In this episode Brad Layland interviews James Winans, CEO of the Bowery Mission, discussing his journey from intern to CEO, the mission's response to homelessness in New York City, and the challenges faced during the pandemic. They explore the importance of community, the role of faith in leadership, and effective fundraising strategies. James shares insights on balancing family and work, the need for collaboration in fundraising, and the vision for the future of the Bowery Mission. The Bowery M...
Oct 27, 2025•35 min
In this conversation, Brad Voyles, the president of Covenant College, shares his journey to leadership, the distinctives of the college, and the importance of community and student experience. He discusses the challenges and opportunities that come with growth, particularly in light of the recent Partners Campaign aimed at enhancing student enrollment and experience. The conversation also explores the relational aspect of leadership and the significance of maintaining a Christ-centered education...
Oct 13, 2025•29 min
In this episode of the Taking Donors Seriously podcast, Brad Layland interviews Justin Burkholder, the International Director of Team, a mission-sending organization with a rich history of over 135 years. They discuss the legacy of Team, the challenges of funding and measuring impact, and Justin's personal journey as a missionary kid. The conversation highlights success stories from the field, future aspirations for sending more missionaries, and the importance of leadership and education in mis...
Sep 30, 2025•35 min
Have you ever wondered where our fundraising framework came from? In 2009, before Brad joined The FOCUS Group, he interviewed Bill Hautt, founder of The FOCUS Group. As you'll learn, Bill was a key thought leader in developing the Taking Donors Seriously (TDS) framework through his work with Young Life. Some nuggets you won't want to miss: What's the biggest weakness in fundraising? What do we mean by the 20/80 rule? What's the "fulcrum" of fundraising? What is often the number one chracteristic...
Sep 18, 2025•18 min
In this episode, Brad interviews Daniel McCollum, CEO of Torrent Consulting and Torrent Impact Sourcing. They discuss Daniel's journey from a computer science graduate to a missionary in Russia, and then to Malawi, where he discovered the power of creating jobs as a form of ministry. Daniel shares how he started Torrent Impact Sourcing, focusing on providing meaningful employment opportunities to professionals in Guatemala. The conversation highlights the impact of employment on families and com...
Aug 19, 2025•46 min
In this conversation, Brad Layland interviews Katie Robertson, the founder of the Anchor Gathering, a women's outreach ministry aimed at encouraging women in their faith. Katie shares her personal journey, including the loss of her daughter, which inspired her to create a supportive community for women. The discussion covers the growth of the Anchor Gathering, the challenges of fundraising, and the impact of personal testimonies on the ministry's success. Katie emphasizes the importance of faith...
Aug 04, 2025•36 min
In this episode, Brad Layland interviews Keith Nix, the head of Veritas School (Richmond, VA), discussing the school's transformation from a young startup to a thriving educational institution. They explore the challenges and successes of fundraising campaigns, the importance of building relationships with donors, and the personal impact of the school on families. Keith shares valuable insights on leadership, the significance of community, and the role of faith in their journey. He also recommen...
Jul 17, 2025•46 min
What can God do with seven students, four families, and a church basement? A whole lot. Head of School Courtney Palumbo shares how Regent School of Charlottesville grew from a one-room start to a 280-student campus—with significant moments along the way, including a miraculous 20-acre land acquisition and a $600,000 donation that started with a box of paper. Website: https://regents-school.org Book Recommendations: Boys Adrift, by Leonard Sax Values Over Valuables: Daring to Live the Life Money ...
Jul 08, 2025•29 min
In this episode, Brad Layland interviews Steve Atkinson, CEO of The Bible Project, discussing the organization's mission to help people experience the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus. They explore Steve's journey from business to nonprofit leadership, the philosophy of generosity, and the innovative crowdfunding model that supports The Bible Project's mission. The conversation highlights the impact of the organization and the importance of community engagement in their work. In this...
Jun 02, 2025•44 min
Russ Gregg joins us to share the transformative journey of founding Hope Academy, a classical Christian school in Minneapolis that serves children living in poverty. Russ shares his personal story of faith and commitment to education, detailing the challenges faced in starting the school and the miraculous ways God provided resources and support. The discussion also covers the establishment of the Spreading Hope Network, which aims to replicate the success of Hope Academy in other cities, emphas...
May 05, 2025•37 min
Bryan Bademan didn’t set out with a grand vision for Anselm House. When he joined the Christian study center at the University of Minnesota over 15 years ago, the ministry was struggling. It took five challenging years of dedicated effort just to achieve financial stability. However, as Bryan often notes, “God really loves the students and community at this university.” This love has been demonstrated through significant changes, including a renewed vision, a strategic relocation to the heart of...
Apr 21, 2025•55 min
In this conversation, Brad and Scott Brown discuss the mission and impact of Globe International, a unique mission-sending agency that empowers missionaries to pursue their individual callings. Scott shares his personal journey with Globe, the challenges faced in fundraising, and the transformative role of The FOCUS Group in enhancing their development efforts. They highlight success stories from missionaries who have benefited from the "Taking Donor Seriously" model and discuss the future visio...
Apr 07, 2025•38 min
In this conversation, Brad interviews Nick Stumbo and John Begeman from Pure Desire Ministries, discussing their mission to help individuals overcome sexual addiction and the importance of community in healing. They share personal stories of struggle and recovery, emphasizing the need for churches to address sexual issues openly. The discussion also covers fundraising challenges, the growth of Pure Desire, and the impact of their counseling programs. The conversation highlights the importance of...
Mar 24, 2025•51 min
In this episode, Brad sits down with John Hudson, the founder of 100 Fold Studio, a nonprofit international architecture firm based in Montana that serves both the spiritual and physical needs of communities worldwide. John shares how 100 Fold uniquely blends architecture with vocational discipleship—designing for ministries while equipping the next generation of architects to use their skills for God's kingdom. John’s journey is one of faith, resilience, and obedience to a calling greater than ...
Mar 07, 2025•42 min
Learning about Water Street Mission’s decade-long transformation to become a place that physically demonstrates the love of Christ–especially to those experiencing homelessness–would be a great story. The bonus is that, in this podcast, you will also get to know Jack Crowley who has been serving with the organization over 30 years and now serves as its president. His reflection on their strategic planning process? “I didn’t want it to be Jack’s strategic plan, and I knew there was a possibility ...
Feb 26, 2025•39 min
Join us as we explore the transformative journey of leadership with Nigel Pollock, President of InterVarsity Canada. Tasked with revitalizing a nearly century-old ministry, Nigel began his tenure facing a $6 million debt, only to encounter the added challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic soon after. Through it all, he has focused on fostering a culture of kindness, trust, and acceptance, while introducing innovative strategies to advance their mission. In this episode, Nigel shares timeless wisdom,...
Feb 10, 2025•44 min
Thomas Keown grew up in Northern Ireland during “The Troubles,” a time of conflict that deeply formed him. Inspired by this experience, Thomas dedicated himself to serving others facing similar struggles and empowering them to create solutions within their own communities. In this episode, Thomas shares the powerful story behind founding Many Hopes, and his counter-intuitive learning that to fundraise well, sometimes you need to slow down. Books Recommendations “Crucial Conversations: Tools for ...
Jan 28, 2025•40 min
In this episode, Brad, Dan, and Jamie from The FOCUS Group bring a mix of humor and expertise to tackle a crucial topic in nonprofit fundraising: year-end appeals. Fundraising can feel daunting—Who should you target? What's the best way to execute your strategy? How do you follow up effectively? Join us as we break it all down, share actionable insights, and offer practical tips to help make your year-end fundraising campaigns more manageable—and successful. TheFOCUSGroup.com
Dec 23, 2024•41 min
Do you ever feel like God has called you to a big, challenging task? So did Rim Hinckley, founder and Head of School at The Geneva School of Manhattan. She started her career as a math teacher but soon found herself in NYC feeling the tug to respond to late pastor Tim Keller’s question: “What does this city really need?” Being faithful to answer that question has not been an easy road, but Rim shares, “Our timing is not the same as God’s, but when he delivers us, it’s more amazing than we can im...
Dec 18, 2024•39 min
Service, Learning & People. Romanita calls these the “red threads” that have been woven into her life and work since she was little. Her current role as CEO of M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is simply the next step in her journey of living out these themes and following the quiet leading in her life. As a leader, she seeks to lift up and empower everyone around her by listening well and always investing in people. https://murdocktrust.org/ Book recommendations: A Testament of Devotion by Thom...
Nov 18, 2024•30 min
Andrew Smalley is UK-born, loves running and triathlons, and relishes the role he gets to play as head of school in St. Augustine, FL. Hear about Andrew’s journey to his current leadership role and the joy he finds in furthering classical Christian education. The school is in the process of launching a capital campaign, and Andrew knows that to do it well, “You have to start with a strategic plan that tells you what you need to raise money for.” https://veritasclassicalschool.org Books Mentioned...
Nov 04, 2024•39 min
Reid Saunders is an evangelist who has led his organization for 27 years. During the past 15 years of Brad and Reid's friendship, RSA has grown 10x and has seen a million people make decisions to follow Jesus worldwide! Enjoy this inspiring and fun interview. Our prayer is that you are encouraged in your journey. Reid’s Book Recommendation: Finishing Strong: Going the Distance for Your Family by Steve Farrar Links: https://reidsaunders.org/ https://reidsaunders.org/books/ Book mentioned: Stories...
Oct 15, 2024•35 min
When I first learned about Medical Ambassadors International, the scale of their ministry relative to their budget seemed so crazy that it was almost too good to be true. In this episode, we dive deep with Dr. Ravi Jayakaran, the current President, to explore this incredible Christ-centered, grassroots organization. Their holistic approach beautifully intertwines physical and spiritual care, creating lasting change in communities. We’ll also discuss their recent capital campaign, which has drama...
Sep 23, 2024•47 min
Playing two truths and a lie with Trinidad-born Dr. Wintley Phipps would be tricky. It’s hard to fathom the number of famous people whose paths he has crossed—whether singing for Mother Theresa or for one of six different U.S. Presidents, or at Diana Ross’s wedding, or a divine appointment with a young and not-yet-famous Oprah Winfrey. However, one such “chance” meeting on an Amtrak commute with Chuck Colson, Prison Fellowship founder, eventually led to his passion for youth and the founding of ...
Sep 09, 2024•43 min
Dr. Felix Theonugraha, President of Western Theological Seminary shares how he sees fundraising as a way to minister to and care for his donor partners. As many seminaries are struggling, Western, instead is leaning into their distinctives such as focus on mental health and Hispanic ministry. Part of their current capital campaign is raising funding to further innovative initiatives including ministry to those with disabilities and a center for Christian imagination. https://www.westernsem.edu/...
Aug 20, 2024•43 min
Ray Keen exudes wisdom and compassion. He’s a veteran CEO of The Canby Center, a wrap-around care ministry to youth and families in a small town in Oregon. Even as a growing organization–they are currently finishing up a $10 million campaign to expand their facilities and services– they seek to emphasize dignity and learning for everyone they serve. Advice to his younger self? "Get to know the Lord, yourself, and those you serve." The Canby Center: thecanbycenter.org Book List: Practicing the Wa...
Aug 05, 2024•38 min
Chuck Hagele, CEO of Project Patch , is no stranger to darkness. The ministry he leads provides therapeutic residential programs for teens struggling with severe depression, anxiety and other acute challenges. Through fundraising, they strive to say "Yes" to kids needing treatment even if finances are a barrier. Chuck discusses the difficulties of learning his role, including transitioning leadership from the founder (who also happens to be his father-in-law.) Some helpful books he is reading ar...
Jul 22, 2024•39 min
Mandy Arioto wrote a book about fun. She loves to give unusual gifts. She's also the President and CEO of the organization that led 58,000 women to follow Christ last year. Through her leadership of MomCo (formerly MOPS), she has transformed from seeing fundraising as a "necessary evil" to considering it one of the biggest blessings of her role. Mandy's book is: Have More Fun: How to Be Remarkable, Stop Feeling Stuck, and Start Enjoying Life https://www.themom.co/home She has recently enjoyed re...
Jul 08, 2024•32 min
In this special Juneteenth edition of the podcast, we interview Lisa Fields, a prominent apologist, speaker and founder of the Jude 3 Project. The Jude 3 Project exists to help equip the black Christian community to know what they believe and why they believe it. Lisa is also an expert on Juneteenth and led the production of a recent faith-filled documentary picked up by PBS. If you are not familiar with Lisa and her work, you absolutely should be. Her book: When Faith Disappoints: The Gap Betwe...
Jun 21, 2024•29 min
As God laid on his heart a desire to re-orient education to the focus of glorifying God, David Nees was drawn to classical education. He is now the Head of School at Heritage Classical Academy outside Cleveland, OH, and has led the school through a phenomenal season of growth in the last decade. More students often leads to a need for new physical spaces, and Heritage is, indeed, in the midst of a campaign to consolidate multiple campuses into one. A book that David recommends is: George Washing...
Jun 11, 2024•39 min
