The Year-End Appeal...It's Not Impawsible
The Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast
In this episode, Brad, Dan, and Jamie from The FOCUS Group bring a mix of humor and expertise to tackle a crucial topic in nonprofit fundraising: year-end appeals. Fundraising can feel daunting—Who should you target? What's the best way to execute your strategy? How do you follow up effectively? Join us as we break it all down, share actionable insights, and offer practical tips to help make your year-end fundraising campaigns more manageable—and successful. TheFOCUSGroup.com
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Send Someone Else!
The Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast
Do you ever feel like God has called you to a big, challenging task? So did Rim Hinckley, founder and Head of School at The Geneva School of Manhattan. She started her career as a math teacher but soon found herself in NYC feeling the tug to respond to late pastor Tim Keller’s question: “What does this city really need?” Being faithful to answer that question has not been an easy road, but Rim shares, “Our timing is not the same as God’s, but when he delivers us, it’s more amazing than we can imagine.” Website: https://www.genevaschool.net/ Recommended Books: “Timothy Keller:...
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Stained Glass Windows
The Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast
Service, Learning & People. Romanita calls these the “red threads” that have been woven into her life and work since she was little. Her current role as CEO of M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is simply the next step in her journey of living out these themes and following the quiet leading in her life. As a leader, she seeks to lift up and empower everyone around her by listening well and always investing in people. Book recommendations: A Testament of Devotion by Thomas Kelly The Way of the Heart: Connecting with God Through Prayer, Wisdom, and Silence by Henri Nouwen
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Fitness, Faith and Fundraising
The Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast
Andrew Smalley is UK-born, loves running and triathlons, and relishes the role he gets to play as head of school in St. Augustine, FL. Hear about Andrew’s journey to his current leadership role and the joy he finds in furthering classical Christian education. The school is in the process of launching a capital campaign, and Andrew knows that to do it well, “You have to start with a strategic plan that tells you what you need to raise money for.” https://veritasclassicalschool.org Books Mentioned Mathematics for Human Flourishing, by Francis Su The Coddling of the American Mind, by Greg...
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All For Jesus
The Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast
Reid Saunders is an evangelist who has led his organization for 27 years. During the past 15 years of Brad and Reid's friendship, RSA has grown 10x and has seen a million people make decisions to follow Jesus worldwide! Enjoy this inspiring and fun interview. Our prayer is that you are encouraged in your journey. Reid’s Book Recommendation: Finishing Strong: Going the Distance for Your Family by Steve Farrar Links: Book mentioned: Stories From The Ends Of The Earth
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Too Good To Be True?
The Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast
When I first learned about Medical Ambassadors International, the scale of their ministry relative to their budget seemed so crazy that it was almost too good to be true. In this episode, we dive deep with Dr. Ravi Jayakaran, the current President, to explore this incredible Christ-centered, grassroots organization. Their holistic approach beautifully intertwines physical and spiritual care, creating lasting change in communities. We’ll also discuss their recent capital campaign, which has dramatically transformed their work. Medical Ambassadors International has 231 staff members in 76...
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Deep Voice and Depth of Character
The Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast
Playing two truths and a lie with Trinidad-born Dr. Wintley Phipps would be tricky. It’s hard to fathom the number of famous people whose paths he has crossed—whether singing for Mother Theresa or for one of six different U.S. Presidents, or at Diana Ross’s wedding, or a divine appointment with a young and not-yet-famous Oprah Winfrey. However, one such “chance” meeting on an Amtrak commute with Chuck Colson, Prison Fellowship founder, eventually led to his passion for youth and the founding of the U.S. Dream Academy. Dr. Phipps entreats us to consider, “Imagine how much greater...
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Can "Seminary" and "Innovative" Go Together?
The Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast
Dr. Felix Theonugraha, President of Western Theological Seminary shares how he sees fundraising as a way to minister to and care for his donor partners. As many seminaries are struggling, Western, instead is leaning into their distinctives such as focus on mental health and Hispanic ministry. Part of their current capital campaign is raising funding to further innovative initiatives including ministry to those with disabilities and a center for Christian imagination.
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What I Learned at Taco Tuesday
The Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast
Ray Keen exudes wisdom and compassion. He’s a veteran CEO of The Canby Center, a wrap-around care ministry to youth and families in a small town in Oregon. Even as a growing organization–they are currently finishing up a $10 million campaign to expand their facilities and services– they seek to emphasize dignity and learning for everyone they serve. Advice to his younger self? "Get to know the Lord, yourself, and those you serve." The Canby Center: thecanbycenter.org Book List: Practicing the Way, by John Mark Comer Giving it all away... and getting it back again, by David Green The 6...
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Saying "Yes" To Kids
The Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast
Chuck Hagele, CEO of , is no stranger to darkness. The ministry he leads provides therapeutic residential programs for teens struggling with severe depression, anxiety and other acute challenges. Through fundraising, they strive to say "Yes" to kids needing treatment even if finances are a barrier. Chuck discusses the difficulties of learning his role, including transitioning leadership from the founder (who also happens to be his father-in-law.) Some helpful books he is reading are: Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood by Dr. Lisa...
info_outlineAs God laid on his heart a desire to re-orient education to the focus of glorifying God, David Nees was drawn to classical education. He is now the Head of School at Heritage Classical Academy outside Cleveland, OH, and has led the school through a phenomenal season of growth in the last decade. More students often leads to a need for new physical spaces, and Heritage is, indeed, in the midst of a campaign to consolidate multiple campuses into one.
A book that David recommends is:
George Washington's Secret Six: The Spy Ring That Saved the American Revolution
by Brian Kilmeade