E34: Cultivating Courageous Leadership in Nonprofit Fundraising with Major Gift Strategist Julie Ordoñez

Welcome back to the Lead with Heart podcast. My guest today is Julie Ordoñez, the founder of Courage Lab. Julie is a major gifts strategist and expert advisor who helps nonprofit leaders learn the strategies and practice the habits to overcome their fear of asking for more and raise major gifts.

We talk about major gift fundraising leadership, the essential qualities needed for nonprofit leaders to succeed, how to form 'mission-rooted friendships' with donors, and so much more.

In this episode:

• [01:13] Julie’s path to fundraising
• [06:37] Key principles of major gift fundraising in Courage Lab
• [15:53] Case studies where effective leadership played a pivotal role in securing major gifts
• [20:34] Essential leadership qualities that fundraisers should possess to cultivate meaningful connections and secure donations
• [26:13] Staying ahead of the curve as a nonprofit leader
• [32:50] Nonprofit leadership challenges and how to overcome them

RESOURCES
The next round of Courage Lab is launching in February, 2024. Get on the waitlist now.

CONNECT WITH JULIE
Julie, the founder of Courage Lab is a change agent, a challenger, a bonafide fundraiser, and a certified risk taker. She believes in the power of courage, the good that comes from generosity, and the audacity of the ask. Her work is dedicated to helping nonprofit leaders fearlessly pursue their mission by raising major gifts that make major change. Th

In 2012, I started a nonprofit in a small village in Malawi, living alone without water or electricity. Facing many challenges, I built a successful organization. This book is a tale of resilience, passion, and community strength. Discover the highs, lows, lessons learned, and unforgettable moments that shaped my journey.  Whether you're in the nonprofit world, thinking of starting one, or just love a great story, pre-order HERE<

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CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Certified Stress Management Coach, and Certified EmC train the trainer. She is the Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business. She has worked in both small and large nonprofit teams in the human services, homelessness, and youth sectors; and she specializes in the EmC process, nonprofit leadership, board development, and fundraising. Haley is a passionate, impact-driven, experienced nonprofit professional whose mission is to empower, elevate and engage nonprofit leaders to build healthy, thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com