In this episode of the Fit Fundraising Podcast, Roy Jones sits down with Pam Axberg, CEO of Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities, to unpack how high-impact nonprofit leaders recruit, hire, and retain exceptional fundraisers. Leading an organization that raises over $20 million annually, Pam shares how mission alignment, cultural fit, and disciplined hiring practices shape her leadership strategy.

What if the biggest mistake nonprofits make with major gifts is quitting too early?

In this episode of the Fit Fundraising Podcast, Roy Jones sits down with Michelle Porter, CEO and co-founder of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, to unpack what really happens when an organization commits to building a major gift program from the ground up.

Michelle shares her firsthand experience launching major donor meetings in the middle of rapid organizational growth, what surprised her most about donors, and why the first meeting is rarely where the biggest gifts happen. From learning to listen instead of pitch, to discovering that authenticity outperforms polish, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what sustainable major giving actually looks like.

You'll hear why year one is the hardest, how donor relationships compound over time, and how simple practices like stewardship meetings and personal communication can transform not just revenue, but culture across an organization.

This episode is for nonprofit leaders, executives, and development teams who know major gifts matter but feel overwhelmed, underprepared, or unsure where to start.

If you've ever thought, "We tried major gifts and it didn't work," this conversation may change everything.

What really happens when nonprofit CEOs step out of the boardroom and into one-on-one conversations with their donors?

In this episode of the Fit Fundraising Podcast, Roy Jones sits down with Michelle Porter, CEO and Co-Founder of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, to unpack what she learned by personally meeting with key supporters—without a large fundraising staff or a formal major gifts department.

Michelle shares how Souls Harbour grew from serving one meal to becoming a $17 million, multi-site mission, and how intentional, relational donor meetings from the C-suite transformed both donor engagement and internal culture. You'll hear practical insights on involving program staff in donor stewardship, shifting from fundraising to friend-raising, and discovering what truly motivates long-term supporters to give.

If you're a nonprofit leader wondering whether major donor meetings are worth your time—or how to start without "doing it wrong"—this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and a proven path forward.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What surprised Michelle most when she began meeting donors one-on-one

• Why major donor programs don't have to start with professional fundraisers

• How involving staff and clients strengthens donor relationships

• The most common motivations donors shared—and how to listen for them

• Why CEOs play a critical role in major donor engagement

In Part 2 of our conversation with Jordan Smith, Executive Chief Development Officer at Tree of Life Ministries, we explore what it really takes to reach donors from Boomers to Gen Z. Jordan breaks down the communication habits of different generations, how Tree of Life grew from a small online presence to more than 13,000 followers, and why social media is now the front door to donor engagement.

Jordan also shares how strategic events — including something as simple as a community pickleball tournament — are bringing in brand-new supporters, and how thoughtful follow-up, prayer, and authentic relationships turn first-time donors into long-term partners.

If you want to understand the future of donor engagement and how to connect meaningfully across generations, this conversation gives you a clear, practical roadmap from one of the leading young voices in nonprofit development.

In this episode, Roy Jones sits down with Jordan Smith, Executive Chief Development Officer at Tree of Life Ministries in Purcellville, Virginia. Jordan shares how a moment of compassion in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina inspired his family to launch a ministry that now partners with more than 40 churches and serves thousands each year.

Together, Roy and Jordan explore what it means to lead with humility across generations—how younger leaders can introduce innovation while honoring the wisdom of those who came before them. From implementing new technology to building bridges between Boomers and Millennials, Jordan offers powerful insights on faith-driven leadership, generational teamwork, and keeping Christ at the center of every mission.

In Part 2 of this Fit Fundraising Podcast conversation, Roy Jones and Cheryl Hackett, Director of Development at the Wyoming Rescue Mission, dive deeper into what truly connects donors across generations—stories and relationships.

Cheryl shares how faith, authenticity, and storytelling cut through today's digital noise and unite Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z donors alike. From crafting irresistible subject lines to blending traditional and digital outreach, she explains how to engage supporters meaningfully in a world crowded with messages.

You'll also hear how nonprofit leaders can bridge generational gaps inside their teams, embrace innovation without losing trust, and keep their missions at the heart of every message.

🎧 Listen now and discover how timeless storytelling can transform your fundraising across every channel.

In this episode of the Fit Fundraising Podcast, Roy Jones sits down with Cheryl Hackett, Director of Development at the Wyoming Rescue Mission, to explore how giving habits are evolving across generations. From Boomers who still love their direct mail to Millennials and Gen Z donors who live online, Cheryl shares how her team bridges the gap through multichannel fundraising, storytelling, and faith-driven connection. It's a practical, hope-filled conversation about building trust, embracing innovation, and inspiring generosity that lasts.

From sustainers to segmentation, today's fundraisers face a world of change. How do we connect with Boomers who still carry the wealth, while preparing for Millennials and Gen Z who are shaping the future of philanthropy?

In this episode, Roy Jones sits down with Kyle Gorman, Executive Director of Advancement at the Evansville Rescue Mission, to talk about:

• Why the first gift is the most critical moment for lifetime giving

• How younger donors respond to frequency and messaging

• The challenge of leading and listening on multi-generational teams

• What the coming wealth transfer means for nonprofits

Kyle shares candid insights from leading campaigns, managing a cross-generational team, and meeting with donors across every age bracket.