Joey Goone is back, and I couldn’t be more excited to have him return to the podcast. If you’ve ever felt like your fundraising events are starting to blend together, or you’re craving something more intentional, joyful, and authentic, this conversation is your permission slip to shake things up. Joey is the President of Utopia Experience, and honestly, he brings so much heart to the events space. He’s not here for stuffy ballrooms or robotic run-of-shows. He’s here to help nonprofits lead with ...
Aug 12, 2025•55 min•Season 1Ep. 158
I’m back from a month in Greece, sun-soaked, inspired, and wildly energized, and there’s one theme that keeps showing up in every single conversation I’ve had since: 10 minutes can change everything. In this episode, I’m sharing the power of micro-bravery. Not hypotheticals, but real stories. A client who made one 10-minute thank-you call and created a deeper connection than she imagined. Another who picked up the phone and walked away with a six-figure intro. I’ll even tell you how a 10-minute ...
Aug 05, 2025•18 min•Season 1Ep. 157
Most nonprofits wait for permission: a grant panel, a sponsor, an award to tell them they’re the best. This episode flips that script. Today, I share why it’s time to claim your brilliance, boldly articulate what makes you exceptional, and anchor your authority before anyone else does. From a five-star Airbnb in Greece to awkward sponsor meetings where leaders freeze, this conversation unpacks the mindset shifts and tactical moves that help you own your impact. Because you don’t need a medal to ...
Jul 29, 2025•16 min•Season 1Ep. 156
Everyone’s chasing the wrong spotlight—and in this episode, I explain why. You think you need a Grammy winner to post your fundraiser, but what you actually need is a solid campaign and a Social Street Team® to spread it. I share real stories of big-name flops, what gets campaigns to convert (hint: it’s not fame), and how to build a movement of aligned, trusted messengers who drive results. If you’re tired of waiting for someone famous to save your fundraiser, it’s time to flip the script and st...
Jul 22, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 155
What if your birthday could change lives? In this episode, I sit down with Kayla Houchin, founder of Sonder Bakehouse, a passionate fundraiser, and a longtime advocate for Charity: Water . Kayla shares how a book and a single birthday campaign turned into over $100,000 raised (and counting!) to bring clean water to communities worldwide. We talk about the power of starting small, how joy and creativity fuel sustainability in fundraising, and why showing up with purpose can inspire a whole town t...
Jul 15, 2025•48 min•Season 1Ep. 154
What if your next major hire isn’t a person, but a system? In this episode, I pull back the curtain on the “NextGen Fundraising Engine”, a proven campaign system that replaces the need for a marketing coordinator, development associate, and monthly giving manager. If you’re stuck in a cycle of burnout, chasing one-off donations, or hiring your way out of a revenue gap, this episode is your permission slip to do it differently. You’ll learn why the smartest nonprofits are stealing proven growth t...
Jul 08, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 153
Feeling stuck at $200K? Plateaued at $500K? Are you wondering why you can’t push past $1M even when your mission is solid and your team is working nonstop? In this episode, I explain why nonprofit revenue stalls — and more importantly, how to move beyond it. From outdated donor funnels to board bottlenecks, this episode offers a smarter system for sustained growth. I walk you through real revenue tiers, key mistakes organizations make at each level, and what to do instead. If you're ready to sto...
Jul 01, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 152
If your fundraising strategy still runs on 2010 logic, this is your wake-up call. In this episode, I break down the concept of NextGen Fundraising—not just for Gen Z, but for every generation of donor who now expects fast, friction-free, modern giving experiences. I share why traditional tactics are burning you out, why your board doesn’t need another gala, and how to cut the clutter and focus on what actually works. Get ready for mindset shifts, strategy overhauls, and some tough love on why cl...
Jun 24, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 151
Donors don’t act like traditional donors anymore—they act like digital shoppers. And in this episode, Salvatore Salpietro, Chief Community Officer at Fundraise Up, joins me to break down exactly what that means for your nonprofit. This isn’t about throwing shade. It’s about meeting donors where they are—on their phones, on the go, and expecting the same seamless experience they get from Amazon, Uber, or Netflix. Topics: Why nonprofits are 10–20 years behind on digital fundraising How donor expec...
Jun 17, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 150
You keep hoping your board will step up and help fundraise. They say they will. But when campaign crunch time hits, you get silence. Crickets. And you're stuck doing it all. In this episode, I walk you through the real reasons your board isn't fundraising — and it’s not just because they’re busy. From fear of rejection to outdated event mindsets, I unpack the top 10 blockers (with real-world examples), and most importantly, how to turn things around. You’ll walk away with practical steps to re-e...
Jun 10, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 149
Ever pour your heart into a campaign, emails sent, donors hyped, and an event planned, only to hit a wall? Donations stall, goals aren’t met, and suddenly, it feels like you failed. This episode is your permission slip to pause, reflect, and bounce back stronger. In part two of the mindset series, I’m sharing a concept I coach clients on weekly: The 7-Minute Rule . It's the strategy that helps nonprofit leaders recover from fundraising flops without spiraling into shame or burnout. Because the r...
Jun 03, 2025•23 min•Season 1Ep. 148
You know that moment when someone doesn’t reply to your email, or a donor backs out, or you get an unsubscribe notification—and suddenly, your stomach drops? Rejection stings—it hits hard and can hijack your momentum fast. In this episode, I’m sharing something I’ve been coaching on behind the scenes: The 7-Second Rule . It’s a mindset tool to help you handle rejection—ghosting, “no thank yous,” radio silence, without falling into a spiral that slows your mission down. Because the real issue isn...
May 27, 2025•22 min•Season 1Ep. 147
Your campaign launched strong—emails out, ambassadors ready, social posts scheduled. And then the momentum vanished. You’re not alone. I’m sharing what no one prepares you for: the messy middle of your fundraising campaign. That moment when things slow down, energy dips, and you start asking, “Where is everybody?” If it feels harder to move donors right now, you’re right. The game has changed. Campaigns that used to work aren’t hitting the same, and it’s not because your cause isn’t worthy. It’s...
May 20, 2025•23 min•Season 1Ep. 146
If you're still fundraising alone, this episode will change everything. Whether you're a solo shop executive director, a part-time founder, or running a million-dollar organisation, one thing is clear: you're not meant to do this work alone. In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly how to grow faster using digital ambassadors—aka your passionate, everyday supporters who already love your mission and are ready to spread the word. From awareness to fundraising to enrollment, mobilizing oth...
May 13, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 145
If you’ve ever felt like your board is holding you back—or worse, like you’re stuck asking for permission to lead the organization you’re working so hard to grow, you’re not alone. In this episode, I'm joined by Sabrina Walker Hernandez , founder of Building Better Boards, to dig into why so many nonprofit CEOs get stuck parenting their boards — and how to break free from the cycle. Sabrina’s lived it from all sides: she’s run a thriving nonprofit, serves on five boards, and is not afraid to nam...
May 06, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 144
Ever feel like your nonprofit is saying all the “right” things but still not growing the way you want? In this episode of The Purpose & Profit Club®, we’re flipping the script on what you think is the problem. It’s not visibility or the economy—you’re blending in. You’ll leave this episode with the motivation—and permission—to say what only you can say. To show up with boldness. To be impossible to ignore. If you’ve ever said, “We’re doing incredible work, but people don’t get it,” this one’...
Apr 29, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 143
Are you waiting for motivation to strike before you write that email, make that donor call, or launch that campaign? In this episode of the Purpose & Profit Club® Podcast, I break down the sneaky trap nonprofit leaders fall into when we rely too much on either motivation (which feels good but disappears fast) or commitment (which can quickly turn into burnout if we’re not careful). I share real-life examples—from my improv class to client wins—and show you how to build momentum even when you...
Apr 22, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 142
This episode is one of those had-to-record-it-right-away moments. I’m sharing a mindset shift that will completely change how you approach donor outreach, fundraising campaigns, partnerships, and even your emails. It’s called the 100% YES Method —and once you understand it, you’ll never pitch or plan the same way again. Inspired by a little league coaching moment with my son (stay with me, sports fans and non-fans alike), I’m breaking down why assuming the answer is "YES" until it clearly isn’t ...
Apr 15, 2025•22 min•Season 1Ep. 141
What happens when you mix a powerhouse ALS advocate, a faith-driven advancement leader, and a whole lot of heart? You get this conversation. Recorded live at GiveCon, presented by Bloomerang and QGiv, I sat down with Wendy Faust, Executive Director of Live Like Lou Foundation, and Jen Waning from the Sisters of St. Francis, and let me tell you—it was one of the most real, heartfelt, and surprisingly joyful chats I’ve had in a long time. We talk about the uncertainty so many nonprofits are naviga...
Apr 08, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 140
What makes a retirement community more than just a place to live? How do you build a culture so strong that residents, their families, and even local businesses want to give back? This week, we’re live at GiveCon, presented by Bloomerang and QGiv, with the Bridgewater Retirement Community team—and trust me, their fundraising approach is something special. They raised $5 million in just 18 months, but the real magic is in how they connect, the stories they tell, and the generosity they inspire ev...
Apr 01, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 139
The nonprofit world is shifting fast, and if you want to stay ahead in 2025, you can’t rely on last year’s strategies. After attending and speaking at GiveCon, I took a step back to really absorb what’s working—and what’s not. From AI-powered donor outreach to bold fundraising asks that work, I’m breaking down the 10 biggest nonprofit marketing and fundraising trends that will shape how you raise money and grow your mission this year. The organizations that win are the ones willing to be brave, ...
Mar 25, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 138
Nonprofit fundraising doesn’t have to be a guessing game or a long, drawn-out, exhausting process. Yet, so many nonprofit leaders struggle to hit that $10k+ mark every time they run a fundraiser. If you’ve ever felt like fundraising is an uphill battle, you’re not alone—but it doesn’t have to be this way. In this episode, I’m breaking down the two essential skills that will help you raise five figures consistently—without dragging out campaigns for months or shouldering all the work alone. Wheth...
Mar 18, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 137
You’ve poured your heart into your nonprofit, spending nights and weekends building programs, rallying volunteers, and making an impact—yet, there’s still not enough funding to quit your day job and go all in. Sound familiar? So many nonprofit founders get stuck in this exact cycle—working tirelessly but never quite breaking through to a fully-funded organization. And here’s the hard truth: The way you’re fundraising is keeping you stuck. In this episode, I’m breaking down how to raise enough mo...
Mar 11, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 136
If you’re not hitting your fundraising goals, it’s easy to think the problem is your CRM, website, or donation platform. But switching tools won’t fix a broken strategy. I see so many nonprofits stuck in a cycle of blaming their tech instead of addressing the real issue— how they’re engaging donors and running campaigns . In this episode, I’m breaking down three major reasons organizations miss their fundraising targets and what to do instead. I’m talking about the difference between reactive an...
Mar 04, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 135
Grants disappearing overnight? Funding feeling more uncertain than ever? If the recent federal grant freeze had you panicked, you're not alone. Traditional nonprofit funding strategies aren’t as secure as they once were, and it’s time to rethink how your organization brings in revenue. I’m breaking down the biggest funding red flags I’m seeing right now, why social media without conversions is a giant waste of time and money, and where you should be reallocating your budget to bring in bigger, m...
Feb 25, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 134
Ever feel like your to-do list is never-ending? Nonprofit leaders, founders, and busy professionals are juggling way too much—and it’s keeping you from the work that actually moves the needle. That’s why I brought in VA expert and business coach, Sara Wiles, to talk about a total game-changer: hiring a virtual assistant. We’re breaking down exactly how hiring a virtual assistant can transform your productivity, free up your time, and (finally) get those bottom-of-the-list tasks off your plate. I...
Feb 18, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 133
Let’s talk about something that’s quietly draining your nonprofit—outdated leadership. You know the kind… the board that plays it safe, resists change, and clings to “what’s always worked” even though it’s clearly not working anymore. And guess what? It’s costing your mission millions. In this episode, we’re calling it out: playing small is the biggest risk you can take. I’ll walk you through why leadership’s fear of innovation is keeping you stuck, why your nonprofit needs to invest in modern f...
Feb 11, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 132
Let’s talk about galas. The often over-the-top events that take forever to plan and leave you feeling more drained than excited, and leave you thinking “Is this even worth it?” If so, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re having an honest chat about why these big fundraising events can do more harm than good. Raising more money doesn’t have to mean throwing another black-tie affair. I’m sharing what’s working for nonprofits right now—fun, low-key events, creative pop-ups, and innovative digit...
Feb 04, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 131
Nonprofits, it’s time to rethink how you approach growth. The challenges you’re facing—the rising costs, donor fatigue, and constant burnout—aren’t going to be solved with the same old strategies. In this episode, I discuss why traditional fundraising methods fall short and how you can flip the script with bold, modern solutions. I am covering donor behavior shifts, how to tap into the $127 billion Creator Economy, and why mobilizing a Social Street Team™ could be your nonprofit’s secret weapon....
Jan 28, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 130
Today, we’re talking about a game-changer: influencer partnerships and why they’re the fastest, most impactful way to raise funds, build awareness, and grow your nonprofit—without spending a dollar. If your nonprofit isn’t already tapping into the creator economy, you’re leaving money (and so much impact) on the table. I’m breaking down how free influencer partnerships work, and why they’re not just for big-name nonprofits. Whether you’re running a small shop or a million-dollar organization, I’...
Jan 21, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 129
