From Survival to Service: Resilience in Nonprofit Fundraising with Ken Miller
Release Date: 01/06/2026
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info_outlineNonprofit fundraising expert Ken Miller joins May Harris on The Nonprofit Counsel Podcast to share transformative insights on building sustainable development programs and organizational resilience. Ken, founder and CEO of Denali FSP, brings a unique perspective shaped by his journey from homelessness to becoming a Certified Fund-Raising Executive. He reveals how to start a nonprofit fundraising program by understanding your "why" and reframing donor asks as invitations rather than requests. Ken emphasizes that effective fundraising professionals give donors opportunities to feel good about their contributions. The conversation explores storytelling in fundraising, preparing for setbacks, and navigating nonprofit life cycles with acceptance rather than shame.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How to overcome fear in nonprofit fundraising by understanding your personal why and viewing donor asks as invitations to join a meaningful mission rather than uncomfortable requests for money.
Essential steps for nonprofit founders, including legal compliance requirements, avoiding board governance conflicts of interest, understanding nonprofit finance basics like P&L statements and budgets, and joining the Association of Fundraising Professionals for support.
Why shallow engagement through social media fails compared to deep storytelling in fundraising that creates emotional connections, paints pictures of future impact, and builds lasting community through the power of "we."
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TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Ken shares his journey from addiction and homelessness to a nonprofit fundraising leader and his entry into development director work at Bean's Cafe soup kitchen
04:46 Understanding your why as a fundraising professional and reframing the ask as giving donors opportunities to feel good about supporting causes they believe in
14:41 Essential advice for nonprofit founders, including legal requirements, solicitation licenses, and avoiding board conflicts of interest
20:57 Organizational resilience in facing known versus unknown setbacks and accepting truth when unexpected obstacles arise
30:10 Resources for fundraisers of color and the importance of finding a mentor in the nonprofit sector
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Successful nonprofit fundraising requires understanding your personal why and recognizing that you're not taking from donors—you're allowing them to feel good about supporting something they believe in, which removes fear from the solicitation process.
Nonprofit founders must establish a solid legal foundation, including articles of incorporation, solicitation licenses, and proper board governance that avoids conflicts of interest, ensuring founders never serve on boards that set their own salaries.
Organizational resilience means preparing for known setbacks and accepting the truth about unknown ones—not all problems are solvable, and sometimes the only solution is to face the facts and move forward, not let emotions drive you.
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Ken Miller is an author, speaker, and the founder of Denali FSP, a consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations achieve sustainable funding. His book, Becoming Ken: One Black Man’s Journey from Ivy League to Prison and Back Again, chronicles his powerful story of resilience, redemption, and authenticity. Through his keynotes and programs like “From Rock Bottom to Resilience,” Ken inspires audiences to embrace truth, face adversity, and make meaningful life choices.
Men of Color in Development - Website
Association of Fundraisers - Website
For Profit Law Group - Website