Major gift fundraising is where many nonprofit leaders freeze, but not because they lack passion or skill. The fear lives in the body, the brain, and the stories we tell ourselves long before we walk into the room.

In this episode, I’m joined by Nathan Ruby, Executive Director of FOTCOH (Friends of the Children of Haiti), one of the rare EDs who has raised millions of dollars from individual donors, not foundations. Nathan brings 20+ years of experience in major gifts, donor psychology, cross-cultural fundraising, and what it actually takes to have confident, courageous donor conversations. Together, we discuss the neuroscience behind fear and rejection, how imposter syndrome shows up during big asks, why culturally we struggle to talk about money, and why donors actually want us to be honest and direct. If you struggle with fear, freezing, or overthinking around major gift asks, this conversation will change how you fundraise forever.

Topics:

• Why major gift fear is not a personality flaw, it’s neuroscience
• How to reframe donor conversations by focusing on the people you serve
• Why donors are used to talking about money (and why you don't need to be scared)
• The science behind rejection and why “no” activates the same regions as physical pain
• Nathan’s background in sales and how it shaped his fearless fundraising mindset
• How to use donor questions to inform the right ask amount
• Why genuine honesty is more magnetic than a perfect pitch
• Why your donors want you to win and how to invite them into partnership

For a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.

Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.

Resources:

• Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System
• Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator
• The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers
• Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter
• [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser’s Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more.
  
  May contain affiliate links

If you’ve hit that post-campaign wall, tired, drained, and wondering if anyone else feels the same, this episode is for you.

In today’s episode, I share what to do when you’re completely wiped from GivingTuesday or a year-end push but still have fundraising goals to hit. You’ll learn how to recover strategically (without going silent), re-engage donors who gave once, and use short “sprint campaigns” to rebuild your energy and results. Because burnout isn’t a sign that you’re doing it wrong, it’s a signal that you need structure, rest, and a smarter rhythm to your fundraising.

Topics:

• What is the campaign hangover, and why is it completely normal
• How to recover from fundraising fatigue without losing momentum
• Why rest and structure are non-negotiable for sustainable growth
• How to design “sprint-style” campaigns that prevent burnout
• Why donors often give again within the same 30-day window
• The importance of shifting your message post-campaign, not going silent
• Quick two-minute tweaks to boost conversions without new content
• How to reuse winning posts, emails, and videos from earlier campaigns
• The three ways to reset your energy fast (walk, talk, or move your body)
• How to push smarter, not harder, through the end of the year

For a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.

Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.

Resources:

• Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System
• Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator
• The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers
• Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter
• [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser’s Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more.
  
  May contain affiliate links

If you’ve ever caught yourself overthinking a donor email, hesitating to post, or waiting for “the perfect timing” to launch your next campaign, this episode is for you.

In today’s episode, I reveal the mindset pattern that’s quietly keeping you stuck: fear disguised as strategy. You’ll learn how to recognize when your “planning” is really just procrastination, why bravery always comes before clarity, and how to finally stop waiting for confidence to arrive before taking action. This is your invitation to stop playing small, lead boldly, and start moving your mission forward, even when it feels uncomfortable.

Topics:

• The real reason fundraisers hold back from taking action
• How fear disguises itself as overplanning and perfectionism
• The myth that confidence comes before action (it doesn’t!)
• Why “just one more draft” is often procrastination in disguise
• Simple mindset shifts to replace hesitation with courageous leadership
• Real examples of clients who learned to take messy, brave action
• Why bravery builds trust with donors faster than polish ever will
• The power of momentum in building confidence and clarity

For a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.

Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.

Resources:

• Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign System
• Purpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator
• The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers
• Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter
• [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser’s Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more.
  
  May contain affiliate links