Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach

Your board says, “We need you to raise $1 million in major gifts.” Now what? If you’re an executive director of a small to midsized nonprofit with no in-house fundraising support, that kind of goal can feel overwhelming fast. In this episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we break down exactly where to begin. You’ll learn how to shrink the big number into practical next steps, identify the...

What would it take for your nonprofit to receive a six-figure gift—and are you truly ready to ask for one? In this week’s episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we talk about the leap every nonprofit leader must make to move from smaller fundraising efforts into major, transformational giving. Securing six-figure gifts isn’t just about finding the right donor—it requires a shift in mindset...

What would it take for your nonprofit to receive a six-figure gift—and are you truly ready to ask for one? In this week’s episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we talk about the leap every nonprofit leader must make to move from smaller fundraising efforts into major, transformational giving. Securing six-figure gifts isn’t just about finding the right donor—it requires a shift in mindset...

Many nonprofit leaders quietly carry the same tension: “I’m not a fundraiser… so why does my job seem to depend on it?” In this episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we unpack why fundraising feels so uncomfortable for capable, mission-driven leaders—and why the problem isn’t a lack of skill, confidence, or commitment. You’ll hear a reframing that helps you see fundraising not as sales or...

If your board feels hesitant—or invisible—when it comes to fundraising, the problem may not be motivation… it may be altitude. In this episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, I’m breaking down why boards stuck in the weeds of day-to-day operations are far less effective in fundraising—and how elevating them to 30,000 feet unlocks their most powerful role: opening doors to people with capaci...

As we come to the close of another year, I wanted to create space for something nonprofit leaders rarely give themselves time to do—pause. In this special year-end episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we talk about why it’s so important to take stock of where you’ve been before charging into what’s next. We celebrate the wins worth rejoicing over, reflect honestly on the mistakes that sh...

In this episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we explore what’s happening beneath the surface when nonprofit leaders freeze around major asks. Often, the fear isn’t about the donor or the size of the gift—it’s about our personal relationship with money, the memories we carry, and the beliefs we learned long before we ever became leaders. This conversation will help you understand where th...

Have you ever wondered if that popular fundraising mantra—“Ask for advice and you’ll get money”—is actually helping you, or quietly holding you back? In this week’s episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we dig into one of the most misunderstood lines in fundraising and unpack why it can mislead new nonprofit leaders, create false confidence, and derail authentic donor relationships. If yo...

Have you ever wondered why some executive directors seem to consistently bring in major gifts while others feel like they’re always starting from scratch? In this week’s episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we’re digging into the real secret behind predictable major gift revenue: systems. Not complicated software or rigid scripts—but a simple, repeatable structure that keeps you focused,...

As we head into the final stretch of the year, every nonprofit leader feels that familiar mix of urgency and opportunity. Year-end giving is when nearly 40% of annual donations come in — but here’s the secret most leaders miss: this season isn’t just about finishing strong. It’s your best chance to plant the seeds for sustainable major gift growth. In this week’s Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach...

In this week’s episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, I talk about how to get your volunteers — board members, committee members, and champions — off the sidelines and into the major gift game. Not every volunteer should be asking for money, but every volunteer can play a vital role in making it happen. We’ll break down who makes the best door openers, who’s ready to be a solicitor, and ho...

This week on Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we’re tackling one of the biggest blind spots in fundraising: assuming a donor’s past gifts tell the whole story. Too often, nonprofit leaders read giving history like a price tag — when in reality, those gifts were made without the benefit of a personal relationship. In this episode, I’ll show you why those numbers only scratch the surface of a don...

In this episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we’re tackling one of the biggest challenges nonprofit leaders face: finding time in a jam-packed schedule to focus on major gift fundraising. If you’re an executive director who feels pulled in a hundred directions — managing programs, staff, board requests, and daily crises — it can feel impossible to prioritize building relationships with t...

Do you ever find yourself procrastinating — starting strong with a plan, then somehow losing steam? In this episode of Huddle Up, I explore why so many nonprofit leaders unintentionally sabotage their own consistency. From overthinking and perfectionism to the subtle pull of distractions, these patterns often reveal something deeper about your self-concept and money story. I share three practical...

In this episode of Huddle Up, I unpack the power of legacy giving and why it’s essential to the long-term health of every nonprofit. Legacy gifts aren’t just about endowments or estate plans—they’re about ensuring your mission lives on for generations. Discover what legacy giving really is, why it matters more than ever, and how starting the conversation today can create lasting impact for your or...

In this episode of Huddle Up, I explores the psychology of wealthy donors and what truly drives their generosity. Beyond tax benefits and naming rights, high-net-worth individuals value impact, legacy, trust, and meaningful connection. Learn how to move past misconceptions, understand what they actually care about, and approach your donor relationships in a way that inspires transformational givin...

In this week's episode, I want to ask you a critical question: Is your organization surviving, maintaining, or truly thriving? Too many nonprofits are stuck in the cycle of just getting by or settling for the status quo. But thriving—that’s where growth, momentum, and real impact happen. This episode will help you recognize where your organization really stands and why it matters more than ever. G...

In this episode of Huddle Up, I talk about the importance of not solely relying on transactional fundraising initiatives. Making the shift from transactional to transformational fundraising is what creates and sustains exponential philanthropic growth.

In this episode of Huddle Up, I share with you how you can use certain volunteers to increase your mission's visibility with an audience of high capacity prospects.

In this episode of Huddle Up, I share the difference between the direct and indirect ask why they are both a necessary part of your solicitation strategy.

What to do when you believe donors are "ghosting" you.

In this episode you'll learn that your current donors are your best donor and why.

In this episode I talk reveal some of the findings about the state of individual giving in the most recent Giving USA Annual Report.

In this episode I talk about the two fundraising love languages and how to determine which ones your donors speak.