Nonprofit CourageLab

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 

In this workshop replay, Julie Ordonez, a seasoned fundraising expert, shares tactical strategies for end-of-year campaigns. She emphasizes the importance of simplicity and outlines her two-page fundraising roadmap. Listeners learn to break down ambitious goals like raising $500K into manageable steps, assess donor capacities with her Ask Amount Framework, and the significance of personal connections over busy events. Julie also discusses how to engage repeat givers, advising on positioning bold asks for capital campaigns while building courage in fundraising.

Hey there, friends! In today’s episode, we’re diving into some big shifts happening in the world of philanthropy and nonprofits—and why it’s more crucial than ever for us to evolve with the times.We’re in a new era. From policy changes on platforms like Facebook that affect nonprofit fundraising to a noticeable decline in DEI and education funding, it’s clear that yesterday’s strategies won’t carry us forward. We’re seeing funding sources dry up, priorities shift, and high performers leave the sector. If we don’t adapt, we risk getting left behind. And I don’t want that for any of you or the causes you champion.Key Points Covered:- Changing Fundraising Landscape: Social media platforms and government funding policies are shifting. For example, Facebook is no longer supporting recurring gifts or covering fees, and many big-name philanthropies are cutting their education budgets. To survive and thrive, we need diversified revenue streams and strategies that don’t rely on a single source.  - Talent Crisis in Nonprofits: The nonprofit space is struggling to attract, retain, and train talent, especially in development roles. Too often, we see fundraising stars promoted into management roles without the skills or support to truly lead. We need to invest in developing our people and equipping them with the tools they need to succeed.- Leadership and Growth: Being a great manager isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about coaching and supporting your team’s growth. It’s time to shift from a mindset of doing it all ourselves to empowering others to lead and create change alongside us.- Avoiding Burnout: We are stretched thin, often doing multiple roles. It’s not sustainable. We need to communicate our needs, advocate for better support, and focus on activities that drive meaningful progress. As leaders, we have to model a healthier, more sustainable approach to work.I also talked about the importance of self-reflection, especially as nonprofit leaders. Every quarter, I take a step back to assess how I’m doing in all aspects of my life—from my relationships to my work to my personal growth. We need to prioritize not only the tasks but our well-being and long-term vision. This kind of introspection and planning is essential to keep our organizations strong and sustainable.If we want to see change in our organizations, it starts with us. We need to embrace new ways of thinking, build new habits, and invest in ourselves as leaders. It’s about growing our skill sets, enhancing our capacity to lead, and creating a culture where our teams feel supported, empowered, and inspired. Together, we can grow our impact and make a difference, but it requires action, courage, and a commitment to growth. So, let’s continue to challenge ourselves and each other to be the best leaders we can be.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 

Welcome to another episode of Nonprofit CourageLab! Today, I'm sharing a sneak peek into a recent Pitch-A-thon where we dive into the art of nonprofit pitching – not in a Shark Tank kind of way, but more like engaging in a powerful and meaningful conversation. Together, we’ll explore strategies to connect authentically with donors, practice impactful pitches, and avoid common missteps. This episode is perfect if you’re looking to make a difference through your ask, not just for your organization but in a way that resonates deeply with donors. In this episode, we work with Sheena, a nonprofit leader from "To Write Love on Her Arms," as she crafts a personalized pitch. She highlights the importance of youth mental health, shares their impact on high school students across the country, and tailors her message to resonate with the specific values and passions of her donor.Key Takeaways:- Building Relationships, Not Pitches: A pitch should feel like a natural extension of a relationship. We’re not here to talk "at" people but to create a back-and-forth that lets the donor feel heard, valued, and understood.- Focus on the Donor, Not Just the Cause: Too often, pitches spotlight only the organization’s needs. Remember: the donor is a partner. Tailor your ask to what drives them and make it clear why they’re essential to the mission.- Tell Stories, Don’t Share Stats: Highlight how your work impacts individuals. Personal stories can be more powerful than numbers alone. For example, share how an 11-year-old struggling with depression found hope and healing through your program.- Practice Makes Perfect (and Shorter!): Awareness of time is key. Practice your pitch, time it, and refine it so it lands clearly within a 2-3 minute window. You'll surprise yourself by how much impact you can make in a short, well-crafted pitch.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 a little different. I’m coming to you unfiltered, and honestly, I'm fed up. In my work with nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and development directors across the country, I’m seeing some serious gaps that we need to address.We’ve been talking a lot about mental health and wellness in the nonprofit sector, which is important—but what’s missing from the conversation is a real accountability check. We need to give ourselves grace, yes, but we also need discipline. Something has to change, and it starts with us getting real about what isn’t working.In this episode, I dive deep into the challenges we’re all facing in the fundraising world. I see people in leadership roles with no real training or support, fundraising teams stretched too thin, and an overall lack of reflection on what’s actually working. The reality is, we’re repeating the same mistakes over and over again and expecting different results. That needs to stop.I talk about:- The alarming turnover in fundraising roles and why the average tenure is only 18 months.- The rise of fractional fundraisers and why that’s a positive shift.- Why so many people in leadership feel burnt out and stuck—and how to move past that.- The importance of focusing on prospects who *actually* care, instead of wasting time chasing people who aren’t interested.- The hard truth about accountability and why leaders need to step up and have direct, honest conversations.This episode is all about getting real. It’s time to reflect, stop making excuses, and take control of what we can. If you're ready to be part of a revolution of courage and accountability in the nonprofit sector, this one’s for you.Key Takeaways:- Grace vs. Discipline: We need to balance grace with discipline. Sometimes, we’re too lenient with ourselves, and it’s holding us back from progress.- Stop Chasing Dead Ends: If a prospect isn’t interested after 18 months, let them go. Focus your energy on those who are engaged and willing to give.- Leadership Accountability: Leaders need to have the courage to address the elephant in the room and hold people accountable, whether it’s your CEO, board members, or yourself.- Reflect and Adjust: Are you taking time to reflect on what’s working? If you’re stuck in “go-go-go” mode, it’s time to pause and reassess your strategies.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 guide you through the essentials of major gift fundraising, focusing on strategic planning, effective donor engagement, and optimal time management. I'm going to go over how to schedule and prioritize tasks, reach out to loyal donors, and request multi-year pledges and one-time gifts and the importance of aligning donation requests with your organization's strategic plan and the frequent solicitation of referrals. Learn best practices for donor portfolio reviews, setting weekly goals, and utilizing various communication platforms. I'll show you how to proactively build relationships, leverage social media, and personally connect with potential donors. To enhance your fundraising impact, there is a big need for regular planning, clear donor criteria, and consistent tracking of progress. Additionally, I provide tips on decluttering your calendar, balancing new donor acquisition with nurturing existing relationships, and embracing creativity in your fundraising efforts. Don't forget to check out my free donor scripts cheat sheet available on my website for further support.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 

Dive into the art of securing major donations with real-life strategies! Discover how a New York animal welfare organization landed a staggering $6 million gift. Learn the secrets to building trust with donors and the importance of crafting simple, effective proposals. Explore the mindset shifts that empower fundraisers to ask boldly without fear. Plus, find out how to ask the right questions and listen more thoughtfully to uncover donor motivations. This session is packed with actionable insights for elevating fundraising efforts!