What does it really take to build sustainable fundraising without burning yourself (or your team) out?
In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke sits down with Maddie Szymanski, Director of Development & Marketing at CP and founder of Lucky Seven Dog Rescue. Maddie shares hard-earned lessons from more than a decade in nonprofit leadership—from building donor relationships and running successful appeals to avoiding burnout and creating systems that last beyond any one fundraiser.
If you’re a nonprofit fundraiser, development director, or executive leader juggling too many priorities, this episode will help you refocus on what actually moves the needle.
This episode of The Focused Fundraiser dives into how small-shop fundraisers can beat burnout, build better donor relationships, and focus on what matters most.
Rob Burke sits down with Pam Thompson, Development Director at Cystic Fibrosis of North Dakota, to unpack what 13 years in the same fundraising role has taught her about avoiding burnout, setting boundaries, and juggling “all the hats” in a tiny development shop.
Pam shares how she turns a Turkey Trot into a year-end fundraising engine, uses donor segmentation and journeys in DonorDock, and treats every supporter according to their unique “donor love language.” You’ll hear practical ways to use your nonprofit CRM for better notes, stronger donor retention, and moving people from a $25 gift to long-term, major-donor relationships.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, behind on thank-yous, or afraid to pick up the phone, this conversation will help you simplify, refocus, and build a healthier, more sustainable fundraising practice.
What you’ll learn:
If you’re curious how DonorDock can help you focus on what matters most and build a strong donor base, visit DonorDock.com and keep up with future episodes of The Focused Fundraiser.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser & intro to Pam
00:27 Pam’s unlikely path into fundraising
01:28 Burnout is real: how Pam stayed 13 years in the same role
02:37 Wearing all the hats in a small development shop
03:24 Prioritizing the “loudest” tasks & Turkey Trot focus
05:10 Turning a Turkey Trot into a year-end fundraising engine
06:45 Tagging Turkey Trot participants & email journeys in DonorDock
07:31 Donor “love languages” & personalized stewardship
09:12 Using CRM notes to deepen donor relationships
11:10 Fighting fundraiser burnout with peers & perspective
12:50 From $25 gift to major donor: the long game
13:36 Overcoming overwhelm with simple next steps
15:39 The one thing every fundraiser should do today: pick up the phone
16:42 Closing thoughts & DonorDock invitation
How do you run year-end fundraising without burning out your team or putting donors in a “fishbowl”? 🎧
In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke sits down with Raegan Mach, Director of Development at Urban Bridge in Oklahoma City, to talk about relationship-based, community-centric fundraising, trauma-informed donor engagement, and how project management can totally transform your nonprofit fundraising strategy.
You’ll hear how Urban Bridge invites donors into a youth-focused space without centering donors, how Raegan builds an annual and quarterly development plan, and how her team launched a “10 for 10” monthly giving campaign for Urban Bridge’s 10-year anniversary. They also dive into using your nonprofit CRM and integrations (like DonorDock) to track campaigns, tag donors, and avoid siloed spreadsheets.
Raegan also shares why fundraiser burnout and high turnover are one of the biggest threats to long-term sustainability—and what leaders can do to better invest in their development teams with benefits, professional development, and healthy culture.
If you care about major gifts, year-end fundraising, donor stewardship, and retaining both donors and fundraisers, this conversation is for you.
👉 Learn more about DonorDock and how it can help you simplify donor management and fundraising: [add your link here]
CHAPTERS
00:00 – Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser
00:30 – Raegan’s path into nonprofit development
01:58 – Fundraising as relationship-building
03:33 – Trauma-informed donor engagement at Urban Bridge
06:30 – From donor-centric to community-centric fundraising
08:58 – Development planning, calendars & project management
11:46 – CRMs, integrations & tracking campaign data
14:42 – Designing a strategic year-end giving campaign
19:45 – Turning year-end giving into year-round relationships
21:45 – Micro-reporting, touchpoints & donor storytelling
23:03 – Fighting fundraiser burnout & investing in your team
25:38 – Wrap-up & DonorDock invitation
What if your most personal pain became the fuel for a powerful fundraising mission? 💛
In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, host Rob Burke talks with Ashley Hamm, co-founder and Executive Director of Dear NICU Mama. Ashley shares how her son’s 3-month NICU stay led her to launch a nonprofit that provides peer support for NICU moms—and how she’s learned to focus her fundraising, not just “do more.”
You’ll hear:
– Ashley’s NICU story and why Dear NICU Mama exists
– The surprising challenge of fundraising for a deeply personal mission
– How a small nonprofit measures impact when the work is emotional and relational
– Why revitalizing their nonprofit board in 2024 was a game changer
– Practical ways small-shop executive directors can stay focused and avoid burnout
– The fundraising quote that changed everything: “How dare you assume they don’t want to give?” (via Patrick Kirby)
– How tools like DonorDock help build a strong donor base through better stewardship
If you’re a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or executive director wearing “all the hats,” this conversation will encourage you to focus on what matters most: your mission, your people, and your donors.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro – Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser
00:28 Ashley’s NICU story & founding Dear NICU Mama
03:05 Fundraising when the mission is personal
06:03 Measuring impact for peer support nonprofits
09:25 How Ashley stays focused as an executive director
13:06 The one thing she’d invest in sooner: the board
14:57 Building a supportive, high-impact nonprofit board
17:50 “How dare you assume they don’t want to give?”
19:39 DonorDock and episode wrap-up
Want to learn how DonorDock can help you find clarity and build a strong donor base through smart stewardship?
Visit: DonorDock.com
Rob and Trevor unpack the real truth behind successful fundraising events, why “fundraising is an AND game, not an OR game,” and how organizations can reduce burnout, retain donors, and design smarter, more intentional events that raise more money.
Trevor and his team at HGA have supported thousands of fundraising events and helped raise millions, giving him a deep, data-backed perspective on what actually works. From redefining what an event is, to avoiding the most common preventable mistakes, to creating donor experiences that actually build long-term loyalty—this conversation is full of actionable insight.
00:00 – Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser
00:39 – Introducing Trevor Nelson of HGA Fundraising
01:47 – Trevor’s background & how he fell into fundraising
03:13 – The most common preventable event mistake
04:47 – Micro vs. macro events: why smaller can be more impactful
05:22 – Fundraising as an AND game, not an OR game
06:38 – Avoiding fundraiser burnout & protecting your energy
09:23 – How events impact donor retention
11:28 – Messaging & stewardship after the event
11:57 – What’s working in events heading into 2026
13:30 – Stop nickel-and-diming: be bold in the ask
15:57 – Misconceptions nonprofit leaders have about events
18:17 – Redefining “events” & operating on a budget
20:11 – Trevor’s #1 tactical takeaway for fundraisers
21:31 – Closing & where to connect with Trevor
In this episode of the Focused Fundraiser podcast, host Rob interviews Rachel Bearbower, founder of the Nonprofit Automation Agency and former executive director, about how nonprofits can use automation to improve their fundraising effectiveness. Rachel shares her journey from accidentally starting in the nonprofit sector to becoming an automation expert. The conversation covers key topics including how automation can make fundraising more consistent and personal rather than cold or impersonal, the importance of starting with a CRM as your source of truth when building a tech stack, and specific automation examples like draft thank you emails that speed up donor response time. Rachel addresses common misconceptions about automation being impersonal and provides practical advice for dealing with fragmented technology systems. The discussion also touches on how proper systems and documentation can help mitigate knowledge loss from high fundraiser turnover. Rachel's key takeaway emphasizes building systematic donor stewardship processes before implementing automation tools.
This interview features Elizabeth Scott, Director of Development at Galleo Latino Community Development Fund, sharing her journey from ordering copy paper at the League of Women Voters to managing a multimillion-dollar fundraising budget. Elizabeth Scott discusses practical fundraising strategies including grant writing techniques, the importance of accurate data and approachable language, and building relationships with funders. She emphasizes planning ahead by using slow periods to prepare grants, limiting daily tasks to 3-5 items for better focus, and reusing successful grant language. The conversation covers current challenges in fundraising due to political uncertainty affecting foundation and corporate giving, especially for DEI-focused organizations. Scott also addresses nonprofit burnout, advocating for open conversations about mental health and the importance of taking breaks. She concludes with tactical advice for fundraisers to subscribe to newsletters from potential funders to stay informed about their current funding priorities.
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 gifts
Highlights:
- 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 fundraising
Whether 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.