Julie Ordoñez is a major gifts coach, fundraiser, and founder of CourageLab, a 6-month major gifts training program for nonprofit founders, EDs, and fundraisers to raise 6-figures in 6 months in just 1-2 hours a week without grants or a gala. Nonprofit CourageLab shares soul-shaking insights on how to become a more courageous leader and raise more money for your nonprofit. No one changed the world without first changing themselves. If you want to raise more money to change the world, you are in the right place.
If you're constantly bending over backwards for difficult donors, accepting restricted gifts that create more work than they're worth, or letting wealthy people dictate your strategy, this episode is going to challenge you. This episode breaks down the philosophy behind Bold Fundraising. It isn't about being louder or more aggressive. It's about having the courage to lead your nonprofit with clear standards, clear values, and the confidence to stop chasing money that pulls you away from your mission. Sharing the mindset shifts that have helped organizations raise millions in unrestricted revenue, scale without burnout, and build donor communities based in trust instead of transactions. If you've ever felt like your fundraising strategy depends on keeping everyone happy, this episode offers a completely different way forward. What you'll learn in this episode Why self-respect is one of the biggest competitive advantages in fundraising How to define the kind of donor community you actually want to build Why unrestricted revenue should become your fundraising standard The difference between trust-based donors and high-maintenance donors Why you should stop asking your board, "Who do you know that's rich?" The three relationship shifts every fundraiser needs to make before walking into a major donor meeting How to stay in the driver's seat when meeting with confident, successful donors Why saying "we don't accept restricted gifts" often leads to better conversations, not fewer gifts How your calendar and budget should reflect the leader you're becoming, not the nonprofit you've outgrown Why scaling your organization starts with saying no to work that no longer serves your mission The organizations that grow the fastest aren't saying yes to every opportunity. They're crystal clear about where they're going, who belongs on the journey, and what they're no longer willing to tolerate. That's what Bold Fundraising looks like. 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 ED or DD of a $1M+ making a difference in your community and you’re ready to make bigger, bolder asks, then DM me “CL” on LinkedIn and I’ll share details.
Have a big 6 or 7-figure ask coming up? Book a Big Gift 1:1 Strategy Session today. Let's plan your approach before the meeting, the ask, any written proposal, and the follow-up. I've helped nonprofit CEOs raise $95 million in major gifts in the last 7 years. Click here to book your 1-hour private call now. Stop treating summer like a fundraising break. The nonprofits that have a calm, confident September are not scrambling to reconnect with donors. They spent June, July, and August building relationships. In this final episode of Season 8, I explain why summer stewardship is one of the most overlooked opportunities in major gifts fundraising. While many organizations focus on events, planning, or internal projects, the strongest fundraisers are staying close to their top donors. The truth is simple: the work you do this summer determines how your year ends. If you want bigger gifts, more unrestricted revenue, and stronger donor partnerships, now is the time to invest in relationships. What you'll learn in this episode Why summer is one of the most important seasons for major gifts fundraising How donor relationships built in June, July, and August impact year-end results The mistake many nonprofits make after a busy spring fundraising season Why consistent communication creates trust and leads to larger gifts How to stay connected with donors without feeling transactional What true donor partnerships look like beyond writing a check Why unrestricted revenue grows when trust grows How strong stewardship helps donors feel connected to your mission The difference between taking donors for granted and intentionally investing in relationships How to create a more peaceful, successful end-of-year fundraising season At the end of the day, major gifts are not built in November and December. They're built months earlier through trust, communication, and consistent relationship-building. Summer stewardship isn't extra work. It's the 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 ED or DD of a $1M+ making a difference in your community and you’re ready to make bigger, bolder asks, then DM me “CL” on LinkedIn and I’ll share details.
Most nonprofits are sitting on more donor potential than they realize. In this second part of my live CourageLab coaching session, I walk through some of the fundraising principles that separate organizations stuck at one level from those that break through to the next. If you're raising $1 million and trying to get to $3 million, these are the kinds of mindset shifts and fundraising behaviors that matter. We talk about donor communication, confidence, wealth conversations, and why asking for bigger gifts gives you the best donor data you'll ever get. None of this is complicated. But it does require courage, consistency, and a willingness to stop making assumptions about your donors. The organizations raising transformational gifts are not waiting for perfect conditions. They're staying in touch, telling the truth, having wealth conversations, and asking boldly. That's what this episode is about. What you'll learn in this episode • Why staying in touch with donors is not optional and is actually ethical fundraising • How consistent donor communication builds trust long before a larger gift arrives • Why confidence transfers to donors and apologetic energy does too • How bold leaders naturally attract bold philanthropists • What wealth events are and why they happen every single day regardless of the economy • How conversations about stock gifts, donor advised funds, and assets can unlock gifts far larger than cash donations • Why asking for a major gift reveals more useful information than any wealth screening tool ever will • The questions that help you understand a donor's true giving capacity and timeline • How to stop making assumptions about donor loyalty, priorities, and long-term commitment • Why better donor conversations lead to more accurate fundraising projections and stronger planning The best way to find out what a donor is capable of is not another report, dashboard, or wealth screen. It's a conversation. Stay in touch, tell the truth, ask boldly, and let donors show you who they are. Most of the certainty you're looking for is sitting on the other side of a bigger ask. 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 ED or DD of a $1M+ making a difference in your community and you’re ready to make bigger, bolder asks, then DM me “CL” on LinkedIn and I’ll share details.
Stop trying to earn donor trust with polished updates. In this episode, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at a training I recently led inside Courage Lab. These are the kinds of conversations we have with nonprofit leaders who are serious about raising more money and leading at a higher level. This is Part 1 of a teaching on Million Dollar Success Principles. Not tactics. Not donor hacks. The deeper truths I’ve learned from raising millions of dollars, learning from incredible mentors, and watching successful nonprofit leaders do this work over and over again. We talk about trust, donor behavior, leadership, vision, and why so many organizations unintentionally create the fundraising problems they complain about. Some of these ideas might sting a little. That's okay. The truth tends to do that. If you want bigger gifts, stronger donor relationships, and more sustainable fundraising, this episode will challenge how you think about donors and your role as a leader. What you'll learn in this episode Why honest donor communication builds more trust than polished success stories How constantly sharing wins can actually weaken donor confidence The real reason donors ask for restricted gifts and more control Why trust, not control, is the foundation of major donor relationships How a clear long-term vision helps you raise larger and multi-year gifts Why donors stop giving when they run out of future with your organization The connection between strategic planning and major gift fundraising How donor behavior often reflects the leadership they're receiving Why donors only know what you tell them and give based on what you ask for The fundraising mistakes leaders make when they assume donors know what they need The leaders who raise the most money are willing to tell the truth. They trust donors with the real story. They paint a compelling future. And they take responsibility for leading donor behavior instead of blaming it. That's what creates trust, partnership, and transformational giving. 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 ED or DD of a $1M+ making a difference in your community and you’re ready to make bigger, bolder asks, then DM me “CL” on LinkedIn and I’ll share details.
This episode might ruffle some feathers. Good. Because we need to talk honestly about the real cost of galas, especially for small nonprofit teams that are already stretched thin. After hearing yet another executive director say, “the gala nearly killed me,” I wanted to pull this conversation into the light. Not because I’m anti-event in every circumstance, but because too many organizations are sacrificing their people in the name of fundraising. And that should bother all of us. In this episode, I break down why sustainability matters more than profitability, why small teams are drowning trying to manage seven revenue streams at once, and why unrestricted major gifts are often the better path forward. This is about more than fundraising strategy. It’s about leadership, courage, culture, and deciding what kind of organization you actually want to build. If you’ve ever felt trapped in the endless cycle of sponsorships, ticket sales, late nights, burnout, and recovery mode, this conversation is for you. What you’ll learn in this episode Why many small-team galas are completely unsustainable The hidden emotional and operational cost most organizations ignore when evaluating events Why “profitable” does not automatically mean healthy or aligned with your mission How spreading yourself across too many revenue streams leads to mediocre results everywhere Why unrestricted major gifts can outperform gala revenue with far less staff strain The difference between relationship-based fundraising and event-based fundraising How donor-hosted house parties can create momentum without crushing your team Why courageous conversations with boards are necessary if you want lasting change The leadership mindset required to move away from burnout-based fundraising What “kill your gala before it kills you” actually means At the end of the day, the way you raise money is part of your mission. If your organization values human dignity, care, and sustainability, your fundraising culture should reflect that too. Burning out your staff to fund the mission is not the flex some organizations think it is. 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 ED or DD of a $1M+ making a difference in your community and you’re ready to make bigger, bolder asks, then DM me “CL” on LinkedIn and I’ll share details.
Stop doing fundraising that nearly kills you. Seriously. In this episode, I’m walking through the profitable fundraising swaps I would make every single time after helping clients raise more than $70 million. These are the simpler, more sustainable, higher-return strategies I’d choose over the exhausting nonprofit habits that so many teams normalize. Some of the most common fundraising strategies are draining your team, eating your time, and producing way less ROI than you think. If you’re an ED or fundraiser constantly exhausted by events, campaigns, and “doing all the things,” this episode is your permission slip to stop overcomplicating fundraising. There is an easier way to raise serious money without burning yourself out in the process. What you’ll learn in this episode Why house parties build stronger donor relationships than galas The hidden cost of fundraising events that small teams rarely account for Why major gifts are a better long-term strategy than chasing grants How restricted revenue is actually dangerous to the sustainability of your organization Why donors don’t need more control in order to trust you The problem with relying too heavily on wealth screening tools How to build stronger donor relationships without expensive software How to save years of loneliness and painful trial and error The fundraising strategy shift that creates more predictable revenue The free, underused donor connection tool for nonprofits Fundraising should not feel like a constant recovery cycle. If your strategy leaves your team exhausted, overwhelmed, and scrambling every few months, that’s a systems problem, not a work ethic problem. If working harder was the answer, you’d be raising $10M a year by now. 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 ED or DD of a $1M+ making a difference in your community and you’re ready to make bigger, bolder asks, then DM me “CL” on LinkedIn and I’ll share details.
A donor asked one of my clients, “How much do I have to give for you to stop asking?” Oof. That question hit me right in the chest. And honestly, I think a lot of fundraisers have either been asked something like this or secretly fear hearing it. In this episode, I break down exactly how I would respond and why I believe obligation has no place in major gifts fundraising. None. I’m not interested in convincing, pressuring, manipulating, or cornering someone into giving. That’s not partnership. That’s coercion with a tax receipt. We talk about the difference between fundraising from desperation versus fundraising from grounded leadership. Because donors can feel your energy. They can feel when you’re white knuckling a goal, trying to force a gift, or needing their validation. And they can also feel when you genuinely mean it when you say: “You do not have to give.” The best donor relationships are built with people who are all in. People who want to be there. The people who don’t just write checks, but become real partners in the mission. That kind of fundraising starts with you releasing pressure from yourself first. What you’ll learn in this episode How Julie would respond when a donor says, “How much do I have to give for you to stop asking?” Why obligation-based fundraising damages donor relationships The psychological reason donors are more likely to give when they feel fully free to choose How desperation and pressure show up in donor conversations, even when you think you’re hiding it Why emotional regulation matters in major gifts fundraising The difference between inviting someone into a mission versus convincing them to fund it How to stop white knuckling individual donor relationships Why real donor partnerships require alignment, not pressure What “walk away power” actually looks like in fundraising conversations How releasing donors from obligation helps attract more passionate, committed supporters At the end of the day, major gifts fundraising is not about getting people to do things they do not want to do. It’s about leading well enough, listening deeply enough, and believing strongly enough in your mission that the right people naturally lean in. The more grounded and pressure-free you become, the more authentic and sustainable your donor relationships will 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 ED or DD of a $1M+ making a difference in your community and you’re ready to make bigger, bolder asks, then DM me “CL” on LinkedIn and I’ll share details.
There are a handful of patterns I see over and over again when organizations get stuck around $300K in individual giving. Not because they don’t care. Not because their mission isn’t strong. But because of how they’re operating day to day. In this episode, I’m breaking down the biggest mistakes that quietly cap your growth. The ones that feel normal. Even smart. But are actually keeping you from getting to $1M in major gifts. From overthinking and waiting for the perfect moment, to chasing random strategies and writing emails no one responds to. And then the deeper shift. Learning how to lead with clarity, make decisions on purpose, and have conversations that actually unlock bigger gifts. This is less about doing more. And more about tightening how you think, how you communicate, and how you show up. What you’ll learn in this episode Why overthinking is keeping you stuck and why action is the only way to get real data on what works The hidden danger of relying on surprise big gifts and why it’s not a strategy How “good times” can actually slow your growth if you stop investing in fundraising Why making up your strategy as you go leads to mediocre results even if you’re good with people How to choose a clear growth strategy and stick to it instead of chasing every idea The real reason your emails are getting ignored and how to fix it fast What donors actually need to give. Trust, credibility, and a clear vision Why hiring people who have never raised money is costing you growth How every fundraiser hits a ceiling and why you need expert support to break through it The biggest missed opportunity. Asking only for cash when 90% of wealth is elsewhere How shifting to conversations about donor wealth can 4x or 10x your results with the same donors If you want different results, you have to stop playing small with your strategy and your thinking. Growth doesn’t come from doing more random tactics. It comes from being intentional, building real skills, and asking at the level your donors actually operate. 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 ED or DD of a $1M+ making a difference in your community and you’re ready to make bigger, bolder asks, then DM me “CL” on LinkedIn and I’ll share details.
If your board keeps saying they’ll help fundraise but nothing actually happens, this is for you. This is one of the biggest frustrations I hear from EDs and development leaders. You ask. You remind. You bring it up in meetings. And still… no real results. In this episode, I break down the three mistakes that are keeping your board stuck and what to do instead. Because your board can be one of your strongest pipelines for new donors, but only if you lead them, equip them, and stop assuming they know what they’re doing. I’m also sharing real examples of what happens when this clicks, like a $5,000 gift that came in three days after a simple introduction and a $283,000 night from a board-led micro event. This is about getting actual results, not just talking about fundraising. What you’ll learn in this episode Why following your board’s ideas instead of leading them is killing your fundraising results How to redirect unhelpful suggestions like galas into what you actually need What leadership really looks like when it comes to board fundraising Why your board doesn’t know how to make introductions even if it seems obvious to you How to equip board members with simple, fast talking points they can actually use The real reason board members avoid fundraising and it’s not laziness How your own attitude toward fundraising is shaping your board’s behavior Why most board members are not anti fundraising, they’re anti feeling awkward and salesy What it takes to turn board members into a consistent source of new donors How to use simple strategies like micro events to generate major gifts quickly Your board is not the problem. The lack of leadership, clarity, and tools is. When you lead them, equip them, and show them a better way to fundraise, they will step up. And when they do, they can become your strongest source of new donors. 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 ED or DD of a $1M+ making a difference in your community and you’re ready to make bigger, bolder asks, then DM me “CL” on LinkedIn and I’ll share details.
You don’t need more time. You need a better strategy. In this Ask Julie episode, I answer a question from a CEO who just lost their head of fundraising and now has to grow individual giving from $400K to $1M… solo. No time. No team. No margin for wasted effort. So we cut the fluff. I walk through exactly what I would do in that situation. What to stop doing immediately. Where to focus instead. And how to grow revenue using the fastest, most sustainable path available to you right now. This is about simplifying your strategy, doubling down on relationships, and actually using your board instead of hoping they magically start fundraising. What you’ll learn in this episode Why your first move should be deciding what to stop doing, not what to add How to choose a fundraising strategy based on your time, energy, and actual strengths Why major donor relationships are the fastest path from $400K to $1M How to identify and unlock the money you’re already leaving on the table What effective donor retention actually looks like when you don’t have time for complexity How to use your natural communication strengths for stewardship Why newsletters are often a waste and what to do instead How to upgrade current donors without overcomplicating your approach Why your board isn’t helping you fundraise and how to fix it The simple messaging your board actually needs to bring you new donors You don’t need more tactics. You need focus. The simplest path is almost always the most effective one, especially when you’re short on time. Prioritize relationships, upgrade the donors you already have, and activate your board with clear, simple messaging. 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 ED or DD of a $1M+ making a difference in your community and you’re ready to make bigger, bolder asks, then DM me “CL” on LinkedIn and I’ll share details.
Moves management is slowing you down. And it’s costing you real money. In this episode, I’m breaking down why the traditional donor life cycle is outdated at best and harmful at worst. We’ve been taught to move donors through a neat, predictable pipeline. Discovery, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship. Sounds clean. Doesn’t work in real life. Because donors don’t move on your timeline. And they definitely don’t need to be “managed.” I walk you through what actually works instead. How to recognize when someone is ready right now. How to stop putting up unnecessary barriers. And how to lead in a way that unlocks six and seven figure gifts faster, with less friction, and way more alignment. What you’ll learn in this episode Why moves management creates unnecessary delays and blocks ready donors from giving How rigid donor pipelines force conformity instead of real relationships The real reason donors avoid meetings and how to respond instead How major gifts can happen in weeks or months, not years What it means to “read the donor” instead of tracking them through stages Why digital communication is enough to qualify and close major gifts How to identify when a donor is serious versus wasting your time Why bold leadership builds trust faster than over-accommodating donors How to ask before it feels comfortable and why waiting kills momentum The role of vision in unlocking bigger gifts and long-term donor commitment Donors don’t need to be managed. They need to be led. When you stop forcing people into a process and start responding to who they actually are, everything speeds up. Gifts get bigger. Trust builds faster. And you stop leaving money on the table that your mission needs right now. 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 ED or DD of a $1M+ making a difference in your community and you’re ready to make bigger, bolder asks, then DM me “CL” on LinkedIn and I’ll share details.
You’re not stuck. You’re just playing it way too cool. If you’ve been feeling discouraged, checked out, or like fundraising just isn’t working right now, this is your wake-up call. Because the problem isn’t your donors. It’s not the economy. It’s not timing. You’ve lost your edge. In this episode, I’m walking you through what it actually takes to shake yourself out of that half-hearted energy and start raising serious money again. And spoiler: it’s not another strategy. It’s audacity. I’m breaking down exactly what I would do to raise six figures in the next 90 days, even after losses, setbacks, or a rough quarter. What you’ll learn in this episode Why feeling discouraged is often a sign you’re playing it too safe How audacity can instantly shift your energy and results in fundraising Why your current donors are your best source for new major donor referrals How to get into high-level rooms by asking to be a plus one What happens when you cold DM a dream donor and just go for it Why you should be asking loyal donors about planned gifts right now How to turn volunteers and board members into real revenue drivers Why asking for 20x more changes how donors see you and your leadership The leadership problem behind underperforming teams and boards How dropping your ego and asking for help leads to real opportunities and major gifts If your donors aren’t stepping up, it’s because you aren’t. They follow your lead. When you raise your level of boldness, urgency, and conviction, everything shifts. This is leadership. Not strategy. 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 ED or DD of a $1M+ making a difference in your community and you’re ready to make bigger, bolder asks, then DM me “CL” on LinkedIn and I’ll share details.
If you’ve hit a million in revenue and suddenly everything feels harder, you’re not doing it wrong. You’ve just hit the plateau almost no one talks about. This episode breaks down why growth slows down right when you’re trying to scale. Not because your mission isn’t strong. Not because you need more tactics. But because the way you lead, communicate, and ask has to change. I walk through the exact patterns I see with executive directors and small teams stuck at this level. The good news is none of this requires more hustle. It requires better decisions, clearer messaging, and a lot more courage in the conversations you’ve been avoiding. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why getting from $1M to $2M is often harder than getting from $0 to $1M How hiring becomes a major bottleneck and leadership skill at this stage Why “cheerleader boards” stop working and what real board partnership looks like How unclear, long-winded messaging is quietly costing you major gifts Why your organization must be explainable in 20 seconds or less How weak or vague asks leave six figures on the table with donors you already have The real reason you’re under-asking and how it’s actually confusing your donors Why focusing on pitching instead of dialogue is limiting your results How to respond when donors say “not now” without losing the relationship The connection between avoided conversations and stalled revenue growth You don’t break through the million-dollar plateau by working harder. You break through by saying the things you’ve been avoiding, asking for what you actually need, and leading donors with clarity instead of hesitation. 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 ED or DD of a $1M+ making a difference in your community and you’re ready to make bigger, bolder asks, then DM me “CL” on LinkedIn and I’ll share details.
In this episode, I’m sharing something I’ve never broken down this clearly before: the core qualities and inner leadership skills I see in fundraisers who consistently close major gifts with more ease, confidence, and integrity. These ideas come directly from my own experience, from the work I do inside Courage Lab, and from watching fundraisers transform their results simply by shifting how they show up—not by adding more tasks to their plate. What you’ll learn in this episode: • Why separating your self-worth from donor responses makes fundraising lighter and far more effective • How your presence, energy, and sincerity directly shape donor conversations • Why genuine curiosity leads to deeper relationships and bigger gifts • How self-awareness and self-acceptance strengthen your confidence with donors • Why releasing assumptions and pressure opens space for more natural, productive conversations • How embodying courage and conviction positions you as a peer to donors—not someone seeking approval At the end of the day, what I share in this episode comes down to this: fundraising is an inside job. When you show up grounded, curious, and confident in who you are, everything else becomes easier. You build trust faster, your conversations are richer, and donors feel inspired to step into bigger opportunities. If you want to explore this work further, connect with me on LinkedIn or learn more about Courage Lab. I'm so glad you're here. 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 today’s episode, I’m bringing you a really special conversation with someone I adore — my friend and Courage Lab grad, Sheena Grosshans If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I love highlighting fundraisers who are doing courageous, meaningful work, and Sheena is truly one of the best examples of what’s possible when you combine heart, boldness, and a willingness to grow. Sheena raised $250,000 in just six months while working only 1–2 hours a week inside Courage Lab. Yep — you read that right. And what makes her story even more powerful is that she’s doing life-changing work at To Write Love on Her Arms , supporting young people who are struggling with depression, addiction, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. Her commitment, her empathy, and her sheer belief in the mission shine through in everything she does. In this episode, you’ll hear us talk about: • How Sheena built a major gifts program from scratch • The mindset shift that transformed her confidence asking for bigger gifts • Why being bold, direct, and unapologetic changed the way donors responded • The tiny follow-up habit that unlocked a $10,000 gift (and a $40,000 annual fundraiser!) • How one “small” $500 gift turned into a $20,000 annual donor • The courage it takes to restructure your role so you can actually raise more money • What it looks like to advocate for your own capacity and get things off your plate • Why consistency builds trust faster than any fancy stewardship plan • How relationship-based fundraising helped her donors feel deeply connected to the mission One of my favorite moments in this conversation is when Sheena shares the internal shift from “maybe you could give if you want” to “we are the best at what we do, and I’m inviting you into something powerful.” That shift alone can change everything — and you’ll hear exactly how it did for her. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to step fully into your leadership as a fundraiser, to believe in the value of your work, and to ask boldly from that place of conviction, Sheena’s story is going to light you up. I’m so proud of the work she’s done, and even more excited for you to learn from her today. Let’s dive in. Want 15 leads in 5 minutes? DM me "Breakfast burrito" on LinkedIn and I'll send you a pdf and 6-minute training to help you generate 15 leads for your nonprofit in minutes. It's totally free. All you need is an email to sign up. DM me "Breakfast burrito" - I'm from Texas, what can I say? - to get your pdf and mini training. If you're an org with at least $800k annual budget and major gifts is your top priority, but you need a better strategy and approach, get on the waitlist for the next CourageLab cohort here: https://julieordonez.kit.com/couragelab2
This episode originally aired on the We Are For Good Podcast in their Working Sessions series. I’m sharing it here on my own channel so you can dive into practical strategies for closing major gifts this season. It’s giving season, and if you want to close major gifts in the next few weeks, this episode is for you. I walk you through exactly who to ask, how to ask, and how to approach these conversations with courage and confidence. No fluff—just actionable steps to help you move forward with clarity and impact. Here’s what we cover: Identifying your warm prospects: I guide you through how to focus on donors who are already primed to give—those who’ve expressed support recently or are “all in” with your mission. Stop overthinking and start taking action. Recognizing signals from your community: From emails, social media engagement, to personal encounters—learn how to spot the people who are most likely to respond. Managing mindset and fear: I talk about why discomfort is normal when asking for major gifts and how courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s acting despite it. How to ask for more confidently: I break down the importance of being specific in your ask, giving donors clarity, and removing obstacles that slow their decision-making. Handling mistakes with humility: I share how showing up authentically, even if imperfectly, builds trust and strengthens relationships. Tools and resources: I offer my free Opportunity Brainstorm PDF to help you map your warm prospects and take immediate action. Asking for major gifts doesn’t have to feel paralyzing. By focusing on the right people, preparing internally, and showing up courageously, you can increase your impact and build stronger relationships with your supporters. Refusing to let fear hold you back ensures your mission gets the resources it deserves—and it’s easier than you think to take those first steps. Want 15 leads in 5 minutes? DM me "Breakfast burrito" on LinkedIn and I'll send you a pdf and 6-minute training to help you generate 15 leads for your nonprofit in minutes. It's totally free. All you need is an email to sign up. DM me "Breakfast burrito" - I'm from Texas, what can I say? - to get your pdf and mini training. If you're an org with at least $800k annual budget and major gifts is your top priority, but you need a better strategy and approach, get on the waitlist for the next CourageLab cohort here: https://julieordonez.kit.com/couragelab2
In this episode, I’m bringing you a powerful conversation with someone I’ve had the absolute privilege of working with over the last year and a half: Katherine Powers , Executive Director at Pacific Opera Project (POP). Katherine’s story is one of real transformation — as a leader, as a fundraiser, and as a steward of a growing arts organization that’s doing incredible, joyful, boundary-pushing work in Los Angeles. When Katherine stepped into the ED role, she had no fundraising experience and very little time to figure it out. But what she did have was determination, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. In our conversation, she shares honestly about what it was like to come into major gifts as a total beginner, why fundraising initially terrified her, and what shifted once she began learning a clear framework and building her confidence. We talk through the mindset changes that helped her grow POP’s contributed revenue from under $200k to over $400k a year — in just a couple of years — including closing multiple $50k gifts and preparing for POP’s first-ever six-figure solicitation. She gets into the practical steps she took, the scripts and tools that helped her, and the moments where she realized she was becoming the kind of leader who could ask boldly and lead her board and donors with clarity and vision. I love this conversation so much because Katherine’s story proves what I deeply believe: when you have the right model and the right support, you can learn how to raise transformational money — even if you’re a one-person development shop doing five other jobs at the same time. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Katherine went from “I never want to ask for money” to confidently closing $50k gifts The mindset shifts that unlocked her ability to lead boldly and fundraise effectively Why major gifts became POP’s biggest opportunity — and how she structured her time The exact tools and frameworks she used to make her first successful asks How her transformation changed her board’s culture, donor relationships, and the organization’s trajectory Why investing in her own development helped the entire organization grow The revenue growth POP has experienced and what that means for their community, staff, and artists This episode is such an encouragement if you’re a solo ED, a first-time fundraiser, or someone who knows major gifts is the next step — but aren’t sure how to start. Katherine’s story is proof that you can learn this, and you can thrive in it. Want 15 leads in 5 minutes? DM me "Breakfast burrito" on LinkedIn and I'll send you a pdf and 6-minute training to help you generate 15 leads for your nonprofit in minutes. It's totally free. All you need is an email to sign up. DM me "Breakfast burrito" - I'm from Texas, what can I say? - to get your pdf and mini training. If you're an org with at least $800k annual budget and major gifts is your top priority, but you need a better strategy and approach, get on the waitlist for the next CourageLab cohort here: https://julieordonez.kit.com/couragelab2
In this episode, I’m digging into the real shifts that happen when leaders stop performing, stop softening themselves, and start showing up with clarity, honesty, and real authority — especially in major gifts work. Regina, an Executive Director in Courage Lab, shares her experience of shedding the “always upbeat, always polished” persona and stepping fully into her CEO energy. She talks about what changed when she stopped trying to be overly cheerful for donors who didn’t need or value that, how being direct actually accelerated trust, and what she’s learning as she leads a new development director through this work. Together, we explore what authentic leadership looks like, why relationships deepen faster when you tell the truth, and how taking courageous action creates real momentum inside an organization. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE • Why donors don’t need (or want) a polished persona — they want clarity, vision, and real talk • How Regina realized she was draining energy by trying to sound upbeat instead of operating as a CEO • The difference between relationship building and performing happiness • How direct, honest communication fast-tracks donor trust • Why showing donors the real challenges — not just the “shiny penny” — actually strengthens the partnership • How her development director stepped into courage early, even while still learning the organization • The mindset shift that helped her team make direct asks confidently, even without long-term relationships • What happened when donors began engaging more deeply, referring others, and leaning into honest conversations • How consistency, authenticity, and direct asks created organizational momentum • Why Regina invested in Courage Lab, what stood out to her, and why the accountability model made all the difference • What changed for their board, their fundraising approach, and their long-term strategy • The transformation she’s already seeing just one month into the program — and what she hopes others take away from this work This conversation is such a powerful reminder that major gifts aren’t built on performance — they’re built on leadership. When you stop worrying about being overly positive, deferential, or “pleasant” and instead tell the truth about what’s needed, donors rise to the occasion. Regina’s story shows what’s possible when an Executive Director claims her authority, leads authentically, and commits to courageous action even before everything feels perfect. It also shows how quickly things can shift when a team has the right structure, accountability, and support. If you want to hear what this kind of transformation looks like behind the scenes — and you’re curious about what Courage Lab can unlock for you — this episode is absolutely worth a listen. 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 bit of a rant, because honestly, I just can’t take it anymore. There is some really bad fundraising advice floating around the nonprofit world, and one piece in particular absolutely drives me up the wall. You may have heard it before — “If you want money, ask for advice. If you want advice, ask for money.” The idea behind it is that you should ask donors for their input first as a “relationship building tactic,” and then eventually you’ll be able to ask for money. But here’s what actually ends up happening: nonprofit leaders avoid asking for financial support altogether. They keep having meetings, asking for advice, collecting feedback… and meanwhile, the mission is still under-funded. I see this constantly with EDs, CEOs, development staff — and it’s not relationship-building. It’s manipulation. It’s having a hidden agenda. And I don’t do hidden agendas. In this episode, I talk about why “ask for advice to get money” is dysfunctional, manipulative, and ultimately ineffective in raising sustainable funding. I share why honesty is the real trust-builder, why clarity is more respectful than tip-toeing around your intentions, and why being direct is not rude — it’s actually generous. If we’re asking for support because our work matters, then we don’t need to hide that. We also talk about: Why confidence matters more than perfectly scripted asks How “advice collecting” is often just procrastination dressed up as strategy Why you should only ask for advice from people who have actually done what you’re trying to do How implementing someone’s feedback (and reporting back) is what actually strengthens relationships Why direct, honest asking raises more money faster — without the emotional exhaustion If you've been told to “build the relationship first” but were never taught how , this episode is going to feel like taking a huge breath of fresh air. You don’t need to manipulate. You don’t need to disguise your intentions. You don’t need to be scared of asking. You need courage, clarity, and clean communication — and we talk about all of that here. Take a listen — especially if you’ve been avoiding the ask. This might be the moment everything clicks. Want 15 leads in 5 minutes? DM me "Breakfast burrito" on LinkedIn and I'll send you a pdf and 6-minute training to help you generate 15 leads for your nonprofit in minutes. It's totally free. All you need is an email to sign up. DM me "Breakfast burrito" - I'm from Texas, what can I say? - to get your pdf and mini training. If you're an org with at least $800k annual budget and major gifts is your top priority, but you need a better strategy and approach, get on the waitlist for the next CourageLab cohort here: https://julieordonez.kit.com/couragelab2
Hey friend! I’m recording from my new apartment in Chicago, and I’m so excited to bring you Part 3 of my series on end-of-year giving strategies. This episode is a pep talk about the single most important thing I want you to focus on for a successful end of year: asking for more. I know it sounds simple, but asking for more is the strategy that makes the biggest difference in raising money. I’m talking about asking current donors, loyal supporters, and even monthly donors for more — without overthinking it, without worrying about what’s “too much,” and without trying to budget their philanthropy for them. Your job is to communicate the need, build relationships, and invite generosity. The rest is up to them. IN THIS EPISODE: Why asking for more is the #1 strategy for end-of-year success How to stop worrying about what’s “too much” for your donors Why perfectionism and over-preparing can actually hold you back How humility can make up for lack of know-how or missteps Why fundraising is risky — and why that’s okay How to turn mistakes into stronger donor relationships Tips for having confident, clear conversations with your supporters My approach to determining ask amounts and staying decisive How to navigate awkwardness, conflict, and uncertainty with donors The truth is, most of us overthink asking for more, and that hesitation costs time, energy, and ultimately, donations. I want you to feel set free from the fear of asking for too much or getting it “wrong.” Humility, emotional intelligence, and willingness to risk are your allies — they allow you to make the ask, repair missteps if needed, and build stronger, healthier relationships. Whether you’re raising major gifts for the first time or trying to hit your end-of-year goals, this episode is packed with practical advice and encouragement to help you lean in, take the risk, and ask for more. DM me CL to learn about joining Courage Lab, my cohort for leaders who want to raise $100K+ in just 1–2 hours a week. 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
