Free Daily Podcast Summary
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.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 2 weeks ago31 min
Fully Funding Your Aggressive Strategic Plan: A Case Study with Jenny Dale at MAIA
Nonprofit CEOs: what happens when your board approves an aggressive new strategic plan, and the budget to actually fund it doesn't exist yet?That was MAIA's starting point a year ago. MAIA is an international organization led by Indigenous women, focused on education and leadership opportunities for Indigenous girls and young women in Guatemala, with a nearly 90-person staff based entirely in Guatemala. Jenny Dale is MAIA's sole US-based development team member, and she didn't set out to become a fundraiser. The deep connection she felt to the mission pulled her into the role anyway.Over the past year, Jenny and her team shifted how they approach their top donors, built out intentional donor journeys instead of one-size-fits-all asks, and got comfortable asking for what MAIA actually needs rather than what felt safe. The result: MAIA closed their fiscal year having raised $2.7M, launched their first endowment with multi-six-figure gifts already secured, and are heading into an even more ambitious year, with their board fully bought in.What You Will Discover:✔️ Why MAIA's team stopped asking "what can we raise" and started asking "what do we actually need," a shift that helped them close the year at $2.7M against a bigger, more honest target ✔️ Why there's rarely a one-size-fits-all approach with top donors, and how MAIA's donor communication tracker keeps every touchpoint intentional instead of generic ✔️ How reframing the ask as an invitation, not a transaction, helped MAIA secure multi-six-figure gifts to launch their endowment ✔️ Why building a global donor pipeline, from Guatemala to Europe, starts with relationships and introductions long before it shows up as revenue ✔️ How giving board members a concrete, specific ask ("who are the one or two people in your network who'd want to be part of this?") turned hesitant board members into confident connectors——————————————Jenny Dale is U.S. Executive Country Director at MAIA, an organization led by Indigenous women that maximizes and amplifies the transformative power of women to create a society of equity and opportunity. MAIA works alongside Indigenous girls and young women in Guatemala through education and leadership opportunities so they can create transformational change in their lives, communities, and the world. Jenny leads fundraising and U.S. operations, working closely with donors, the board of directors, and MAIA's leadership team. She began her career as an immigrant rights organizer in Chicago, then spent nearly a decade in Guatemala working across education, gender equity, and nonprofit leadership. For over 15 years, the central thread running through her work has been building bridges between philanthropy and local leadership. Jenny lives in Chicago with her husband and two children. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Latin American Studies from Grinnell College.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-dale-b56a64106/Website: https://www.maiaimpact.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.
- Aug 25, 202635 min
The Martignetti 3-Step, 1-Week Planned Giving Launch with Tony Martignetti
Tony Martignetti joins Sherry Quam Taylor to discuss his upcoming book, Planned Giving Accelerated, and the transformative potential of planned giving for small to mid-sized nonprofits. Tony’s book (that features a contribution from Sherry herself!) aims to empower smaller organizations, making planned giving accessible and straightforward.Tony believes that planned giving can be a powerful way to secure the future of your organization, Tony emphasizing that planned giving is ultimately about life and sustainability.What You Will Discover:✔️ Planned Giving is not a conversation about death. It’s an opportunity to preserve the life and longevity of your work in your community✔️ Identify Your Top Prospects. Focus on your loyal, long-standing donors who have shown commitment over the years✔️ Engage in Conversations. Shift the narrative from reactive fundraising to proactive relationship building, making the planned giving conversation feel more natural✔️ Cultivate and Solicit. Base your asks on the foundation of trust you’ve built with your top prospects——————————————Tony Martignetti is the evangelist for Planned Giving. In September, he publishes his book, Planned Giving Accelerated, to help small- and mid-size nonprofits launch, by making Planned Giving fundraising easy, accessible and affordable. The book waitlist is at PlannedGivingAccelerated.com. He started as a front-line Planned Giving fundraiser in 1997 and kicked off his consulting in 2003. Tony is a lawyer, but he doesn't talk like one. Instead, he weaves in his stand-up comedy and improv past, to bring Planned Giving within reach for small- and mid-size nonprofits. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymartignetti/Website: PlannedGivingAccelerated.com----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
- 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
Get The Business Behind Fundraising summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Podcasts in similar categories.
Coffeez with Joe Shalaby
Conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, and cultural figures reveal the real strategies, struggles, and costs behind success.
Unblinded with Sean Callagy
A legally blind entrepreneur shares insights on ethical influence, peak performance, and mastering hidden patterns in business and life.
All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg
Four tech investors discuss technology, markets, politics, and poker with candid, in-depth analysis.
The Code To Winning
Interviews with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and CEOs reveal strategies and insights for success in the modern business world.
Morning Brew Daily
A daily breakdown of business, economic, and general news with a witty and informative approach to start your day.
The Room Podcast
Tech founders and funders share behind-the-scenes stories from pivotal moments in their careers.
Marketplace
Explains daily business and economic news with context, interviews, and global reporting for listeners without financial expertise.
Prof G Markets
Daily market news and analysis on earnings, geopolitics, Big Tech, and AI with clear, no-jargon insights.
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.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from The Business Behind Fundraising in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's The Business Behind Fundraising daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of The Business Behind Fundraising as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the The Business Behind Fundraising podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official The Business Behind Fundraising product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Sherry Quam Taylor.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts, any in the catalog. Basic raises that to 15, Pro to 40 and Max to 100. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does The Business Behind Fundraising release new episodes?
The Business Behind Fundraising publishes monthly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does The Business Behind Fundraising cover?
The Business Behind Fundraising covers topics including Business, Non-Profit. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting The Business Behind Fundraising summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.