In today’s episode of Lead with Heart, I am very excited to have Howard Levy as my guest. Howard is the president of the Red Rooster Group and helps organizations engage their audiences, wake up their brands, and create systemic change.

How does he do this? Through behavioral science principles, sophisticated messaging strategies, and data-driven campaigns.

Today, Howard is sharing how you can incorporate behavioral science into your fundraising strategies to create more effective campaigns.

In this episode:

• [02:51] Nonprofit marketing and brand strategy pain points
• [08:01] Behavioral science trends that encourage people to give
• [15:59] The Actionology Method: Incorporating behavioral science into fundraising strategies
• [24:49] The technology used for fundraising strategies
• [29:37] The power of stories in fundraising

RESOURCES
Red Rooster Group Actionology Card Deck
Take the leap into successful fundraising with the Savvy Fundraiser Fundamentals Course. The ultimate guide designed for nonprofits that have been around for a while, but haven’t delved into the world of fundraising yet. This course covers everything from crafting compelling campaigns to collaborating effectively with your team, ensuring you have all the tools you need to elevate your fundraising efforts.

CONNECT WITH HOWARD
LinkedIn: Howard Adam Levy
Website: redroostergroup.com

In 2012, I started a nonprofit in a small village in Malawi, living alone, 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<

As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.org

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

Produced by Ideablossoms

On this episode of the Lead with Heart podcast, I am beyond excited to have Jenny Mitchell as my guest. Jenny is the chief visionary officer and founder of Chavender where she works closely with not-for-profit leaders to change the world one mission at a time.
Jenny recently released her book, Embracing Ambition: Empowering Women to Step Out, Be Seen, & Lead, and she is sharing some insights from it with us today. This episode is full of practical advice for women in leadership roles.

In this episode:

• [04:14] The value of an executive coach
• [08:45] Listening to the signs from your body and leading with authenticity
• [13:18] Self-reflection questions for female leaders
• [17:51] Prioritizing self-worth in leadership roles
• [28:31] Reclaiming the word ambition while still maintaining compassion as a female leader

RESOURCES
Embracing Ambition: Empowering Women to Step Out, Be Seen, & Lead by Jenny Mitchell
Take the leap into successful fundraising with the Savvy Fundraiser Fundamentals Course. The ultimate guide designed for nonprofits that have been around for a while, but haven’t delved into the world of fundraising yet. This course covers everything from crafting compelling campaigns to collaborating effectively with your team

In 2012, I started a nonprofit in a small village in Malawi, living alone, 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<

As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.org

The EmC Masterclass by Dr. Lola Gershfeld will help you enhance your communication skills to raise more revenue for your mission. This groundbreaking Emotional Connection process has been integrated into top universities’ curriculum and recognized by international organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART to enjoy a -10%.

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

Produced by Ideablossoms

On this episode of the Lead with Heart podcast, I am honored to have Stephanie Skryzowski as my guest. Stephanie is the founder and CEO of 100 Degrees Consulting and a visionary chief financial officer that helps purpose driven leaders better understand and use their numbers to make smart decisions to grow their bottom line and their impact.
That’s exactly what she’s sharing with us today. Find out how you can use your finances to highlight the story of your organization and how a well-established financial strategy will allow for long term financial sustainability in your nonprofit.

In this episode:

• [07:49] Using finances to highlight the story of your organization
• [12:25] Planning for future budgets and cash flow allocations
• [15:50] Transparency in nonprofit finances
• [21:03] The relationship between the finance, fundraising, and program team
• [23:58] A well-established financial strategy allows for long term financial sustainability

RESOURCES

Resources from Stephanie - https://100degreesconsulting.com/cash-2/

Take the leap into successful fundraising with the Savvy Fundraiser Fundamentals Course. The ultimate guide designed for nonprofits that have been around for a while, but haven’t delved into the world of fundraising yet. This course covers everything from crafting compelling campaigns to collaborating effectively with your team, ensuring you have all the tools you need to elevate your fundraising efforts.

CONNECT WITH STEPHANIE
LinkedIn: Stephanie Skryzowski
Instagram: @100degreesconsulting
Website: 100de

In 2012, I started a nonprofit in a small village in Malawi, living alone, 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<

As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.org

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

Produced by Ideablossoms

This episode of the Lead with Heart podcast features Hannah Blackwell, founder and creative director of Southside Blooms, a social enterprise nonprofit based in Chicago.
Southside Blooms transforms vacant urban land into productive flower farms using solar power and sustainable methods. Hannah shares how her childhood love of nature led her to establish Southside Blooms' youth training program, which provides job and leadership skills in the floral industry.
Through urban farming and a flower shop social enterprise, Southside Blooms empowers inner-city youth while beautifying communities.
We discussed topics like developing leadership in nonprofit programs, implementing social enterprises, and making environmental sustainability accessible on a community level.

In this episode:

• [01:40] Hannah's childhood creativity and community service influenced her founding of Southside Blooms to empower youth.
• [04:07] Southside Blooms transforms vacant land into productive flower farms using solar power and rainwater irrigation.
• [07:53] The youth program starts with basic floral skills and builds leadership over time.
• [12:29] Hannah's Mennonite upbringing shaped her faith-based approach to service and nonprofit leadership focused on character.
• [18:48] What exactly is a social enterprise?
• [25:05] Environmental sustainability is implemented through community-level practices.

RESOURCES
Take the leap into successful fundraising with the Savvy Fundraiser Fundamentals Course. The ultimate guide designed for nonprofits that have been around for a while, but haven’t delved into the world of fundraising yet. This course covers everything from crafting compelling campaigns to collaborating effectively with your team, ensuring you have all the tools you need to elevate your fundraising eff

In 2012, I started a nonprofit in a small village in Malawi, living alone, 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<

As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.org

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

Produced by Ideablossoms

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
Take the leap into successful fundraising with the Savvy Fundraiser Fundamentals Course. This course covers everything from crafting compelling campaigns to collaborating effectively with your team, ensuring you have all the tools you need to elevate your fundraising efforts.

CONNECT WITH KEL
LinkedIn: Kel Haney
Instagram: @KelHaney
Website:

In 2012, I started a nonprofit in a small village in Malawi, living alone, 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<

As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.org

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

Produced by Ideablossoms

Today on the Lead with Heart podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Tania Bhattacharyya, founder of Lumos Marketing and thought leadership consultant for social impact entrepreneurs.
In this episode, Tania shares valuable insights on using personal branding and storytelling to develop thought leadership on LinkedIn. She introduces the "Campfire Circle" concept for inclusive leadership discussions.
Together we will learn how to craft engaging content through regular reflection and discover how consistency and values-aligned sharing will build trust over time to further our nonprofit's mission through personal branding and community.

In this episode:

• [01:56] How Tania got started in personal brand messaging and community building on LinkedIn
• [05:27] Overcoming Impostor Syndrome
• [10:56] The Campfire Circle Concept explained
• [13:44] Developing your personal brand
• [16:29] How to use storytelling on LinkedIn to enhance your brand
• [24:20] Building authentic connections on LinkedIn
• [30:11] How to craft compelling content on LinkedIn

RESOURCES

Take the leap into successful fundraising with the Savvy Fundraiser Fundamentals Course. This course covers everything from crafting compelling campaigns to collaborating effectively with your team, ensuring you have all the tools you need to elevate your fundraising efforts.

CONNECT WITH TANIA

Tania Bhattacharyya is the founder of Lumos Marketing and a thought leadership consultant helping social impact entrepreneurs amplify their message. With over 12 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, including witnessing the impact of patients sharing recovery stories at an addiction treatment program, Tania understands the challenges of navigating visibility and personal branding. She now shares s

In 2012, I started a nonprofit in a small village in Malawi, living alone, 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<

As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.org

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

Produced by Ideablossoms

Today, we're having a crucial conversation about salary negotiation and career advancement in the nonprofit sector. My guest is Shannon Bowen, a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, career advancement coach, and salary negotiation expert.
She helps nonprofit professionals advocate for themselves and get paid what they're worth. As Chief Advancement Officer at Pacific Northwest Research Institute and CEO of Monsoon Leadership, Shannon has over 18 years of experience in the nonprofit sector.
She'll share her insights on shifting your mindset about salary negotiations, mastering crucial compensation conversations, and negotiating your worth confidently.

In this episode:

• [03:21] Shifting your mindset about salary negotiations
• [05:01] Nonprofits need to support living wages and retirement savings for employees to stay true to their missions
• [06:00] Common challenges in salary negotiations
• [10:35] Effective staff retention strategies like time-based bonuses and collective breaks can improve culture and reduce burnout
• [15:05] How to ask for internal raises or promotions and how to negotiate for a new role at a different organization
• [23:23] Interviews are opportunities to assess organizational culture, growth potential, and values alignment
• [27:57] Be confident in your worth by being "picky, expensive, and brilliant" in your career pursuits

RESOURCES
Take the leap into successful fundraising with the Savvy Fundraiser Fundamentals Course. This course covers everything from crafting compelling campaigns to collaborating effectively with your team, ensuring you have all the tools you need to elevate your fundraising efforts.

CONNECT WITH SHANNON

LinkedIn: Monsoon Leadership

LinkedIn:

In 2012, I started a nonprofit in a small village in Malawi, living alone, 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<

As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.org

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

Produced by Ideablossoms

Welcome to the Lead with Heart podcast! Today I’m joined by LaVal Brewer, President and CEO of South County Outreach. With over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, LaVal shares his journey from youth to leadership. He credits his success to God's guidance, emphasizing how faith informs his servant leadership approach.

At South County Outreach, LaVal aims to transform its food pantry into a dignified shopping experience through a people-first culture.

This episode provides insights on faith-based leadership, mission-driven partnerships, and empowering vulnerable communities with dignity.

In this episode:

• [02:01] LaVal’s journey to nonprofit leadership
• [05:34] What is servant leadership and how it can be implemented
• [08:37] Building the right team: hiring hungry, humble, and smart team members who are the right fit for the organization's culture and goals
• [13:54] The importance of emotional intelligence and building a community of shared values
• [16:19] How LaVal aims to make the pantry a dignified shopping environment
• [22:06] The invaluable role of key partnerships that support your mission
• [27:26] Prioritizing mission over opportunities to stay aligned with your goals
• [31:34] Community engagement and its vital role in South County Outreach’s success

RESOURCES
Take the leap into successful fundraising with the Savvy Fundraiser Fundamentals Course. The ultimate guide designed for nonprofits that have been around for a while, but haven’t delved into the world of fundraising yet. This course covers everything from crafting compelling campaigns to collaborating effectively with your team, ensuring you have all the tools you need to elevate your fundraising efforts.

CONNECT WITH LAVAL
LaVal Brewer is the P

In 2012, I started a nonprofit in a small village in Malawi, living alone, 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<

As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.org

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

Produced by Ideablossoms