The Business Behind Fundraising

Tony Martignetti joins Sherry Quam Taylor to discuss his upcoming book, Planned Giving Accelerated, and the transformative potential of planned giving for small to mid-sized nonprofits. Tony’s book (that features a contribution from Sherry herself!) aims to empower smaller organizations, making planned giving accessible and straightforward.Tony believes that planned giving can be a powerful way to secure the future of your organization, Tony emphasizing that planned giving is ultimately about life and sustainability.What You Will Discover:✔️ Planned Giving is not a conversation about death. It’s an opportunity to preserve the life and longevity of your work in your community✔️ Identify Your Top Prospects. Focus on your loyal, long-standing donors who have shown commitment over the years✔️ Engage in Conversations. Shift the narrative from reactive fundraising to proactive relationship building, making the planned giving conversation feel more natural✔️ Cultivate and Solicit. Base your asks on the foundation of trust you’ve built with your top prospects——————————————Tony Martignetti is the evangelist for Planned Giving. In September, he publishes his book, Planned Giving Accelerated, to help small- and mid-size nonprofits launch, by making Planned Giving fundraising easy, accessible and affordable. The book waitlist is at PlannedGivingAccelerated.com. He started as a front-line Planned Giving fundraiser in 1997 and kicked off his consulting in 2003. Tony is a lawyer, but he doesn't talk like one. Instead, he weaves in his stand-up comedy and improv past, to bring Planned Giving within reach for small- and mid-size nonprofits. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymartignetti/Website: PlannedGivingAccelerated.com----Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you’ll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor.Sherry Quam Taylor’s unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line.If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You’re in the right place!#nonprofits #podcast

Kim Zoeller has dedicated over 30 years of work to the Ray Graham Association, empowering people with disabilities to reach, grow, and achieve in their everyday lives. An organization with the scope of the RGA requires a large amount of funding from different sources. To help position their organization better, Kim saw a need to emphasize relational fundraising. Sherry and Kim discuss this shift in fundraising strategy that gave donors the opportunity to look under the hood and truly understand where their dollars were making a difference. Kim shares success stories on how they evolved their fundraising using Sherry's methodology, even getting the most out of a recent golf outing!   What You Will Discover: ✔️ Fundraising efforts have to evolve and grow just like any other area in your organization ✔️ Trying something new can be daunting, but the results make the challenge worth it ✔️ Donors want to know more about your mission and financials than you may expect ✔️ Events can be repositioned to put a greater focus on relationship-building —————————————— Kim Zoeller is President and CEO of Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities, a leading nonprofit organization serving more than 2,000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across residential, employment, recreation, family support, life skills, and pooled trust services. With more than 30 years of experience in the disability services field, she is recognized for her leadership in advancing person-centered supports, organizational growth, community-based services, and systems change that improve quality of life for people with disabilities and their families. She oversees a $34 million organization and a workforce of more than 300 employees, with responsibility for strategy, operations, fundraising, advocacy, and long-term sustainability. In addition to her executive leadership, Kim has contributed to the field through consulting, accreditation support, board leadership, and public policy engagement at both the state and national levels. She has held leadership roles with organizations including The Arc of Illinois, the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, ANCOR's Board of Representatives, and the Illinois Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities. Kim is a frequent presenter on person-centered practices, leadership, and innovative service models, and she brings a deep commitment to building inclusive communities where people with disabilities can live full and meaningful lives.   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-zoeller-9807ba5/ Website: https://www.raygraham.org/ ---- Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor. Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line. If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place! #nonprofits #podcast

Kelly Hill is the leader of Heart of Missouri CASA. As an organization who advocates for abused and neglected children, the need to grow and serve more kids, and in deeper ways, has weighed on Kelly's heart her entire career. Kelly set out on a determined path, taking the organization from 3 to 13 staff members and growing their annual budget by 5x over 10 years! But, she knew they could grow even more! Sherry and Kelly discuss the steps that have allowed Heart of Missouri CASA to continue to grow again and through a relational fundraising approach. Kelly shares how a High-ROI funding model and mindset has benefited both her organization's Annual Fund and Capital Campaign.   What You Will Hear: ✔️ Donors want to know your true need ✔️ Looking ahead to a multi-year funding approach is scary, but an important mindset shift ✔️ Fundraising is fun when you have a clearer idea of what your organization truly needs ✔️ Leveling up your LinkedIn can vastly grow your knowledge and support base ✔️ Raising to a higher number actually feels "easier" now! —————————————— Kelly Hill is the Executive Director of Heart of Missouri CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), where she has spent nearly a decade expanding the reach and impact of advocacy for children in foster care. Since taking the helm in 2016, she has grown the organization from a $220K operation serving 20% of children in need to a $1M+ program reaching 60% — placing Heart of Missouri CASA among the top programs in the state. The number of children served has nearly tripled, from 150 to almost 400 annually, and the volunteer corps has grown from 79 to nearly 200 active advocates. Kelly's leadership extends beyond the day-to-day. Over nine years, she has grown the team from 3 to 13, diversified the funding base, and built a culture recognized by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce as the 2024 Inaugural Nonprofit of the Year. She also successfully led a $4.7 million capital campaign — fully funded before construction began — with a new permanent home for the organization expected to open by the end of 2026. Kelly holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Missouri and a Bachelor of Social Work from Evangel University, where she was named Outstanding Student in the Field of Social Work. Her career spans child abuse prevention, child welfare, and family preservation. A 2021 COMO Magazine 20 Under 40 honoree, she has also served on the National CASA/GAL Urban Leadership Council and the Missouri CASA Board of Directors.   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-hill-msw-84174348/ Website: https://www.homcasa.org/   ---- Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor. Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line. If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place!   #nonprofits #podcast

Laurie Quinn strives to make learning better for all. Working with both teachers and students, the Stern Center for Language and Learning strives to stay at the forefront of innovation to be experts at applying knowledge learned in the classroom. As President, Laurie is following in the steps of a founder that had been with the organization for 38 years! Sherry and Laurie discuss the challenges and opportunities of leadership transitions in nonprofit organizations, the power of storytelling in fundraising, and the necessity of shifting fundraising culture to foster stronger donor relationships.   What You Will Discover: ✔️ Storytelling is a powerful tool in fundraising. ✔️ Leadership transitions require humility and mindfulness. ✔️ Teaching is an identity that extends beyond traditional roles. ✔️ A growth mindset can transform organizational challenges into opportunities. —————————————— As President of the Stern Center for Language and Learning, a Vermont-based nonprofit with a 40+-year history, Laurie Quinn is a proud champion of helping every learner to succeed. She brings expertise in nonprofit strategy, educational leadership, and innovative programs, as well as dedication to supporting an accomplished team of experts. Dr. Quinn earned her Ph.D. in English Literature at the University of New Hampshire and her master's and undergraduate degrees at Boston College. Her professional background includes serving as a nonprofit program and grants officer, teaching as a member of the faculty at colleges and universities, and leading in higher education executive roles as a Provost/Senior Vice President. Prior to taking the helm the Stern Center, Laurie was Interim President at Champlain College. Her community commitments currently include serving on the Board of Directors of Generator. Dr. Quinn believes in the power of learning to shape every life and to strengthen our communities.    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-quinn-06b84638a/ Website: https://sterncenter.org/ -------------------------- Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor.  Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line.  If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place!   #nonprofits #podcast

As the Director of Development at the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, Melissa Frueh helps center the voices of farmers and workers in the food system to champion impactful changes and create a system that works for and feeds everyone. This crucial community work requires consistent funding, and consistent funding requires belief in your cause from your donors. With a sales background in hand, Melissa has gotten seriously good at helping donors take the leap to greater investment opportunities. Sherry and Melissa discuss the skills that translate from sales to the nonprofit world, building confidence as a first time director of development, and the strategies that help make investment-level conversations with donors easier.   What You Will Discover: ✔️ All work is development work if your organization's mission is clearly defined ✔️ Unlocking new ways of communicating your goals can make the challenge of seeking membership funding less daunting ✔️ Understanding the perspectives of your donors helps you meet them where they are at ✔️ Painting a clear and focused picture of your needs to a donor can go farther than any ask could achieve —————————————— Melissa Frueh is the Development Director for the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, a statewide grassroots organizing organization that is building a stronger local food and farm system.   She lives in Chicago where she enjoys all that the city has to offer, and ventures into the northern great lakes region to relax.   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-frueh-20636a113/ Website: https://ilstewards.org/ -------------------------- Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor.  Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line.  If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place! #nonprofits #podcast