Faith, Leadership, and the Next Generation of Fundraising (Part 2)
Release Date: 12/10/2025
How CEOs Recruit and Retain Great Fundraisers - Part 2
Fit Fundraising
In Part 2 of How CEOs Recruit and Retain Great Fundraisers, Roy Jones continues the conversation with Pam Axberg, CEO of Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities. Drawing on her experience leading both major corporations and a mission-driven nonprofit, Pam shares how executive leaders should think about recruiting, developing, and retaining fundraising talent. This discussion moves beyond résumés and job descriptions to focus on leadership philosophy, culture alignment, and the structural decisions that determine whether development teams succeed or struggle. For nonprofit CEOs, executive directors,...
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How CEOs Recruit and Retain Great Fundraisers - Part 1
Fit Fundraising
In this episode of the Fit Fundraising Podcast, Roy Jones sits down with Pam Axberg, CEO of Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities, to unpack how high-impact nonprofit leaders recruit, hire, and retain exceptional fundraisers. Leading an organization that raises over $20 million annually, Pam shares how mission alignment, cultural fit, and disciplined hiring practices shape her leadership strategy.
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Major Donor Meetings From The C-suite - Part 2
Fit Fundraising
What if the biggest mistake nonprofits make with major gifts is quitting too early? In this episode of the Fit Fundraising Podcast, Roy Jones sits down with Michelle Porter, CEO and co-founder of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, to unpack what really happens when an organization commits to building a major gift program from the ground up. Michelle shares her firsthand experience launching major donor meetings in the middle of rapid organizational growth, what surprised her most about donors, and why the first meeting is rarely where the biggest gifts happen. From learning to listen instead of...
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Major Donor Meetings From The C-suite
Fit Fundraising
What really happens when nonprofit CEOs step out of the boardroom and into one-on-one conversations with their donors? In this episode of the Fit Fundraising Podcast, Roy Jones sits down with Michelle Porter, CEO and Co-Founder of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, to unpack what she learned by personally meeting with key supporters—without a large fundraising staff or a formal major gifts department. Michelle shares how Souls Harbour grew from serving one meal to becoming a $17 million, multi-site mission, and how intentional, relational donor meetings from the C-suite transformed both donor...
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Faith, Leadership, and the Next Generation of Fundraising (Part 2)
Fit Fundraising
In Part 2 of our conversation with Jordan Smith, Executive Chief Development Officer at Tree of Life Ministries, we explore what it really takes to reach donors from Boomers to Gen Z. Jordan breaks down the communication habits of different generations, how Tree of Life grew from a small online presence to more than 13,000 followers, and why social media is now the front door to donor engagement. Jordan also shares how strategic events — including something as simple as a community pickleball tournament — are bringing in brand-new supporters, and how thoughtful follow-up, prayer, and...
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Faith, Leadership, and the Next Generation of Fundraising (Pt. 1)
Fit Fundraising
In this episode, Roy Jones sits down with Jordan Smith, Executive Chief Development Officer at Tree of Life Ministries in Purcellville, Virginia. Jordan shares how a moment of compassion in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina inspired his family to launch a ministry that now partners with more than 40 churches and serves thousands each year. Together, Roy and Jordan explore what it means to lead with humility across generations—how younger leaders can introduce innovation while honoring the wisdom of those who came before them. From implementing new technology to building bridges between...
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Bridging Boomers, Gen X, and the Next Wave of Donors (Pt 2)
Fit Fundraising
In Part 2 of this Fit Fundraising Podcast conversation, Roy Jones and Cheryl Hackett, Director of Development at the Wyoming Rescue Mission, dive deeper into what truly connects donors across generations—stories and relationships. Cheryl shares how faith, authenticity, and storytelling cut through today’s digital noise and unite Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z donors alike. From crafting irresistible subject lines to blending traditional and digital outreach, she explains how to engage supporters meaningfully in a world crowded with messages. You’ll also hear how nonprofit leaders...
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Bridging Boomers, Gen X, and the Next Wave of Donors (Pt. 1)
Fit Fundraising
In this episode of the Fit Fundraising Podcast, Roy Jones sits down with Cheryl Hackett, Director of Development at the Wyoming Rescue Mission, to explore how giving habits are evolving across generations. From Boomers who still love their direct mail to Millennials and Gen Z donors who live online, Cheryl shares how her team bridges the gap through multichannel fundraising, storytelling, and faith-driven connection. It’s a practical, hope-filled conversation about building trust, embracing innovation, and inspiring generosity that lasts.
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Branding, Giving, and Generational Shifts (Pt. 2)
Fit Fundraising
From sustainers to segmentation, today’s fundraisers face a world of change. How do we connect with Boomers who still carry the wealth, while preparing for Millennials and Gen Z who are shaping the future of philanthropy? In this episode, Roy Jones sits down with Kyle Gorman, Executive Director of Advancement at the Evansville Rescue Mission, to talk about: Why the first gift is the most critical moment for lifetime giving How younger donors respond to frequency and messaging The challenge of leading and listening on multi-generational teams What the coming wealth transfer means for...
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Branding, Giving, and Generational Shifts (Pt. 1)
Fit Fundraising
From Baby Boomers writing checks to Gen Z giving online, every generation engages with philanthropy differently. In this episode, Roy Jones sits down with Kyle Gorman, Executive Director of Advancement at the Evansville Rescue Mission, to unpack the trends shaping donor behavior across the ages. Kyle shares lessons from leading a $9 million capital campaign, insights on balancing direct mail with digital, and why branding matters more than ever for nonprofits. Whether you’re trying to reach loyal boomer donors, middle-aged givers blending mail and online, or younger supporters building...
info_outlineIn Part 2 of our conversation with Jordan Smith, Executive Chief Development Officer at Tree of Life Ministries, we explore what it really takes to reach donors from Boomers to Gen Z. Jordan breaks down the communication habits of different generations, how Tree of Life grew from a small online presence to more than 13,000 followers, and why social media is now the front door to donor engagement.
Jordan also shares how strategic events — including something as simple as a community pickleball tournament — are bringing in brand-new supporters, and how thoughtful follow-up, prayer, and authentic relationships turn first-time donors into long-term partners.
If you want to understand the future of donor engagement and how to connect meaningfully across generations, this conversation gives you a clear, practical roadmap from one of the leading young voices in nonprofit development.