How to Make Donors Feel the Mission (and Give More)

How do you grow into nonprofit leadership without losing your passion for fundraising?
Stephanie Kingsbury, Executive Director of Mustard Seed Ministries, joins The Focused Fundraiser to share her journey from answering phones to running an entire organization—while still being the grant writer, donor steward, and team cheerleader.

Whether you’re a development director considering an ED role or a nonprofit leader juggling all the hats, this episode offers practical wisdom and heartfelt reminders to focus on what truly moves the needle.

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📍 CHAPTERS
00:00 - Intro: Why Doing What Matters Beats Doing More
00:44 - Stephanie’s Nonprofit Journey (From Receptionist to ED)
02:35 - Why She Came Back to Nonprofit After Corporate
04:46 - The Impact of a Good Nonprofit CRM
06:00 - Fundraising for Direct Services vs. Advocacy
08:54 - What Changed When Government Grants Disappeared
09:34 - The Secret to Bigger Gifts? Get Donors Close to the Mission
12:34 - Advice for Fundraisers Stepping Into Leadership
15:37 - The Real-Life Surprises of Being an ED
18:48 - Burnout Prevention: Rituals That Actually Work
22:55 - Final Thoughts & Encouragement

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