Claim OwnershipFully Funded Podcast - Fundraising for Christian Missionaries
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Proven strategies, actionable insights, and encouraging testimonies for Christian missionaries raising support in today's world.
We're Mary Valloni and Mike Kim, a team that only God could have brought together. Both of our lives were significantly impacted by missions. Mary is a respected non-profit consultant with a wealth of experience from working with ministry orgs like Chi Alpha as well as nonprofits like The American Cancer Society and the Special Olympics. Mike is best-selling author and expert in branding and marketing.
Subscribe now to learn how to grow your donor base, raise more support, and get fully funded. More info at: http://fullyfundedacademy.com.
We're Mary Valloni and Mike Kim, a team that only God could have brought together. Both of our lives were significantly impacted by missions. Mary is a respected non-profit consultant with a wealth of experience from working with ministry orgs like Chi Alpha as well as nonprofits like The American Cancer Society and the Special Olympics. Mike is best-selling author and expert in branding and marketing.
Subscribe now to learn how to grow your donor base, raise more support, and get fully funded. More info at: http://fullyfundedacademy.com.
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After years of coaching missionaries one-on-one, Mary Valloni and Mike Kim are bringing the Fully Funded experience into the room. This is a two-day, hands-on conference designed for missionaries, ministry leaders, and sending organizations who are ready to stop guessing and start building a real support-raising strategy. September 21–22, 2026 Plano, TX This is NOT your typical nonprofit conference. You won't just sit and listen. You'll walk in with your challenges and walk out with a complete 90-day action plan: scripts written, strategy built, momentum created. The world of donor giving has changed. Communication has changed. If your support-raising playbook is more than a few years old, it's time for an upgrade. We're doing that work, together, in the room. 🔗 Get all the details & register: fullyfundedacademy.com/live ⏰ Early bird pricing ends June 30… don't wait on this one.
Watch this on YouTube » Have you plateaued in your support raising and not sure how to break through? You might be missing the one thing that changes everything: a coach. In this episode, Mary and Mike break down why coaching isn't optional for missionaries serious about reaching full support, it's the difference between spinning your wheels and actually crossing the finish line. CONNECT WITH FULLY FUNDED ACADEMY: Website: https://fullyfundedacademy.com Get the Free Workbook: https://fullyfundedbook.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/fullyfundedacademy
Rob and Nichole Plaster have been missionaries in France since 2003. In this episode, they share the support raising strategies that transformed their approach, including how they shifted from exhausting furlough trips to remote fundraising, built a team of advocates, and used weekly storytelling emails to keep donors engaged and excited. Whether you're just starting your missionary journey or you've hit a funding plateau after years on the field, Robin and Nicole's story will encourage you that full funding IS possible. 2:07 - If you believe in what God is doing you must learn to communicate it 4:44 - Raising support while still overseas 7:52 - Values-first fundraising 10:38 - Writing better email updates 14:33 - Raising a large budget because Paris is expensive 17:12 - When the scarcity mindset creeps back in 21:44 - The power of a private Facebook group 27:33 - Advice to other missionaries Connect with Rob and Nichole: https://www.theplastersofparis.com/ CONNECT WITH FULLY FUNDED ACADEMY: Website: https://fullyfundedacademy.com Get the Free Workbook: https://fullyfundedbook.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/fullyfundedacademy
Many missionaries believe supporters only want to fund "field work," but the truth is, your donors want to invest in YOUR growth! Whether you are looking to attend a conference, take a course, or join Fully Funded Academy, this messaging script will help you get the sponsorship you need without the guilt. In this episode, Mike Kim shares the exact email template you can use to confidently ask your donors to fund your professional development. CONNECT WITH FULLY FUNDED ACADEMY: Website: https://fullyfundedacademy.com Get the Free Workbook: https://fullyfundedbook.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/fullyfundedacademy
In a digital age dominated by automation, the "personal touch" remains the most powerful tool for Christian missionaries raising support. Join Mary Valloni and Mike Kim as they reveal why authentic, localized relationships are far more effective than generic outreach for fully funded missions. Discover how successful ministry leaders are leveraging technology—not to replace connection, but to amplify it—using simple strategies like personalized video messages to maintain genuine bonds with partners. CONNECT WITH FULLY FUNDED ACADEMY: Website: https://fullyfundedacademy.com Get the Free Workbook: https://fullyfundedbook.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/fullyfundedacademy
One of the hardest moments in raising support is when a donor ends their support. It's scary… and it can leave you feeling rejected. But how you respond in this moment matters just as much as how you asked for their support in the beginning. In this episode, Mary and Mike break down exactly what to say when a donor stops supporting you. Instead of panicking or burning bridges, we'll show you how to honor the relationship, leave the door open for the future, and show you exactly what to say when this happens. CONNECT WITH FULLY FUNDED ACADEMY: Website: https://fullyfundedacademy.com Get the Free Workbook: https://fullyfundedbook.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/fullyfundedacademy
Watch on YouTube » Are you making the hardest ask without realizing it? Most missionaries default to asking for monthly support, but this is actually the most difficult commitment for a new donor to make. By only focusing on monthly giving, you might be leaving thousands on the table in your missionary fundraising efforts. In this video, we break down the Barbell Principle: a proven strategy to help you raise more support by understanding the three specific donor types. Stop using a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Learn how to match the right ask to the right person to improve your donor engagement and reach 100% funding faster. CONNECT WITH FULLY FUNDED ACADEMY: Website: https://fullyfundedacademy.com Get the Free Workbook: https://fullyfundedbook.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/fullyfundedacademy
Watch on YouTube » Most missionaries are sending emails that get ignored... and they don't even know why. In this episode, Mike Kim breaks down five common email mistakes that are killing your support raising and shares simple fixes you can implement right away. Learn how to write emails that actually get opened, read, and responded to. CONNECT WITH FULLY FUNDED ACADEMY: Website: https://fullyfundedacademy.com Get the Free Workbook: https://fullyfundedbook.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/fullyfundedacademy
Watch on YouTube » Can you achieve your missionary fundraising goals through social media alone? Mary Valloni reveals why social media isn't enough for full funding. While platforms like Instagram are powerful tools for donor engagement, true success in support raising requires personal connection. Learn how to leverage faith-based support raising strategies to turn online followers into committed financial partners through intentional relationships. CONNECT WITH FULLY FUNDED ACADEMY: Website: https://fullyfundedacademy.com Get the Free Workbook: https://fullyfundedbook.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/fullyfundedacademy
Watch on YouTube » Support raising deadlines can cause a lot of anxiety. Whether you have 90 days or a year to raise support, the pressure can determine your entire calling... but it doesn't have to be paralyzing. In this episode, Mary shows you how to handle the pressure of support raising for missionaries, while discovering why missing a deadline doesn't mean your calling is over. Enjoy these strategies for sustainable nonprofit fundraising in 2026. CONNECT WITH FULLY FUNDED ACADEMY: Website: https://fullyfundedacademy.com Get the Free Workbook: https://fullyfundedbook.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/fullyfundedacademy
Watch on YouTube » We've coached over 2,000 missionaries, and today we're exposing three phrases that could be killing your ask in donor conversations. We break down the subtle language shifts that transform awkward funding requests into natural partnership invitations. If you've ever fumbled through face-to-face meetings or struggled with what to say when making the ask, this episode will change how you approach those critical moments. Stop using weak, guilt-driven language and start inviting people into genuine partnership with confidence. Video - It's a Beautiful Day » CONNECT WITH FULLY FUNDED ACADEMY: Website: https://fullyfundedacademy.com Get the Free Workbook: https://fullyfundedbook.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/fullyfundedacademy
Watch on YouTube » How should you talk about your salary with supporters and donors? In this episode, we break down the three key expense categories every missionary needs to understand: program, fundraising, and admin. Learn why you don't need to share every personal expense detail with donors, and discover the proven framework that builds trust while maintaining healthy boundaries. If you're confused about financial transparency in support raising, this conversation will bring much-needed clarity. CONNECT WITH FULLY FUNDED ACADEMY: Website: https://fullyfundedacademy.com Get the Free Workbook: https://fullyfundedbook.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/fullyfundedacademy
Watch on YouTube » What's possible when you raise support with clarity, confidence, and community? In this New Year episode, Mike Kim and Mary share powerful real-life testimonies from missionaries and ministry leaders who experienced breakthrough in their fundraising — including: A $25,000 gift from a newly formed advisory team A $230,000 year-end campaign that started with a $100,000 goal Members rebuilding confidence after financial hardship Practical shifts that changed everything These aren't just big numbers — they're stories of mindset change, teamwork, and renewed faith for what's possible. CONNECT WITH FULLY FUNDED ACADEMY: Website: https://fullyfundedacademy.com Get the Free Workbook: https://fullyfundedbook.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/fullyfundedacademy
Watch on YouTube » If you've ever felt like support raising should be easier by now—like maybe you're just not cut out for this—you need to watch this. Support raising has very predictable phases: the highs, the valleys, the plateaus. And if you don't know what's coming, you'll quit right before the breakthrough. In this episode, we break down the actual timeline of support raising and reveal why missionaries who enlist a team get fully funded 100% of the time. Learn what to do in each phase so you can stop second-guessing yourself and start moving forward again. CONNECT WITH FULLY FUNDED ACADEMY: Website: https://fullyfundedacademy.com Get the Free Workbook: https://fullyfundedbook.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/fullyfundedacademy
Watch this on YouTube » After coaching over 2,000 missionaries, we've noticed something: every single one who reached 100% support shared these five habits. They're not complicated, and they're not about being a "natural" at fundraising - they're just consistent, repeatable practices that work. If you want to get fully funded in 2026, start here. CONNECT WITH FULLY FUNDED ACADEMY: Website: https://fullyfundedacademy.com Get the Free Workbook: https://fullyfundedbook.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/fullyfundedacademy
Watch this on YouTube » Mike Kim and Mary Valloni break down four common phrases that quietly kill missionary fundraising, especially in 1:1 conversations... and what to say instead! The shift is simple but powerful: move from neediness and vague asks to clarity, confidence, and invitation, treating supporters as partners in the mission, not transactions. CONNECT WITH FULLY FUNDED ACADEMY: Website: https://fullyfundedacademy.com Get the Free Workbook: https://fullyfundedbook.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/fullyfundedacademy
Watch this on YouTube (recommended) » After three and a half years apart, we reunite to reshoot all the core content for Fully Funded Academy—and we're asking the big question: does your support raising strategy need a facelift, an overhaul, or a funeral? This behind-the-scenes episode captures our two-day studio shoot and why putting your best foot forward matters. We share how they've grown in seven years, why excellence isn't perfectionism, and how to know when it's time to update your materials, freshen your approach, or let something go entirely. CONNECT WITH FULLY FUNDED ACADEMY: Website: https://fullyfundedacademy.com Get the Free Workbook: https://fullyfundedbook.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/fullyfundedacademy
Watch this episode on YouTube » Thanksgiving is coming soon, and today we're sharing our personal journeys with gratitude and the profound impact that a gratitude practice can have on how you raise support and you day-to-day well-being. We are grateful for you! 00:00 Introduction to Gratitude 00:22 Personal Reflections on Gratitude 02:11 The Power of a Gratitude Journal 03:49 Journaling Practices and Personal Stories 07:10 Gratitude in Challenging Times 12:41 Encouragement and Final Thoughts Connect with us: Newsletter: fullyfundedacademy.com/newsletter Book: fullyfundedbook.com Instagram: instagram.com/fullyfundedacademy
Watch this on YouTube » If your missionary budget isn't cutting it, or you're wondering how to create more financial margin without abandoning your ministry, this conversation is for you. Mike and Mary tackle one of the most under-discussed realities in missions: what it actually means to be bi-vocational in today's world. Spoiler: it doesn't mean splitting your day between ministry and working retail. 00:15 The Many Hats of a Missionary 01:01 Permission to Be Bivocational 02:19 Prioritizing and Time Management 03:09 Time Auditing for Productivity 05:26 Repurposing Work for Revenue 06:49 Balancing Family and Work 10:15 Exploring Additional Revenue Streams 16:00 Encouragement and Final Thoughts Connect with us: Newsletter: fullyfundedacademy.com/newsletter Book: fullyfundedbook.com Instagram: instagram.com/fullyfundedacademy
Watch this on YouTube » As we head into November and December, your donors are deciding where to give. They're looking for ministries with clear vision and faithful stewardship. Today we discuss a common mistake missionaries make that costs them thousands in support: focusing on money rather than vision. Tune in on how to make the shift and maximize your year-end support. For the financial report letter template mentioned, go to http://fullyfundedbook.com. 00:00 Introduction: The Costly Mistake Missionaries Make 00:42 Focusing on Vision Over Money 01:50 Breaking Down Ministry Expenses 05:06 The Importance of Transparency with Donors 06:03 Casting Vision for Future Support 09:40 Practical Tips for Effective Fundraising 13:44 Conclusion: Taking Action and Staying Engaged Connect with us: Newsletter: fullyfundedacademy.com/newsletter Book: fullyfundedbook.com Instagram: instagram.com/fullyfundedacademy
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