The Focused Fundraiser

In this episode, Amy Pocola, a seasoned nonprofit strategist, shares her journey into fundraising, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what truly matters. She discusses the common challenges faced by fundraisers, regardless of the size of their organizations, and highlights the significance of building strong donor relationships. Amy encourages fundraisers to prepare for key giving periods while maintaining a long-term vision and strategic planning. She also stresses the importance of self-care, urging fundraisers to prioritize their well-being amidst the stresses of their work. The session concludes with an invitation to explore additional resources for support.

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke sits down with Kristen Mitchell, co-founder & executive director of Youth Futures, to unpack practical nonprofit fundraising strategies: leading as an accidental fundraiser, why authenticity beats charisma, lessons from capital campaigns, building business-grade systems, and how to prioritize donor outreach with time blocking, your CRM, and LinkedIn/Sales Navigator. Kristen also shares a refreshing take on “burnout,” staff wellness programs, and staying connected to client stories to fuel resilience.You’ll learn: • Why founders/EDs must embrace being the face of the organization • How to seed momentum for new sites with pre-opening capital • The daily habit that keeps fundraising from getting sidelined • Tactical tools: Calendar + CRM + LinkedIn (and Sales Navigator) • How to build a development department and run your nonprofit like a business • Mindset shifts to avoid burnout and keep donor relationships warm

Focusing on building strong donor relationships is key to successful nonprofit fundraising. To improve your nonprofit organization, implement effective fundraising strategies and follow essential fundraising tips. Strong nonprofit strategies lead to better donor relationships and overall success.In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke sits down with fundraising consultant Kel Haney—who’s made 20,000+ fundraising calls and helped raise $16M—to unpack a realistic, phone-first strategy for mid-level donors, Giving Tuesday, and year-end fundraising. We dig into segmentation, CRM hygiene, burnout prevention, voicemail tactics, and Kel’s 5-minute ask framework (no scripts, just a simple tent-pole structure). If you’re a nonprofit leader or fundraiser looking to boost donor retention and drive major results from mid-level gifts, this is your playbook.What you’ll learn: • How to define and prioritize mid-level donors ($1k–$10k) with their own strategy • The 5-minute phone call structure: opening, main event, specific ask, wrap-up • Why matches are magic (1:1 for year-end, 2:1 for Giving Tuesday) • Segmenting by behavior and channel preference using your CRM • The voicemail + follow-up email tactic that landed an $18k gift • Burnout-smart planning and realistic goals for November–December

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke sits down with Debbie Oxford, founder and president of Grow Our Faith Ministries, to explore what it really means to live your calling — and fund it. From selling everything to move to Kenya at 60 to rescuing children and building wells, Debbie’s story reminds us that purpose and generosity are deeply connected.Discover how she found new life through mission work, her honest take on the realities of fundraising, and why she believes “if it’s God’s will, it’s God’s bill.” Whether you lead a small nonprofit or just need a reminder of why your work matters, this conversation will move you.

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke sits down with Chris Maggiolo, Deputy Executive Director at Black River Innovation Campus (BRIC) in Vermont, to unpack how a rural innovation nonprofit shifted from relying on federal and state grants to building a stronger philanthropy and individual giving engine.You’ll learn how BRIC uses data-driven fundraising and clear impact metrics to win support, why cross-sector partnerships (with universities, industry, and nonprofits) are now central to donor expectations, and practical ways to balance storytelling with data when you’re still early and light on numbers. Chris also shares real-world tactics to avoid fundraiser burnout, manage competing priorities with Gantt charts and agile sprints, and make space for a healthy team culture.What you’ll learn: • Moving from grants to diversified revenue (individual donors, match funding, and community-led campaigns) • Designing donor-ready STEAM education and workforce development initiatives • Turning asset mapping and stakeholder interviews into compelling nonprofit stories • Using partnerships as social proof to scale reach and outcomes—especially in rural communities • Personal systems for focus, prioritization, and burnout prevention

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke sits down with Ada O’Quain, Donor Engagement Manager at the Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. Ada shares her journey into nonprofit fundraising, the lessons she’s learned navigating burnout, hurricanes, and community challenges in Southwest Louisiana, and how she keeps her focus on what matters most.You’ll learn how to: • Balance donor storytelling with statistics to inspire giving. • Build lasting donor relationships through intentional communication. • Run effective fundraising events without burning out your team. • Segment and personalize donor outreach to keep major, mid-level, and recurring donors engaged. • Stay organized with time-blocking, calendars, and automation tools.If you’re a fundraiser looking for practical strategies and encouragement, this episode will give you fresh ideas and a reminder of why your work matters.👉 Learn more about simplifying your fundraising with DonorDock: https://donordock.com

Nonprofit fundraising is changing, but donors are still giving. In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, former Big Brothers Big Sisters CEO and current Scouting America development leader Erin Davison breaks down how to win with donor intentionality, raw storytelling, and simple focus you can sustain.You will learn how to:- Align with today’s more intentional donors through clear priorities and mission fit- Use raw, phone-shot storytelling to drive real engagement across generations- Segment communication for Boomers to Gen Z and meet donors where they are- Build capacity when your team is stretched thin and time is scarce- Communicate fiscal responsibility the right way, including reserves, endowments, and matching giftsHighlights:- Erin’s path from social work to CEO to development leadership- Multi-generation donor reality. Letters, email, text to give, streaming, and mobile- Raw storytelling beats polished edits when trust matters- The three priorities every shop needs: Funding, Growth, People- Ending the feast or famine cycle with pipeline consistency and transparent reporting

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke sits down with Frances Roen, founder of Fundraising Sol, to talk about what really drives successful fundraising. From her early days at the Bakken Museum to launching her own consultancy, Frances shares powerful insights on burnout, prioritization, capital campaigns, and the importance of wellness for nonprofit teams.If you’re a fundraiser juggling too many priorities, this episode will help you pause, focus, and find clarity in your work.Frances emphasizes that tools will always evolve, but relationships remain at the heart of fundraising. Whether you’re leading a capital campaign or just trying to balance short-term fires with long-term strategy, you’ll find practical advice and encouragement here.👉 Subscribe for weekly conversations with fundraisers who are redefining what it means to focus on what matters most.

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke sits down with Maya Severns, Director of Development and Marketing at LION Charter School in New York, to explore the real-world challenges and strategies of fundraising in today’s nonprofit landscape.Maya shares her journey from teaching to development, the lessons she’s learned about donor relationships, and how her team integrates marketing and fundraising to maximize impact. Together, they discuss how to stay mission-driven, avoid burnout, and use storytelling for fundraising to build lasting connections with donors.You’ll hear insights on: • Shifting donor expectations post-pandemic • Why relationships and storytelling remain the cornerstone of nonprofit fundraising • Practical ways to connect donors to the programs they care about most • Tips for avoiding burnout as a fundraiser • The importance of involving your whole organization in fundraisingWhether you’re a fundraiser, nonprofit leader, or simply passionate about mission-driven work, this episode will help you simplify, focus, and engage donors more effectively.👉 Learn more about how DonorDock helps nonprofits steward donors and streamline fundraising at DonorDock.com.

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke sits down with fundraising consultant Jake Kubik, founder of Valuable Visits, to talk about the real practices that move the needle in fundraising.Jake shares his journey from healthcare administration to major gifts officer to launching his own consulting practice. Together, we dive deep into: • Why authentic human relationships will always be the foundation of major gifts fundraising • How AI tools can streamline admin work so fundraisers can spend more time with donors • The mindset shift from budget pressure to joy-filled fundraising (#JoyDealer) • Practical ways to segment donors and treat them differently without losing consistency • Why values-based giving is changing donor expectations in 2025 • How fundraisers can fight overwhelm by finding mentors and community

In this episode, Carrie Grover, the executive director of TCCC, shares her journey from a stay-at-home mom to a nonprofit leader. She emphasizes that successful fundraising is about building relationships and creativity rather than just asking for money. Carrie highlights the importance of board support and training, as well as the need for difficult conversations regarding performance. TCCC has seen significant growth by focusing on effective programs and adapting to changes in funding sources. Ultimately, she encourages listeners to prioritize community connections and work-life balance.

In a heartfelt discussion, a seasoned fundraiser shares her journey from falling into the nonprofit sector to becoming an executive director. She emphasizes the importance of meaningful work and the direct impact fundraising has on organizations, particularly in addressing issues like food insecurity. The conversation highlights the need for honesty in fundraising and the value of inviting donors into the organization's story. Additionally, she discusses the challenges of burnout in leadership roles and the necessity of self-care practices, such as taking unstructured time to recharge. Ultimately, the dialogue encourages a focus on what truly matters in the mission of fundraising.

In this conversation, Rob Burke and Ian Toville discuss the evolving landscape of fundraising, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing what truly matters in nonprofit work. Ian shares his experiences transitioning from the for-profit sector to nonprofit fundraising, highlighting the shift towards collaboration among organizations in Maine. They explore the significance of authentic connections with donors, the need for flexibility and experimentation in fundraising strategies, and the importance of community building. Ian also offers insights on avoiding burnout by reconnecting with the cause and taking personal time away from work.

In this episode, Rob sits down with Kevin Mehrer, Development Director at Scouting America’s Northern Lights Council, to talk about the real magic in fundraising: focus, relationships, and human connection.Kevin shares: • Why unscalable, personal touches matter more than ever • How to avoid burnout by asking for help and protecting your energy • The danger of transactional giving (and what to do instead) • How wildly important goals (WIGs) help fight mission creep • The underestimated power of mentorship and adaptabilityWhether you’re fundraising solo or leading a team, this episode will help you quiet the noise and zero in on what actually moves the needle.

In this conversation, Rob Burke and Trevor McPherson discuss effective fundraising strategies, emphasizing the importance of relationship building over traditional event-based fundraising. Trevor shares his journey from a sports performance background to becoming the Director of Development at the Kinder Smile Foundation, highlighting the changes in the fundraising landscape, the significance of utilizing CRM systems, and the necessity of setting clear goals to avoid burnout. The discussion provides valuable insights for fundraisers looking to enhance their impact and focus on what truly matters in their work.

In this inaugural episode of the Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke and Courtney Harrness discuss the essence of effective fundraising, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what truly matters. Courtney shares her journey in the nonprofit sector, highlighting the shift from a global to a local impact mindset. They explore the significance of prioritizing human connections, leveraging technology for relationship management, and strategies to avoid burnout in the demanding world of fundraising. The conversation concludes with valuable advice for fundraisers feeling overwhelmed, encouraging them to embrace the noble nature of their work and seek support when needed.TakeawaysFundraising is about doing what matters most.Success in fundraising can be measured differently at local vs. global levels.Focusing on local impact can create a snowball effect of change.Prioritize human connections over transactional relationships.Technology can enhance, but not replace, human interaction.Avoid burnout by shifting from a scarcity to an abundance mindset.Taking breaks and going for walks can help clear the mind.Fundraising is a noble profession that connects people to causes.It's okay to not have all the answers in fundraising.Every small success in fundraising is meaningful. "Don't try to boil the ocean.""Go for walks to clear your mind.""Every success is really meaningful."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Focused Fundraising01:25 Courtney's Journey in Fundraising02:55 Shifting Perspectives: Local vs. Global Impact05:27 Prioritizing People in Fundraising08:19 Leveraging Technology for Human Connection10:52 Avoiding Burnout in Fundraising15:55 Advice for Overwhelmed Fundraisers