Nonprofit Leadership Podcast

Episode Summary: "How Fundraising Can Be a Bridge-Builder"

Host: Dr. Rob Harter
Guest: Jill Vorndran, Chief Development Officer, Covenant House International
Release Date: October 20, 2025

Brief Overview

This episode dives deep into a transformative take on fundraising: viewing it not just as a financial necessity, but as a vehicle for building bridges between diverse donor groups, staff, and mission stakeholders. Host Dr. Rob Harter speaks with Jill Vorndran, who draws on her extensive experience as Chief Development Officer at Covenant House to explore how fundraising can unify generations, cultivate talent, and power long-term nonprofit sustainability—particularly during the all-important fourth quarter of the year.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The CDO’s Role in Supporting CEOs

• Jill’s Approach to Enabling CEO Success ([04:00])

  • Chief Development Officers must strategically position CEOs for maximum fundraising impact—putting them in unique rooms and preparing them properly for donor contacts.
  • Quote: “When anybody else can do it, I’m not putting the CEO in that room... but when they are the one who is going to bring the most new people into our mission, I’m always encouraging them to be the one to do so.” — Jill Vorndran ([04:40])
  • Preparation for CEO fundraising should be concise and focused, not burdening them with excessive information or long meetings.
  • Stewardship is vital: CEOs must personally thank and engage donors regularly for ongoing support and retention.

• Mutual Accountability

  • Give CEOs data and talking points to “go to bat” for development teams and equip them to advocate for long-term strategies over quick-fix choices.
  • Set shared KPIs to ensure evaluation is based on tangible results—not anecdotes or chance meetings.

2. Fundraising as Bridge-Building

• A Positive, Unifying Mindset ([09:48])
  • Fundraising can be a bridge between different donor groups—for example, connecting seasoned, wealthy donors with younger, energetic advocates.
  • Quote: “Neither one of those groups needs each other more or less... I just get to be this little bridge in between them... even if they never meet, to be partners in something they both care about.” — Jill Vorndran ([12:38])
  • In divisive times, focus on the shared purpose that unites donors—regardless of differing backgrounds or beliefs.
  • Fundraisers can uniquely convene people who might never meet elsewhere, co-creating impact without letting outside divisions invade the mission.

3. Recruitment & Retention of Talented Fundraisers

• Keys to Retention ([14:31])
  • Systematic and authentic celebration of every team member (both large and small wins) is standard practice.
  • Staff meetings at Covenant House include a December “gratitude ceremony,” with every staffer formally recognized by a supervisor or team lead.
  • Peer recognition via project management tools and informal appreciation culture.
  • Quote: “We systematically and informally celebrate everybody and everything all the time.” — Jill Vorndran ([15:19])
  • Clarity in success metrics (what is expected, how it is measured, and how staff will be supported to achieve those goals).
  • Balance between team and individual goals to foster collaboration rather than competition.

4. Best Practices for Giving Calendars

• Strategic Year-Long Planning ([19:04])
  • Leverage a well-tested, science-based “giving calendar,” revisited and revised often for optimization.
  • Regularly reassess to avoid confusing activity for impact; stay updated on how donor preferences evolve (e.g., more engagement on social, fewer emails opened).
  • For major donors, build individualized, detailed year-long interaction calendars, personalizing touchpoints based on donor interests and history.
  • Prevent “last-gift syndrome” by ensuring each donor touchpoint is not just an ask, but a meaningful, timely engagement.

5. Making Giving Easier

• Streamlining the Donor Experience ([25:03])
  • Prioritize monthly/recurring donation options to simplify donors’ lives and stabilize organizational income.
  • Redesign donation forms to highlight impact rather than just dollar amounts.
  • Quote: “Instead of them clicking a form that’s just about a dollar amount, they’re clicking on impact... donors want to give to an impact.” — Jill Vorndran ([25:45])
  • For major gifts, more multi-year commitments reduce repetitive asks and deepen engagement.
  • Continuously reduce “friction” in giving: mobile-friendly forms, digital wallets, clear recurring-gift toggles.

6. Adapting to a Changing Fundraising Landscape

• Staying Nimble & Building for the Future ([27:22])
  • Hire team members who outpace your own expertise—bring in those with newer skills, technological fluency, and fresh perspectives.
  • Quote: “If there’s one secret to the success that my team has experienced, it’s that I learned that there are people who are smarter than me at everything and to find them and to hire them...” — Jill Vorndran ([27:47])
  • Actively create a talent pipeline for younger fundraisers. Understand and respect that each generation’s approach to giving is different—listen, adapt your strategies accordingly.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Mission Unity:

  • “I don’t know who people voted for... but I know they care about the mission that I care about. That’s all we talk about.” — Jill Vorndran ([13:19])

• On Individualized Donor Care:

  • “The pit in your stomach is when that cycle goes by, and you realize the last encounter you had with the person was the last time you asked them for money.” — Jill Vorndran ([21:00])

• On Team Recruitment:

  • “Hire people who are smarter than you are all the time, without exception.” — Jill Vorndran ([27:50])

Important Timestamps

• [04:00] Jill on positioning and preparing CEOs for fundraising
• [09:48] Redefining fundraising as bridge-building
• [14:31] Retaining and celebrating great fundraising talent
• [19:04] Importance of giving calendars and individualized donor plans
• [25:03] Tips to make giving easy and frictionless
• [27:22] Adapting hiring and strategy for generational change

Where to Learn More

• Connect with Jill Vorndran: LinkedIn ([29:51])
• Explore Covenant House International: covenanthouse.org ([30:00])

Tone & Closing

Jill’s insights balance practical strategies with a motivating vision for fundraising as community building. Both she and Rob champion the nonprofit field as one full of responsibility, impact, and potential for good—even (and especially) in challenging times.

“We have big responsibilities, but there’s no real standardized, formalized training for us... I rely on people like you who are just putting out all of this great information to the world.” — Jill Vorndran ([30:41])

For leaders who want actionable guidance and real-world success stories, this episode spotlights how transformative fundraising—centered on intentionality, unity, and evolving best practices—can build both organizational strength and lasting social impact.