E51: The Art of Fundraising as a Relationship-Building Opportunity with Kel Haney

Lead with Heart | Philanthropy, Nonprofit Leadership, Nonprofit Management & Fundraising

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In this episode, I have Kel Haney, a former theater director turned fundraising expert, on the show. Kel shares her journey from theater to fundraising, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building over transactional encounters.
She discusses the power of vulnerability and storytelling in connecting with donors and highlights the need for everyone in an organization to engage in fundraising.
The conversation also explores the significance of understanding personal motivations, creating a positive donor experience, and fostering an engaged community — especially in organizations with experiential elements.
In this episode:

• [04:27] Shifting from transactional fundraising to relationship-building
• [06:35] Coaching others to lead with vulnerability and storytelling
• [08:45] Understanding money mindset and finding personal connections in fundraising conversations
• [10:56] The trend of avoiding direct 1:1 asks and the importance of empowering organizations to have vocal, personal conversations
• [13:25] Training everyone to be ambassadors and fundraisers
• [16:06] The significance of membership and subscriber bases in organizations with an experiential element
• [25:07] Reflecting donor's thoughts and making the ask feel like an offering

RESOURCES
CONNECT WITH KEL
LinkedIn: Kel Haney
Instagram: @KelHaney
Website: kelhaney.com

My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies to help nonprofit leaders turn visions into reality, and create meaningful impact

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CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. She founded The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business, and has experience with nonprofits in human services, homelessness, and youth sectors. Specializing in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, Haley is dedicated to empowering nonprofit leaders to create thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com
Produced by Ideablossoms