Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Story‑Driven Fundraising | Missionary, Fundraising Ideas, Donations, Marketing Plan, NonProfit Groups
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 117 | Looking for More Donors? The #1 Thing to Do First in Your Fundraising | 24 Sep 2026 | 00:18:01 | |
Ready to feel more confident talking to potential donors? Join me for my FREE live Fundraise with Confidence workshop, where I’ll show you how to start a donor conversation in a way that gets people to lean in and listen. irisstorytelling.com/fundraising Feel like you’ve already asked everyone you know to support your ministry? Before you start cold calling, emailing strangers, or desperately looking for more people, there’s something you need to get clear on first. In this episode, we’re talking about why casting a wider net may actually be making fundraising harder—and how knowing exactly who you’re trying to reach can change your donor conversations, messaging, and fundraising strategy. 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 116 | LIVE COACHING: Struggling to Find Ministry Donors? Start With WHO, Not Where | 21 Sep 2026 | 00:21:44 | |
**If fundraising feels awkward, uncomfortable, or you’re never quite sure what to say to potential donors, join me for my free live workshop, Fundraise with Confidence.** You need more donors. So naturally, you start asking: How do we reach more people? But there may be a more important question to answer first: Who are we actually trying to reach? In this live coaching session, I help a ministry identify their ideal donor for the first time—and you’ll hear the breakthrough that completely changed the way they thought about finding new supporters. If you’ve been trying to reach anyone who might give, this episode will help you get much more focused. 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 115 | Audit Your Fundraising Message with 3 Simple Checks | 17 Sep 2026 | 00:25:19 | |
***If fundraising still feels awkward, heavy, or uncomfortable, I’m inviting you to my FREE live Fundraise with Confidence workshop! I’ll show you how to change the way you approach fundraising and how to start a donor conversation using a proven, story-driven approach. 👉 Save your free seat: irisstorytelling.com/fundraising *** You’ve shared your ministry again and again… so why are potential donors still not connecting? Before you assume you need to reach more people, your fundraising message may need some work. In this episode, I’m walking you through a simple 3-step fundraising message audit you can do with your church presentation, donor conversation, newsletter, or ministry pitch. Grab one piece of your current fundraising communication and follow along as we look for three places your message could be losing potential donors. 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 114 | Fundraising Ask Feels Awkward? How to Make the Donor the Hero of Your Ministry Message | 14 Sep 2026 | 00:17:09 | |
**Not sure how to start a donor conversation without it feeling awkward? Join me live and learn what to say to quickly connect donors with your mission and confidently lead toward the ask. Grab your workshop seat: irisstorytelling.com/fundraising** Your donor conversation is going great… until it’s time to actually ask for money. Suddenly you’re rambling, giving a vague “if you feel led,” or hoping they’ll figure out how to give without you ever clearly asking. In this episode, we’re looking at why that transition can feel so awkward—even when you’re incredibly passionate about your ministry. I’ll show you how the structure of your fundraising message may actually be creating the awkwardness, and the storytelling shift that helps donors see where they fit long before you make the ask. 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 113 | LIVE COACHING: Clarifying a Vague Fundraising Message | 10 Sep 2026 | 00:24:31 | |
**Ready to fundraise without feeling awkward, embarrassed, or salesy? Join me for my FREE live Fundraise with Confidence workshop. Save your seat at irisstorytelling.com/fundraising In this live coaching session with missionary Eleanore, we uncover the deeper problem behind her ministry: single mothers caught in a revolving cycle of housing instability, financial struggles, trauma, and crisis. You’ll hear how we turn the vague phrase “families in crisis” into a specific problem donors can picture and emotionally connect with. You’ll also learn why strong fundraising messages introduce the conflict before the solution, how story structure can shape your donor communication, and why specificity matters when you’re trying to inspire someone to give. 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 112 | When Missionary Fundraising Feels Selfish: How to Reframe the Ask | 07 Sep 2026 | 00:21:37 | |
**Ready to fundraise without feeling awkward, embarrassed, or salesy? Join me for my FREE live Fundraise with Confidence workshop. Save your seat at irisstorytelling.com/fundraising Asking someone to give to a ministry project can feel easy. Asking them to help pay for your housing, food, transportation, and everyday life? Suddenly fundraising can feel incredibly personal—and even selfish. In this episode, we’re digging into why raising personal support creates so much tension for missionaries and how changing the way you understand a donor’s role can change the way you ask. Plus, I’ll give you one simple question to ask yourself before your next donor conversation so you can make a clear ask without carrying all that guilt and awkwardness into it. 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 111 | How Do You Share an Impact Story in Your Ministry Fundraising Message? | 03 Sep 2026 | 00:15:43 | |
You have a powerful impact story—but you don't know exactly how to use it in your overall message. Should you open with the story? Save it until the end? Put it somewhere in the middle? And how does the story connect to your ministry’s bigger vision without feeling randomly dropped into the message? In this episode, I’m breaking down two ways I recommend using an impact story in a fundraising presentation, ministry newsletter, gala message, or church presentation. 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 110 | LIVE COACHING: What to Say in a Donor Meeting to Make Your Fundraising Message Clear | 31 Aug 2026 | 00:25:37 | |
You finally get a meeting with a potential donor…and then realize you have no idea what you’re actually supposed to say. In this live coaching episode, I’m helping Cindy prepare for a meeting with a potential business donor. She knows her ministry inside and out—but as she admits, “I could talk all day. But I’m not talking about the right things.” We work through how to structure the conversation, identify the real problem her ministry solves, keep the message focused on the donor, and make a clear ask without rambling through everything about the ministry. If you’ve ever wondered, “What should I actually say in a donor meeting?” listen in. Similar Episodes: 50 | LIVE COACHING: Clarify Your Ministry Fundraising Message w/ Cherilyn Kolbas 64 | LIVE COACHING: The Donor Clarity That Transformed Her Ministry Fundraising 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 109 | 3 Ministry Messaging Mistakes That Are Hurting Your Fundraising | 27 Aug 2026 | 00:19:41 | |
You’ve worked hard on your ministry message. You’ve thought through the words on your website, practiced explaining what you do, and tried to communicate professionally. So why does it still feel like donors aren’t connecting? Your message may be making one of three incredibly common mistakes I see in ministry fundraising. In this episode, we’re looking at vague language, overly formal communication, and messaging that makes your ministry sound like everyone else. I’ll show you how to spot these problems and start making your message clearer, easier to remember, and more specific to the ministry God has called you to. Similar Episodes: 92 | No One Donating? 2 Tips to Spark Ministry Donations Now 89 | Fundraising Without Manipulation: 3 Ways Missionaries Can Invite Support Naturally 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 108 | Haven’t Fundraised in Months? 3 Steps to Restart Your Ministry Fundraising Without the Panic | 24 Aug 2026 | 00:18:14 | |
Has it been months since you’ve really fundraised? Ministry got busy, donor communication slipped, and now your support account is getting lower than you’d like. Suddenly, fundraising feels urgent—and you’re wondering where to even begin. In this episode, I’m sharing a simple way to restart your ministry fundraising without trying to make up for months of silence all at once. We’ll talk about the foundation you need before you start asking, how to create a realistic fundraising rhythm, and what will help you build stronger donor relationships over time. Similar Episodes: 105 | Storytelling for Fundraising: The Simple Structure That Makes Your Ministry Message Clear 43 | Why Your Fundraising Messaging Isn’t Working—and How Storytelling Fixes It 12 | Ministry Storytelling Made Simple: A Framework to Engage Donors 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 107 | Storytelling for Ministry Fundraising: 2 Ways to Use Story | 20 Aug 2026 | 00:20:54 | |
You’ve heard that storytelling is powerful for fundraising—but storytelling is so much more than finding a good ministry story and retelling what happened. In this episode, I’m breaking down the 2 main ways to use storytelling in your ministry fundraising. If your ministry communication tends to feel scattered, or you’ve tried sharing stories without seeing much change in your fundraising, this episode will help you understand what may be missing. Similar Episodes: 105 | Storytelling for Fundraising: The Simple Structure That Makes Your Ministry Message Clear 43 | Why Your Fundraising Messaging Isn’t Working—and How Storytelling Fixes It 12 | Ministry Storytelling Made Simple: A Framework to Engage Donors 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 106 | Want Business Sponsors? How to Find the RIGHT Partners for your Ministry | 17 Aug 2026 | 00:14:57 | |
Businesses can give bigger donations, so it’s tempting to look for the company with the deepest pockets and think, If we could just get them on board, we’d finally hit our fundraising goal. But chasing the biggest check can waste a huge amount of time—and sometimes bring the wrong partner into your ministry. In this episode, we’re talking about how fundraising with business sponsors is different from talking with individual donors and how to communicate with businesses more effectively. You’ll learn why identifying your ideal business donor matters, how to stay true to your ministry when pursuing funding, and why alignment can matter far more than the size of the potential donation. Similar Episodes: 92 | No One Donating? 2 Tips to Spark Ministry Donations Now 89 | Fundraising Without Manipulation: 3 Ways Missionaries Can Invite Support Naturally 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 105 | Storytelling for Fundraising: The Simple Structure That Makes Your Ministry Message Clear | 13 Aug 2026 | 00:19:49 | |
Your ministry has powerful stories—but knowing how to actually use storytelling in fundraising is a completely different challenge. In this episode, I’m breaking down the storytelling structure I use to help ministry leaders build a clear fundraising message. We’ll talk about why you need to know exactly who you’re talking to, why conflict should come before explaining what your ministry does, and how to build the rest of your message so donors can see the role they have to play. Because good storytelling isn’t an accident. And once you have the right structure, you can use it everywhere—from donor conversations and presentations to newsletters and social media. Similar Episodes: 92 | No One Donating? 2 Tips to Spark Ministry Donations Now 89 | Fundraising Without Manipulation: 3 Ways Missionaries Can Invite Support Naturally 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 104 | Comparing Your Ministry to Others? 3 Ways It’s Hurting Your Fundraising | 10 Aug 2026 | 00:15:58 | |
🎉 LAST DAY TO WIN A FREE COACHING SESSION! I’m giving away a FREE 1-hour Fundraising Message Coaching Session to three winners. We’ll look at your fundraising message together, identify areas that may be holding you back, and help you gain clarity on how to communicate more effectively with donors. Enter before the giveaway closes tonight: irisstorytelling.com/100 You see another missionary or ministry leader raising support faster than you, and suddenly you’re wondering: What are they doing that I’m not? Comparison can quietly wreck your fundraising confidence. You start questioning your communication, second-guessing your asks, or copying someone else’s strategy because it seems to be working for them. In this episode, we’re talking about how comparison affects your fundraising and three ways to get your focus back where it belongs. You’ll learn how to measure progress based on faithful action, communicate with more confidence, and trust God with the results when your fundraising isn’t moving as quickly as you hoped. 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 103 | Fundraising Is Stealing Time from Your Ministry—3 Shifts That Change Everything | 06 Aug 2026 | 00:18:28 | |
**I’m celebrating the 100th episode of the podcast by giving away three FREE Fundraising Message Coaching Sessions! If you’ve been wanting personalized feedback on your fundraising message, this is your chance. 🎉 Enter the giveaway: https://www.irisstorytelling.com/100 Fundraising feels like it’s stealing time from your ministry—but what if that mindset is actually holding your ministry back? If you’ve ever sat down to write a newsletter and thought, “I became a missionary to serve people, not spend hours fundraising,” you’re not alone. It can feel like every donor update, thank-you note, or support meeting pulls you away from the work God actually called you to do. In this episode, I’m sharing 3 mindset shifts that completely changed how you view fundraising. You’ll learn why fundraising isn’t separate from ministry, how to stop treating it like a never-ending list of tasks, and why a simple weekly rhythm can help fundraising feel lighter instead of overwhelming. 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 102 | Getting Too Many Fundraising “No’s”? 3 Steps to Handle Rejection Without Losing Confidence | 03 Aug 2026 | 00:23:02 | |
🎉 Episode 100 Giveaway Ends August 10! I’m giving away 3 free Fundraising Message Coaching Sessions to ministry leaders, missionaries, and nonprofit founders. If you want help clarifying your fundraising message, newsletter, donor presentation, or support ask, enter now at irisstorytelling.com/100. Every “no” in fundraising leaves a mark. At first, it’s easy to brush off. Then another person says “maybe later.” Someone else ghosts you. Before long, those responses start changing how you show up. You hesitate to ask. You lose confidence. You begin expecting rejection before the conversation even starts. But what if you’ve been carrying a burden God never asked you to carry? In this episode, I share 3 biblical mindset shifts that will help you stop measuring yourself by donor responses and start approaching fundraising with confidence, freedom, and joy again. 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 101 | Fundraising Is Exhausting; Here Are 3 Ministry Rhythms To Build Ministry Support | 30 Jul 2026 | 00:19:53 | |
🎉 100th Episode Giveaway! I’m celebrating 100 episodes by giving away 3 free Fundraising Message Coaching sessions (a $77 value each)! If you’re struggling to explain your ministry clearly, feeling awkward asking for support, or wondering what’s slowing your fundraising, enter by August 10 at irisstorytelling.com/100. Does your fundraising swing between complete silence and full panic mode? Maybe ministry gets busy, so fundraising gets pushed aside. Then one day you look at your support account and realize it’s time to scramble. If that cycle feels familiar, you’re not alone—but it doesn’t have to stay that way. In this episode, you’ll learn 3 simple shifts that help fundraising become a healthy part of ministry instead of a recurring crisis. We’ll talk about the mindset that changes everything, why consistency matters more than fundraising seasons, and how your communication can help supporters see themselves as active partners in God’s work. 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 100 | Is Your Fundraising Ask Weak? This Mistake Keeps People From Supporting Your Ministry | 27 Jul 2026 | 00:17:41 | |
**🎉 100 EPISODE GIVEAWAY** Enter to win one of 3 free Fundraising Message Coaching sessions at irisstorytelling.com/100 (entries close Aug 10th). What if the most polite phrase in ministry fundraising is actually keeping people from giving? “If you feel led.” “Anything helps.” “Give whatever God puts on your heart.” Those phrases sound humble, but they often create uncertainty instead of confidence. In this episode, we’re talking about why vague fundraising asks leave potential donors stuck, what donor psychology says about clear requests, and how asking for a specific amount actually makes it easier for people to say yes. 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 99 | Stop Losing Ministry Donors: The Fundraising Follow-Up Strategy That Wins More Yeses | 23 Jul 2026 | 00:17:39 | |
You thought they were excited about your ministry. They asked great questions. The conversation went well. Then… nothing. Many ministry leaders assume silence means someone isn’t interested. That assumption quietly costs ministries supporters every year. In this episode, I’ll show you why following up isn’t pushy, why most people simply get distracted, and the simple follow-up system I use to confidently reconnect with potential donors—without feeling awkward or salesy. Similar Episodes: 94 | Missionary Fundraising: Why People Ignore Your Emails (and What Gets Their Attention) 96 | The Fundraising Mistake Making Your Ministry Forgettable 93 | Why Donors Forget About Your Ministry (and 3 Fundraising Shifts That Keep You Top of Mind) 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 98 | Inconsistent Ministry Communication? 3 Fundraising Shifts That Create Loyal Donors | 20 Jul 2026 | 00:17:09 | |
You get motivated to communicate consistently, send a few updates, and show up online—then ministry gets busy and months pass. When fundraising season comes around, you suddenly start communicating again. That cycle can quietly weaken donor relationships. In this episode, you’ll learn how to choose the right communication channel, create a rhythm you can sustain, and invite supporters into the full ministry journey so they become loyal, long-term partners. Similar Episodes: 94 | Missionary Fundraising: Why People Ignore Your Emails (and What Gets Their Attention) 96 | The Fundraising Mistake Making Your Ministry Forgettable 93 | Why Donors Forget About Your Ministry (and 3 Fundraising Shifts That Keep You Top of Mind) 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 97 | Fundraising Storytelling: How to Find Ministry Stories Every Week | 16 Jul 2026 | 00:20:27 | |
You keep hearing that storytelling is the key to better fundraising… but what if you honestly feel like nothing interesting ever happens in your ministry? It’s easy to assume great stories are only for large nonprofits with dramatic testimonies. In this episode, I’ll show you why you don’t have a storytelling problem—you have a story-finding problem. You’ll learn a simple framework to uncover meaningful stories happening every week so your supporters can see the impact they’re helping create. Similar Episodes: 94 | Missionary Fundraising: Why People Ignore Your Emails (and What Gets Their Attention) 96 | The Fundraising Mistake Making Your Ministry Forgettable 93 | Why Donors Forget About Your Ministry (and 3 Fundraising Shifts That Keep You Top of Mind) 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 96 | The Fundraising Mistake Making Your Ministry Forgettable | 13 Jul 2026 | 00:14:27 | |
Ever visited a ministry website and felt like you’ve read the same mission statement a dozen times? “Sharing the Gospel.” “Making disciples.” “Loving people.” Every one of those is important—but none of them makes a ministry memorable. In this episode, you’ll learn why your ministry may be far more unique than the way you describe it. I’ll show you three simple shifts that help supporters remember your ministry, connect emotionally with your mission, and understand why your work matters. Similar Episodes: 88 | Fundraising Is Slow? 5 Amazing Outcomes When You Clarify Your Message 90 | Not Fully Funded Yet? 5 Mistakes Missionaries Make Without Realizing It 85 | Too Busy to Fundraise? 3 Simple Ways Ministry Leaders Stay Consistent in Busy Seasons 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 95 | Struggling to Fundraise? 3 Reasons Someone Doesn’t Become a Donor | 09 Jul 2026 | 00:19:51 | |
They loved hearing about your ministry. They asked thoughtful questions. They even said they’d pray about supporting you. So why do so many of those conversations end without a donation? In this episode, you’ll discover the 3 biggest reasons people stay interested without ever becoming invested. You’ll learn how to communicate the problem your ministry solves, invite supporters into the story, and make the next step so clear that saying “yes” becomes much easier. Similar Episodes: 88 | Fundraising Is Slow? 5 Amazing Outcomes When You Clarify Your Message 90 | Not Fully Funded Yet? 5 Mistakes Missionaries Make Without Realizing It 85 | Too Busy to Fundraise? 3 Simple Ways Ministry Leaders Stay Consistent in Busy Seasons 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 94 | Missionary Fundraising: Why People Ignore Your Emails (and What Gets Their Attention) | 06 Jul 2026 | 00:15:03 | |
You spend hours writing your ministry newsletter… then hit send and wonder if anyone even opened it. No replies. No engagement. Just silence. If that’s happened to you, it doesn’t necessarily mean your supporters don’t care. It may mean your newsletter isn’t giving them a reason to care. In this episode, you’ll learn three simple shifts that make your fundraising newsletters far more engaging—from writing subject lines people actually click to telling stories that help donors feel like they’re part of the ministry instead of just reading another report. Similar Episodes: 88 | Fundraising Is Slow? 5 Amazing Outcomes When You Clarify Your Message 90 | Not Fully Funded Yet? 5 Mistakes Missionaries Make Without Realizing It 85 | Too Busy to Fundraise? 3 Simple Ways Ministry Leaders Stay Consistent in Busy Seasons 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 93 | Why Donors Forget Your Ministry (and 3 Fundraising Shifts That Keep You Top of Mind) | 02 Jul 2026 | 00:19:13 | |
Ever walked away from a fundraising conversation convinced someone was going to support your ministry… only to never hear from them again? It can feel personal, but what if silence doesn’t mean they’ve rejected your ministry? In this episode, you’ll learn why donors forget, why stories keep your ministry memorable, and three simple shifts that help you stay top of mind without becoming pushy or overwhelming. Similar Episodes: 88 | Fundraising Is Slow? 5 Amazing Outcomes When You Clarify Your Message 90 | Not Fully Funded Yet? 5 Mistakes Missionaries Make Without Realizing It 85 | Too Busy to Fundraise? 3 Simple Ways Ministry Leaders Stay Consistent in Busy Seasons 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 92 | No One Donating? 2 Tips to Spark Ministry Donations Now | 29 Jun 2026 | 00:15:50 | |
If your fundraising has been slow lately, your first instinct might be to work harder or send another email. But what if the problem isn’t how often you’re asking… it’s how you’re inviting people into the story? In this episode, you’ll learn two simple storytelling shifts that help create urgency, make your ministry more memorable, and give donors a clear path to take action—without feeling manipulative or pushy. Similar Episodes: 88 | Fundraising Is Slow? 5 Amazing Outcomes When You Clarify Your Message 90 | Not Fully Funded Yet? 5 Mistakes Missionaries Make Without Realizing It 85 | Too Busy to Fundraise? 3 Simple Ways Ministry Leaders Stay Consistent in Busy Seasons 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 91 | 5 Signs Your Message Isn’t Clear Enough to Grow Support | 25 Jun 2026 | 00:19:07 | |
You’ve been fundraising for years. You’re sharing updates, meeting with donors, and talking about your ministry. Yet support still feels slower than it should. What if the problem isn’t the economy, donor fatigue, or too much competition? In this episode, I share 5 signs your fundraising message may be confusing donors—and how unclear messaging quietly keeps ministry support from growing. If fundraising feels harder than it should, this episode will help you identify what might be missing. Similar Episodes: 84 | Stop Struggling to Write Ministry Newsletters: Include These 3 Things Every Time 77 | Your Fundraising Isn’t Connecting: 3 Ways to Turn Your Message Into a Compelling Story 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 90 | Not Fully Funded Yet? 5 Mistakes Missionaries Make Without Realizing It | 22 Jun 2026 | 00:19:01 | |
You’ve been raising support for months. Maybe years. Maybe even decades. Yet somehow you’re still wondering why fundraising feels slower than it should and why momentum never seems to build. In this episode, I'll share the 5 hidden fundraising mistakes that keep missionaries and ministry leaders stuck. If support feels harder to raise than it should be, one of these blind spots may be quietly holding you back. Similar Episodes: 84 | Stop Struggling to Write Ministry Newsletters: Include These 3 Things Every Time 77 | Your Fundraising Isn’t Connecting: 3 Ways to Turn Your Message Into a Compelling Story 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 89 | Fundraising Without Manipulation: 3 Ways Missionaries Can Invite Support Naturally | 18 Jun 2026 | 00:16:50 | |
You know your ministry needs support, but the last thing you want is for people to feel pressured, guilted, or manipulated into giving. That tension leaves many ministry leaders avoiding fundraising conversations altogether—or asking so cautiously that donors never understand the opportunity in front of them. In this episode, I share 3 practical shifts that help you raise support with confidence and integrity. Learn how to connect through authentic stories, communicate transformation, and invite donors into something meaningful without feeling salesy or awkward. Similar Episodes: 84 | Stop Struggling to Write Ministry Newsletters: Include These 3 Things Every Time 77 | Your Fundraising Isn’t Connecting: 3 Ways to Turn Your Message Into a Compelling Story 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 88 | Fundraising Is Slow? 5 Amazing Outcomes When You Clarify Your Message | 15 Jun 2026 | 00:17:02 | |
Fundraising feels exhausting when you’re working hard, communicating often, and still not seeing momentum. You know your ministry matters, but somehow donors don’t seem to fully understand the urgency, the impact, or why they should get involved. In this episode, I share 5 powerful outcomes that happen when you clarify your fundraising message. You’ll discover why clear messaging helps donors connect faster, stay engaged longer, and makes fundraising feel lighter, simpler, and far more effective. Similar Episodes: 84 | Stop Struggling to Write Ministry Newsletters: Include These 3 Things Every Time 77 | Your Fundraising Isn’t Connecting: 3 Ways to Turn Your Message Into a Compelling Story 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 87 | The 3 Excuses Keeping Ministry Leaders Stuck in Fundraising | 11 Jun 2026 | 00:19:05 | |
You know your fundraising message could be stronger. You know clearer communication would help donors understand, connect with, and support your ministry. So why haven’t you worked on it yet? In this episode, I share the 3 most common excuses ministry leaders make that keep them stuck in fundraising. You’ll learn what’s really behind the excuses, what they’re costing your ministry, and how clarifying your message can make fundraising simpler, faster, and more effective. Similar Episodes: 81 | No Time to Fundraise? 3 Ways to Get Time Back for Ministry Support 77 | Your Fundraising Isn’t Connecting—3 Ways to Turn Your Message Into a Compelling Story 74 | What NOT to Say When Fundraising for Your Ministry (And What to Say Instead) 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 86 | Experiencing Ministry Burn Out? Josh and Corina Share How to Find Hope Again in Fundraising, Leadership, and Calling | 08 Jun 2026 | 00:49:28 | |
Burnout in ministry is rarely a matter of if. It’s usually a matter of when. In this episode, I’m joined by Josh and Corina from the Believe and Become podcast as they share their story of serving in worship ministry for years, carrying too much, hitting emotional and physical overwhelm, and realizing something had to change. We talk about identity, pressure, perfectionism, rest, hearing God’s voice, and how to recognize the lies that make ministry feel heavier than it was ever meant to be. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this really what ministry is supposed to feel like?” this conversation will encourage you. Similar Episodes: 81 | No Time to Fundraise? 3 Ways to Get Time Back for Ministry Support 77 | Your Fundraising Isn’t Connecting—3 Ways to Turn Your Message Into a Compelling Story 74 | What NOT to Say When Fundraising for Your Ministry (And What to Say Instead) 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 85 | Too Busy to Fundraise? 3 Simple Ways Ministry Leaders Stay Consistent in Busy Seasons | 04 Jun 2026 | 00:17:51 | |
You know donor communication matters… but right now? You can barely keep your head above water. Summer schedules. Ministry emergencies. Family needs. Constant reacting. And somewhere in the middle of all that, you’re still supposed to send newsletters, stay connected with supporters, and keep fundraising moving forward. In this episode, we’re talking about what to do when ministry life gets so overwhelming that donor communication keeps getting pushed aside. If you’ve been feeling underwater lately, this episode will help you create a realistic rhythm that actually works in busy ministry seasons. Similar Episodes: 81 | No Time to Fundraise? 3 Ways to Get Time Back for Ministry Support 77 | Your Fundraising Isn’t Connecting—3 Ways to Turn Your Message Into a Compelling Story 74 | What NOT to Say When Fundraising for Your Ministry (And What to Say Instead) 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 84 | Stop Struggling to Write Ministry Newsletters: Include These 3 Things Every Time | 01 Jun 2026 | 00:17:33 | |
You know you need to send ministry newsletters… but every time you sit down to write one, your brain goes blank. What do you include? What do you leave out? Do you even have enough to say? In this episode, I’m sharing the three most important things every ministry newsletter should include so writing becomes faster, simpler, and more effective. And if you want extra help, I also created a free ministry newsletter checklist to walk you through the process every time. Download it at irisstorytelling.com/newsletter Similar Episodes: 59 | 3 Signs Your Fundraising Message is Turning Donors Away 55 | Fundraising is Overwhelming- Here's a Story-Driven Marketing Plan for Steady Support 58 | Why Your Donors Aren’t Engaging—and 3 Simple Story Fixes That Reignite Connection 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 83 | Donors Aren’t Saying Yes? Fix This Ministry Fundraising Mistake | 28 May 2026 | 00:14:27 | |
You keep talking about your ministry… but donors still aren’t connecting. If people seem interested but never actually support, your fundraising problem may not be your mission-it may be your message. In this episode, we’re talking about one of the biggest mistakes ministry leaders make when communicating with donors. If fundraising has felt heavy, confusing, or harder than it should be—this episode may help you see your message differently. Similar Episodes:
55 | Fundraising is Overwhelming- Here's a Story-Driven Marketing Plan for Steady Support 58 | Why Your Donors Aren’t Engaging—and 3 Simple Story Fixes That Reignite Connection 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 82 | Why Ministry Fundraising Feels Slow and 3 Ways to Build Donor Trust Faster | 25 May 2026 | 00:17:27 | |
People might love your ministry… and still hesitate to support it. That’s the frustrating part of fundraising that almost nobody talks about. You have conversations. People listen. They seem interested. They even encourage you. Yet somehow the support still feels slow. In this episode, we’re talking about why donor trust takes so long to build sometimes — and what you can do to speed that process up in a healthy, honest way. We’ll walk through the 3 things that build trust faster with donors so your ministry fundraising becomes clearer, stronger, and more effective over time. Similar Episodes:
55 | Fundraising is Overwhelming- Here's a Story-Driven Marketing Plan for Steady Support 58 | Why Your Donors Aren’t Engaging—and 3 Simple Story Fixes That Reignite Connection 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 81 | No Time to Fundraise? 3 Ways to Get Time Back for Ministry Support | 21 May 2026 | 00:20:25 | |
Do you feel like fundraising keeps getting pushed to the bottom of your list? You know donor relationships matter. You know you should be communicating more consistently. But ministry responsibilities, meetings, events, homeschooling, emails, and constant interruptions keep taking over. And before you know it, another month passes without intentionally fundraising or nurturing donor relationships. In this episode, I share 3 practical ways to get time back for fundraising and ministry support — even when life feels overwhelming. You’ll learn how to stop living in constant reactivity, prioritize donor relationships without guilt, and create systems that help fundraising actually happen consistently. Similar Episodes: 51 | Hate fundraising? 3 Ways to Ease the Ick of Asking for Money 50 | LIVE COACHING: Clarify Your Ministry Fundraising Message w/ Cherilyn Kolbas 62 | Struggling to Fundraise? How a Clear Marketing Plan Can Get Your Ministry Fully Funded 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 80 | How to Get Donors to Say Yes Faster in Ministry Fundraising | 18 May 2026 | 00:17:47 | |
What happens when the donors you were relying on end up not giving… or stop after a little while? It can throw everything off. Logistically, financially, emotionally. You start wondering what happened, why it’s taking so long for people to commit, and whether fundraising is always supposed to feel this difficult. So why does it take some donors months — or even years — to finally say yes? In this episode, Lisa walks through the 3 biggest things that help donors support your ministry more quickly. You’ll learn how to identify your ideal donor, communicate your ministry with more clarity, and build trust faster so fundraising stops feeling so heavy and slow. Similar Episodes:
55 | Fundraising is Overwhelming- Here's a Story-Driven Marketing Plan for Steady Support 58 | Why Your Donors Aren’t Engaging—and 3 Simple Story Fixes That Reignite Connection 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 79 | They Said They’d Give… Then Didn’t. What’s Blocking Consistent Fundraising | 14 May 2026 | 00:17:27 | |
They said they’d give. They were excited. They meant it. And then… they don't follow through. Or maybe they gave once… and then stopped.vIt’s one of the hardest parts of fundraising—and it can leave you feeling confused, discouraged, and stuck. In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s actually causing donors not to follow through—and the 3 shifts you need to create more consistent, reliable support. Similar Episodes: 51 | Hate fundraising? 3 Ways to Ease the Ick of Asking for Money 50 | LIVE COACHING: Clarify Your Ministry Fundraising Message w/ Cherilyn Kolbas 62 | Struggling to Fundraise? How a Clear Marketing Plan Can Get Your Ministry Fully Funded 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 78 | Think Churches Don’t Care About Missions? What’s Actually Blocking Your Fundraising | 11 May 2026 | 00:17:13 | |
You’ve thought it before. Churches just aren’t generous anymore. They don’t really care about missions. And after enough polite conversations, low support, and missed follow-through… it starts to feel true. But what if that’s not actually the problem? In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s really blocking your fundraising with churches—and the 3 shifts that will help you communicate more clearly, connect faster, and raise support more effectively. Similar Episodes: 59 | 3 Signs Your Fundraising Message is Turning Donors Away 55 | Fundraising is Overwhelming- Here's a Story-Driven Marketing Plan for Steady Support 58 | Why Your Donors Aren’t Engaging—and 3 Simple Story Fixes That Reignite Connection 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 77 | Your Fundraising Isn’t Connecting: 3 Ways to Turn Your Message Into a Compelling Story | 07 May 2026 | 00:21:28 | |
Your donors are reading your updates… but they’re not responding. You’re sharing what you’ve done, the impact you’re making, the numbers-but something still feels off. Because information isn’t what creates connection. Story does. In this episode, I’ll walk you through 3 simple ways to turn your everyday updates into compelling stories that actually connect with your donors—so they understand the need, feel it, and want to be part of the solution. Similar Episodes: 71 | You’re Using Story Wrong in Your Ministry Fundraising (Start Here Instead) 68 | How to Start a Fundraising Conversation Without Feeling Pushy 65 | 3 Ways to Build Long-Term Donor Relationships That Actually Last 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 76 | Want Your Ministry Fully Funded? 3 Things You Need In Your Fundraising Message | 04 May 2026 | 00:21:47 | |
Why won't donors step into support when you know your ministry matters? If people are smiling, nodding, and saying “that’s great”… but not actually giving or engaging, the issue might not be your ministry—it’s your message. In this episode, we walk through the 3 non-negotiable elements your fundraising message must include if you want donors to truly connect, understand the urgency, and say yes faster. Similar Episodes: 69 | 3 Reasons Why Donors Aren’t Engaging With Your Ministry Fundraising 68 | How to Start a Fundraising Conversation Without Feeling Pushy 63 | Missionary Basics: 5 Steps to Share Your Story Clearly—Even If Fundraising Feels Awkward 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 75 | Do Your Donors Feel Like ATMs or Partners? (Ministry Fundraising Relationships That Actually Work) | 30 Apr 2026 | 00:22:49 | |
Be honest for a second… When your donors hear from you, does it feel like a relationship—or a transaction? Because most ministry leaders don’t mean to do it… but their donors end up feeling like ATMs. Only hearing from you when there’s a need. Only part of the story when money is involved. In this episode, we’re unpacking the difference between donors who feel like ATMs and donors who feel like true partners—and how to shift your communication so your relationships actually grow stronger over time. Similar Episodes: 55 | Fundraising is Overwhelming- Here's a Story-Driven Marketing Plan for Steady Support 49 | 3 Beliefs That Keep You Stuck in Ministry Fundraising 41 | When Your Ministry Feels Invisible: 3 Steps to Build Donor Trust 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 74 | What NOT to Say When Fundraising for Your Ministry (And What to Say Instead) | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:15:21 | |
You’re trying to explain your ministry… and something feels off. You’re talking, they’re nodding—but you can tell they’re not really getting it. So you start wondering: Am I using the wrong words? Am I saying something that’s pushing people away? In this episode, we’re breaking down what NOT to say in your fundraising—and how to shift your words so your message actually connects, makes sense, and leads to action. Similar Episodes: 70 | Ready to See Consistent Giving? The Marketing Plan Every Ministry Leader Needs 68 | How to Start a Fundraising Conversation Without Feeling Pushy 64 | LIVE COACHING: The Donor Clarity That Transformed Her Ministry Fundraising 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 73 | How to Fundraise for a Building Campaign Without Losing Donor Interest | 23 Apr 2026 | 00:13:12 | |
Fundraising for a building, renovation, or project can feel harder than anything else. Because it’s not a person. It’s not a story. It’s a building. And when you’re trying to talk about it, it can feel… flat. So most ministry leaders either over-explain the details or struggle to make it sound compelling—and donors don’t really connect. In this episode, we’re breaking down how to fundraise for a building campaign in a way that actually connects with donors—so they don’t just understand the need, but feel it and want to be part of it. Listen to these next: 55: Fundraising is Overwhelming- Here's a Story-Driven Marketing Plan for Steady Support 58: Why Your Donors Aren't Engaging- 3 Simple Story Fixes that Reignite Connection 62: Struggling to Fundraise? How a Clear Marketing Plan Can Get Your Ministry Fully Funded 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 72 | Don’t Make This Mistake After a Donor Says Yes (Ministry Fundraising) | 20 Apr 2026 | 00:20:37 | |
Most ministry leaders think the hard part of fundraising is getting the yes. But what happens after that? Because this is where a lot of people unknowingly make a mistake that slowly disconnects their donors—without realizing it. They go quiet. They only reach out when they need something. Or they just don’t know what to say next. And over time, the relationship fades. In this episode, we’re talking about the mistake most people make after a donor says yes—and how to shift your approach so donors stay connected, engaged, and actually want to keep supporting your ministry. Listen to these next: 69: 3 Reasons Why Donors Aren’t Engaging With Your Ministry Fundraising 68: How to Start a Fundraising Conversation Without Feeling Pushy 64: LIVE COACHING: The Donor Clarity That Transformed Her Ministry Fundraising 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 71 | You’re Using Story Wrong in Your Ministry Fundraising (Start Here Instead) | 16 Apr 2026 | 00:17:01 | |
You know stories matter in fundraising. But when it’s time to actually use them, everything can start to feel forced. You freeze, overthink, or wonder if you even have a story worth sharing. In this episode, I’m breaking down two simple ways to use story in your ministry fundraising so your message feels clearer, stronger, and far more effective—without sounding salesy or fake. Similar episodes: #66 – Ministry Fundraising Without Stories? Build a Simple Story Bank That Keeps Donors Engaged #63 – Missionary Basics: 5 Steps to Share Your Story Clearly—Even If Fundraising Feels Awkward #67 – Why Your Nonprofit Fundraising Feels Messy (And How to Build a Foundation That Works) 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 70 | Ready to See Consistent Giving? The Marketing Plan Every Ministry Leader Needs | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:20:27 | |
**Last chance to learn how to start the conversation when you're asking for money at the FREE Fundraise with Confidence Workshop. Save your spot: irisstorytelling.com/fundraising** Ever feel like your fundraising is just… all over the place? You’re trying different things—emails, social media, conversations—but nothing really seems to stick. And honestly? It starts to feel discouraging fast. In this episode, I’m breaking down a simple 3-part marketing plan that will help you finally feel clear, focused, and confident in how you communicate with donors. Similar Episodes: 62 | Struggling to Fundraise? How a Clear Marketing Plan Can Get Your Ministry Fully Funded 55 | Fundraising is Overwhelming- Here's a Story-Driven Marketing Plan for Steady Support 50 | LIVE COACHING: Clarify Your Ministry Fundraising Message w/ Cherilyn Kolbas 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 69 | 3 Reasons Why Donors Aren’t Engaging With Your Ministry Fundraising | 09 Apr 2026 | 00:19:27 | |
**Join the FREE Fundraise with Confidence Workshop and learn exactly what to say when you ask for money. Save your spot: irisstorytelling.com/fundraising** You keep showing up. You send the newsletter. You post the update. You share what God is doing. And still… it feels like crickets. No replies. No comments. No real response. In this episode, I’m breaking down the real reasons donors stop engaging—and it’s probably not because they don’t care. We’ll talk about the noise they’re living in, why your message may not be connecting emotionally, and the consistency gap that quietly weakens donor trust over time. If you’ve been wondering why people aren’t paying attention, this will help you see what needs to shift. Similar Episodes: 59 | 3 Signs Your Fundraising Message is Turning Donors Away 57 | Not Getting Enough Donations? 3 Story Shifts That Inspire People to Give 63 | Missionary Basics: 5 Steps to Share Your Story Clearly—Even If Fundraising Feels Awkward 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||
| 68 | How to Start a Fundraising Conversation Without Feeling Pushy | 06 Apr 2026 | 00:20:03 | |
**Join the FREE Fundraise with Confidence Workshop and learn exactly what to say when you ask for money. Save your spot: irisstorytelling.com/fundraising** Why does fundraising in ministry feel so awkward… even when you know it matters? That pit in your stomach. The second-guessing. The fear that you’re bothering people or asking for something you don’t deserve. In this episode, we’re unpacking why that feeling shows up—and how to finally shift out of it so you can start fundraising conversations with clarity and confidence (without feeling pushy or salesy). If you’ve ever avoided sending that email or delayed reaching out because it just felt… off, this episode is going to hit home. Similar Episodes: 63 | Missionary Basics: 5 Steps to Share Your Story Clearly—Even If Fundraising Feels Awkward 55 | Fundraising is Overwhelming- Here's a Story-Driven Marketing Plan for Steady Support 51 | Hate fundraising? 3 Ways to Ease the Ick of Asking for Money 👉 Work with me one-on-one to clarify your fundraising message, remove the guilt around asking, and create consistent donor communication that actually works. https://irisstorytelling.com/coaching 👉 Grab your free Ministry Newsletter Guide to easily write updates your donors want to read. https://irisstorytelling.com/guide 👉 Join the free community for women ministry leaders who fundraise — a place for encouragement, prayer, and learning how to use storytelling to connect with donors. https://irisstorytelling.com/community Connect with me: lisa@irisstorytelling.com https://irisstorytelling.com | |||