The Donor Centric Approach

In this episode of The Donor Centric Approach, I sit down with my friend, Rosie Chinea Shawver, Executive Director of the Catholic Campus Ministry Association (CCMA). Rosie shares her own journey into campus ministry and the fire that continues to fuel her mission today. Together, we dive into: The unique challenges of reaching students on today’s college campuses Why campus ministers need support, mentorship, and resources to thrive How CCMA is equipping ministers nationwide to accompany students in faith Practical lessons in fundraising and development that apply to any nonprofit or ministry One of my favorite parts of this conversation is how Rosie frames fundraising as accompaniment—a spiritual act of walking with donors, just as ministers walk with students. Her perspective is a powerful reminder that development is not just about money—it’s about relationship, clarity, and mission. 👉 Learn more about CCMA’s mission and resources: https://calendly.com/orlando-mrpdonordev/45min As always, thank you for listening. If this episode resonates, please subscribe, leave a review, or share it with a colleague who needs encouragement today.

This week’s episode is something different — and deeply personal. In this talk, originally given to my local covenant community, I share how my recent accident became a moment of interruption that God transformed into an invitation: to deeper dependence, to gratitude, and to the gift of community. While this isn’t a fundraising strategy session, the lessons here apply directly to the work of nonprofit and ministry leaders. Just as I needed others to carry me through weakness, our missions cannot thrive without the strength of community and the humility to depend on others. Listen in as I reflect on: The reality of suffering and interruptions in life and ministry. How dependence is not weakness, but a gift. Why true community sustains us in life, faith, and mission. What this means for fundraising and building donor relationships. If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying your mission alone, this episode is for you. 👉 I’d love to hear your thoughts. Reach out at www.mrpdonordev.com, or schedule a time to connect with me directly here: calendly.com/orlando-mrpdonordev/45min

In this episode of The Donor Centric Approach, Orlando sits down with Dr. Daniel Meola, co-founder and president of Life-Giving Wounds, a Catholic ministry dedicated to bringing Christ’s healing to adult children of divorce and separation. Dan shares his powerful story of how his personal wounds became the seed of a national ministry, the challenges and surprises of building and sustaining Life-Giving Wounds, and the lessons he’s learned about integrating mission and fundraising. Together, we explore: Why fundraising is ministry — not just a means to support it. How vulnerability, trust, and honesty are central to both healing and donor relationships. Practical lessons in building sustainable fundraising programs, from major gifts to monthly donors. Why caring for donors spiritually (yes, even through prayer!) is as essential as showing them impact. This conversation is both deeply moving and incredibly practical for nonprofit and ministry leaders who carry wounds of their own while trying to lead with faith and vision. 🔗 Learn more about Life-Giving Wounds: https://www.lifegivingwounds.org/ 📧 Connect with Dr. Dan Meola: dan@lifegivingwounds.org

Three weeks ago, I was in a serious bicycle accident that changed my perspective — not just on life, but on fundraising. When a friend from high school set up a Meal Train for my family, she made it crystal clear how people could help. If you lived nearby, you could drop off a meal. If you lived far away, you could send a DoorDash gift card. Simple. Specific. No guessing. Within hours, people responded generously. In this episode, I share why this is exactly how great fundraising works — and how an invitation from a mindset of abundance will always inspire more generosity than an obligation rooted in scarcity. You’ll learn three ways to make your next donor ask crystal clear, actionable, and easy to say “yes” to. What you’ll learn in this episode: How to shift from a scarcity mindset to abundance in fundraising Why vague calls to action fall flat How clarity and specificity make generosity easy Three takeaways to immediately improve your next donor ask Whether you’re a solo fundraiser, a nonprofit leader, or part of a development team, this episode will help you create invitations that donors are eager to accept. 🎧 Listen now and learn how to make your next ask feel like a gift, not an obligation.

This episode is unlike anything I’ve shared before. A few weeks ago, I was involved in a serious cycling accident. I don’t remember much about what happened on the road that day—but I do know this: without JJ Berg, I might not be here. JJ was the young man who found me unconscious, called 911, and stayed by my side until help arrived. Today, I get to sit down with him, not as a host, but as someone deeply grateful for his courage, compassion, and presence. This is a raw, unedited conversation. You’ll hear the real story, in JJ’s own words—and at the end, I’ve included the original 911 audio, which we received just days ago. There’s no talk of fundraising strategy in this episode. No lessons on donor development. Just a reminder of the power of showing up—and the unexpected grace that can enter our lives through others. JJ, thank you. This one’s for you. — 🎧 Subscribe to The Donor Centric Approach for weekly episodes on mission-driven fundraising and nonprofit leadership. We’ll be back to our regular programming next week.

In this episode of The Donor Centric Approach, Orlando sits down with seasoned fundraiser Doug Stamps, currently serving as Development Director at a major organization in Washington, D.C. This episode delivers practical, honest, and hard-earned insights from a career spent building meaningful donor relationships at scale. Doug shares: What builds lasting donor trust, regardless of your org’s size The mindset shifts that often unlock major growth How to approach donor conversations with clarity and confidence How to stay true to your mission even when big donors come with expectations Encouragement for fundraisers doing it all on their own This is a must-listen for Executive Directors and fundraisers at small to mid-sized nonprofits—especially if you’re trying to grow your donor base without compromising your authenticity. 🔗 Tune in now and take away actionable steps to improve your donor development strategy—no matter where you're starting from. 📬 Want to connect with Doug directly? Reach out to him at: https://mrpdonordev.com/

In this episode of The Donor Centric Approach, I sit down with Matt Aujero, founder of Fight Club Catholic, for a candid and energizing conversation about building a movement from scratch. We talk about what it’s really like to lead as a founder—when you’re fundraising, vision-casting, discipling, and doing the setup and takedown every week. Matt shares what’s working for Fight Club, how they’ve grown their reach and community without compromising their core identity, and what he’s learning about building trust with donors from the ground up. This one’s for every leader who’s building something bold and beautiful—without a blueprint. In this episode: The importance of showing up before scaling up When to move from grassroots to growth mode Why clarity of identity attracts the right donors How personal formation drives sustainable mission Lessons from Matt’s experience as a ministry founder This conversation is packed with insights, especially if you’re in the trenches of launching or growing your mission. 👉 Learn more about Fight Club Catholic: https://www.fightclubcatholic.com/ 🎧 Subscribe and listen on your favorite podcast app or at: https://thedonorcentricapproach.podbean.com/   Book a time with Orlando here: https://calendly.com/orlando-mrpdonordev/45min   Find out more about our work at https://mrpdonordev.com/

In this solo episode of The Donor-Centric Approach, Orlando speaks directly to the founders and executive directors carrying the weight of the mission and the burden of fundraising. If you feel like you’re wearing every hat—and dropping balls in the process—this episode is your permission to stop doing it all. 💡 You’ll learn: The 3 fundraising roles only you can own The 3 things you should let go of today How to create a monthly rhythm that keeps you focused, energized, and connected to top donors Why clarity—not hustle—is the secret to growth and sustainability Whether you’re running a young nonprofit or leading a growing ministry, this episode offers a roadmap to lead with clarity and build development systems that won’t burn you out. 🎯 Plus: Simple, powerful action steps you can take this week to refocus your efforts.   Book a time with Orlando here: https://calendly.com/orlando-mrpdonordev/45min   Find out more about our work at https://mrpdonordev.com/

In this solo episode of The Donor-Centric Approach, host Orlando Barros breaks down one of the most powerful yet overlooked fundraising tools: clear messaging. Forget jargon and generic slogans. Orlando introduces a simple but game-changing framework—Problem, Vision, Invitation—that helps nonprofit leaders and fundraisers speak directly to the hearts of their donors. Whether you're crafting your next appeal, prepping for a donor meeting, onboarding a board member, or writing a newsletter, this framework brings clarity that drives action.   🔍 In this episode, you'll learn: Why unclear messaging sabotages your fundraising How to name the real problem your nonprofit exists to solve What it means to cast a compelling vision donors can get behind How to make a clear, proportionate invitation that inspires generosity The most common messaging mistakes—and how to avoid them Actionable next steps to immediately improve your appeals, emails, and meetings 💬 Real examples. Practical advice. No fluff. Just clarity that converts. If you’ve ever struggled with how to talk about your mission in a way that truly resonates—this is the episode you’ve been waiting for. 🎧 Listen now and start refining your message for better fundraising results. For more, visit https://mrpdonordev.com/ Book a time with Orlando at https://calendly.com/orlando-mrpdonordev/45min

Is your fundraising always in reactive mode? Scrambling to write last-minute appeals, chase down donors, or meet arbitrary goals? It doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode of The Donor Centric Approach, host Orlando Barros shows you how to shift from chaos to clarity by creating a simple, effective 90-day fundraising plan. 💡 What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ Why quarterly planning beats annual wish lists and month-to-month scrambling ✅ The four core pillars every 90-day plan needs: Stewardship, Outreach, Messaging, and Leadership ✅ Real examples of what a clear, doable fundraising plan looks like ✅ How to go from “Are we doing enough?” to “Are we doing the right things?” ✅ Simple steps to create your own 90-day plan—starting today Whether you’re a founder juggling everything or a development lead trying to build consistency, this episode gives you a practical structure to take control of your fundraising calendar—and your sanity. 🎯 Build a plan that works for your team, your capacity, and your goals. 📅 Schedule your free planning call: https://calendly.com/orlando-mrpdonordev/45min 🌐 Learn more about MRP Donor Development: www.mrpdonordev.com

Are you unintentionally missing the mark with your major donor pitches? In this solo episode, Orlando shares powerful, behind-the-scenes insights into what major donors and funders are actually looking for when deciding whether or not to support your nonprofit or ministry. Drawing from years of experience coaching nonprofit leaders and consulting directly with funders, Orlando outlines the five critical factors that high-capacity donors consistently care about—and the top three mistakes that cause good ministries to get passed over. You'll learn how to: ✅ Identify and fix the “disconnect” between your mission and your major donors ✅ Communicate clarity of vision and leadership with confidence ✅ Move from stats to story—and make your impact feel personal and human ✅ Prepare for your next big ask with a simple but powerful checklist ✅ Tailor your invitations so they feel like genuine opportunities—not obligations If you're preparing for a donor meeting, planning a capital campaign, or simply want to elevate your approach to major gifts, this episode is for you. 🔗 Learn more about our services and book a free strategy call: https://mrpdonordev.com 📅 Schedule directly: https://calendly.com/orlando-mrpdonordev/45min Subscribe, review, and share if this episode helped you move the needle. Let’s keep building a fundraising culture rooted in trust, clarity, and connection.

In this solo episode, Orlando Barros breaks down one of the most overlooked (yet mission-critical) areas in nonprofit fundraising: stewardship. If you’ve ever felt like donors give once and then disappear—or if you’re stuck in a cycle of constantly chasing new donors—this episode is for you. 🎯 What you'll learn: Why most stewardship efforts fall flat—and how to avoid the same mistakes What donors actually want after making a gift (spoiler: it’s not just a thank-you email) A simple, sustainable 3-part rhythm you can implement starting this week: Thank fast and thank well Share impact within 30 days Create one “delight moment” each quarter 💡 Whether you work with major donors, monthly givers, or event-based supporters, this episode gives you a concrete game plan to build trust, increase donor retention, and strengthen long-term partnerships. 🚀 Want help building your stewardship rhythm? Book a free strategy call with Orlando: https://calendly.com/orlando-mrpdonordev/45min To learn more visit https://mrpdonordev.com/ 

If your team ever says, “We just don’t have the time or staff to focus on fundraising,” this episode is for you. In this solo episode of The Donor Centric Approach, host Orlando Barros breaks down how any nonprofit or ministry—no matter how small—can shift from a scarcity mindset to a development culture that works. 💡 In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ What a culture of development really is (and what it’s not) ✅ 3 mindset shifts to help you build it from the ground up ✅ Why fundraising is everyone’s job—and how to make that a reality ✅ Practical, actionable strategies to implement this week ✅ How clarity, consistency, and intentionality unlock donor engagement Whether you’re a one-person shop or leading a lean team, this episode will help you bring fundraising out of the shadows and into the shared mission of your organization. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform! 📩 Schedule a free strategy call: https://calendly.com/orlando-mrpdonordev/45min 🌐 Learn more: www.mrpdonordev.com 📢 Follow @MRPDONORDEV on social media 👉 Enjoyed this episode? Share it with your team or board and start building your culture of development today!

If you’ve ever told a story in an appeal, newsletter, or donor meeting and it didn’t land, this episode is for you. In this solo session of The Donor Centric Approach, host Orlando Barros unpacks the storytelling mistakes most nonprofits make—and how to fix them fast. 💡 What you'll learn in this episode: ✅ Why many nonprofit stories fall flat with donors ✅ The “People–Pivot–Purpose” storytelling framework ✅ How to write stories that connect emotionally and move donors to action ✅ Real-world examples from House of Mercy and Xavier Mission Fund ✅ Expanded action steps to strengthen your next appeal, email, or campaign Whether you're writing your next donor update or preparing a major gift ask, this episode will help you craft stories that resonate, inspire, and drive results. 🛠️ Actionable takeaways included. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe on your favorite podcast app! 📩 Work with Orlando: https://calendly.com/orlando-mrpdonordev/45min 📢 Follow @MRPDONORDEV on social media 🌐 Learn more: https://mrpdonordev.com/ 👉 Enjoyed the episode? Leave a review and share it with a nonprofit friend!

In this inspiring episode of The Donor Centric Approach, host Orlando Barros sits down with Peter Levesque, Founder and Executive Director of Xavier Mission Fund, to explore the powerful role of administrative support and donor partnerships in launching new Catholic ministries. Peter shares the story behind Xavier Mission Fund’s founding, the real challenges early-stage ministries face, and how his team walks alongside new apostolates to remove administrative obstacles—freeing leaders to stay mission-focused and donor-ready. 💡 What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ Why administration is often the “hidden ministry” behind mission success ✅ How Xavier Mission Fund incubates new Catholic startups and ministries ✅ How clarity in your mission story creates unity—and attracts donors ✅ Strategies for overcoming donor fatigue and building lasting donor relationships ✅ Actionable fundraising tips for startups with limited resources ❤️ Support Xavier Mission Fund: 🌐 Visit: https://www.xaviermissionfund.org 🤝 Connect with Peter: https://www.xaviermissionfund.org/connect 🎧 Listen now and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! 📩 Work with Orlando: https://calendly.com/orlando-mrpdonordev/45min 📢 Follow @MRPDONORDEV on social media 🌐 Learn more: https://mrpdonordev.com/ 👉 Inspired by this episode? Share it with a friend and leave a review!

In this episode of The Donor Centric Approach, Orlando Barros welcomes Jessica Root, Executive Director of House of Mercy, a Catholic nonprofit serving thousands of families through its food pantry, thrift store, and donation center. Jessica shares the power of meeting real needs with dignity, the challenges of running a fast-growing nonprofit, and the fundraising insights she’s gained from years of hands-on experience in executive leadership. 💡 What you’ll hear in this episode: ✅ How House of Mercy served 80,000+ people last year—and why dignity is at the heart of it all ✅ One powerful story of a client-turned-entrepreneur whose life was transformed ✅ Real talk about communicating impact to donors who may not relate to the problem ✅ Strategies for building donor relationships without a large development team ✅ Why in-person gatherings and storytelling are critical to their success Plus: Jessica and Orlando reflect on their time working together—and what it really takes to build a fundraising strategy rooted in relationships, not transactions. ❤️ Support House of Mercy: 🌐 Visit: https://houseofmercyva.org 🎁 Donate or shop their Amazon Wish List 📍 Volunteer or organize a food drive (if local to Northern VA) 🎧 Listen now and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform! 📩 Work with Orlando: https://calendly.com/orlando-mrpdonordev/45min 📢 Follow @MRPDONORDEV on social media 🌐 Learn more: https://mrpdonordev.com/ 👉 Liked this episode? Leave a review and share it with a nonprofit leader!

Are you leading a nonprofit or ministry without a full-time development staff? Maybe you're doing everything yourself—running programs, writing thank-you notes, and trying to raise money in the margins of your day. If that’s you, this episode is for you. In this solo episode of The Donor Centric Approach, host Orlando Barros shares real talk and practical tools for nonprofit leaders who are fundraising solo or with a small team. 💡 What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ The top 3 challenges most small teams face in fundraising ✅ A weekly framework you can use to stay focused and consistent ✅ How to create systems without fancy tools or software ✅ Why consistency beats complexity every time ✅ Encouragement that you’re not too small to fundraise well Whether you're the executive director, founder, or the one-person army behind your mission, this episode is packed with clarity, strategy, and encouragement to help you grow your fundraising without burning out. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! 📩 Book a free strategy call with Orlando: https://calendly.com/orlando-mrpdonordev/45min 📢 Follow @MRPDONORDEV on social media 🌐 Learn more: https://mrpdonordev.com/ 👉 If this helped you, share the episode and leave a review!

In this episode of The Donor Centric Approach, host Orlando Barros sits down with Joelle Fitzmaurice, Development Coordinator at Catholic Terps, the vibrant Catholic campus ministry at the University of Maryland. Together, they unpack how Catholic Terps is forming students to be faith-filled leaders—and the unique fundraising realities of operating a mission-based ministry on a secular college campus. 💡 What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ Why college is one of the most spiritually formative seasons of life ✅ How Catholic Terps reaches thousands of students through sacraments, service, and leadership ✅ Two incredible student testimonies—one of which ends with a surprising vocation! ✅ How Joelle connects donor interests to real-life impact ✅ What every ministry can do today to improve donor retention and alumni engagement ❤️ Support Catholic Terps: 🌐 Visit: https://catholicterps.org 📅 Learn about the upcoming capital campaign & events 🎁 Donate to support their growing mission Whether you're leading a ministry or managing a nonprofit, this episode is packed with inspiring stories and practical fundraising strategies you can apply right away. 🎧 Listen now & subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! 📩 Work with Orlando: https://calendly.com/orlando-mrpdonordev/45min 📢 Follow @MRPDONORDEV on social media 👉 Enjoy the episode? Share it with a friend and leave us a review!

Losing a child is one of the most heartbreaking experiences a parent can go through, yet so many families suffer in silence without the right support. In this episode of The Donor Centric Approach, host Orlando Barros sits down with Kelly Breaux, founder of Red Bird Ministries, to discuss how her organization is filling a critical gap in the Church by offering faith-based grief support to families who have lost a child. 💡 What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ How Kelly’s personal journey of loss led her to start Red Bird Ministries ✅ Why faith-based grief support is different from secular grief counseling ✅ The fundraising challenges of running a ministry that isn’t tied to a single parish or diocese ✅ How strong donor relationships make this mission possible ✅ Practical fundraising takeaways for nonprofits facing similar challenges ❤️ Support Red Bird Ministries: 🌐 Visit: https://www.redbird.love/ 📢 Follow them on social media: @redbirdministriesinc 🙏 Help them continue their mission: https://www.redbird.love/giving-page If you’re a ministry leader, nonprofit professional, or someone seeking to strengthen donor engagement, this episode is full of powerful insights on messaging, fundraising, and serving with faith. 🎧 Listen now & subscribe! 📢 Connect with us: 🌐 Learn more: https://mrpdonordev.com/ 📢 Follow @MRPDONORDEV on social media 📩 Work with Orlando: https://calendly.com/orlando-mrpdonordev/45min 👉 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend and leave a comment below!

If your donors don’t immediately understand what you do, your fundraising will always feel like an uphill battle. A vague mission leads to vague fundraising results, but a clear mission leads to stronger donor engagement and better fundraising outcomes. In this solo episode of The Donor Centric Approach, host Orlando Barros walks you through how to define and refine your nonprofit’s mission so that fundraising becomes easier and more effective. 💡 What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ The biggest mistakes nonprofits make when defining their mission ✅ A 3-step framework for clarifying your mission and messaging ✅ How refining your mission leads to stronger donor relationships & increased giving ✅ Three actionable steps you can take today to sharpen your messaging and fundraising strategy If you’re a fundraising professional, development executive, or nonprofit leader, this episode will give you the tools to communicate your mission clearly and inspire more donor support. 🎧 Listen now & subscribe! 📢 Connect with us: 🌐 Learn more: https://mrpdonordev.com/ 📢 Follow @MRPDONORDEV on social media 📩 Work with Orlando: https://calendly.com/orlando-mrpdonordev/45min 👉 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend and leave a comment below!