Nonprofit Nation Podcast Summary: "Fundraising Is Not a Dirty Word with Jill Vorndran"

Episode Release Date: June 25, 2025

In this compelling episode of Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell, host Julia Campbell engages in an insightful conversation with Jill Vorondran, the dynamic leader of a 75-person team responsible for raising over $85 million annually for Covenant House International. This episode delves deep into the transformative power of fundraising, challenging conventional perceptions and offering actionable strategies for nonprofit professionals aiming to build thriving movements.

1. Understanding Covenant House International

Covenant House International is a pivotal organization dedicated to ending youth homelessness across the Americas. Founded in 1972 in New York City, the organization has maintained an unwavering commitment to providing open intake services, ensuring that no young person experiencing or on the brink of homelessness is turned away for a night. Jill Vorondran elucidates:

“We have worked over the past, you know, 50 plus years, have never closed our doors for a night. Open intake is the driving principle of our work…”
[05:05]

Operating in the United States, Canada, and Latin America, Covenant House tailors its programs to meet the unique needs of each community, emphasizing personalized support and empowerment to help youth create the lives of their dreams.

2. Reframing Fundraising: From Necessary Evil to Bridge Building

Jill Vorondran challenges the traditional notion of fundraising as a "dirty word" or a necessary evil. She shares her personal evolution in viewing fundraising as a powerful tool for bridge building:

“I think is also, in those earlier days of my fundraising experiences, all I knew how to do was fundraise transactionally… And so what I've learned over time… is that building this bridge for families, for companies, for individuals… is my superpower and is a superpower that we can all.”
[08:57]

Jill emphasizes the shift from scarcity mindset—where fundraising is seen as chasing the next ask—to cultivating authentic, relational connections with donors. This transition fosters a more joyful and engaging approach to fundraising, aligning it with the mission's core values.

3. The Missing Elements in Fundraising Conferences

Julia and Jill discuss what fundraising conferences and trainings often overlook:

• Genuine Relationship Building: Jill points out that building meaningful relationships with donors is a nuanced, individualized process that cannot be adequately addressed in short training sessions.

• Balancing Relational and Transactional Aspects: Effective fundraising requires a harmony between building trust and making solicitations, ensuring that asking for donations doesn’t undermine the authenticity of the relationship.

• Operational Support Teams ("Indoor Cats" and "Outdoor Cats"): Jill introduces the metaphor of "indoor cats" (development operations) and "outdoor cats" (charismatic fundraisers) to highlight the importance of both back-office support and frontline engagement.

“The people who just need to be out of their desks and you know, out connecting with people… the indoor cats are the development operations people...”
[11:57]

This division ensures that fundraisers can focus on relationship-building while relying on operational teams to maintain systems and processes.

4. Adapting to Current Trends and Challenges

Addressing the 2025 landscape, Jill discusses the challenges posed by:

• Declining Federal Funding and Charitable Giving
• Mistrust in Institutions
• Political Polarization

To navigate these, Covenant House adopts a strategy centered on unity and inclusivity:

“Our job is to create this big campfire where everybody sort of feels warm in our mission… where they can come together with folks who may see things differently than they do, but have the same intrinsic heart and motivation.”
[17:11]

By maintaining a nonpartisan and unifying message, Covenant House appeals to a broad spectrum of supporters, emphasizing common humanity over divisive politics.

5. Retaining and Engaging Top Fundraisers

Jill shares her successful strategies for retaining top talent in fundraising:

• Co-Creating Goals: Instead of imposing rigid KPIs, Jill collaborates with her team to set attainable and inspiring goals.

“If I don't trust them to set ambitious goals that are attainable by them, then how am I trusting them to go into people's living rooms…?”
[23:40]

• Celebrating Successes: Recognizing both big achievements and everyday successes fosters a positive and motivating environment.

• Promoting Work-Life Balance: Ensuring that team members disconnect and maintain a healthy balance prevents burnout and enhances overall job satisfaction.

• Building a Strong Community: Creating a sense of belonging and support within the team, especially in a hybrid work environment, is crucial for long-term retention.

“If something's happening with their family… you have to take care of yourself.”
[27:37]

These practices cultivate a culture of relentless joy and accountability, where fundraisers feel valued and supported.

6. Advice for Burned-Out Fundraisers

For fundraisers experiencing burnout, Jill offers actionable advice:

• Define Personal Needs for Joy: Identify what brings you joy and fulfillment in your work.

• Ask for Support: Communicate your needs to ensure you receive the necessary support and resources.

“Fundraisers really do have a superpower. And the fuel that we bring to missions is so critical…”
[30:38]

By focusing on personal well-being and team support, fundraisers can rekindle their passion and sustain their effectiveness.

7. Reframing Fundraising Across the Sector

Jill advocates for a fundamental shift in how fundraising is perceived:

“Our job is to ask for money… it’s about creating that genuine, authentic connection that then leads to financial and other contributions… not putting, you know, the financial relationship first.”
[32:31]

She emphasizes the importance of viewing fundraising as a relational endeavor rather than a mere financial transaction. This perspective fosters long-term engagement and deepens the connection between nonprofits and their supporters.

8. Closing Thoughts and Connections

The episode concludes with Jill sharing ways to connect with her and learn more about Covenant House:

• LinkedIn: Jill Vorondran
• Covenant House Website: covenanthouse.org

Key Takeaways:

• Fundraising as Relationship Building: Moving beyond transactional asks to foster genuine connections.
• Inclusive and Unifying Messaging: Adopting strategies that appeal to diverse supporters amidst societal polarization.
• Team Culture and Retention: Implementing practices that support fundraisers' well-being and celebrate their successes.
• Sector-Wide Mindset Shift: Encouraging nonprofits to view fundraising through a relational lens to enhance sustainability and impact.

This episode serves as an invaluable resource for nonprofit professionals seeking to redefine fundraising, cultivate strong team cultures, and navigate the complex challenges of the current fundraising landscape. Jill Vorondran’s insights offer a roadmap for building meaningful connections that drive both financial support and mission success.

Connect with Jill Vorondran:

• LinkedIn: Jill Vorondran
• Covenant House International: covenanthouse.org

Follow Julia Campbell:

• Instagram: @juliacampbell77

Stay tuned to Nonprofit Nation for more episodes filled with expert insights and strategies to elevate your nonprofit's impact.