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The Business Behind Fundraising: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Sherry Quam Taylor
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.
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- Jun 23, 202635 min
Reducing Dependency on Events & Government Dollars: A Case Study with Kim Zoeller at Ray Graham Association
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
- Apr 28, 202635 min
Shifting Capital Donors to Annual Fund Donors : A Case Study w/ Kelly Hill at Heart of Missouri CASA
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
- Feb 24, 202635 min
Fundraising When Following a Founder: A Case Laurie Quinn at The Stern Center for Language & Learning
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
- Nov 18, 202539 min
Learning to Lead Investment-Level Conversations: A Case Study with Melissa at Illinois Stewardship Alliance
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
- Aug 26, 202530 min
Next-Leveling a High-Performing Development Team: A Case Study with Drew Moran at Nourishing Hope
Drew Moran knows the importance of culture in an organization, and to understand that culture requires an understanding of your mission. Through 12 years of growth at Nourishing Hope, Drew has gotten hands on every aspect. Now, as the Chief Development Officer, his vast insight allows Nourishing Hope to operate as more than just a food pantry, providing additional mental health and social services that address the needs of the whole individual to offer a generous and friendly helping hand. Sherry and Drew discuss his journey to the Chief Development Officer role, his emphasis on developing a culture of joy and abundance, and the innovative ideas that have allowed Nourishing Hope to thrive in times of great need. What You Will Discover: ✔️ Donors and beneficiaries latch on to the culture of your organization ✔️ Joy within your team permeates throughout the entire organization, from your volunteers, to your donors, and ultimately to the individuals you serve ✔️ A solid foundation is needed for your organization to pull back and examine the macro ✔️ Putting clear intention behind your gala elevates it from just an event to a transformational experience for donors —————————————— Drew Moran currently serves as Nourishing Hope's chief development officer where he is dedicated to building transformational relationships with philanthropic organizations to support Nourishing Hope's many strategic initiatives. Before assuming this role, Drew served as the director of institutional partnerships. Prior to that role, Drew served on the leadership team as its director of innovation and strategic initiatives. He is also deeply invested in his local community, serving as a director of the East Lake View Neighbors Association. Drew's commitment extends beyond just organizational partnerships. He shares Nourishing Hope's passion for mental wellness. As a Licensed Professional Counselor with a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Roosevelt University, he was the first clinician to provide therapeutic services to Lakeview Pantry clients in 2017. Drew also has a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Eastern Illinois University. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewjmoran/ Website: http://nourishinghopechi.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
- May 27, 202529 min
The Slow & Steady Path to Large Gifts: A Case Study with Lauren M. Scott at Foundation for Fresh Produce
Lauren M. Scott is working on growing a healthier world to help change the trajectory of human health. Such a task might seem daunting, but the President of the Foundation for Fresh Produce has used her prior experience in crucial ways to help bridge the gap between sharing their big vision and providing tangible results. The process has not always moved at a rapid pace, but Lauren's patience is paying off in a big way for her organization. Sherry and Lauren discuss the importance of clear and effective communication - not just with your donors, but throughout the entire organization. There are a lot of moving parts that go into any mission, and taking the time to define and understand what they are can save you from headaches later on. What You Will Discover: ✔️ You are not desperate. Fundraising with a sense or urgency can create a scarcity mindset ✔️ Your community wants to be more informed to increase knowledge - make it easier for them! ✔️ Marketing should be integrated early in the fundraising process. ✔️ Your Case for Support sheet can take conversations to places you never would have imagined —————————————— Lauren M. Scott is the President of The Foundation for Fresh Produce, an organization founded by the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), the largest and most diverse global association serving the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain. The foundation's vision and mission are to grow a healthier world by changing the trajectory of human health. Lauren previously held various marketing, strategy and leadership roles at PepsiCo, Colgate-Palmolive, and Diageo. She earned a BS in Marketing from Rutgers University, an MBA from the University of Maryland, an MS in Strategic Communication from Columbia University, and is a Certified Association Executive (CAE). Lauren proudly serves as the board chair of Food for Climate League and is passionate about combating food insecurities and perpetuating arts and culture. She loves spending time with her husband and son, affectionately known as The Allens. Her personal motto is to learn and laugh every day. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamlaurenmscott/ Website: https://www.freshproduce.com/foundation/ -------------------------- 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
- Mar 25, 202528 min
Diversifying Your Human Service Org's Revenue: A Case Study with Carina Santa Maria at Shelter, Inc.
Carina Santa Maria is a first time ED making veteran moves at her organization. At Shelter Inc., Carina helps youth experiencing homelessness find emergency shelter, transitional housing, and clinical care, filling a crucial need for a vulnerable population within her community. Such a need requires great funding, and when Carina stepped into the role, things weren't where they needed to be. Fast forward to today - Shelter Inc. has seen their revenue grow nearly 5x thanks to changes in strategy implemented by Carina. Sherry and Carina discuss the growth and challenges faced by Shelter Inc., the journey of scaling the organization,and how their relationship with donors impacted the transition to their new funding model. The two explore the need for diversification in funding, the impact of innovative ideas, and the significance of infrastructure in nonprofit operations. What You Will Discover: ✔️ Infrastructure needs are often overlooked but essential for operations. ✔️ The ask doesn't have to be awkward. By staying open and consistent, your funders won't be caught off guard when you make the big ask, and even might be more proactive that you anticipate. ✔️ New initiatives can appear nice and shiny for donors, but communicating the importance of overhead funding is crucial. ✔️ An engaged team is vital for implementing change throughout your organization. —————————————— Carina H. Santa Maria, MSW, LCSW, was appointed Executive Director and member of the Board of Directors of Shelter, Inc, in June 2018. She was previously Director of Field Education with Dominican University's School of Social Work where she managed and coordinated internship experiences for master level social work students while maintaining relations with community organizations to address the needs of clients needing social work intervention. While at Dominican, she also served as an adjunct instructor, teaching various graduate level social work classes, including a graduate level human trafficking course. Prior to her work at Dominican University, she was a Community Youth Counselor for Memorial Health Care Systems and partnered with the Broward Sheriff's Office and their Juvenile Diversion program. She has also served as the Vice President of Education and Outreach at the Broward Human Trafficking Coalition, and as a residential counselor at Youth Villages in Memphis, TN. In addition, Carina has volunteered with Kristi House – Project GOLD and served as the Education Director for Traffick Free, a volunteer driver organization in the Chicago area that combats human trafficking. Carina is also a founding member of a local Arlington Heights community group called Voices of Community, Acceptance, and Love (VOCAL), whose mission is to bridge differences to create a supportive, connected community that celebrates diversity and practices tolerance and acceptance. She was recently awarded the NASW Illinois Chapter's Emerging Young Leader Award as well as Delta Zeta National Sorority's 35 women under 35. She graduated with her bachelor's degree in psychology and criminology from the University of Tampa in 2007. In 2011, she received her master's degree in social work from Dominican University. She resides in Arlington Heights, IL with her husband and two sons. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cnhomann/ Website: https://www.shelter-inc.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 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/
- Jan 28, 202545 min
Pressing Pause on Your Gala: A Case Study with Janelle Miller Moravek at Youth & Family Counseling
Janelle Miller Moravek describes herself as an "accidental" nonprofit employee, but when you see the thought and care she puts into her organization, the results are no accident at all! As the Executive Director at Youth & Family Counseling, Janelle works on providing and educating her community on affordable mental health care. She has done a bit of everything at the organization, and that experience has proven useful for understanding the needs of her team during a time of change and growth. Janelle and Sherry discuss the bold act of cutting her organization's gala out of the budget and how redirecting the resources spent on that event opened up new opportunities to spread their message to the community. What You Will Discover: ✔️ Trust and flexibility are crucial within a team when navigating change. ✔️ Being visible on platforms like LinkedIn can attract funders and like-minded individuals. ✔️ Fundraising and systems-level work require ongoing learning, growth, and patience. ✔️ Authenticity and inclusivity are key in building relationships and engaging with donors. —————————————— Janelle Miller Moravek has served as Youth & Family Counseling's Executive Director since 2009, when she was promoted from her previous position as Development Director. She holds a BA in French Studies from Wesleyan University in Connecticut. Janelle's vision, leadership, and passion for improving access to mental healthcare have steered YFC's steady growth over her 14-year tenure. Janelle is a champion for YFC's mission of opening doors to mental healthcare so people can cope, heal, and thrive. In service of this mission, she is responsible for overseeing programming, administration, and strategic plan implementation, as well as representing the organization to community partners and other stakeholders. In addition to her Executive Director role at YFC, Janelle is engaged with the Lake County human services community. She served as Co-Chair of the Lake County Behavioral Health Action Team (2016-2018), and currently serves on the board of the Lake County Alliance for Human Services and the Co-Chair Lake County Behavioral Health Action Team. Janelle lives in Libertyville with her husband and three children. Prior to joining YFC in 2000, Janelle served as Director of Development for Carmel Catholic High School, and Director of Annual Fund at Barat College. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janelle-miller-moravek-903a815b/ Website: https://counselingforall.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
About The Business Behind Fundraising
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.
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