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Mastering Fundraising welcomes Christina Romero, Executive Director of the Santa Ana College Foundation, for a powerful conversation on social capital, authenticity, and the Trust Triangle in donor relationships. Christina shares how genuine connection, emotional intelligence, and a personalized approach help fundraisers create meaningful donor experiences that last far beyond a single gift. Her insights include how to understand donor motivations, how to build trust through consistent and transparent communication, and why successful fundraising blends both personal and professional connection. In this episode you will learn: • How social capital shapes donor meaning and engagement • Why authenticity is the foundation of trust in fundraising • How the Trust Triangle strengthens donor relationships • How donor love languages and personal operating systems influence giving behavior • Practical strategies for fundraisers who are not naturally extroverted • Why personal equals professional when developing long term donor loyalty • Small habits that create big outcomes in donor stewardship If you are looking for practical ways to deepen donor relationships and elevate your fundraising practice, this episode offers inspiration and real world tools you can use immediately. Be sure to like and subscribe to Mastering Fundraising, and check out our other shows, Lead for Good and The Nonprofit Edge, for more conversations that support nonprofit leaders and fundraisers everywhere.
Mastering Fundraising: A Conversation with Christina Romero – Episode 16
365 Nonprofit Leadership Lessons #65 Collaborations and partnerships provide amazing opportunities.
Choosing the right investment advisor is one of the most important and least understood decisions nonprofit leaders face. In this episode of The Nonprofit Edge, host Chris Looney is joined by Michael Skillman, Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe Advisors, to break down how nonprofits can lead a smart, confident investment counsel search without needing to be investment experts. Michael walks listeners through what to do before, during, and after an advisor search, with a focus on clarity, governance, and long-term mission protection rather than chasing short-term performance. This conversation is especially helpful for executive directors, CEOs, and senior nonprofit leaders with limited investment background who want to make sound decisions and avoid common pitfalls. Key Takeaways • Why most nonprofits react to investment searches instead of planning them • How to clarify the role investments play in supporting mission outcomes • The importance of defining success beyond just returns • Why governance and investment policy matter more than hiring a big-name firm • What questions to ask advisors and what red flags to avoid • What a healthy, long-term advisor relationship should look like 🎧 Listen to remember this simple truth: you do not need to be an investment professional to lead this process well.
The Nonprofit Edge: A Conversation with Michael Skillman – Episode 10
Episode Title: What Is Behind Christian Generosity and Fundraising for a Christian Organization Guest: Justin Coleman, Salvation Army In this episode of the Mastering Fundraising Podcast, host Chris Looney sits down with Justin Coleman to explore the deeper foundations of Christian generosity and what it truly means to fundraise for a Christian organization. This conversation goes beyond fundraising tactics to examine faith, stewardship, leadership, and responsibility. Justin shares how his leadership journey has always been rooted in ministry rather than a traditional career path, and how his faith shapes the way he leads teams, stewards resources, and builds trust with donors. Together, Chris and Justin unpack core biblical principles that inform Christian generosity, including the belief that God owns it all and we are simply stewards, that to whom much is given much is required, and that God loves a cheerful giver. Justin explains how joy in giving comes from understanding impact and how transparency and accountability are essential expressions of faithful stewardship. The conversation also highlights the unique responsibility fundraisers carry when representing Christian organizations, the importance of meeting human need without discrimination, and how leaders can invite donors into participation in God’s work rather than framing giving as sacrifice or obligation. Key Takeaways from the Episode: Christian generosity flows from stewardship, not ownership. Joyful giving grows when donors clearly see the impact of their generosity. Transparency builds trust and honors both donors and God. Fundraising in a Christian context is ministry, not transaction. Leaders must stay grounded in mission, especially during economic uncertainty. Vision, humility, prayer, and authenticity are essential for Christian fundraising leadership. This episode offers encouragement and perspective for fundraisers, nonprofit leaders, and anyone interested in faith based generosity that is rooted in purpose, trust, and impact.
Mastering Fundraising: A Conversation with Justin Coleman – Episode 15
365 Nonprofit Leadership Lessons #64 Building trust and engagement with donors is key
In this episode of the Mastering Fundraising, host Chris Looney sits down with Ray Watts, Interim Vice President for Advancement at California State University, San Bernardino, for a thoughtful and practical conversation on plannual giving. Plannual giving is the intentional integration of annual giving and planned or asset-based giving. Ray challenges the traditional separation between these strategies and makes the case that loyalty, consistency, and generosity today are often the strongest indicators of legacy gifts tomorrow. This conversation moves beyond technical planned giving mechanics and focuses on donor behavior, mindset, and relationships. Ray reframes planned giving as a celebration of asset-based philanthropy and shares real-world examples from his career in higher education advancement. In this episode, you will learn: • Why planned giving should be understood as asset-based philanthropy, not a technical specialty • How annual giving behavior predicts future legacy giving • Why most donor wealth is not held in cash and what that means for fundraising strategy • The Three Circles of Philanthropy and how they help identify donor opportunity • How loyalty, leadership, and legacy intersect in donor relationships • Why planned gifts are often simpler than nonprofits assume • How annual fund and planned giving teams can work together more effectively • Practical ways to invite donors into conversations about perpetuity and long-term impact This episode is ideal for nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and board members who want to build sustainable philanthropy while honoring donors as whole people, not just transactions. Be sure to like, follow, and subscribe to Mastering Fundraising, and check out our other podcasts, Lead for Good and The Nonprofit Edge, for more conversations on leadership, governance, and the future of the nonprofit sector.
Mastering Fundraising: A Conversation with Ray Watts – Episode 14
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Mentorship is not meant solely for the growth of nonprofit leaders themselves. It should be intentionally extended to staff and board members, recognizing that organizations are strengthened when experienced and successful leaders actively share their insights, guidance, and lessons across all roles.
Join Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership (Fulcrum), an exclusive membership community of senior nonprofit executives, where the mission is to build stronger nonprofit leaders, leading to a better world. Visit us on the web at: fulcrumleader.com.

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8 hours ago
Mentorship is not me
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Effective nonprofit leaders understand what motivates staff, volunteers, donors, program participants, and community members, and they intentionally adapt their approach to connect with those motivations in meaningful ways.

Join Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership (Fulcrum), an exclusive membership community of senior nonprofit executives, where the mission is to build stronger nonprofit leaders, leading to a better world. Visit us on the web at: fulcrumleader.com.

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1 day ago
Effective nonprofit
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It’s unlikely that potential supporters will be inspired to support your organization when first introduced to it. It’s more likely that they’ll be moved to give after hearing about your organization at least seven times from seven different methods or people.

Join Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership (Fulcrum), an exclusive membership community of senior nonprofit executives, where the mission is to build stronger nonprofit leaders, leading to a better world. Visit us on the web at: fulcrumleader.com.

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2 days ago
It’s unlikely that
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Setting clear boundaries is essential for nonprofit leaders, protecting personal well-being, sustaining healthy team dynamics, and supporting long-term organizational effectiveness.

Join @Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership (Fulcrum), an exclusive membership community of senior nonprofit executives, where the mission is to build stronger nonprofit leaders, leading to a better world.

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3 days ago
Setting clear bounda
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A streamlined audit process is more than a compliance exercise for nonprofit organizations. It is a reflection of strong governance, disciplined management, and respect for the resources entrusted to the mission.

When audits are approached intentionally, they become clearer, faster, and far more useful for leadership and boards.

An optimized audit process typically includes six key elements.

Planning
Strong audits start early. Clear timelines, roles, and expectations reduce surprises and allow staff and auditors to work efficiently.

Internal controls
Well designed controls protect assets, ensure accuracy, and build confidence. When internal controls are strong, audits move more smoothly and issues are easier to address.

Compliance requirements
Understanding and documenting compliance with laws, regulations, and funder expectations is essential. Proactive compliance reduces risk and builds credibility with stakeholders.

External auditors
Auditors should be partners in accountability, not adversaries. Clear communication and timely access to information improve both the process and the final product.

Prepare report
The audit report is not just a document for filing. It provides insight into financial health, controls, and opportunities for improvement.

Follow up
The process does not end when the report is delivered. Addressing findings, strengthening controls, and tracking progress are what turn audits into value added tools.

A streamlined audit process saves time, reduces stress, and strengthens trust with boards, donors, and regulators. Most importantly, it allows nonprofit leaders to stay focused on mission rather than distractions.

Good audits do not slow organizations down.
They help them move forward with confidence. … See MoreSee Less

3 days ago
A streamlined audit
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“You are not a failure until you start blaming others for your mistakes” -John Wooden

Join Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership (Fulcrum), an exclusive membership community of senior nonprofit executives, where the mission is to build stronger nonprofit leaders, leading to a better world. Visit us on the web at: fulcrumleader.com.

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4 days ago
“You are not a fai
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What a meaningful and energizing conversation with Christina Romero on the latest episode of Mastering Fundraising. Christina is a remarkable fundraising leader whose approach to social capital, authenticity, and trust has shaped lasting relationships throughout the Santa Ana College Foundation community.

During our conversation, Christina shared valuable insights on how fundraisers can build deeper donor connections grounded in personal meaning, trust, and genuine care. Her perspective is both practical and inspiring, and I am grateful she joined the podcast to help all of us grow in our work.

Key takeaways from the episode include:
• Social capital is built through presence, consistency, and sincere curiosity about donors
• Authenticity builds trust, and trust shapes donor decisions more than any strategy or campaign
• The Trust Triangle helps fundraisers understand how connection, credibility, and care work together
• Donor love languages and operating systems help explain what motivates each person to give
• Personal equals professional, especially in fundraising, because people invest in people
• Fundraisers who are not naturally outgoing can still succeed by practicing intentional listening, personalized touchpoints, and value based communication
• Small actions like remembering details, affirming donor values, and offering sincere gratitude make a large impact on long term donor loyalty

Christina, thank you for sharing your expertise, your warmth, and your passion for building authentic donor relationships. You are a gift to this profession and to your community.

If this conversation speaks to you or your work, I invite you to check out the full episode and subscribe to Mastering Fundraising for more conversations with leaders who are strengthening our sector.

🎧 Listen to the episode here: youtu.be/pqUKrDxxgaI … See MoreSee Less

5 days ago
What a meaningful an
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“Executives owe it to the organization and to their fellow workers not to tolerate nonperforming individuals in important jobs.” -Peter Drucker

Join @Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership (Fulcrum), an exclusive membership community of senior nonprofit executives, where the mission is to build stronger nonprofit leaders, leading to a better world.

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5 days ago
“Executives owe it
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One of the nonprofit CEO’s most critical responsibilities is identifying and recruiting future board members. As stewards and supervisors of the organization and its chief executive, the right board members provide not only financial commitment but also visible advocacy, making their selection essential to the CEO’s effectiveness and long-term success.

Join @Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership (Fulcrum), an exclusive membership community of senior nonprofit executives, where the mission is to build stronger nonprofit leaders, leading to a better world.

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6 days ago
One of the nonprofit
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All nonprofit leaders have weaknesses. Even Superman has kryptonite. The best nonprofit leaders know their weaknesses and surround themselves with staff and volunteers that turn those weaknesses into strengths.

Join @Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership (Fulcrum), an exclusive membership community of senior nonprofit executives, where the mission is to build stronger nonprofit leaders, leading to a better world.

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1 week ago
All nonprofit leader
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When hiring fundraisers, nonprofit leaders should consider evaluating candidates against these seven “F”s: 1) the person focused; 2) fast; 3) friendly; 4) flexible; 5) knows the fundamentals; 6) has a successful record of fundraising; and 7) is fun.

Join @Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership (Fulcrum), an exclusive membership community of senior nonprofit executives, where the mission is to build stronger nonprofit leaders, leading to a better world.

#LEADforGOOD

Visit us on the web at: fulcrumleader.com.

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1 week ago
When hiring fundrais
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All nonprofit leaders feel overwhelmed from time to time. The burden of responsibility is heavy and the climb to success is steep. It’s necessary and appropriate from time to time to take a break, catch your breath, hit the reset button, and recharge your batteries.

Join @Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership (Fulcrum), an exclusive membership community of senior nonprofit executives, where the mission is to build stronger nonprofit leaders, leading to a better world.

#LEADforGOOD

Visit us on the web at: fulcrumleader.com.

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1 week ago
All nonprofit leader
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