The Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast: Recent Episodes
Brad Layland, CEO of The Focus Group
Taking Donors Seriously® is a time-tested, sustainable framework for relational fundraising. Hundreds of nonprofits and schools have used TDS over 30+ years to successfully raise the funds that are critical to their missions.
Brad Layland, CEO of The FOCUS Group shares insight, stories, and tips on this podcast.
In this episode, Brad Layland interviews Steve Atkinson, CEO of The Bible Project, discussing the organization's mission to help people experience the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus. They explore Steve's journey from business to nonprofit leadership, the philosophy of generosity, and the innovative crowdfunding model that supports The Bible Project's mission. The conversation highlights the impact of the organization and the importance of community engagement in their work. In this conversation, Brad and Steve discuss the unique approach of the Bible Project, emphasizing the importance of running at the speed of generosity, the impact of community and patronage, and the transformative stories that arise from their work. They explore the balance between numbers and personal stories, the vision for future growth, and the role of education in their mission. The discussion highlights the freedom that comes from trusting in a higher purpose and the importance of inviting others into a shared journey of faith and generosity.
https://bibleproject.com/
Where Heaven and Earth Overlap
Russ Gregg joins us to share the transformative journey of founding Hope Academy, a classical Christian school in Minneapolis that serves children living in poverty. Russ shares his personal story of faith and commitment to education, detailing the challenges faced in starting the school and the miraculous ways God provided resources and support. The discussion also covers the establishment of the Spreading Hope Network, which aims to replicate the success of Hope Academy in other cities, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and the need for both founders and funders in educational initiatives.
Book: Gospel Patrons, by John Rienhart
https://spreadinghopenetwork.org/
https://www.hopeacademympls.org/
Bryan Bademan didn’t set out with a grand vision for Anselm House. When he joined the Christian study center at the University of Minnesota over 15 years ago, the ministry was struggling. It took five challenging years of dedicated effort just to achieve financial stability. However, as Bryan often notes, “God really loves the students and community at this university.” This love has been demonstrated through significant changes, including a renewed vision, a strategic relocation to the heart of the main campus in Minneapolis, and increased resources. Listen to our conversation to hear about this journey and how these developments have positioned Anselm House to become a leading force within the broader Christian study center movement.
Important Book From Christendom to Apostolic Mission: Pastoral Strategies for an Apostolic Age, by Monsignor James P. Shea
Website https://anselmhouse.org/
In this conversation, Brad and Scott Brown discuss the mission and impact of Globe International, a unique mission-sending agency that empowers missionaries to pursue their individual callings. Scott shares his personal journey with Globe, the challenges faced in fundraising, and the transformative role of The FOCUS Group in enhancing their development efforts. They highlight success stories from missionaries who have benefited from the "Taking Donor Seriously" model and discuss the future vision for Globe, including new training initiatives and courses. The conversation concludes with Scott sharing his love for books and his own writing endeavors.
Globe International https://globeintl.org/
Taking Donors Seriously https://takingdonorsseriously.com/
Books Three Finger: The Mordecai Brown Story, by Scott Brown Baseball in Pensacola: America's Pastime & the City of Five Flags, By Scott Brown You Can Work Your Own Miracles, by Napoleon Hill The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears, by Mark Batterson Empower Your Nonprofit: Simple Ways to Co-Create with AI for Profound Impact, by Amy Neumann
In this conversation, Brad interviews Nick Stumbo and John Begeman from Pure Desire Ministries, discussing their mission to help individuals overcome sexual addiction and the importance of community in healing. They share personal stories of struggle and recovery, emphasizing the need for churches to address sexual issues openly. The discussion also covers fundraising challenges, the growth of Pure Desire, and the impact of their counseling programs. The conversation highlights the importance of vulnerability, donor engagement, and the vision for changing church culture around sexual health.
Pure Desire: Helping People Break Free from Sexual Struggles by Ted Roberts
https://puredesire.org/
Resources: Weekly podcast, stories of healing, Unwanted by Jay Stringer, 7 Pillars of Freedom workbook.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Pure Desire Ministries 02:05 Nick Stumbo's Journey and Role 05:11 John Begeman's Background and Connection 06:43 The Importance of Vulnerability in Healing 09:45 Changing Church Culture Around Sexuality 14:16 Vision for the Future of Pure Desire 17:06 Challenges in Fundraising and Donor Relationships 22:52 Funding and Impact of Pure Desire 28:06 Counseling and Support for Leaders 32:02 Strategic Growth and Capital Campaigns 38:25 Lessons in Fundraising and Donor Engagement 44:20 Resources for Healing and Growth
In this episode, Brad sits down with John Hudson, the founder of 100 Fold Studio, a nonprofit international architecture firm based in Montana that serves both the spiritual and physical needs of communities worldwide. John shares how 100 Fold uniquely blends architecture with vocational discipleship—designing for ministries while equipping the next generation of architects to use their skills for God's kingdom.
John’s journey is one of faith, resilience, and obedience to a calling greater than himself. From his early influences in architecture, including his grandmother’s legacy, to a life-changing moment in a remote village, John recounts how God led him to create 100 Fold Studio. He also shares the trials that shaped his path—losing a home, facing setbacks, and ultimately trusting God's plan.
As the conversation unfolds, John and Brad discuss the remarkable success of 100 Fold’s recent capital campaign, surpassing its $4 million goal ten months early! John reflects on the overwhelming generosity, divine provision, and the lessons he’s learned through the process of fundraising for ministry growth.
Whether you're in ministry, business, or simply seeking encouragement in following your own calling, this episode is a powerful testament to the faithfulness of God and the impact of saying “yes” to His plan.
100 Fold Website: https://100foldstudio.org/
Books important to John:
"Radical" by David Platt "Undaunted Courage" by Meriwether Lewis "The Pastor" by Eugene Peterson
Learning about Water Street Mission’s decade-long transformation to become a place that physically demonstrates the love of Christ–especially to those experiencing homelessness–would be a great story. The bonus is that, in this podcast, you will also get to know Jack Crowley who has been serving with the organization over 30 years and now serves as its president. His reflection on their strategic planning process? “I didn’t want it to be Jack’s strategic plan, and I knew there was a possibility of manipulating the process for that to happen. I wanted to respect the work God is doing at Water Street Mission and make sure we discerned His strategic plan for this organization.” I call that a dose of radical honesty.
Water Street Mission website: https://wsm.org/
Join us as we explore the transformative journey of leadership with Nigel Pollock, President of InterVarsity Canada. Tasked with revitalizing a nearly century-old ministry, Nigel began his tenure facing a $6 million debt, only to encounter the added challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic soon after. Through it all, he has focused on fostering a culture of kindness, trust, and acceptance, while introducing innovative strategies to advance their mission. In this episode, Nigel shares timeless wisdom, practical insights, and inspiring encouragement for leaders navigating their own paths of renewal. Tune in and be inspired to build a healthier, purpose-driven culture in your organization.
https://ivcf.ca/about/
Book Recommendations
“Retired: What Footballers Do When the Game's Up” by Alan Gernon
“A Terrible Glory: Custer and the Little Bighorn - the Last Great Battle of the American West” by James Donovan
“Holiness Here: Searching for God in the Ordinary Events of Everyday Life” by Karen Stiller
Thomas Keown grew up in Northern Ireland during “The Troubles,” a time of conflict that deeply formed him. Inspired by this experience, Thomas dedicated himself to serving others facing similar struggles and empowering them to create solutions within their own communities. In this episode, Thomas shares the powerful story behind founding Many Hopes, and his counter-intuitive learning that to fundraise well, sometimes you need to slow down.
Books Recommendations “Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High” Several Authors “Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty” by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson
Links
The Rising Video
Website: https://manyhopes.org/
In this episode, Brad, Dan, and Jamie from The FOCUS Group bring a mix of humor and expertise to tackle a crucial topic in nonprofit fundraising: year-end appeals. Fundraising can feel daunting—Who should you target? What's the best way to execute your strategy? How do you follow up effectively? Join us as we break it all down, share actionable insights, and offer practical tips to help make your year-end fundraising campaigns more manageable—and successful.
TheFOCUSGroup.com
Do you ever feel like God has called you to a big, challenging task? So did Rim Hinckley, founder and Head of School at The Geneva School of Manhattan. She started her career as a math teacher but soon found herself in NYC feeling the tug to respond to late pastor Tim Keller’s question: “What does this city really need?” Being faithful to answer that question has not been an easy road, but Rim shares, “Our timing is not the same as God’s, but when he delivers us, it’s more amazing than we can imagine.”
Website: https://www.genevaschool.net/
Recommended Books:
“Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation” – by Collin Hansen
“The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness” by Jonathan Haidt
“Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution” – by Carl R. Trueman
Service, Learning & People. Romanita calls these the “red threads” that have been woven into her life and work since she was little. Her current role as CEO of M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is simply the next step in her journey of living out these themes and following the quiet leading in her life. As a leader, she seeks to lift up and empower everyone around her by listening well and always investing in people.
https://murdocktrust.org/
Book recommendations: A Testament of Devotion by Thomas Kelly The Way of the Heart: Connecting with God Through Prayer, Wisdom, and Silence by Henri Nouwen
Andrew Smalley is UK-born, loves running and triathlons, and relishes the role he gets to play as head of school in St. Augustine, FL. Hear about Andrew’s journey to his current leadership role and the joy he finds in furthering classical Christian education. The school is in the process of launching a capital campaign, and Andrew knows that to do it well, “You have to start with a strategic plan that tells you what you need to raise money for.”
https://veritasclassicalschool.org
Books Mentioned Mathematics for Human Flourishing, by Francis Su The Coddling of the American Mind, by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt
Reid Saunders is an evangelist who has led his organization for 27 years. During the past 15 years of Brad and Reid's friendship, RSA has grown 10x and has seen a million people make decisions to follow Jesus worldwide! Enjoy this inspiring and fun interview. Our prayer is that you are encouraged in your journey.
Reid’s Book Recommendation:
Finishing Strong: Going the Distance for Your Family by Steve Farrar
Links: https://reidsaunders.org/ https://reidsaunders.org/books/ Book mentioned: Stories From The Ends Of The Earth
When I first learned about Medical Ambassadors International, the scale of their ministry relative to their budget seemed so crazy that it was almost too good to be true. In this episode, we dive deep with Dr. Ravi Jayakaran, the current President, to explore this incredible Christ-centered, grassroots organization. Their holistic approach beautifully intertwines physical and spiritual care, creating lasting change in communities. We’ll also discuss their recent capital campaign, which has dramatically transformed their work.
Medical Ambassadors International has 231 staff members in 76 countries and utilize a robust number of volunteers. They combine medical help with the gospel's good news, impacting 3,007 communities and 3.4 million people!
Website: https://www.medicalambassadors.org/
Healing Lives Magazine: https://www.medicalambassadors.org/publications/
Ravi’s book list:
"Best Things in the Worst Times: An Insider’s View of World Vision” by Graeme Irvine
Flamin' Hot: The Incredible True Story of One Man's Rise from Janitor to Top Executive Hardcover – by Richard Montanez
Subversive Jesus: An Adventure in Justice, Mercy, and Faithfulness in a Broken World by Craig Warren Greenfield
Transforming Worldviews: An Anthropological Understanding of How People Change by Paul G. Hiebert
Playing two truths and a lie with Trinidad-born Dr. Wintley Phipps would be tricky. It’s hard to fathom the number of famous people whose paths he has crossed—whether singing for Mother Theresa or for one of six different U.S. Presidents, or at Diana Ross’s wedding, or a divine appointment with a young and not-yet-famous Oprah Winfrey. However, one such “chance” meeting on an Amtrak commute with Chuck Colson, Prison Fellowship founder, eventually led to his passion for youth and the founding of the U.S. Dream Academy. Dr. Phipps entreats us to consider, “Imagine how much greater America would be today if we invested in character building for the kids who need it most?”
https://www.usdreamacademy.org/
Dr. Felix Theonugraha, President of Western Theological Seminary shares how he sees fundraising as a way to minister to and care for his donor partners. As many seminaries are struggling, Western, instead is leaning into their distinctives such as focus on mental health and Hispanic ministry. Part of their current capital campaign is raising funding to further innovative initiatives including ministry to those with disabilities and a center for Christian imagination.
https://www.westernsem.edu/
Ray Keen exudes wisdom and compassion. He’s a veteran CEO of The Canby Center, a wrap-around care ministry to youth and families in a small town in Oregon. Even as a growing organization–they are currently finishing up a $10 million campaign to expand their facilities and services– they seek to emphasize dignity and learning for everyone they serve. Advice to his younger self? "Get to know the Lord, yourself, and those you serve."
The Canby Center: thecanbycenter.org
Book List: Practicing the Way, by John Mark Comer Giving it all away... and getting it back again, by David Green The 6 Types of Working Genius, by Patrick Lencioni Atomic Habits, by James Clear
Chuck Hagele, CEO of Project Patch, is no stranger to darkness. The ministry he leads provides therapeutic residential programs for teens struggling with severe depression, anxiety and other acute challenges. Through fundraising, they strive to say "Yes" to kids needing treatment even if finances are a barrier. Chuck discusses the difficulties of learning his role, including transitioning leadership from the founder (who also happens to be his father-in-law.)
Some helpful books he is reading are:
Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood by Dr. Lisa Demore The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook
Mandy Arioto wrote a book about fun. She loves to give unusual gifts. She's also the President and CEO of the organization that led 58,000 women to follow Christ last year. Through her leadership of MomCo (formerly MOPS), she has transformed from seeing fundraising as a "necessary evil" to considering it one of the biggest blessings of her role. Mandy's book is: Have More Fun: How to Be Remarkable, Stop Feeling Stuck, and Start Enjoying Life
https://www.themom.co/home
She has recently enjoyed reading:
Stillness Is the Key by Ryan Holiday
Running with Sherman: How a Rescue Donkey Inspired a Rag-tag Gang of Runners to Enter the Craziest Race in America by Christopher McDougall
In this special Juneteenth edition of the podcast, we interview Lisa Fields, a prominent apologist, speaker and founder of the Jude 3 Project. The Jude 3 Project exists to help equip the black Christian community to know what they believe and why they believe it. Lisa is also an expert on Juneteenth and led the production of a recent faith-filled documentary picked up by PBS. If you are not familiar with Lisa and her work, you absolutely should be.
Her book: When Faith Disappoints: The Gap Between What We Believe and What We Experience
Films: Unspoken Documentary, PBS Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom
Website: https://jude3project.org/
YouTube: @Jude3Project
Hear from David Nees, the Head of School at Heritage Classical Academy in Northeast Ohio. He shares how the team around him has accomplished great things for the sake of children, education, and the Kingdom of God. They are nearing the end of a campaign to purchase a 65 acre property that will consolidate multiple campuses.
A book that David recommends is: George Washington's Secret Six: The Spy Ring That Saved the American Revolution by Brian Kilmeade
Ty Fischer, Head of School of Veritas Academy in Lancaster, PA, shares random points about his path to and the early days of Veritas, including dropped Bibles, a public library, sewer bills, and a police station. Aside from all the fun of interesting stories about people and places, Ty shares special experiences of the beauty of diversity and the power of community in education. Some books that Ty is reading are: Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up, by Abigail Shrier Biblical Critical Theory: How the Bible's Unfolding Story Makes Sense of Modern Life and Culture, by Christopher Watkin
Oliver Asher, President of Advancing Native Missions, tells his story of a journey from a Virginia "Holler" to leading an organization that takes good news to the world. From him we hear about joy, optimism, commitment, and strategies he has employed to lead his growing organization successfully and effectively.
Read more about Advancing Native Missions, Oliver, and his book “Invincible Joy!” https://advancingnativemissions.com/ https://www.oliverasher.com/
Dr. Calvin Troup, President of Geneva College opens up about his personal journey into higher ed and shares invaluable insights he's gleaned along the way that will benefit any fundraising professional. Delve into Geneva College's strategic planning process, feasibility studies and pivotal elements in their successful capital campaign. But beyond strategies, discover the profound significance of fostering real relationships and pursuing transparency throughout the fundraising process.
Mentioned in the podcast:
A Spirituality of Fundraising: The Henri Nouwen Spirituality Series
by Henri J. M. Nouwen and John S. Mogabgab
Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age
Confronts Controversial Topics Including Sexuality, Faith, Feminism, Gender Roles, and Modesty
by Rosaria Butterfield and Kevin DeYoung
The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes
by Nancy R. Pearcey
“Meditation on the Third Commandment” by C.S. Lewis (Found in the book "God in the Dock")
Here’s the story of Ben Homan, President of Langham Partnership US, finishing his 14-year career with them. When it comes to fundraising, Brad says, “Follow Ben!” He has had a remarkable ministry as a leader and has seen the ministry multiply three times over this past capital campaign. He has used strategic planning, feasibility studies, capital campaigns, and team training in his fund-raising efforts. Perhaps the more important thing is how Ben sees his work with donors as a ministry. How he cares about them and cares for them. Not to mention the excellent fruit in the work of the Kingdom by Langham Partnership.
Ben mentions the book, “A Terrible Glory: Custer and the Little Bighorn - the Last Great Battle of the American West” from his reading list.
Listen to Beth Greco explain to Brad how she became the President and CEO of the Hoving Home, what has happened along the way, and how she manages to get the work done.
Brad Layland interviews Dave Owens, Executive Director of the Harbor Network. Learn about this church planting network and how Dave carries out his fundraising to help it all happen.
What do Punta Gorda, Florida, Australia, and Macedonia have in common? Brooke Filipovski! This remarkable young woman has raised support and ministered to young people in some interesting places. Enjoy her story!
Brad Layland interviews Tom Lin, the president of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship since 2016.
Today on The Taking Donors Seriously Podcast Brad Layland and Dan Kennedy discuss year-end appeals, the good the bad, and the ugly.
Today on The Taking Donors Seriously Podcast Brad Layland and John Ranheim discuss major gifts, why they're given and why you should be encouraged!
Welcome special guest Jon Eisenberg, Executive Vice President of Development and Chief Development Officer at Intervarsity.
Today on The Taking Donors Seriously Podcast Brad Layland and Jon Eisenberg discuss their first exposures to fundraising for ministry and how it has led them to the national campaigns they lead today.
A podcast a year in the making! Today on The Taking Donors Seriously Podcast Brad summarizes, critiques, and praises the End of Year Appeals he received last year.
Today on The Taking Donors Seriously Podcast, Brad and Max Layland discus "A Portait of a Graduate", why they matter and which nonprofits do them best.
Today on The Taking Donors Seriously Podcast, Brad Layland and Ted Rodgers talk through a case study of improper estate planning.
Welcome back to the Taking Donors Seriously Podcast.
Today, Brad Layland discusses a common mistake many organizations make when contacting their donors.
Welcome back to the Taking Donors Seriously Podcast.
Today, Brad Layland and special guest Dr. Scott Rodin walk through the 5 handy ways to make sure your giving partners are blessed.
Welcome back to the Taking Donors Seriously Podcast.
Today, Brad Layland and special guest Tom MacAdam talk about their approaches to fundraising. Turns out, it's not as scary as it seems!
Welcome back to the Taking Donors Seriously Podcast.
How focused is your fundraising? Today, Brad and Max Layland discuss the importance of intentional, focused planning in both fundraising and life.
Welcome back to the Taking Donors Seriously Podcast.
Today, Brad Layland and special guest Jamie Sellers talk fishing, funding, and financing. If either fish or fundraising strike your fancy we've got a great episode lined up for you!
Welcome to another episode of the Taking Donors Seriously podcast.
Today, Brad is joined by Ame Eldredge to discuss the function and benefits of a well made case.
Ted Rodgers joins us on The TDS Podcast to share his wisdom on the role of boards in fundraising.
The FOCUS Group Podcast returns! Today, Brad and Max Layland talk through 7 tips to enhance your mission using Zoom.
In this episode of the TDS Podcast Brad and Max discuss how best to raise money and spirits in these scary times. Stay safe everyone; you can do this!
On this episode of the TDS Podcast Brad and Max praise the Waffle House's perfect efficiency and explore how these same practices can be used in our fundraising projects. But mainly we talk about how good the Waffle House is.
On this episode of the TDS Podcast Brad speaks to the future value of ministries while Max raises charges of blasphemy.
On this episode of the TDS Podcast Brad and Max discuss the varying roles each person involved in fundraising must play... They also talk about ants.
On this episode of the TDS Podcast Brad speaks to the frustration many fundraisers experience in their work and how best to circumvent it.
On this episode of the TDS Podcast Brad and Max discuss the challenges of running races in Kenya and fundraising.
(Please note that we at The Taking Donors Seriously Podcast are not qualified zoologists and, as such, any and all advice pertaining to dangerous African wildlife should be taken with a grain of salt.)
In this episode of the Taking Donors Seriously Podcast Brad responds his most frequently asked question: "How do I find new donors." The answer may surprise you!
In this episode of the Taking Donors Seriously Podcast Brad and Max discuss the power of vision to inspire donors and how this can be utilized.
Link to Max's youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSMau6OT5JI5HoAwr2B9C-w/featured?disable_polymer=1
In this episode of the Taking Donors Seriously Podcast Brad illustrates what salad dressing can teach us all about fundraising. I promise this is not a joke.
In this episode of the Taking Donors Seriously Podcast Brad and Max Layland discuss the benefits of donor based fundraising. A Mercedes may or may not be one of them.
As the New Year arrives, it seems like people everywhere are feeling reflective and talking about their goals, resolving that this year will be a turning point. In light of that atmosphere, today I want to share a
few resolutions I have for myself. They are not new. Actually, I have the same resolutions every year! For the last fifteen years or so, I have had four simple disciplines that I do every morning. These four things are really the only things I need to accomplish each day – and honestly, if I do these four things, nothing else really matters.
On this episode Brad Layland, CEO of the FOCUS Group, shares about the importance of incorporating vision into an effective Case Statement.
Brad Laylland, CEO of The FOCUS Group, Inc. shares the information you need in a step-by-step system if your thinking of a capital campaign.
Brad Layland, CEO of The FOCUS Group, Inc. covers the good, the bad and the ugly year end appeals that he received at the end of the year and how to use end of the year appeals most effectively.
Brad Layland, CEO of The FOCUS Group, Inc. helps you understand some of the deeper reasons why people give and how you can change their lives.
Brad Layland, CEO of The FOCUS Group, Inc. shares the two most important rules of fundraising. Follow these two principles and increase your effectiveness with relational, sustainable fundraising.
Brad Layland, CEO of the FOCUS Group, Inc. discusses the best to raise money and how to go about it.
Brad Layland discusses the downside of events and how to best use events to further your cause in ways that really work.
Brad Layland, CEO of The FOCUS Group, discusses how to use the principle of "A few do a lot and a lot do a little" to fundraise.
Brad Layland and Ame See review and update to modern times a list of ten 1891 principles of fundraising and provide the four key basics of a successful meeting.
Brad Layland and Ame See answer fundraising questions from current fundraisers and provide expert advice.
Brad Layland and Ame See review the annual giving data of 2012 so it makes sense for you and your organization.
Brad Layland helps you use your summer to jump start fundraising for the upcoming year and provides the most effective and efficient way to care for your donors over the summer.