The Fundraising Masterminds Podcast
Episode 111: Four Fundraising Lies You’ve Been Told (And Probably Believe)
Hosts: Jason Galasinski & Jim Dempsey
Release Date: December 10, 2025
Overview
In this episode, Jason Galasinski and Jim Dempsey tackle the four biggest “lies” or misconceptions that nonprofit leaders often believe about fundraising. Drawing on their decades of experience helping thousands of nonprofits, they reveal how these misunderstandings can undermine personal mindset, ministry effectiveness, and fundraising results. The hosts use personal stories, scriptural analogies, and practical advice to debunk these lies and offer empowering truths for nonprofit leaders struggling with development and fundraising.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Introduction — The Struggle with Fundraising (01:00–03:30)
- Many in ministry feel fundraising is a "necessary evil"—an unpleasant chore separate from the “real work” of ministry.
- Personal baggage and past experiences (from upbringing, negative donor encounters, disappointing leadership) often shape unhealthy beliefs about fundraising.
The Four Fundraising Lies
1. "Nobody Cares About My Ministry, So Why Even Bother?"
(03:54–12:11)
- Theme: Internal negativity and self-talk lead to apathy or fear of rejection.
- Jason’s Story:
- After a transformative mission trip to Zambia, Jason tried sharing his vision with his pastor and other church leaders but felt dismissed or misunderstood.
- “After about a year...everyone basically saying, go away, we don’t care, I started to conclude that nobody cares about this ministry, so I’m not even going to bother anymore.” (08:58, Jason)
- This experience led to skepticism about churches supporting missions.
- Jim’s Insight:
- The real issue is not finding the right people/partners who align with your vision.
- Fundraising success hinges on presenting needs compellingly and focusing on impact (changed lives, breaking cycles of poverty, etc.).
- “People do care, and there are people out there who do care about what you're doing. You just hadn't found at that time, the right people.” (10:50, Jim)
2. "Fundraising is About Manipulating People Into Giving"
(12:11–15:21)
- Theme: Discomfort arises from viewing development as guilt-driven or coercive.
- Common Mindset:
- “I’m going to just focus on ministry. God knows my needs. I’m not going to ask for money…” (13:50, Jason)
- Some see fundraising as “icky,” separating it from authentic ministry.
- Jim’s Reframing:
- “Development can be ministry... development does not have to be a necessary evil.” (12:57, Jim)
- Real fundraising is about relational connection, not pressuring or manipulating; it’s “doing something for someone, not to someone” (14:44, Jim).
- True ministry includes sharing updates, listening, and building partnerships.
3. "I Have To Do Everything Myself, Or It Won’t Happen"
(15:21–21:22)
- Theme: The myth of the indispensable leader leads to burnout, bottlenecks, and isolation.
- Examples:
- Moses’ leadership (and Jethro’s advice) as a scriptural analogy for unhealthy control.
- In fundraising, leaders sometimes refuse to delegate, fearing others won’t meet their standards.
- Jim’s Wisdom:
- “You become a control freak... that’s just not good leadership.” (16:50, Jim)
- Fear of mistakes or of new approaches keeps leaders in a “faith vs. fear” tug-of-war (18:21, Jason).
- Letting others participate deepens their commitment and strengthens the ministry.
- “You’re basically, you know, cutting off the lifeblood of opportunity… their opportunity to learn and to grow as leaders themselves.” (17:51, Jim)
- Ultimate Truth:
- “Development is not about you at all… it really is about God and it really is about God moving in people’s lives.” (20:27, Jim)
4. "I’m Not Qualified For Development— I Need to Hire a Professional"
(21:22–24:21)
- Theme: Imposter syndrome; belief that only experts can do development successfully.
- Common Pitfall:
- Leaders try to “offload” development, hiring someone to “do all the donor things” while they focus on ministry.
- Jim’s Reality Check:
- Major donors want relationships with organizational leaders— not just fundraisers.
- “People who have money, they want to talk to the person who the decisions…you need to get past that and say, you know what? God can use [anyone].” (22:32, Jim)
- Practical training and mentorship can build confidence and skill over time.
- Encouragement:
- “Don’t feel like you just need to be this trained master...you can step out, and you can learn a lot, and you can do it yourself.” (29:31, Jim)
Practical Solutions & Mindset Shifts
The Fundraising Masterminds Approach
(24:21–28:09)
- The hosts advocate a journey of development, not quick fixes— teaching principles and practical action steps (“not just theory”).
- Their Perfect Vision Dinner mentorship program:
- 21 weeks, step-by-step approach
- Designed to bring leaders from newbies to confident fundraisers, with the goal of raising at least $100k and attracting new donors.
- “We walk people through a journey...from being very uneducated [in fundraising] to actually having wins.” (24:40, Jason)
- Metaphor: Host as “Gandalf” guiding nonprofit Frodos on their development adventure.
Quotes of Note
- Jim: “Lies are just what they seem to be...they’ll suck in. They’re traps, and they’re out there. Don’t get caught in those lies.” (28:09)
- Jason: “You can realize that development is ministry. That's a key part. It's not a separate thing. You got to learn how to incorporate development into your ministry.” (29:39)
- Jim: “It’s not doing something to someone, but doing something for someone… inviting them to be part of an opportunity to do something exciting to make a difference in the world.” (14:44)
The Four Lies & The Truths At-a-Glance (28:46–29:49)
| Lie | Truth | |-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | No one cares about my ministry, so why should I bother? | People do care, and they hear about your organization. | | Fundraising is about manipulating people into giving. | Fundraising is about motivation and relationships. | | I have to do everything myself, or it won’t happen. | You do your part, but ultimately, God is the one who provides. | | I'm not qualified for development; I need to hire a professional to do it for me. | You don’t need a professional. You can learn, grow, step out, and do it yourself. |
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 02:35 – Introduction of today’s topic: Many are held back by fundraising “lies”
- 04:09 – Lie #1: No one cares about my ministry
- 06:00–09:30 – Jason’s story of discouragement after his mission trip
- 10:50 – Jim reframes how to find “the right people” who care
- 12:11 – Lie #2: Fundraising is manipulation
- 13:50 – The “moral high ground” and passive approaches to development
- 14:44 – “Fundraising is relational, not manipulative” (Jim)
- 15:21 – Lie #3: I have to do everything myself
- 16:50 – The control trap and biblical example (Moses & Jethro)
- 18:21 – Fear vs. faith in letting others lead; the “hedge laws” analogy
- 20:27 – God’s role in development, not just human effort
- 21:22 – Lie #4: I’m not qualified; I need a pro
- 22:32 – Major donors want to connect to leadership, not just staff
- 24:21 – The Masterminds approach: practical, step-by-step, “Gandalf” metaphor
- 28:09 – Recap of the four lies and truths
Summary & Takeaways
The episode is both an honest look at emotional and spiritual hurdles of fundraising and a practical, hope-filled road map to overcoming them. Jason and Jim debunk the four most common myths with vulnerability, wisdom, and faith, urging nonprofit leaders to see fundraising as an extension of ministry and a journey that requires both practical steps and trust in God. Their core message: You’re not alone, you’re capable, and authentic, relational fundraising can transform both your nonprofit and your own leadership.