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...

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.

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...

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....

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....

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 wi...

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...

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 f...

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...

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...

What if the secret to breakthrough fundraising wasn't another conference, but a small circle of peers sharpening one another? In this episode of the Fit Fundraising Podcast, Roy Jones sits down with marketing professor and nonprofit strategist Dina Jones to unpack the power of mastermind groups. Together, they explore how masterminds go beyond networking, providing nonprofit leaders, fundraisers,...

In Part 2, Roy Jones and Carrie Lynn Wright dig deeper into the communication gaps, giving habits, and leadership challenges across generations. Hear real-world stories—like the viral "Tony the Paint Guy" moment—that reveal how embracing change, adopting new technologies, and fostering open dialogue can help nonprofits engage donors and rally multi-generational teams for long-term success.

In Part 1, Roy Jones sits down with workplace culture expert Carrie Lynn Wright to explore the defining traits of Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z—and how these differences shape nonprofit teams and donor relationships. Learn how understanding generational perspectives can strengthen workplace culture, improve communication, and build stronger connections across every age group.

What does it take to lead fundraising and marketing at one of the most trusted ministries in the world? Donna Lucas, Chief Marketing Officer of Joni and Friends, joins the Fit Fundraising Podcast to share how her team inspires generosity through consistency, transparency, and a mission-centered message. From adapting to economic uncertainty to creating omnichannel campaigns that meet donors where...

What does it take to lead fundraising and marketing at one of the most trusted ministries in the world? Donna Lucas, Chief Marketing Officer of Joni and Friends, joins the Fit Fundraising Podcast to share how her team inspires generosity through consistency, transparency, and a mission-centered message. From adapting to economic uncertainty to creating omnichannel campaigns that meet donors where...

In this episode,  Roy  Jones talks with Dr. Candace Gregory, from the Heartland of America, Omaha, NE.  Candace lays out what is required  to be a successful frontline fundraiser and the characteristics needed to procure MEGA gifts for your nonprofit.  She announced in our podcast a $65 million capital campaign. Over the last two decades the ministry has raised more than $200 million to help the u...

In this episode,  Roy Jones talks with Phil Altemyer, from the streets of Spokane, Washington.  Phil Altmyer outlines how he is transforming lives by using modern technology to demonstrate impact to drive more income for his programs.  Phil tells the secrets about how he grew his budget from $365,000 to over $24 million annually.

In this episode, Roy Jones talks with Herb Smith from the streets of skid row and his decades of service at the Los Angeles Mission.  Herb Smith outlines why having a heart for the donor is just as important as having a heart for the people you serve. Herb outlines critical techniques and characteristics for becoming a great frontline fundraiser.  

In this episode, Roy Jones talks with 28 year nonprofit legend, Tony Marciano,  President Emeritus of the Charlotte Rescue Mission, about nonprofit leadership and the challenges facing frontline fundraisers in America today. With emphasis on human services and work with homeless shelter guests; connecting to the emotions of the donor, learn strategies for campaigns that get results.    

Find out how to advocate for opportunity and equity at your nonprofit.  Learn the importance of empowering middle donor managers to apply DEI in the day to day activities.  How to build community and advocate for people in your organization through coaching, mentoring and meaningful conversation.  Amira Barger is one of the nation's leading specialists on DEI.  

Find out how to create a climate that helps individuals benefit from the diversity of people, ideas, knowledge and experience will bring success at your nonprofit.  DEI is about providing  access, opportunity and support to your organization and the people you serve.  Learn how you can build unity in your nonprofit organization through embracing diversity, equity and inclusion. Amira Barger is one...

African American leaders discuss the day-to-day challenges of implementing DEI practices in nonprofit organizations.   Guests :  Rev. Micheal Woods, of Western Carolina Rescue Ministries, is Asheville North Carolina's chief advocate for the unhoused and underserved. Dr. Robert Loggins, is a mentor and minister to hundreds of African-American pastors and leaders nationwide.  He is the former minist...

African American leaders challenge the nonprofit industry to train, equip and empower people of color in fundraising and nonprofit management. Guests:  Rev. Micheal Woods, of Western Carolina Rescue Ministries, is Asheville North Carolina's chief advocate for the unhoused and underserved. Dr. Robert Loggins, is a mentor and minister to hundreds of African-American pastors and leaders nationwide. ...

 Shriner's Children's has developed a fully integrated fundraising program by creating unique donor journey's based upon giving level and giving capacity.  They call their process omni-channel communications.  Today they pull back the curtain to show small to mid-size nonprofits how to use they're innovative techniques to increase giving through building philanthropic intent.

Shriners Children's has used a DRTV strategy to build a mega charity to help children with health care. Today they pull back the curtain to show small to mid-size nonprofits how to use regional TV and Radio to acquire new donors.  Adding DRTV, radio and radiothons is no longer out of reach for nonprofits.  The explosive growth of streaming both TV and radio program has made now acquisition afforda...