Just Ask - Rethinking Development

The Emotions That Come With “Asking”

What can 4,000 major gift solicitations teach us about the human side of fundraising? In this episode of Just Ask, Greg reflects on a recent conference where he shared s

Giving Donors Time to Buy In

Is your organization waiting until every detail is finalized before inviting donors into the vision? That might be a costly mistake. Major gifts don’t happen overnight.

When a Donor Says They’re Giving Elsewhere

A donor calls and tells you they’re redirecting their giving to another organization. What do you say? Do you graciously accept their decision? Ask a few more questions?

Don’t Be a Small-Minded Fundraiser

What happens when the biggest obstacle to a bold vision isn’t money, donors, or even the economy? What if, it’s the way we think? After a recent visit to the Theodore Ro

When AI Gets Between You and the Donor

AI can write the email, draft the proposal, and build the follow-up. It might even tell you exactly what to say. But should it? We’re stepping back into the world of AI

Does Your School Need a Foundation?

Should your school have a separate foundation? It can sound like a great way to strengthen fundraising, protect resources, and engage new leadership. But before you go a

The Healing Power of Asking

Why does asking for a gift bring out so much fear? What if the very act of “asking” isn’t just about fundraising, but about becoming an instrument of what God wants to d

Why You Should Take the Stairs

We live in an age of shortcuts. AI can save time, automate tasks, and make almost any job easier. But some shortcuts cost you more than they save. In this episode, we e

Mini Campaigns, Major Results

What if strengthening your annual fund was the key to unlocking your long-term fundraising strategy? In this episode, Greg takes the lead to explore how a focused mini-ca

The Annual Fund

The annual fund is often treated as the center of a fundraising program. But should it be? In this episode, Greg offers a thought-provoking perspective that may cause you

How Soon Is Too Soon to Ask Again?

How soon can you ask for another gift? It’s one of the biggest fears in fundraising: asking again too quickly. But is there actually a “right” timeline? In this episode

The Hard Call: When to Stop Asking a Donor

Every fundraiser has a white whale. The donor you just know could come through… someday. Is it discipline to keep going, or denial? Let’s talk about when to walk away.

Why Fundraisers Keep Leaving (And What It’s Really Costing You)

If your development team feels like a revolving door, it’s not just a hiring problem: it’s a strategy problem. In this episode, we dig into why talented fundraisers wal

Your Endowment Can’t Wait

For years, endowments have lived in the “we’ll get there” category. But the reality is shifting. If long-term sustainability matters, building your endowment is no longe

AI & Fundraising: What We’re Starting to Notice

AI is everywhere right now, but what actually matters for fundraisers? Bryan and Greg discuss how AI is showing up in fundraising, the tasks it can take off your plate,

Listening for Values

What if you could build the perfect fundraiser? What qualities would they have? Stronger asks? Better scripts? More confidence? Maybe. But the real superpower might be

The Million-Dollar Question: Should You Hire an Owner’s Rep?

You’re launching a capital campaign. The vision is clear. The excitement is building. But who’s protecting the owner? In this episode of Just Ask – Rethinking Developme

The One Critical Estimate Needed for Your Feasibility Study

Have you ever experienced the frustration of a campaign goal increasing after your feasibility study was complete? What went wrong? In this episode, Greg shares the sing

The Entrepreneurial Development Director

Some development leaders wait for direction. Others go the extra mile. What makes the difference? In this episode, Bryan and Greg explore a mindset shift that changes

Who Actually Cares About the Donor?

Do fundraisers really care about donors—or just the donation? Bryan challenges a common assumption that fundraisers are driven by need, not stewardship—and explains why