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Story‑Driven Fundraising | Ministry, Fundraising Ideas, Donations, Marketing Plan, NonProfit Groups
Story‑Driven Fundraising | Ministry, Fundraising Ideas, Donations, Marketing Plan, NonProfit Groups
This podcast helps nonprofit leaders and ministry workers overcome the awkwardness of asking for money by using storytelling to connect with donors. Host Lisa Diaz shares strategies to make fundraising easier, reduce shame, and build long-term supporter relationships. Drawing from her experience as a missionary kid and ministry consultant, she teaches how to engage donors through compelling narratives. The show aims to replace trial-and-error fundraising with proven story-driven techniques that inspire giving.
Episodes
115 | Audit Your Fundraising Message with 3 Simple Checks
***If fundraising still feels awkward, heavy, or uncomfortable, I’m inviting you to my FREE live Fundraise with Confidence workshop! I’ll show you how to change the way you approach fundraising and how to start a donor conversation using a proven, story-driven approach. 👉 Save your free seat: irisstorytelling.com/fundraising ***You’ve shared your ministry again and again… so why are potential dono
114 | Fundraising Ask Feels Awkward? How to Make the Donor the Hero of Your Ministry Message
**Not sure how to start a donor conversation without it feeling awkward? Join me live and learn what to say to quickly connect donors with your mission and confidently lead toward the ask. Grab your workshop seat: irisstorytelling.com/fundraising**Your donor conversation is going great… until it’s time to actually ask for money. Suddenly you’re rambling, giving a vague “if you feel led,” or hoping
113 | LIVE COACHING: Clarifying a Vague Fundraising Message
**Ready to fundraise without feeling awkward, embarrassed, or salesy? Join me for my FREE live Fundraise with Confidence workshop. Save your seat at irisstorytelling.com/fundraisingIn this live coaching session with missionary Eleanore, we uncover the deeper problem behind her ministry: single mothers caught in a revolving cycle of housing instability, financial struggles, trauma, and crisis. You’
112 | When Missionary Fundraising Feels Selfish: How to Reframe the Ask
**Ready to fundraise without feeling awkward, embarrassed, or salesy? Join me for my FREE live Fundraise with Confidence workshop. Save your seat at irisstorytelling.com/fundraisingAsking someone to give to a ministry project can feel easy. Asking them to help pay for your housing, food, transportation, and everyday life? Suddenly fundraising can feel incredibly personal—and even selfish.In this e
111 | How Do You Share an Impact Story in Your Ministry Fundraising Message?
You have a powerful impact story—but you don't know exactly how to use it in your overall message. Should you open with the story? Save it until the end? Put it somewhere in the middle? And how does the story connect to your ministry’s bigger vision without feeling randomly dropped into the message?In this episode, I’m breaking down two ways I recommend using an impact story in a fundraising
110 | LIVE COACHING: What to Say in a Donor Meeting to Make Your Fundraising Message Clear
You finally get a meeting with a potential donor…and then realize you have no idea what you’re actually supposed to say.In this live coaching episode, I’m helping Cindy prepare for a meeting with a potential business donor. She knows her ministry inside and out—but as she admits, “I could talk all day. But I’m not talking about the right things.”We work through how to structure the conversation, i
109 | 3 Ministry Messaging Mistakes That Are Hurting Your Fundraising
You’ve worked hard on your ministry message. You’ve thought through the words on your website, practiced explaining what you do, and tried to communicate professionally. So why does it still feel like donors aren’t connecting?Your message may be making one of three incredibly common mistakes I see in ministry fundraising. In this episode, we’re looking at vague language, overly formal communicatio
108 | Haven’t Fundraised in Months? 3 Steps to Restart Your Ministry Fundraising Without the Panic
Has it been months since you’ve really fundraised? Ministry got busy, donor communication slipped, and now your support account is getting lower than you’d like. Suddenly, fundraising feels urgent—and you’re wondering where to even begin.In this episode, I’m sharing a simple way to restart your ministry fundraising without trying to make up for months of silence all at once. We’ll talk about the f
107 | Storytelling for Ministry Fundraising: 2 Ways to Use Story
You’ve heard that storytelling is powerful for fundraising—but storytelling is so much more than finding a good ministry story and retelling what happened.In this episode, I’m breaking down the 2 main ways to use storytelling in your ministry fundraising. If your ministry communication tends to feel scattered, or you’ve tried sharing stories without seeing much change in your fundraising, this epi
106 | Want Business Sponsors? How to Find the RIGHT Partners for your Ministry
Businesses can give bigger donations, so it’s tempting to look for the company with the deepest pockets and think, If we could just get them on board, we’d finally hit our fundraising goal.But chasing the biggest check can waste a huge amount of time—and sometimes bring the wrong partner into your ministry.In this episode, we’re talking about how fundraising with business sponsors is different fro
105 | Storytelling for Fundraising: The Simple Structure That Makes Your Ministry Message Clear
Your ministry has powerful stories—but knowing how to actually use storytelling in fundraising is a completely different challenge.In this episode, I’m breaking down the storytelling structure I use to help ministry leaders build a clear fundraising message. We’ll talk about why you need to know exactly who you’re talking to, why conflict should come before explaining what your ministry does, and
104 | Comparing Your Ministry to Others? 3 Ways It’s Hurting Your Fundraising
🎉 LAST DAY TO WIN A FREE COACHING SESSION!I’m giving away a FREE 1-hour Fundraising Message Coaching Session to three winners. We’ll look at your fundraising message together, identify areas that may be holding you back, and help you gain clarity on how to communicate more effectively with donors.Enter before the giveaway closes tonight: irisstorytelling.com/100You see another missionary or minist
103 | Fundraising Is Stealing Time from Your Ministry—3 Shifts That Change Everything
**I’m celebrating the 100th episode of the podcast by giving away three FREE Fundraising Message Coaching Sessions! If you’ve been wanting personalized feedback on your fundraising message, this is your chance.🎉 Enter the giveaway: https://www.irisstorytelling.com/100Fundraising feels like it’s stealing time from your ministry—but what if that mindset is actually holding your ministry back?If you’
102 | Getting Too Many Fundraising “No’s”? 3 Steps to Handle Rejection Without Losing Confidence
🎉 Episode 100 Giveaway Ends August 10! I’m giving away 3 free Fundraising Message Coaching Sessions to ministry leaders, missionaries, and nonprofit founders. If you want help clarifying your fundraising message, newsletter, donor presentation, or support ask, enter now at irisstorytelling.com/100.Every “no” in fundraising leaves a mark.At first, it’s easy to brush off. Then another person says “m
101 | Fundraising Is Exhausting; Here Are 3 Ministry Rhythms To Build Ministry Support
🎉 100th Episode Giveaway! I’m celebrating 100 episodes by giving away 3 free Fundraising Message Coaching sessions (a $77 value each)! If you’re struggling to explain your ministry clearly, feeling awkward asking for support, or wondering what’s slowing your fundraising, enter by August 10 at irisstorytelling.com/100.Does your fundraising swing between complete silence and full panic mode?Maybe mi
100 | Is Your Fundraising Ask Weak? This Mistake Keeps People From Supporting Your Ministry
**🎉 100 EPISODE GIVEAWAY** Enter to win one of 3 free Fundraising Message Coaching sessions at irisstorytelling.com/100 (entries close Aug 10th).What if the most polite phrase in ministry fundraising is actually keeping people from giving?“If you feel led.” “Anything helps.” “Give whatever God puts on your heart.”Those phrases sound humble, but they often create uncertainty instead of confidence.
99 | Stop Losing Ministry Donors: The Fundraising Follow-Up Strategy That Wins More Yeses
You thought they were excited about your ministry. They asked great questions. The conversation went well. Then… nothing.Many ministry leaders assume silence means someone isn’t interested. That assumption quietly costs ministries supporters every year.In this episode, I’ll show you why following up isn’t pushy, why most people simply get distracted, and the simple follow-up system I use to confid
98 | Inconsistent Ministry Communication? 3 Fundraising Shifts That Create Loyal Donors
You get motivated to communicate consistently, send a few updates, and show up online—then ministry gets busy and months pass. When fundraising season comes around, you suddenly start communicating again.That cycle can quietly weaken donor relationships. In this episode, you’ll learn how to choose the right communication channel, create a rhythm you can sustain, and invite supporters into the full
97 | Fundraising Storytelling: How to Find Ministry Stories Every Week
You keep hearing that storytelling is the key to better fundraising… but what if you honestly feel like nothing interesting ever happens in your ministry? It’s easy to assume great stories are only for large nonprofits with dramatic testimonies.In this episode, I’ll show you why you don’t have a storytelling problem—you have a story-finding problem. You’ll learn a simple framework to uncover meani
96 | The Fundraising Mistake Making Your Ministry Forgettable
Ever visited a ministry website and felt like you’ve read the same mission statement a dozen times? “Sharing the Gospel.” “Making disciples.” “Loving people.” Every one of those is important—but none of them makes a ministry memorable.In this episode, you’ll learn why your ministry may be far more unique than the way you describe it. I’ll show you three simple shifts that help supporters remember
95 | Struggling to Fundraise? 3 Reasons Someone Doesn’t Become a Donor
They loved hearing about your ministry. They asked thoughtful questions. They even said they’d pray about supporting you. So why do so many of those conversations end without a donation?In this episode, you’ll discover the 3 biggest reasons people stay interested without ever becoming invested. You’ll learn how to communicate the problem your ministry solves, invite supporters into the story, and
94 | Missionary Fundraising: Why People Ignore Your Emails (and What Gets Their Attention)
You spend hours writing your ministry newsletter… then hit send and wonder if anyone even opened it. No replies. No engagement. Just silence. If that’s happened to you, it doesn’t necessarily mean your supporters don’t care. It may mean your newsletter isn’t giving them a reason to care.In this episode, you’ll learn three simple shifts that make your fundraising newsletters far more engaging—from
93 | Why Donors Forget Your Ministry (and 3 Fundraising Shifts That Keep You Top of Mind)
Ever walked away from a fundraising conversation convinced someone was going to support your ministry… only to never hear from them again? It can feel personal, but what if silence doesn’t mean they’ve rejected your ministry?In this episode, you’ll learn why donors forget, why stories keep your ministry memorable, and three simple shifts that help you stay top of mind without becoming pushy or ove
92 | No One Donating? 2 Tips to Spark Ministry Donations Now
If your fundraising has been slow lately, your first instinct might be to work harder or send another email. But what if the problem isn’t how often you’re asking… it’s how you’re inviting people into the story?In this episode, you’ll learn two simple storytelling shifts that help create urgency, make your ministry more memorable, and give donors a clear path to take action—without feeling manipul
91 | 5 Signs Your Message Isn’t Clear Enough to Grow Support
You’ve been fundraising for years. You’re sharing updates, meeting with donors, and talking about your ministry. Yet support still feels slower than it should.What if the problem isn’t the economy, donor fatigue, or too much competition? In this episode, I share 5 signs your fundraising message may be confusing donors—and how unclear messaging quietly keeps ministry support from growing. If fundra
90 | Not Fully Funded Yet? 5 Mistakes Missionaries Make Without Realizing It
You’ve been raising support for months. Maybe years. Maybe even decades. Yet somehow you’re still wondering why fundraising feels slower than it should and why momentum never seems to build.In this episode, I'll share the 5 hidden fundraising mistakes that keep missionaries and ministry leaders stuck. If support feels harder to raise than it should be, one of these blind spots may be quietly
89 | Fundraising Without Manipulation: 3 Ways Missionaries Can Invite Support Naturally
You know your ministry needs support, but the last thing you want is for people to feel pressured, guilted, or manipulated into giving. That tension leaves many ministry leaders avoiding fundraising conversations altogether—or asking so cautiously that donors never understand the opportunity in front of them.In this episode, I share 3 practical shifts that help you raise support with confidence an
88 | Fundraising Is Slow? 5 Amazing Outcomes When You Clarify Your Message
Fundraising feels exhausting when you’re working hard, communicating often, and still not seeing momentum. You know your ministry matters, but somehow donors don’t seem to fully understand the urgency, the impact, or why they should get involved.In this episode, I share 5 powerful outcomes that happen when you clarify your fundraising message. You’ll discover why clear messaging helps donors conne
87 | The 3 Excuses Keeping Ministry Leaders Stuck in Fundraising
You know your fundraising message could be stronger. You know clearer communication would help donors understand, connect with, and support your ministry. So why haven’t you worked on it yet?In this episode, I share the 3 most common excuses ministry leaders make that keep them stuck in fundraising. You’ll learn what’s really behind the excuses, what they’re costing your ministry, and how clarifyi
86 | Experiencing Ministry Burn Out? Josh and Corina Share How to Find Hope Again in Fundraising, Leadership, and Calling
Burnout in ministry is rarely a matter of if. It’s usually a matter of when.In this episode, I’m joined by Josh and Corina from the Believe and Become podcast as they share their story of serving in worship ministry for years, carrying too much, hitting emotional and physical overwhelm, and realizing something had to change. We talk about identity, pressure, perfectionism, rest, hearing God’s voic
85 | Too Busy to Fundraise? 3 Simple Ways Ministry Leaders Stay Consistent in Busy Seasons
You know donor communication matters… but right now? You can barely keep your head above water.Summer schedules. Ministry emergencies. Family needs. Constant reacting. And somewhere in the middle of all that, you’re still supposed to send newsletters, stay connected with supporters, and keep fundraising moving forward.In this episode, we’re talking about what to do when ministry life gets so overw
84 | Stop Struggling to Write Ministry Newsletters: Include These 3 Things Every Time
You know you need to send ministry newsletters… but every time you sit down to write one, your brain goes blank.What do you include? What do you leave out? Do you even have enough to say?In this episode, I’m sharing the three most important things every ministry newsletter should include so writing becomes faster, simpler, and more effective.And if you want extra help, I also created a free minist
83 | Donors Aren’t Saying Yes? Fix This Ministry Fundraising Mistake
You keep talking about your ministry… but donors still aren’t connecting.If people seem interested but never actually support, your fundraising problem may not be your mission-it may be your message.In this episode, we’re talking about one of the biggest mistakes ministry leaders make when communicating with donors.If fundraising has felt heavy, confusing, or harder than it should be—this episode
82 | Why Ministry Fundraising Feels Slow and 3 Ways to Build Donor Trust Faster
People might love your ministry… and still hesitate to support it. That’s the frustrating part of fundraising that almost nobody talks about. You have conversations. People listen. They seem interested. They even encourage you. Yet somehow the support still feels slow.In this episode, we’re talking about why donor trust takes so long to build sometimes — and what you can do to speed that process u
81 | No Time to Fundraise? 3 Ways to Get Time Back for Ministry Support
Do you feel like fundraising keeps getting pushed to the bottom of your list?You know donor relationships matter. You know you should be communicating more consistently. But ministry responsibilities, meetings, events, homeschooling, emails, and constant interruptions keep taking over.And before you know it, another month passes without intentionally fundraising or nurturing donor relationships.In
80 | How to Get Donors to Say Yes Faster in Ministry Fundraising
What happens when the donors you were relying on end up not giving… or stop after a little while?It can throw everything off. Logistically, financially, emotionally. You start wondering what happened, why it’s taking so long for people to commit, and whether fundraising is always supposed to feel this difficult.So why does it take some donors months — or even years — to finally say yes?In this epi
79 | They Said They’d Give… Then Didn’t. What’s Blocking Consistent Fundraising
They said they’d give. They were excited. They meant it. And then… they don't follow through.Or maybe they gave once… and then stopped.vIt’s one of the hardest parts of fundraising—and it can leave you feeling confused, discouraged, and stuck.In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s actually causing donors not to follow through—and the 3 shifts you need to create more consistent, reliable
78 | Think Churches Don’t Care About Missions? What’s Actually Blocking Your Fundraising
You’ve thought it before. Churches just aren’t generous anymore. They don’t really care about missions.And after enough polite conversations, low support, and missed follow-through… it starts to feel true.But what if that’s not actually the problem? In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s really blocking your fundraising with churches—and the 3 shifts that will help you communicate more clearl
77 | Your Fundraising Isn’t Connecting: 3 Ways to Turn Your Message Into a Compelling Story
Your donors are reading your updates… but they’re not responding. You’re sharing what you’ve done, the impact you’re making, the numbers-but something still feels off.Because information isn’t what creates connection. Story does.In this episode, I’ll walk you through 3 simple ways to turn your everyday updates into compelling stories that actually connect with your donors—so they understand the ne
76 | Want Your Ministry Fully Funded? 3 Things You Need In Your Fundraising Message
Why won't donors step into support when you know your ministry matters?If people are smiling, nodding, and saying “that’s great”… but not actually giving or engaging, the issue might not be your ministry—it’s your message.In this episode, we walk through the 3 non-negotiable elements your fundraising message must include if you want donors to truly connect, understand the urgency, and say yes
75 | Do Your Donors Feel Like ATMs or Partners? (Ministry Fundraising Relationships That Actually Work)
Be honest for a second… When your donors hear from you, does it feel like a relationship—or a transaction?Because most ministry leaders don’t mean to do it… but their donors end up feeling like ATMs. Only hearing from you when there’s a need. Only part of the story when money is involved.In this episode, we’re unpacking the difference between donors who feel like ATMs and donors who feel like true
74 | What NOT to Say When Fundraising for Your Ministry (And What to Say Instead)
You’re trying to explain your ministry… and something feels off. You’re talking, they’re nodding—but you can tell they’re not really getting it.So you start wondering: Am I using the wrong words? Am I saying something that’s pushing people away?In this episode, we’re breaking down what NOT to say in your fundraising—and how to shift your words so your message actually connects, makes sense, and le
73 | How to Fundraise for a Building Campaign Without Losing Donor Interest
Fundraising for a building, renovation, or project can feel harder than anything else.Because it’s not a person.It’s not a story.It’s a building.And when you’re trying to talk about it, it can feel… flat.So most ministry leaders either over-explain the details or struggle to make it sound compelling—and donors don’t really connect.In this episode, we’re breaking down how to fundraise for a buildin
72 | Don’t Make This Mistake After a Donor Says Yes (Ministry Fundraising)
Most ministry leaders think the hard part of fundraising is getting the yes.But what happens after that?Because this is where a lot of people unknowingly make a mistake that slowly disconnects their donors—without realizing it.They go quiet.They only reach out when they need something.Or they just don’t know what to say next.And over time, the relationship fades.In this episode, we’re talking abou
71 | You’re Using Story Wrong in Your Ministry Fundraising (Start Here Instead)
You know stories matter in fundraising. But when it’s time to actually use them, everything can start to feel forced. You freeze, overthink, or wonder if you even have a story worth sharing. In this episode, I’m breaking down two simple ways to use story in your ministry fundraising so your message feels clearer, stronger, and far more effective—without sounding salesy or fake.Similar episodes:#66
70 | Ready to See Consistent Giving? The Marketing Plan Every Ministry Leader Needs
**Last chance to learn how to start the conversation when you're asking for money at the FREE Fundraise with Confidence Workshop. Save your spot: irisstorytelling.com/fundraising**Ever feel like your fundraising is just… all over the place?You’re trying different things—emails, social media, conversations—but nothing really seems to stick. And honestly? It starts to feel discouraging fast.In
69 | 3 Reasons Why Donors Aren’t Engaging With Your Ministry Fundraising
**Join the FREE Fundraise with Confidence Workshop and learn exactly what to say when you ask for money. Save your spot: irisstorytelling.com/fundraising**You keep showing up. You send the newsletter. You post the update. You share what God is doing. And still… it feels like crickets. No replies. No comments. No real response.In this episode, I’m breaking down the real reasons donors stop engaging
68 | How to Start a Fundraising Conversation Without Feeling Pushy
**Join the FREE Fundraise with Confidence Workshop and learn exactly what to say when you ask for money. Save your spot: irisstorytelling.com/fundraising**Why does fundraising in ministry feel so awkward… even when you know it matters? That pit in your stomach. The second-guessing. The fear that you’re bothering people or asking for something you don’t deserve.In this episode, we’re unpacking why
67 | Why Your Nonprofit Fundraising Feels Messy (And How to Build a Foundation That Works)
**Join my FREE Fundraise with Confidence Workshop and learn how to ask for money without the ick. Save your spot: irisstorytelling.com/fundraising**If your fundraising feels scattered… like you’re doing a little bit of everything but none of it really connects—you’re not alone. Most ministry leaders don’t actually have a clear foundation guiding their messaging. So every email, post, or conversati
66 | Ministry Fundraising Without Stories? Build a Simple Story Bank That Keeps Donors Engaged
**Join my FREE Fundraise with Confidence Workshop and learn how to ask for money without the ick. Save your spot: irisstorytelling.com/fundraising**You know stories are powerful. Stories of impact. Stories of the people your ministry serves. Stories of how God is moving. But when it’s time to write a donor update or newsletter… your mind suddenly goes blank.In this episode, I share a simple three-
65 | 3 Ways to Build Long-Term Donor Relationships That Actually Last
**Struggling with fundraising? Join the free workshop, Fundraise with Confidence, and learn how to start support conversations without feeling pushy or uncomfortable.Save your seat: irisstorytelling.com/fundraising **You care about your donors. You genuinely want to love them well and build real relationships with them. But sometimes you’re not sure what that actually looks like.How often should y
64 | LIVE COACHING: The Donor Clarity That Transformed Her Ministry Fundraising
Join my FREE Fundraise with Confidence Workshop and learn how to ask for money without the ick. Save your spot: irisstorytelling.com/fundraisingMost ministries talk about how to ask for donations. But very few stop to ask a more important question: Who are we actually asking?In this episode, you’ll hear a real live coaching session where we work through identifying Cherilyn's ideal donor for
63 | Missionary Basics: 5 Steps to Share Your Story Clearly—Even If Fundraising Feels Awkward
**Join my FREE Fundraise with Confidence Workshop and learn how to ask for money without the “ick.” In one hour, you’ll learn why fundraising feels so uncomfortable, how to reframe it so it feels honest, and what to say to start the conversation. Save your spot: irisstorytelling.com/fundraising **When someone asks what your ministry does, do you start rambling, listing programs, and hoping it all
62 | Struggling to Fundraise? How a Clear Marketing Plan Can Get Your Ministry Fully Funded
**Join my FREE Fundraise with Confidence Workshop and learn how to ask for money without the "ick". Save your spot: irisstorytelling.com/fundraising **Fundraising can feel like the one part of ministry nobody prepared you for. You love the mission. You care deeply about the people you serve. But when it comes time to ask for support, something feels awkward, uncomfortable, or even a litt
61 | Top Ways to Attract Ideal Donors: A Clearer Approach to Ministry Fundraising
**Join my FREE Fundraise with Confidence Workshop and learn how to ask for money without the "ick". Save your spot: irisstorytelling.com/fundraising **If you feel like you’re running out of people to ask for donations, this episode breaks down a smarter approach to ministry fundraising. Instead of chasing random supporters, you’ll learn how to attract ideal donors who already care deeply
60 | Ministry Fundraising Feels Icky? 3 Mindset Shifts to Ask for Support with Confidence
**Join my FREE Fundraise with Confidence Workshop and learn how to ask for money without the "ick". Save your spot: irisstorytelling.com/fundraising **Fundraising still makes you feel icky. Tight chest. Rewritten emails. That subtle shame when you ask for support.In this episode, I’m talking about where that feeling actually comes from—and why it doesn’t have to stay. We’ll walk through
59 | 3 Signs Your Fundraising Message is Turning Donors Away
What if what you're saying to your supporters/donors is actually turning them away? The words you use matter- so let's break it down.We're talking about 3 subtle but powerful signs your ministry message is confusing donors — and why confusion quietly kills support. If people don’t clearly understand who your ministry is for, what problem you solve, or where they fit in the story, th
58 | Why Your Donors Aren’t Engaging—3 Simple Story Fixes That Reignite Connection
It’s hard not to wonder, “Do people even care about my ministry?” Even after pouring your heart out in a newsletter or update- no replies. no comments. barely a like. In this episode, we unpack why donor engagement drops — and it’s probably not what you think. I’ll walk you through 3 simple story shifts that can rebuild connection, restore clarity, and help your donors step into their real role.Li
57 | Not Getting Enough Donations? 3 Story Shifts That Inspire People to Give
Your ministry is doing good work — so why aren’t the donations coming in? If asking feels awkward, discouraging, or even gross… and you’re tired of hearing crickets after you share an update, this episode walks through three simple story-driven shifts that move fundraising from pressure to participation and help donors feel excited to give instead of avoiding the ask.Similar episodes:50 | LIVE COA
56 | Why Your Ministry Fundraising Ideas Fail and The #1 Way To Have Success
Something is actually wrong with the way you’re fundraising — and it’s not that you haven’t tried hard enough. If your ministry fundraising feels scattered, exhausting, or like you keep “trying new ideas” with nothing sticking, this episode reveals the real reason most fundraising fails — and the one message shift that finally brings clarity, donor trust, and consistent support you can sustain.Sim
55 | Fundraising is Overwhelming- Here's a Story-Driven Marketing Plan for Steady Support
**Struggling with fundraising? Join the free workshop, Fundraise with Confidence, and learn how to start support conversations without feeling pushy or uncomfortable.Save your seat: irisstorytelling.com/fundraising **You’ve poured your life into ministry—but when it comes to asking for support, it feels heavy, awkward, even shameful sometimes. What if it’s not that you’re bad at fundraising… but t
54 | Struggling With Ministry Fundraising? A Simple Story Framework That Finally Works
You’re doing the work. You’re showing up. You care deeply about the mission—but when it comes time to write a newsletter or ask for support, you freeze. Fundraising feels heavy, confusing, and way harder than it should.In this episode, I walk you through a simple story framework you can start using immediately to bring clarity to your messaging and help donors stay engaged—without forcing yourself
53 | Lost in the Weeds? How Clear Messaging Makes Ministry Fundraising Easier
When you’re buried in the day-to-day of ministry, it’s easy to lose sight of the big picture—and even harder to explain what your ministry actually does. You end up stumbling through explanations, listing programs, and hoping donors somehow “get it.”In this episode, we talk about why unclear messaging makes ministry fundraising harder than it needs to be—and how to get out of the weeds. You’ll lea
52 | When You're Burnt Out from Fundraising - 3 Simple Shifts For Clarity & Steady Support
Ministry fundraising can feel exhausting—especially when you’ve been faithful for years and still feel like you’re barely making it.If you’re juggling everything, trying every strategy, and still feeling scattered, this episode is for you.In this conversation, we talk about why fundraising so often feels heavy and unfocused—and how to move from burnout and pressure into clarity and peace. I walk y
51 | Hate Fundraising? 3 Ways to Ease the "Ick" of Asking for Money in Ministry
If you hate fundraising and feel an overwhelming sense of shame or “ick” every time you have to ask for money, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong. In this episode, we unpack why asking for money feels so uncomfortable for so many ministry leaders and share three practical mindset shifts that can ease (and even dissolve) that icky feeling. If fundraising feels heavy, awkward, or e
50 | LIVE COACHING: Clarify Your Ministry Fundraising Message w/ Cherilyn Kolbas
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/48-is-there-1-thing-that-creates-explosive-fundraising-growth/id1827301847?i=1000745702596If ministry fundraising feels heavy, confusing, or harder than it should be, unclear messaging may be the real issue holding you back. In this episode, you’ll hear a live coaching conversation with a seasoned ministry leader who admits, “Sometimes I don’t even know what w
49 | 3 Beliefs That Keep You Stuck in Ministry Fundraising
If your ministry fundraising feels stuck—no matter how long you’ve been serving or how faithfully you’ve shown up—there may be something deeper holding it back.In this episode, we unpack 3 common beliefs that quietly keep ministry fundraising from moving forward. If you’re tired of second-guessing what to say, feeling awkward asking for support, or wondering why your message isn’t connecting, this
48 | Is There 1 Thing That Creates Explosive Fundraising Growth?
If your ministry is barely making ends meet and you’ve been searching for the one thing that will finally bring explosive fundraising growth, this episode is for you.Many ministry leaders feel stuck—faithful, hardworking, and called by God, yet seeing little or no growth in monthly support and donations. Is there a single change that can create overnight fundraising breakthroughs?This episode will
47 | Fundraising Messaging Not Working? Start With Step #1
If your fundraising messaging isn’t working and you know it’s inconsistent, confusing, or simply not connecting with donors—but you don’t know where to start—this episode is for you. In this episode, I'll walk you through step one of fixing your fundraising message by going back to the core of your ministry: why it exists. This practical, faith-centered teaching will help you simplify your me
46 | Donors Aren’t Responding—Here’s What Your Fundraising Message Is Missing
Donors aren’t responding—and it can leave you feeling confused, discouraged, and unsure of what’s actually wrong with your fundraising. You’re sending emails, posting on social media, updating your website, and sharing about the work you’re doing, yet donors still don’t seem to connect, engage, or give. In this episode, we uncover what your fundraising message is likely missing and why story is th
45 | Did Your Big Fundraising Day Fall Flat? What to Do Before the Next One
Ever had a big fundraising day—like Giving Tuesday—where you showed up, did what you could, and still felt disappointed by the results? In this episode, we talk about why some fundraising days fall flat and why it usually has less to do with competition and more to do with trust. You’ll learn three simple ways to build stronger donor relationships so fundraising becomes more sustainable and less e
44 | The Mistake in Your Nonprofit Messaging That’s Costing You Donors
Your nonprofit may be struggling with fundraising not because its mission isn’t important, but because its messaging is unclear. When nonprofit messaging relies on clever titles, insider language, or vague slogans, potential donors feel confused and move on. In this episode, I'll unpack the most common nonprofit messaging mistake that quietly costs donors—why clarity builds trust, how confusi
43 | Why Your Fundraising Messaging Isn’t Working—and How Storytelling Fixes It
Is your ministry messaging falling flat—no engagement, low responses, and donors who just aren’t connecting with what you’re saying? In this episode, we talk about why “more information” isn’t the answer and how storytelling can instantly transform your fundraising communication. You’ll learn how story helps you engage donors quickly, build trust faster, and create messaging that is memorable in a
42 | Tired of Chasing Donors? How to Create Sustainability in Your Fundraising
Are you tired of chasing donors? If fundraising feels like an exhausting cycle of constantly finding new people because the ones you have aren’t sticking around, you’re not alone. In this episode, we unpack why that burnout happens and what it actually takes to attract donors who stay, grow with you, and truly care about the need your ministry meets. You’ll learn the three traits of loyal, long-te
41 | When Your Ministry Feels Invisible: 3 Steps to Build Donor Trust
Have you ever felt invisible in your fundraising—like no matter how hard you work, how many emails you send, or how consistently you show up, donors just aren’t responding? Many ministry leaders feel unseen and unheard, even while doing the exact work God has called them to. In this episode, we unpack why that happens and explore 3 practical ways to build donor trust so your ministry no longer fee
40 | Is Your Website Losing Donors? 2 Things Your Homepage Needs for Better Fundraising
Is your website losing potential donors? If your ministry fundraising feels stuck, your nonprofit website might be the silent culprit. Your homepage is often the first place donors land—and within seconds they decide whether they’ll stay, explore, and engage… or bounce. In this episode, we walk through the two messaging elements every ministry or nonprofit homepage must communicate immediately. Wi
39 | How Imposter Syndrome Is Sabotaging Your Fundraising Messaging
If you’ve ever stepped into your fundraising role and felt unqualified, unsure, or like you’re “faking it,” this episode is for you. Imposter syndrome doesn’t just affect your confidence—it quietly sabotages your messaging and shapes the way donors perceive your ministry. In this episode, we walk through three practical steps to break free from that cycle by shifting your focus back to what God is
38 | How to Quit the Burnout: Simplifying Your Fundraising Strategy
If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed by endless tasks, and discouraged by the lack of progress in your fundraising, this episode is for you. Today we talk about what happens when you try to show up on every platform, chase every trend, and carry more than God ever asked you to. You’ll learn a simple, God-led process for releasing the overwhelm, choosing one primary messaging platform
37| Out of People to Ask? 3 Steps to Mission-Driven Fundraising
If you feel like you’ve asked everyone you know for support—and you’re running out of people to approach—this episode will be a breath of fresh air. Today we’re talking about why relationship-based fundraising (“people give because they like me”) eventually hits a wall, and how to shift toward a mission-driven approach that’s stronger, deeper, and far more sustainable. You’ll learn the three steps
36 | Why Is Asking for Money So Hard? How to Reframe Your Fundraising Mindset
If asking for money feels awkward, heavy, or even a little shameful, you are absolutely not alone—and it doesn’t have to stay that way. In this episode, we dig into why fundraising so often triggers discomfort, the beliefs we’ve absorbed over the years that make it feel “icky,” and how to reframe the entire experience through a healthy, God-centered mindset. You’ll learn simple shifts that help yo
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