In this episode, I sit down with Patrick Dunn, Executive Director of the International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation (IPPF) I walk you through exactly how I would pitch donors if I was looking to pick up an additional 200k in funding.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

Why storytelling and donor connection matter more than fancy tech
The biggest pain points in donor stewardship—and how Patrick is thinking about improving it
What Patrick believes is possible with their top donors if they had better systems and stronger asks
A live role-play of a real donor conversation (yes, Patrick practices a pitch on the fly!)
Messaging that moves donors into deeper giving (without pressure)

I loved this conversation with Patrick because it shows the heart of what fundraising should be: human, values-driven, and impact-focused. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about making the ask and building real relationships. If you’re wondering how to inspire major gifts even without a big team or budget, this episode will give you ideas (and courage).

Want 15 leads in 5 minutes? DM me "Breakfast burrito" on LinkedIn and I'll send you a pdf and 6-minute training to help you generate 15 leads for your nonprofit in minutes. It's totally free. All you need is an email to sign up. DM me "Breakfast burrito" - I'm from Texas, what can I say? - to get your pdf and mini training.

If you're an org with at least $800k annual budget and major gifts is your top priority, but you need a better strategy and approach, get on the waitlist for the next CourageLab cohort here: https://julieordonez.kit.com/couragelab2