why protecting your focus is everything (and how I do it with calendar blocks)- The “big swings” strategy I use to reach dream donors and companies- Creative low-cost ideas for getting a donor’s attention when they’re MIA- How I use leverage from my team and board to make connections easier- Real-life examples of donor outreach that actually workedYou don’t need a massive donor file or a million-dollar budget to build strong relationships- you just need a system, some creativity, and the discipline to follow through. The biggest wins often come from the boldest (and most playful) outreach. Think about who’s on your big swings list right now, and what small move you could make today to reconnect.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 

Last week, I hosted a 3-day intensive here in sunny Los Angeles with seven of my amazing clients, and let me tell you—it was powerful. Teaching for three full days was both exhausting and energizing in the best way, and I knew I had to bring a piece of it to the podcast. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the very first session I taught on Day 1 of the intensive. It’s all about the exact roadmap I’ve followed to raise $2.5 million—multiple times. This isn’t theory. This is what I actually do: how I think, how I plan, how I build relationships with donors, and how I stay consistent when things get hard.We get into the real-life habits that fuel this work. The mindset I use. The calendar strategy. Even how I start my day (spoiler: intention-setting and gratitude are non-negotiables for me).If you’re building a donor portfolio, raising money, or leading a fundraising team—you’re gonna want to take notes.What I cover in this episode:- The 3 words I choose every morning to set the tone for my day  - Why intentional energy matters in high-stakes fundraising  - How I build long-term relationships with donors like “Bob”  - The exact outreach strategy that opened the door to a whole new donor network  - The donor profile I write all my content for (and how I built it)  - How I structure my weekly calendar to stay focused on my North Star  - Why gratitude, follow-up, and *actually caring* are game-changers in this workLet’s be real...Fundraising is not easy. There’s pressure. There’s rejection. There’s a lot we can’t control. But what *is* in your control is how you show up. How you build trust. How you become someone donors remember—in good times *and* hard times.If you want to know what it really takes to raise millions while staying grounded, intentional, and human… this episode is for you.Hit play and 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 

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 insideWhy doing more isn’t the key to raising more moneyHow to identify your “Big Asks” and apply the 80/20 principleThe difference between working from worthiness vs working for worthinessWhy we often overwork, avoid asking for help, and tolerate misaligned donorsHow our subconscious beliefs about money, success, and worth can block major giftsThe silent damage of perfectionism, people-pleasing, and proving ourselvesWhy judgment of wealthy donors might be sabotaging your fundraisingAn invitation to reflect on your worth—and what it would mean to truly accept itThis 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 

Hey friend — today's episode is one of those real talk moments we all need. If you're a leader or a fundraiser trying to navigate this wild moment in time, I want you to know: you're not imagining things. Things are changing. Funders are pulling back. DEI efforts are being defunded. And the economic and political climate is shaky at best.But here's the truth: in uncertain times, you can still be unstoppable.In this episode, I'm sharing what it takes to lead boldly, raise major gifts, and build crisis-proof relationships — no matter what’s happening around you. I’ve seen firsthand what happens when leaders double down on growth, strategy, and self-leadership. And I’ve also seen what happens when we freeze and play small. We can’t afford to do that anymore.What we cover in this episode:Why the old strategies won't work anymore (and what to do instead)How to build funding relationships that actually lastWhat it means to become truly self-led as a fundraiser and leaderThe power of iteration and how I learned to fundraise in the middle of the Great RecessionThe mindset shift you must make if you want to raise more with less stressWhy being bold attracts bold donors — and how to stop playing smallA reminder that you don’t have to do this alone (and in fact, you shouldn’t)This episode is your invitation to step into the next level of your leadership. If you've been tuning in week after week, soaking up the pep talks — amazing. But the truth is, that’s not enough anymore.If you’re ready to:Get real supportUplevel your skillsStop spinning your wheels and start seeing resultsThen now is the time to take action. Join Courage Lab or get inside Get Real Coaching. You already know the free stuff is powerful — just imagine what’s possible when we actually work together.No more waiting. No more hoping things will get better. Bold leadership starts with you.Until next time — see ya.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 

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