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Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Mark Duncan
A key to fundraising success is through building trusting relationship with high capacity donors. Relationship Fundraising, the most effective way to raise money. I Empower nonprofit leaders with the skill and confidence to secure large contributions from wealthy individuals. This podcast provides nonprofit
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- 4 days ago23 min
Major Gift Leadership Starts with Your Board: How Great Executive Directors Build Boards That Inspire Generosity
Welcome to the Season 2 finale of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach! Over the past season, we've talked about relationship fundraising, transformational generosity, and what it means to become the kind of leader major donors naturally want to invest in. If there's one lesson I hope you've taken away, it's this: major gifts aren't built on fundraising tactics—they're built on leadership. As we wrap up the season, I want to focus on one of the most important leadership relationships you'll ever have as an Executive Director: your board. Too often, nonprofit leaders either expect too much from their board or not enough. The result is missed opportunities to build the kind of culture that inspires transformational generosity. In this episode, we'll explore the role your board should play in major gift fundraising, the common mistakes organizations make, and how Major Gift Leaders engage their boards as partners in building authentic donor relationships. Thank you for being part of the Huddle Up community throughout Season 2. I truly appreciate you investing your time with me each week, and I hope these conversations have encouraged you to lead with greater confidence and purpose. We'll be taking a short break during August, but don't worry—we'll be back with Season 3 beginning September 8th, with more practical strategies, leadership insights, and conversations to help you become the Major Gift Leader your mission needs. ***NEW COHORT*** Introducing The Major Gift Leadership Cohort - exclusive 8-week coaching intensive for Executive Directors and nonprofit leaders who want to build authentic donor relationships that naturally lead to transformational gifts. Visit here to learn more: https://www.thefundcoach.com/cohort-waiting-list FREE GUIDE: 5 Habits of Executive Directors Who Land Big Gifts: https://bit.ly/4hFkOth Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlduncan/ To get this video podcast in your inbox, visit and subscribe here: https://www.thefundcoach.com/opt-in Let's Talk! Click here to schedule a Major Gift Strategy Session to get clarity on what your mission needs: https://www.thefundcoach.com/discovery-session-booking-page Windfall - Wealth Analytics Report: https://analytics.windfall.com/partner/the-fund-coach
- 1 weeks ago25 min
You're More Than An Executive Director - Become the Major Gift Leader Your Mission Needs
Most Executive Directors didn't choose their role because they wanted to become fundraisers. They accepted the responsibility because they believed in a mission worth fighting for. But at some point, every nonprofit leader discovers the same truth: if the mission is going to grow, someone has to inspire generosity—and that someone is often them. In this episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, I challenge you to make one of the most important mindset shifts of your leadership journey: stop trying to become a better fundraiser and start becoming a Major Gift Leader. We'll explore why major gifts are the natural outcome of authentic leadership, how confidence is built through relationships rather than solicitation, and what it means to become the kind of leader major donors naturally want to invest in. If you've ever felt uncomfortable asking for money, struggled to make fundraising a priority, or questioned whether you're the right person to lead your organization's fundraising efforts, this episode is for you. Your mission doesn't just need an Executive Director—it needs a Major Gift Leader. And becoming that leader may be the most important investment you ever make in your organization's future. ***NEW COHORT*** Introducing The Major Gift Leadership Cohort - exclusive 8-week coaching intensive for Executive Directors and nonprofit leaders who want to build authentic donor relationships that naturally lead to transformational gifts. Visit here to learn more: https://www.thefundcoach.com/cohort-waiting-list FREE GUIDE: 5 Habits of Executive Directors Who Land Big Gifts: https://bit.ly/4hFkOth Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlduncan/ To get this video podcast in your inbox, visit and subscribe to The Weekly Huddle newsletter here: https://www.thefundcoach.com/opt-in Let's Talk! Click here to schedule a Major Gift Strategy Session to get clarity on what your mission needs: https://www.thefundcoach.com/discovery-session-booking-page Windfall - Wealth Analytics Report: https://analytics.windfall.com/partner/the-fund-coach
- 2 weeks ago30 min
The Major Gift Trajectory : The Journey from Transactional Giving to Transformational Gifts
What if I told you that your next major donor may already be supporting your organization? Too many nonprofit leaders think major gifts begin with wealthy prospects they've never met. In reality, transformational gifts often come from donors who started with a modest, transactional gift and gradually developed a deeper relationship with the mission. The challenge isn't finding new donors—it's intentionally moving the donors you already have from transactional to relational to transformational. In this episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, I unpack what I call the Major Gift Trajectory and explain how donors naturally progress from making an initial gift to becoming passionate partners who make transformational investments. You'll learn why so many organizations get stuck treating donors like transactions, the relationship-building strategies that move donors forward, and how to create a system that consistently develops major gift opportunities. If you're ready to stop chasing one-time donations and start cultivating lifelong donor partnerships, this episode will give you a practical roadmap to help your supporters grow into your organization's most committed champions. ***NEW COHORT*** Introducing The Major Gift Leadership Cohort - exclusive 8-week coaching intensive for Executive Directors and nonprofit leaders who want to build authentic donor relationships that naturally lead to transformational gifts. Visit here to learn more: https://www.thefundcoach.com/cohort-waiting-list FREE GUIDE: 5 Habits of Executive Directors Who Land Big Gifts: https://bit.ly/4hFkOth Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlduncan/ To get this video podcast in your inbox, visit and subscribe here: https://www.thefundcoach.com/opt-in Need Private Coaching? Click here to schedule a strategy session to discuss your fundraising needs: https://www.thefundcoach.com/discovery-session-booking-page Windfall - Wealth Analytics Report: https://analytics.windfall.com/partner/the-fund-coach Subscribe to the podcast on Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/huddle-up-with-mark-the-fund-coach/id1799766114 or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/03LPM7zjoDMLV0OGPJBxTO?si=c730fc5b97a04854
- 3 weeks ago20 min
Why Your Major Donors Have Gone Quiet (And What to Do About It)
Have you ever looked through your donor database and wondered what happened to some of your best supporters? They gave generously, attended your events, and seemed deeply connected to your mission. Then...they went quiet. The good news is that silence doesn't necessarily mean they've lost interest. More often than not, they've simply fallen out of regular communication with your organization. In this episode of *Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach*, I share why major donors go quiet, the common mistakes nonprofit leaders make that unintentionally create distance, and simple, practical ways to reconnect before the relationship fades away. If you're ready to stop chasing new donors and start strengthening relationships with the supporters who already believe in your mission, this episode is for you. Sometimes your next transformational gift doesn't come from finding a new donor—it comes from reconnecting with one who's been waiting to hear from you. ***NEW RESOURCE*** The Board Member's Guide to Fundraising (Without the Ask) - Check it Out: https://www.thefundcoach.com/the-board-member-s-guide-to-fundraising-without-the-ask FREE GUIDE: 5 Habits of Executive Directors Who Land Big Gifts: https://bit.ly/4hFkOth Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlduncan/ To get this video podcast in your inbox, visit and subscribe here: https://www.thefundcoach.com/opt-in Need Private Coaching? Click here to schedule a strategy session to discuss your fundraising needs: https://www.thefundcoach.com/discovery-session-booking-page Windfall - Wealth Analytics Report: https://analytics.windfall.com/partner/the-fund-coach Subscribe to the podcast on Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/huddle-up-with-mark-the-fund-coach/id1799766114 or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/03LPM7zjoDMLV0OGPJBxTO?si=c730fc5b97a04854
- Jun 30, 202625 min
The Gift Isn't The Finish Line: What To Do After Getting A Major Gift
Most nonprofit leaders spend months—sometimes years—working to secure a major gift. But what happens after the donor says "yes"? Too often, organizations celebrate, send a thank-you letter, and move on to raising the next gift. That's a missed opportunity. In this episode of *Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach*, I'm talking about one of the biggest mistakes executive directors make after receiving a major gift and why stewardship is about so much more than gratitude. You'll learn how to turn a one-time donor into a lifelong partner by building trust, demonstrating impact, and creating meaningful relationships that lead to future transformational gifts. If you want to stop thinking of fundraising as a series of transactions and start building lasting partnerships with your donors, this episode is for you. Remember, the gift isn't the finish line—it's the beginning of an even greater opportunity to deepen the relationship and advance your mission. ***NEW RESOURCE*** The Board Member's Guide to Fundraising (Without the Ask) - Check it Out: https://www.thefundcoach.com/the-board-member-s-guide-to-fundraising-without-the-ask FREE GUIDE: 5 Habits of Executive Directors Who Land Big Gifts: https://bit.ly/4hFkOth Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlduncan/ To get this video podcast in your inbox, visit and subscribe here: https://www.thefundcoach.com/opt-in Check out the Relationship Fundraising Academy: https://www.thefundcoach.com/rfa Need 1:1 Coaching? Click here to schedule a strategy session to discuss your fundraising needs: https://www.thefundcoach.com/discovery-session-booking-page Windfall - Wealth Analytics Report: https://analytics.windfall.com/partner/the-fund-coach Subscribe to the podcast on Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/huddle-up-with-mark-the-fund-coach/id1799766114 or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/03LPM7zjoDMLV0OGPJBxTO?si=c730fc5b97a04854
- Jun 23, 202617 min
Why Leaders Minimize Their Mission and the Impact on Major Gifts
Are you unintentionally making your mission sound smaller than it really is? Many nonprofit leaders are passionate about their work, but when it comes to talking about their organization, they often focus on limitations instead of possibilities. They downplay the vision, minimize the impact, and hesitate to communicate the full potential of what their mission could achieve. In this episode of *Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach*, we're exploring why donors aren't inspired by small thinking—and why your ability to cast a compelling vision may be one of the most important fundraising skills you can develop. If you want to engage major donors, inspire greater generosity, and lead with confidence, it starts by helping others see what's possible. Starting a nonprofit is an exciting journey, but many founders quickly discover that passion alone isn't enough to sustain an organization. In this episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, Mark shares some of the most common fundraising and startup mistakes nonprofit leaders make—and how to avoid them. From researching whether your community truly needs another nonprofit to understanding that incorporation is only the beginning, you'll learn practical steps to build a stronger foundation for long-term success. Whether you're launching a new nonprofit or considering starting one, this episode will help you think strategically about fundraising, sustainability, and creating lasting impact. ***NEW RESOURCE*** The Board Member's Guide to Fundraising (Without the Ask) - Check it Out: https://www.thefundcoach.com/the-board-member-s-guide-to-fundraising-without-the-ask FREE GUIDE: 5 Habits of Executive Directors Who Land Big Gifts: https://bit.ly/4hFkOth Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlduncan/ To get this video podcast in your inbox, visit and subscribe here: https://www.thefundcoach.com/opt-in Check out the Relationship Fundraising Academy: https://www.thefundcoach.com/rfa Need 1:1 Coaching? Click here to schedule a strategy session to discuss your fundraising needs: https://www.thefundcoach.com/discovery-session-booking-page Windfall - Wealth Analytics Report: https://analytics.windfall.com/partner/the-fund-coach Subscribe to the podcast on Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/huddle-up-with-mark-the-fund-coach/id1799766114 or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/03LPM7zjoDMLV0OGPJBxTO?si=c730fc5b97a04854
- Jun 16, 202620 min
Starting a Nonprofit? Avoid These Common Fundraising Mistakes
Starting a nonprofit is an exciting journey, but many founders quickly discover that passion alone isn't enough to sustain an organization. In this episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, Mark shares some of the most common fundraising and startup mistakes nonprofit leaders make—and how to avoid them. From researching whether your community truly needs another nonprofit to understanding that incorporation is only the beginning, you'll learn practical steps to build a stronger foundation for long-term success. Whether you're launching a new nonprofit or considering starting one, this episode will help you think strategically about fundraising, sustainability, and creating lasting impact. ***NEW RESOURCE*** The Board Member's Guide to Fundraising (Without the Ask) - Check it Out: https://www.thefundcoach.com/the-board-member-s-guide-to-fundraising-without-the-ask FREE GUIDE: 5 Habits of Executive Directors Who Land Big Gifts: https://bit.ly/4hFkOth Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlduncan/ To get this video podcast in your inbox, visit and subscribe here: https://www.thefundcoach.com/opt-in Check out the Relationship Fundraising Academy: https://www.thefundcoach.com/rfa Need 1:1 Coaching? Click here to schedule a strategy session to discuss your fundraising needs: https://www.thefundcoach.com/discovery-session-booking-page Windfall - Wealth Analytics Report: https://analytics.windfall.com/partner/the-fund-coach Subscribe to the podcast on Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/huddle-up-with-mark-the-fund-coach/id1799766114 or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/03LPM7zjoDMLV0OGPJBxTO?si=c730fc5b97a04854
- Jun 9, 202624 min
The Costly Major Gifts Mistake: Why Major Gifts Aren't Just for Capital Campaigns
What if one of the biggest limitations on your organization's fundraising success is the belief that major gifts are only for campaigns? Too many nonprofits wait until they're launching a capital campaign or special initiative before they begin engaging major donors. The problem is that meaningful donor relationships can't be rushed when a funding need arises. In this episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we're exploring why major gifts should be a year-round fundraising strategy, not a campaign tactic. You'll learn how organizations unintentionally limit donor engagement when they only pursue major gifts during campaigns, and why building consistent relationships with major donors can lead to stronger fundraising, greater sustainability, and transformational support for your mission. Let's Huddle Up! FREE GUIDE: 5 Habits of Executive Directors Who Land Big Gifts: https://bit.ly/4hFkOth Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlduncan/ To get this video podcast in your inbox, visit and subscribe here: https://www.thefundcoach.com/opt-in Check out the Relationship Fundraising Academy: https://www.thefundcoach.com/rfa Need Private Coaching? Click here to schedule a strategy session to discuss your fundraising needs: https://www.thefundcoach.com/discovery-session-booking-page Windfall - Wealth Analytics Report: https://analytics.windfall.com/partner/the-fund-coach
About Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach
A key to fundraising success is through building trusting relationship with high capacity donors. Relationship Fundraising, the most effective way to raise money. I Empower nonprofit leaders with the skill and confidence to secure large contributions from wealthy individuals. This podcast provides nonprofit
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