645. Fundraising That Lasts: 8 Practical Strategies for Retention, Revenue, and Campaigns (Tesha McCord Poe)
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Overview
Meet Tesha McCord Poe 🤝, the CEO + Founder of Joy-Raising. The fundraising trailblazer and the visionary behind Joy Raising. Tesha generously shares her authentic journey into fundraising—full of lessons learned and real-world wisdom. She offers practical, proven strategies to keep your donors connected and engaged, even when the going gets tough.
You’ll discover how to cultivate deep trust with your supporters, launch a capital campaign that truly resonates, and get innovative with grassroots fundraising efforts. Tesha also invites us into the heartfelt side of giving and receiving generosity, reminding us that kindness is at the core of it all.
Tune in if you’re ready to be inspired and walk away with actionable tools to elevate your fundraising, this conversation is made for you 🎧.
Learn:
Understanding the importance of empathy in donor relations and how it can enhance fundraising efforts.
How to assess whether an organization has earned the right to make a donation request.
The significance of staying rooted in the mission to build trust and drive success.
Strategies for overcoming fears and challenges in the nonprofit sector.
Exploring new and effective ways to approach fundraising and donor engagement.
How to maintain authenticity while pursuing ambitious fundraising goals.
Why it’s important to build and maintain strong relationships with donors.
Fundraising That Lasts: 8 Practical Strategies for Retention, Revenue, and Campaigns
Earn the right to make the ask—ensure you have a strong relationship and clear need before soliciting donations.
Only ask for what you truly need—be disciplined and intentional about your fundraising goals.
Become an active donor yourself—to build empathy and understand the donor experience.
Recommit to communicating your “why”—help donors understand why your organization should be their priority.
Build trust through transparency and authenticity—share information and impact, and be genuine in your approach.
Involve your board and leadership—ensure organizational readiness and support for major campaigns.
Start capital campaigns with strategic planning—identify priorities, resources, and readiness before launching.
Begin donor conversations with your strongest supporters—use feedback from early believers to refine your campaign and approach.
Today’s Guest:
Tesha McCord Poe | CEO + Founder, Joy-Raising.
“I lead with kindness and I expect it back.”
Episode Transcript
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Episode Highlights
Tesha’s fundraising journey and early influences (01:49)
Tesha’s core principles: earning the right to ask + only asking for true needs (04:22)
How fundraisers can boost donor retention during uncertain times (06:32)
Building trust through authenticity and mission alignment (10:59)
Advice for hesitant leaders: board support + relationship focus (11:54)
Laying the groundwork for a successful capital campaign (15:24)
Inspiring belief in intangible or future projects (22:06)
Grassroots fundraising tips for small nonprofits (24:46)
Tesha’s One Good Thing: “That there's always a choice around being kind.” (35:52)
Powerful Quotes
"Joy raising is my dash. It's my dream come true." - Tesha McCord Poe
"If it's not hard, don't make it hard unnecessarily. But if it is hard and it's worth it, let's go." - Tesha McCord Poe
"It's not just about the dollar amount. The relationships are really important." - Tesha McCord Poe
"Keep talking, keep asking, stay curious and keep rooting yourself in why." - Tesha McCord Poe
"Being authentic, staying close to the why, not trying to do flashy things to get people to give." - Tesha McCord Poe
"The struggle is part of the challenge, the struggle is part of the journey." - Tesha McCord Poe
"I never ask for money that I don't need, with a caveat." - Tesha McCord Poe
"There's always a choice around being kind." - Tesha McCord Poe
Resources:
Tesha McCord Book ‘Beyond Widow’
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