Podcast Summary: Nonprofit Lowdown Episode #342 - Fundraising for International NGOs with Katie Troyer
Podcast Information:
- Title: Nonprofit Lowdown
- Host: Rhea Wong
- Description: Nonprofit Lowdown reviews and recommends the best ideas, resources, tools, tricks, and tips to run your nonprofit like a pro.
- Episode: #342 - Fundraising for International NGO with Katie Troyer
- Release Date: June 16, 2025
Introduction to the Episode
In Episode #342 of Nonprofit Lowdown, host Rhea Wong engages in an insightful conversation with Katie Troyer, the Executive Director of the Kybera Girls Summer Soccer Academy (KGSA) Foundation. The discussion delves into the intricacies of fundraising for an organization operating outside the United States, highlighting both the challenges and successful strategies implemented by Katie to support vulnerable girls in Nairobi's Kibera slums.
About KGSA Foundation
Katie provides an overview of KGSA, explaining its mission and operational framework.
[01:17] Katie Troyer: “KGSA is the Cabarra Girls Soccer Academy. And it's a free high school that serves around 150 vulnerable girls in the Cabarrus slums of Nairobi. The foundation is based in the US and we are the fundraising and marketing arm for the school.”
The organization focuses on educating, inspiring, and empowering girls through free high school education and boarding facilities. Katie emphasizes the collaborative effort between a small team in the US, a dedicated school director in Kenya, and a supportive board of ten members across the United States.
Challenges in Fundraising for International NGOs
Katie addresses the current landscape of international development funding and its impact on organizations like KGSA.
[02:13] Katie Troyer: “The international development sector has been attacked. First, it was the illegally dismantling of USAID and cutting PEPFAR, which is saving lives all over the world, especially in Africa.”
Due to reductions in funding from major sources like USAID, KGSA and similar organizations face increased competition for private philanthropy. Katie explains that while KGSA is too small to secure USAID funding, their focus has shifted to strengthening donor stewardship and enhancing engagement with their existing 300 donors in the US.
Strategies for Engaging Donors
Katie discusses effective methods to make the work of international NGOs tangible for donors based in the US.
[03:51] Katie Troyer: “My focus is just going to be focusing on improved donor stewardship, trying to get more FaceTime with them. And now is just a time to survive and do what you do best the next three years until we hopefully have a change of policy.”
One key strategy Katie highlights is organizing donor impact trips to Kenya, allowing supporters to witness the impact of their contributions firsthand.
Donor Impact Trips to Kenya
A significant portion of the conversation centers around the implementation and benefits of donor impact trips.
[04:04] Katie Troyer: “Taking donor impact trips to Kenya... is incredibly successful. This school, a small school, is having a huge impact on the lives of girls in Kibera.”
Katie recounts the details of recent trips, including the inauguration of new classrooms, interactive soccer matches with students, and cultural experiences. These trips not only deepen donors' connection to KGSA but also generate substantial new funding opportunities.
[07:19] Katie Troyer: “People returned to the US on fire for KGSA. They're passionate about our mission to educate, inspire, and empower girls in Kibera.”
She shares specific successes, such as a couple from Denver hosting fundraisers and a significant $25,000 donation resulting from these trips. Katie emphasizes the importance of structuring these trips effectively, learning from previous experiences to create more intimate and impactful engagements.
Building Community Among Donors
Beyond the trips, Katie elaborates on other initiatives to foster a strong community among KGSA's supporters.
[10:03] Katie Troyer: “Community building is critical to our work... We have a weekly E Blast that goes out to everyone and I really work with our Kenyan staff to do storytelling.”
Regular communication through engaging newsletters, localized events in major supporter cities, and biannual US tours help maintain and strengthen the donor community. Additionally, leveraging board members to host and organize local events ensures continuous engagement despite limited resources.
Board Member Engagement
Katie highlights the pivotal role of board members in fundraising and community building.
[14:32] Katie Troyer: “The four new board members I recruited were onboarded with the expectation that fundraising was an important part of their board responsibilities.”
She discusses strategic planning efforts to develop a sustainable board structure, including creating an advisor and ambassador program to expand the board’s effectiveness. Katie underscores the importance of aligning board members with the organization’s fundraising goals and providing them with clear expectations and support.
Success Stories and Outcomes
Katie shares tangible outcomes resulting from her strategies and collaboration with Rhea Wong.
[21:45] Katie Troyer: “Our revenue increased by 25%, which is incredible for a small organization like us.”
A standout success story involves securing a $45,000 donation through a well-prepared and strategic follow-up meeting, illustrating the effectiveness of targeted donor engagement and personalized outreach.
Lessons Learned and Recommendations
Reflecting on her journey, Katie offers valuable insights and advice for other nonprofit leaders.
[19:35] Katie Troyer: “The main takeaway was how to prioritize my limited time and energy. So I'm focusing on the fundraising tasks that bring the most return on investment.”
Katie emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, efficient time management, and focusing on high-impact activities. She also highlights the benefits of the Big Ask Gift (BAG) program, which provided her with essential tools, templates, and a supportive community of fellow nonprofit leaders.
[24:53] Katie Troyer: “Katie is more intentional in our meetings... Our major donors would say that, too.”
Katie attributes her success to the structured approach and personalized coaching received, which have enhanced her ability to qualify prospects effectively and streamline the fundraising process.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Rhea Wong praising Katie's dedication and success in fundraising for an international NGO. They encourage listeners to learn from Katie’s experience and consider implementing similar strategies to bolster their own nonprofit organizations.
[25:07] Rhea Wong: “So folks are listening out here... you have successfully done it. Congratulations, Katie. I'm so proud of you.”
Katie extends an invitation to listeners to learn more about KGSA through their website and LinkedIn, fostering further engagement and support.
Key Takeaways:
- Donor Impact Trips: Facilitating firsthand experiences for donors significantly enhances their connection and commitment to the cause.
- Strategic Donor Stewardship: Focusing on high-impact fundraising activities and efficient time management leads to substantial revenue growth.
- Community Building: Regular communication, localized events, and leveraging board members are crucial for maintaining a strong donor community.
- Board Engagement: Aligning board members with fundraising responsibilities and providing clear expectations fosters effective advocacy and support.
- Personalization and Storytelling: Engaging storytelling and personalized donor interactions are essential for cultivating passionate and committed supporters.
Notable Quotes:
- “[03:24] Katie Troyer: ...it’s a more competitive market. But fortunately we have 300 donors across the U.S. we have very great donor stewardship.”
- “[04:04] Katie Troyer: ...there's something really magical that happens at KGSA and you can only understand it by visit videos, brochures don't do it justice.”
- “[19:35] Katie Troyer: ...how to prioritize my limited time and energy. So I'm focusing on the fundraising tasks that bring the most return on investment.”
- “[24:53] Katie Troyer: ...Katie is more intentional in our meetings. ... Our major donors would say that, too.”
This episode offers a comprehensive look into effective fundraising strategies for international nonprofit organizations, underscored by Katie Troyer's practical experiences and successes with the KGSA Foundation.