Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions - Nonprofit Fundraising Strategy: Taking the 'Ick' Out of Fundraising Calls with Kel Haney

Nonprofit Fundraising Strategy: Taking the 'Ick' Out of Fundraising Calls with Kel Haney

01/14/25 • 25 min

Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions

Is your nonprofit fundraising strategy working? In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast , Maria speaks with Kel Haney, a fundraising coach and consultant, about transforming donor engagement through personalized and strategic phone calls. Kel introduces her "ditch the script" approach and her "five-minute fundraising ask" framework, which emphasizes authenticity, connection, and clear asks. Whether you’re a seasoned fundraiser or new to phone outreach, Kel’s insights will help you foster deeper relationships and make your calls more effective.

Nonprofit Fundraising Strategy: Taking the 'Ick' Out of Fundraising Calls -- The Highlights:

Why scripts don’t work
The power of vulnerability
Five-minute fundraising ask framework
Effective voicemail strategies
Time management for fundraising calls

Actionable Tips:

➜ Be prepared but flexible:Have talking points, but allow the conversation to flow naturally.
➜ Personalize your approach:Reference past interactions or specific donor interests to build rapport.
➜ Practice active listening:Make donors feel heard by acknowledging their concerns and interests.
➜ Follow up consistently:Whether via email or another call, keep the lines of communication open.
➜ Make specific asks:Avoid vague language; be clear about the amount or action you’re requesting.

Resources Mentioned:

Kel’s Website: kelhaney.com
Free Resource: Eight Phrases Not to Use in Fundraising and Five Tips for Mid-Level Giving

Connect with Us:

Connect with Maria Rio
Connect with Kel Haney

Subscribe and Review:

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Small Nonprofit Podcast on your favorite platform! Leave a review to help us reach more listeners and continue providing valuable insights. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Support the Podcast:

Support these conversations by donating here.

Coming Next Week:

Join us next week as Caitlin McBride shares how small nonprofits can streamline operations, set boundaries, and build a culture of philanthropy to drive lasting impact without burning out.

Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)

Support the show

Nonprofit Fundraising Strategy: Taking the 'Ick' Out of Fundraising Calls -- The Highlights:

Why scripts don’t work
The power of vulnerability
Five-minute fundraising ask framework
Effective voicemail strategies
Time management for fundraising calls

Actionable Tips:

Resources Mentioned:

Kel’s Website: kelhaney.com
Free Resource: Eight Phrases Not to Use in Fundraising and Five Tips for Mid-Level Giving

Connect with Us:

Connect with Maria Rio
Connect with Kel Haney

Subscribe and Review:

Support the Podcast:

Support these conversations by donating here.

Coming Next Week:

Join us next week as Caitlin McBride shares how small nonprofits can streamline operations, set boundaries, and build a culture of philanthropy to drive lasting impact without burning out.

Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)

Support the show

Previous Episode

Aligning Nonprofit Leadership with Core Values with Hoang Murphy

Can nonprofits truly live their values? Learn how to align organizational values with action from the experienced leadership of Hoang Murphy, CEO of People Serving People. In this episode, we discuss building workplace cultures of transparency, centering lived experiences in decision-making, and embedding nonprofit values into budgeting and operations. Explore how intentional nonprofit leadership can create better workplaces and stronger mission outcomes.
Aligning Nonprofit Leadership with Core Values - The Highlights:

Why and how nonprofit budgets reflect values (and how to align them).
Centering lived experiences in nonprofit leadership, staff, and boards.
Practical steps for engaging teams and clients in defining values.
The benefits of relational fundraising and building genuine connections with funders.
Strategies for scaling transparency and culture at large nonprofits.

🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable tips on nonprofit leadership, ethical fundraising, and community engagement strategies!
About Hoang Murphy:
Hoang Murphy is the CEO of People Serving People. He brings a wealth of experience from his journey as a teacher, a Foster, and a leader in the nonprofit sector. Hoang shares his expertise on creating impactful solutions for those affected by inequality and emphasizes the role of lived experiences in decision-making processes.

Links and Resources:

Hoang Murphy (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/in/hoangmurphy
Hoang Murphy (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/hrcapist/
Hoang Murphy (Email): [email protected]
Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/
Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/aJ8-uNCxLvY
Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/new

Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)

Support the show

Next Episode

Thriving as a One-Person Fundraising Team with Caitlin McBride

In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast , Maria sits down with Caitlin McBride, an experienced fundraiser and consultant, to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of being a one-person fundraising department. Caitlin shares her journey from working in large fundraising teams to becoming the sole fundraiser at small nonprofits. She provides actionable insights on setting up systems, avoiding burnout, and leveraging technology to maximize efficiency. If you’re a nonprofit professional juggling multiple roles, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you thrive.

Key Topics Covered:

Embrace systems and technology
Get comfortable with decision-making
Set boundaries and manage expectations
Prioritize self-care without guilt
Know when to ask for help

Actionable Tips:

➜ Build a strong support network: Connect with other fundraisers, listen to industry podcasts, and seek mentorship.
➜ Leverage free and low-cost tech: Use tools like TechSoup for nonprofit discounts on software and services.
➜ Create a case for support: Having a well-written document makes grant writing and donor outreach much more efficient.
➜ Audit and organize your CRM: Clean data and standardized tracking can save hours of work.
➜ Educate your board & ED: Set clear expectations about what’s realistic for a one-person fundraising team.

Resources:

Connect with Us: