Hey there, welcome back to Nonprofit Courage Lab! It's Julie, and today I'm thrilled to dive into a topic that's crucial for every fundraiser: how to score more major donor meetings. We're going to get super practical here, talking about what might be holding you back and what you can actually do to land those meetings. So, let's address a couple of common reasons why you might not be getting as many meetings as you'd like with potential major donors. First off, are you actually asking for them? It sounds simple, but sometimes we forget to prioritize reaching out and making those requests. If that rings a bell, let's take a look at where your time is going. Check out your calendar, your recent emails—see what's eating up your schedule. Remember, building relationships one-on-one is key for donor retention. Neglecting your current donors can lead to a leaky bucket situation, and we definitely want to avoid that! Now, when it comes to asking for meetings, are you doing it effectively? Maybe your approach needs a little tweak. Let's carve out some dedicated time in your schedule for reaching out, and then let's work on improving the quality of your outreach. Start by setting a goal for how many meetings you want to ask for each week. If you're not asking for any right now, let's start small and work our way up. And remember, timing is everything. Try asking for meetings first thing in the morning when you're fresh and focused. But what if you're already asking for meetings and not getting the responses you hoped for? It might be time to optimize your approach. One common issue is that donors aren't clear on why you want to meet with them. So, let's get straight to the point in your outreach. Personalize your emails, drop in their first name, and skip the generic pleasantries. Show them that you've done your homework and that you genuinely value their time and support. Make it crystal clear why you want to meet and how much time you're asking for. And don't forget to inject some personality into your outreach! Think about how you can make your emails more engaging and authentic. Share something about yourself or your interests—it's all about building a genuine connection. Now, when it comes to follow-ups, consistency is key. Keep following up at regular intervals, but make sure your follow-ups are just as thoughtful as your initial outreach. Remember, fundraising is all about building relationships and making meaningful connections. So, approach each outreach with intention and creativity, and you'll be well on your way to scoring more major donor meetings. Happy fundraising, my friend! If you are in a season where you need to grow exponentially, check out my new program, Million Dollar VIP and see if it’s right for you: https://julieordonez.com/million Our next cohort will be in September 2023, so get on the waitlist for CourageLab today! https://julieordonez.com/waitlist Music credit: With the Flow by Fin Productions A Podcast Launch Bestie production

In this episode we're diving in to what it takes to become a top-notch fundraiser and how it can transform your results. First off, being a badass fundraiser isn't just about having a cool title – it's about getting the job done. So, what sets badass fundraisers apart? It starts with their attitude. Despite the pressure and stress that often come with fundraising, they remain cool under pressure and tap into their creativity, even when the clock is ticking. Take, for example, the approach to engaging board members. Instead of simply asking for more major donors, a badass executive director focuses on connecting with individuals who are genuinely aligned with the organization's mission and values. But badass fundraising isn't just about asking for money – it's about building genuine relationships. Rather than viewing donors as ATMs, badass fundraisers see them as potential teammates, each with a unique role to play in advancing the mission. Negotiation is another key skill in the badass fundraiser's toolkit. They're not afraid to ask tough questions or push back when faced with a "no." By engaging in honest dialogue, they build trust and credibility with donors, ultimately leading to more successful outcomes. And when it comes to communication, badass fundraisers know how to craft a compelling message that resonates with donors. They do their research, think strategically, and articulate the impact of their work in a way that inspires action. But perhaps what truly sets badass fundraisers apart is their creativity and resilience. Whether it's sending a handwritten note adorned with cat stamps or owning up to mistakes and learning from them, they're always finding new ways to connect and persevere, even in the face of rejection. So, if you're ready to take your fundraising game to the next level, channel your inner badass and remember – success lies in the journey, not just the destination. If you are in a season where you need to grow exponentially, check out my new program, Million Dollar VIP and see if it’s right for you: https://julieordonez.com/million Our next cohort will be in September 2023, so get on the waitlist for CourageLab today! https://julieordonez.com/waitlist Music credit: With the Flow by Fin Productions A Podcast Launch Bestie production

Hello, courageous leaders! In this episode, we dove deep into the concept that "You Are Your Results." We explored the idea that our actions, or lack thereof, directly reflect the outcomes we achieve in our fundraising efforts. Many of you are leading incredible organizations and have the potential to make significant impacts. However, there's often a disconnect between what we say we want and the actions we take. If your goal is to grow and scale your impact, your calendar should reflect the necessary steps to achieve that growth. But for many, there's a mismatch between aspirations and actions. We discussed the importance of asking for unrestricted revenue and major gifts. If you're not seeing the results you want, it's time to ask yourself when you last requested the funds you truly need. It's not enough to hope for million-dollar donations; you must actively seek them out and ask for them. I challenge you to consider whether you've genuinely tried everything to raise the funds your organization needs. Have you reached out to that one donor who could make a transformative contribution? Have you been honest with your donors about the full extent of your financial needs? This episode was a call to action. It's time to align your talk with your walk, to take bold steps, and to embrace the discomfort that comes with asking for more. You have the power to change your results by changing your actions. It's about integrity, courage, and the willingness to be vulnerable. Next time, we'll discuss what it means to become a badass fundraiser. Until then, remember that changing the world starts with changing ourselves. Visit nonprofitcouragelab.com for more resources, and if this episode inspired you, please leave a review. Keep striving for greatness, and let your actions reflect your ambitions.

In this episode of Nonprofit Courage Lab, I had the pleasure of speaking with the exceptional Lindsay Fuller, the Executive Director of The Teaching Well. Lindsay's dedication and innovative approach to leadership in the nonprofit sector, particularly in education, is nothing short of remarkable. Lindsay and her team at The Teaching Well are on a bold mission to address educator attrition by creating supportive environments where teachers can thrive. Their work is not only about retaining educators but also reimagining the field to inspire future generations to pursue teaching as a profession. During our conversation, Lindsay shared the transformative journey of partnering with me to develop a custom fundraising strategy. We discussed the importance of having a clear vision, measurable goals, and the courage to ask for major gifts. Lindsay's organization stands out for its commitment to tracking effectiveness and making values-based decisions, which has led to significant fundraising success. We also touched on the critical role of mindset shifts, strategic planning, and the use of communication tools like LinkedIn to engage potential funders. Lindsay's story is a testament to the power of investing in development and the impact it can have on an organization's financial stability and ability to serve its community. I am incredibly proud to support leaders like Lindsay and organizations like The Teaching Well. Their success in building a strong reserve, even through challenging times like the global pandemic, is a shining example for others in the nonprofit world. For those considering working with me, Lindsay's experience highlights the value of investing in your organization's future and the transformative results that can be achieved with the right strategy and support. Thank you for tuning in to Nonprofit Courage Lab. Remember, change starts with the courage to ask for more. Visit nonprofitcouragelab.com to connect and learn more about how you can raise major gifts for your cause. If this episode has encouraged you, please rate and review the podcast. Together, we can make a difference—one major gift at a time.

In this inspiring episode of Nonprofit Courage Lab, I, Julie Ordonez, had the pleasure of speaking with Will Zweigert, the CEO of Flatbush Cats in Brooklyn. Will shared his transformative journey from the corporate world to the nonprofit sector, and how his passion for animal welfare led him to establish Flatbush Cats, an organization dedicated to solving the issue of overcrowded animal shelters. Will's story is a testament to the power of personal transformation and the courage to ask for more. He discussed the challenges and successes of their recent capital campaign, which raised over $3 million to open their first spay, neuter, and veterinary clinic. This achievement was made possible through intense fundraising and development work, and Will is eager to share the lessons learned with other organizations. During our conversation, we delved into the importance of building relationships with donors and the strategic decision-making that goes into fundraising. Will highlighted the value of stewardship and the joy of thanking and reporting back to supporters. He also emphasized the need to have direct conversations about financial needs, which can lead to more significant gifts and a deeper understanding of donors' passions. Will's experience with the Courage Lab, my six-week major gifts training program, has been transformative. He learned to stop censoring himself and to ask for what his organization truly needs. This shift in mindset has already led to substantial fundraising wins, including a gift that was quadruple the amount he initially considered asking for. I'm thrilled to see the impact that Courage Lab has had on Will and Flatbush Cats. If you're struggling with asking for major gifts or finding yourself avoiding the work, Courage Lab is designed to give you the strategy, training, and courage you need. For more information, visit JulieOrdonez.com and click on Courage Lab. Thank you for joining us on this episode of Nonprofit Courage Lab. If you've been encouraged, please rate and review the podcast, and remember, no one has changed the world without first changing themselves.

This episode is a continuation of the Q&A recording of the live masterclass I did on wrapping up your year end strong. I answer questions about real life scenarios that come up with trying to get major gifts from donors. I dig into how to go deeper to find out what your donors are thinking, get insight from them that will help you shape conversations and give you more confidence to ask.  If you are in a season where you need to grow exponentially, check out my new program, Million Dollar VIP and see if it’s right for you: https://julieordonez.com/million Our next cohort will be in September 2023, so get on the waitlist for CourageLab today! https://julieordonez.com/waitlist Music credit: With the Flow by Fin Productions A Podcast Launch Bestie production

In this episode, we're going to talk about the essential ingredient for major gifts success – courage. In this recording of a live masterclass, I dug into what it takes to wrap the year up with a bang and start the new year off feeling rejuvenated and with the momentum you need to hit your goals.  Fancy strategies and consultants are not the keys to success, there will always be the need for genuine human connection. And when you are actually approaching your fundraising effort with a people first mentality, you not only give yourself an advantage, you also build relationships that are so important in raising major gifts.  Pick up the phone, have direct conversations, and approach major gifts with authenticity and confidence, listen in to this episode, I’ll show you how. If you are in a season where you need to grow exponentially, check out my new program, Million Dollar VIP and see if it’s right for you: https://julieordonez.com/million Our next cohort will be in September 2023, so get on the waitlist for CourageLab today! https://julieordonez.com/waitlist Music credit: With the Flow by Fin Productions A Podcast Launch Bestie production

Over the last 10+ years, I’ve been to over 1,000 major donor meetings and coached hundreds of CEOs, fundraisers, founders, development directors, and major gifts officers. In all those conversations, all those meetings, I’ve learned some things that I hope are helpful to you and will help you decide whether Nonprofit CourageLab is right for you! I have learned that: Fundraisers usually value money above time. It’s the opposite for wealthy people. Fundraisers are afraid to do their jobs! Nobody is really talking about fear. In my 6 week program Nonprofit Courage Lab, you will learn how to have successful conversations with donors, close gifts, build confidence in yourself and your program, and move into bold action.  In this episode I’ll walk you through the process of the program, answer some FAQs, and give you some more insight so you can decide if CourageLab is right for you. Our next cohort will be in September 2023, so get on the waitlist for CourageLab today! https://julieordonez.com/waitlist If you are in a season where you need to grow exponentially, check out my new program, Million Dollar VIP and see if it’s right for you: https://julieordonez.com/million Music credit: With the Flow by Fin Productions A Podcast Launch Bestie production

In this episode I’ll give you a taste of a masterclass that I will soon have available! We will be discovering your fundraising persona.  Are you a Stress Sammy? Newbie Nelly? Maybe Timid Trinity, or a combination of 2 or all 3? There are ways to address your struggles with each of these, but it all comes down to your mindset, your skillset, and your character. I’ll share a few mantras to help you get through your barriers, such as: Abundance is guaranteed There are people waiting to be part of what you are doing “Yes” lives in the land of “no” Giving is a gift to the giver The mission is more important than your comfort zone You don’t need the “perfect” pitch deck. Don’t wait to feel courageous.  Don’t wait until everything is perfect. Find some accountability and some support, and pick up the phone. If you are in a season where you need to grow exponentially, check out my new program, Million Dollar VIP and see if it’s right for you: https://julieordonez.com/million Our next cohort will be in September 2023, so get on the waitlist for CourageLab today! https://julieordonez.com/waitlist Studies mentioned: https://afpglobal.org/sites/default/files/attachments/generic/FEP%20Q4%202022%20Final.pdf https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2023/demo/p70br-183.pdf https://doublethedonation.com/matching-gift-statistics/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2018/08/14/three-steps-to-overcoming-resistance/?sh=7f2ceec95eae https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=mHTEkvyjaLwC&oi=fnd&pg=PR1&dq=astd+study+on+accountability&ots=Tl_zG176Yi&sig=qGr1ndwsihxE_Pd2ko0WhPtsuJk#v=onepage&q=astd%20study%20on%20accountability&f=false Music credit: With the Flow by Fin Productions A Podcast Launch Bestie production

Over the last few years, we’ve all been through a lot of stress, loss and grief collectively and it has worn a lot of us down. We feel tired and overworked, and many leaders are pushing beyond burnout. When it comes to fundraising, that translates to overthinking, struggling to give up control, and approaching donors with impatience and uncertainty. Remember - your donors are people and they need connections and empathy just like you do, and pushy, desperate energy repels donors.  Are you losing sight of your donors’ humanity? What about your own humanity? Are you allowing yourself to ask for help? Are you tending to your own well-being, or just keeping your head down and pushing through? If you are in a season where you need to grow exponentially, check out my new program, Million Dollar VIP and see if it’s right for you: https://julieordonez.com/million Our next cohort will be in September 2023, so get on the waitlist for CourageLab today! https://julieordonez.com/waitlist Music credit: With the Flow by Fin Productions A Podcast Launch Bestie production

Does this sound familiar? You’re convinced that your donors can’t give any more than they already have, or you’re not sure you even have donors that can give more than $10k. The truth is that the word “all” isn’t accurate.  If you want growth, exponential impact, community transformation, and generational change, you need to get out of the cynicism that has you convinced that your donors are maxed out.  I’m here to help you: Overcome your disbelief Raise more simply by asking for more Get out of your head Stop sabotaging yourself I understand that you want to protect the relationships you have spent years building, but you’re not damaging the relationship by asking for more money. Asking for more is asking them to buy in at a greater level, and that actually strengthens your relationship. If you are in a season where you need to grow exponentially, check out my new program, Million Dollar VIP and see if it’s right for you: https://julieordonez.com/million Our next cohort will be in September 2023, so get on the waitlist for CourageLab today! https://julieordonez.com/waitlist Music credit: With the Flow by Fin Productions A Podcast Launch Bestie production

Things can get tough during an economic downturn. When it’s harder to raise money, often I see leaders projecting their financial difficulties onto their donors or assuming that every donor’s situation is the same. Just because you get feedback from a couple of donors that they are struggling doesn’t mean that every donor is struggling. I have a few pointers to help you build the courage you need to ask during a recession: Remembering the goal Who to ask How to kick fear out of the driver’s seat The best research tool It’s likely that your major donors are ready to step up in new ways because they know people are struggling. You just have to ask them. If you are in a season where you need to grow exponentially, check out my new program, Million Dollar VIP and see if it’s right for you: https://julieordonez.com/million Our next cohort will be in September 2023, so get on the waitlist for CourageLab today! https://julieordonez.com/waitlist Music credit: With the Flow by Fin Productions A Podcast Launch Bestie production

How much do you know about your biggest donors? How much do you know about the circumstances around the biggest gifts you have closed? These are clues to what is working and what you can do more of. What you need to make sure you’re not doing is using relationship building as an excuse not to ask for donations. If someone is a huge fan of your work and is really involved in your mission and has the capacity to give a lot of money, ask them! They don’t need another best friend - they need more opportunities to help your work even more. Change the way they relate to you so they can see you as the executive they knew you could be. Don’t let relationships be the thing that’s stopping you from raising more money. If you are in a season where you need to grow exponentially, check out my new program, Million Dollar VIP and see if it’s right for you: https://julieordonez.com/million Our next cohort will be in September 2023, so get on the waitlist for CourageLab today! https://julieordonez.com/waitlist Music credit: With the Flow by Fin Productions A Podcast Launch Bestie production

I recently did a live workshop and I’m thrilled to bring it to you on the podcast! I’m going to give you practical, actionable steps you can do TODAY to get more major donor meetings. There are a few things that hold us back. For some, it’s the skills. You need a better toolkit. For some, it’s the confidence to talk to your donors and ask the big questions. Today we’re going to talk about your mindset and what you believe about yourself, what you believe about your donors, and how those things need to change. Have you believed any of these things? This donor isn’t responding because they just don’t care that much. They’re super busy and this isn’t a priority right now. Why would these people want to meet with me? These people are so important, who am I? I don’t want to intrude or overstep. I don’t know what I’m gonna say in a meeting, so why should I ask for one? You don’t think your donors actually have much more capacity You need to accomplish more in your mission before you can meet with certain donors. These are assumptions and beliefs that we assign to what’s happening. It’s not necessarily rooted in data unless the donor told you directly. In this episode, I’ll help you to identify your beliefs and what to do with them. I’ll also tell you EXACTLY what you can write in your emails when you’re asking for a meeting or following up with a donor. I’ll cover 3 case study emails and how I would rewrite them and take some Q&A from workshop attendees Our next cohort will be in September 2023, so get on the waitlist for CourageLab today! https://julieordonez.com/waitlist Music credit: With the Flow by Fin Productions A Podcast Launch Bestie production

Have you ever put something off for a long time and when you finally got around to doing it, it wasn’t nearly as hard as you expected? The fear is almost always worse than actually doing the thing. Fear is the signal that you’re about to grow - it doesn’t mean to stop.  Make the decision and take the courageous action. Fear will only grow if you wait. When you learn to take action, even when you’re afraid, you can: Build lots more confidence Raise more money Grow your impact Fulfill your mission If you don’t know how to do that, I need you inside CourageLab. My program is designed to help you get your first $10k in week one because you need a quick win and confidence boost. Take action now and change your relationship with fear. Our next cohort will be in September 2023, so get on the waitlist for CourageLab today! https://julieordonez.com/waitlist Music credit: With the Flow by Fin Productions A Podcast Launch Bestie production

Your goal is set, you have your donor database, your front line fundraisers are ready to go, but you know before you start that the numbers in your projections won’t reach your goal. What do you do? What do you try next? First, ask yourself a few questions: If you really believe that your largest donors were truly on your team, truly have your back and believe in your mission, how would you approach them? Have you asked for new connections, not just for more money? What is your system for cold outreach? Have you checked in and really connected with your current donors? You may have major donors hiding in your database that you haven’t fully connected with yet. You haven’t really tried everything yet. There are other things you can try and even if you did those last year, you can do them again. Ask your most loyal people for more. Not just more money, but more in general, and see what comes of it. If you’re ready to double or even triple your individual giving and start 2023 strong, come grab your spot at CourageLab today! https://nonprofitcouragelab.com/ Music credit: With the Flow by Fin Productions A Podcast Launch Bestie production

Courage comes from being uncomfortable, taking calculated risks that grow our mission and our impact. The one skill that I’ve started doing that has helped me raise millions of dollars is negotiation - and it’s uncomfortable! I learned about negotiation at an event in Los Angeles years ago where I heard a story from a lady who was fundraising for a new hospital wing for low income and homeless families and individuals to really address the issues with healthcare and poverty. She managed to negotiate $2M from one donor because she really believed her mission was worth that much from one person. Do you believe that? You need to have the guts and a plan to ask. Talk to your donors like equals. You have to be able to ask for more. It’s your job to ask for more! I teach my Million Dollar VIP clients how to do this so that closing 6 and 7-figure gifts becomes just another Tuesday.  If you’re ready to double or even triple your individual giving and start 2023 strong, come grab your spot at CourageLab today! https://nonprofitcouragelab.com/ Music credit: With the Flow by Fin Productions A Podcast Launch Bestie production

Today we’re going to talk about how rich people, your major donors, think during a recession. The important thing to remember is that even though some people are struggling right now, not everyone is. Your most generous donors are generous even in a recession. The best data you can get will come directly from your donors’ mouths when you ask them directly. Many of them prioritize generosity and want to be known by that. Your donors are generous people and when you treat them as such, that’s how they’ll behave. Even though they may not be personally struggling financially, recessions are stressful and there is more consideration in what to do philanthropically. You must have a crystal clear vision of impact for the future, and you need to be really efficient in how you talk about your work. Being able to articulate your big vision will inspire people, and that’s what you want. You want it to be obvious that it’ll take a massive amount of capital to make a massive impact. Be straightforward in your communication so your donors know why you need their unique value and their unique contribution. That’s when it becomes important to qualify your leads to be sure they’re mission aligned. Finally, you have to be able to deliver and report back on the impact of the gift, regardless of whether there is a recession. Anybody can write a check and get a tax write-off, but wealthy people want to make an actual difference. If you’re ready to double or even triple your individual giving and start 2023 strong, come grab your spot at CourageLab today! https://nonprofitcouragelab.com/ Music credit: With the Flow by Fin Productions A Podcast Launch Bestie production

Every few episodes, I’ll share an “Ask Julie” episode, where I’ll talk with a client or nonprofit leader about a question they have. In this episode,I’ll give you a sneak peek into one of my monthly coaching workshops. Today’s question is, “Do I give up on this wealthy donor when there’s radio silence?” If a donor seems to be ghosting you, there are a few things you should consider.  What are you doing to stand out among the many other organizations trying to get donations from them? Why should they choose you over everyone else? Odds are you haven’t done the work to be worth his investment. Communicating with your major donors is worth 30 minutes of your time a week. Don’t fill up emails with offers and links and information. Keep them simple and personal, and don’t let resentment build towards your donors. The root of courage is humility. If you’re ready to double or even triple your individual giving and start 2023 strong, come grab your spot at CourageLab today! https://nonprofitcouragelab.com/ Music credit: With the Flow by Fin Productions A Podcast Launch Bestie production

In this episode I’m going to go step by step through the process for building a solid foundation for raising major gifts. I’m not talking about foundations or grants. I mean individuals who contribute $10,000 or more per year to your nonprofit.  First, you need to identify who those donors are and align your priorities to build relationships with them. Don’t be so busy working in your business that you neglect your relationships with donors because if they leave you, you won’t have a business to run. You need to spend more time with them if they’re eager, responsive, giving every year, and even increasing their giving. Don’t take them for granted. Next, you need to change who you are and how you see yourself. Get the guts to ask for more. Build your internal courage. The real risk is not learning how to do these things and hoping that your charisma carries you through. It’s important to aso change the way you see your donors. When I say “rich people,” you might bristle a little bit. They know they can make more money. Their precious limited resource is time. Be mindful of how you use (and waste) your time as well as the time of your volunteers and donors. If you’re ready to double or even triple your individual giving and start 2023 strong, come grab your spot at CourageLab today! https://nonprofitcouragelab.com/ Music credit: With the Flow by Fin Productions A Podcast Launch Bestie production