Episode Overview

Podcast: The Fundraising Masterminds Podcast
Episode: 116 – "6 Biggest Fears When Making an Appeal (and How to Overcome Them)"
Hosts: Jim Dempsey and Jason Galasinski
Date: February 18, 2026

This episode dives deeply into the six most common fears nonprofit leaders face when making fundraising appeals—and practical strategies and mindset shifts for overcoming them. Drawing from decades of experience and thousands of fundraising appeals, Jim and Jason blend real stories, scriptural encouragement, and tactical advice to empower nonprofit leaders to confidently and effectively ask for support.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction: The Problem with Asking (01:44)

• Many nonprofit leaders are comfortable with vision-casting and program-building but feel uncomfortable or fearful about directly asking for donations.
• Quote: "A lot of people just have fears about making an appeal." – Jason (02:12)

The Six Biggest Fears When Making an Appeal (03:34)

1. Fear of Awkwardness
2. Fear of Overstepping Boundaries
3. Fear of Inadequacy
4. Fear of Exposure
5. Fear of Losing Control
6. Fear of the Unknown

Each fear is explored in depth, with personal anecdotes, related scripture, and actionable mindset shifts.

1. Fear of Awkwardness (04:00 – 07:53)

Rooted Mindset:

• "This is going to make things a little weird."
• Fear that asking for money will strain or harm friendships and existing relationships.

Anecdote:

• Jim shares a story about how his own nervousness led him to make a weak, last-minute ask to friends after dinner. The resulting awkwardness caused him to lose both support and relationship.
  Quote: "I had the fear of awkwardness the whole evening...maybe I didn't do that right." – Jim (06:08)

Overcoming the Fear:

• Use scriptural encouragement:
  • 2 Timothy 1:7: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear..."
  • Philippians 4:6: "Do not be anxious about anything..."
• Mindset Shift: See the ask as an act of loving invitation, not as begging.
• Present the fundraising opportunity as an invitation to partner, not a desperate plea.
  • Quote: "You move from beggar to ambassador." – Jim (07:50)

2. Fear of Overstepping Boundaries (07:53 – 10:17)

Rooted Mindset:

• "Is it okay to ask people for a $50,000 check? Am I asking too much?"

Anecdote:

• Jim describes a dinner where he hesitated to ask for $50,000, so he only asked for $25,000. The donor gave $25,000 and later told him they would have given the higher amount if it was on the card.
  • Quote: "If I would have put the 50, I would have gotten 50 from them. But I didn't have enough faith, and I only asked for 25, and he gave me what I asked for." – Jim (09:37)

Overcoming the Fear:

• Scriptural encouragement:
  • James 4:2: "You have not because you ask not."
  • 2 Corinthians 9:7: "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart..."
• Mindset Shift: Offering the opportunity is not coercion; you're not forcing anyone, just giving them a chance to invest.
  • Quote: "This isn't arm twisting. It's not coercion. It's just offering an invitation." – Jim (10:17)

3. Fear of Inadequacy (10:21 – 13:41)

Rooted Mindset:

• "I don't like asking, I don't know what to say, and I'm probably not good at it."

Anecdote:

• Reference to leaders who feel unqualified, and a story of a South African director who felt nervous but found her words when the time came.
  • Quote: "She just had the Holy Spirit really just gave her the words and helped her through it." – Jason (12:49)

Overcoming the Fear:

• Scriptural encouragement:
  • Exodus 4:10–12: God gives Moses the words to say.
  • Luke 12:12: "The Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."
• Mindset Shift: God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called. Your job is obedience and trust.
  • Quote: "God doesn't call the equipped. He equips the called." – Jason (12:05)

4. Fear of Exposure (13:41 – 15:59)

Rooted Mindset:

• "If I ask, people will see how desperate we are, and our shortcomings will be exposed."

Insight:

• Being transparent feels risky; leaders worry that sharing needs will look like poor management or failure.

Overcoming the Fear:

• Scriptural encouragement:
  • 2 Corinthians 12:9: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
  • Psalm 34:5: "Those who look to the Lord are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed."
• Mindset Shift: Honesty about needs invites others to be part of the solution. God’s strength is revealed in our honesty and weakness.
  • Quote: "It's not bad to share those bumpy times with people and say, we invite you to be part of the solution." – Jim (14:44)

5. Fear of Losing Control (15:59 – 18:40)

Rooted Mindset:

• "Once I ask, I can't control how they'll respond."

Insight:

• Leaders may try to over-explain or apologize after the ask, hampering effectiveness.
  • Quote: "There's a point in the appeal, especially when you're face to face, when it's time for you to just shut your mouth, just keep things quiet and let the Holy Spirit work." – Jim (16:14)

Overcoming the Fear:

• Scriptural encouragement:
  • Proverbs 3:5–6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding..."
  • Galatians 1:10: "Am I now seeking the approval of men or of God?"
• Mindset Shift: You’re responsible for the invitation, not the response. Leave outcomes to God.
  • Quote: "Obedience belongs to you, outcomes belong to God." – Jim (18:15)

6. Fear of the Unknown (18:40 – 22:15)

Rooted Mindset:

• "What if nobody gives? What if it doesn't work?"

Insight:

• Uncertainty drives many organizations to favor ticketed events or sponsorships for a sense of control.

Overcoming the Fear:

• Scriptural encouragement:
  • Hebrews 11:8: "By faith Abraham obeyed..."
  • Isaiah 41:10: "Fear not, for I am with you..."
  • Matthew 28:20: "...I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
• Mindset Shift: God doesn't promise ease, but He promises presence. The faith model requires trust and obedience, not certainty.
  • Quote: "He didn't save them from the fire, but he was with them in the fire." – Jason (22:15)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "You move from beggar to ambassador." – Jim (07:50)
• "If I would have put the 50, I would have gotten 50 from them." – Jim (09:37)
• "God doesn't call the equipped. He equips the called." – Jason (12:05)
• "Obedience belongs to you, outcomes belong to God." – Jim (18:15)
• "He didn't save them from the fire, but he was with them in the fire." – Jason (22:15)

Practical Takeaways

• Recognize that fear is common and natural among fundraisers, even for seasoned professionals.
• Reframe your ask as an opportunity and an invitation, not a burden or awkward plea.
• Rely on faith, preparation, and obedience; do your part and trust the outcome to a higher purpose.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction & Framing the Six Fears: 01:44–04:00
• Fear of Awkwardness: 04:00–07:53
• Fear of Overstepping Boundaries: 07:53–10:17
• Fear of Inadequacy: 10:21–13:41
• Fear of Exposure: 13:41–15:59
• Fear of Losing Control: 15:59–18:40
• Fear of the Unknown: 18:40–22:15
• Conclusion and Mindset Summary: 22:15–25:11

Tone & Style

The hosts blend personal anecdotes, gentle humor, and a coaching tone. Scripture and faith are woven seamlessly throughout, making the episode not just practical but also inspirational for faith-driven nonprofit leaders.

Summary

This episode delivers an honest, empowering exploration of the emotional and strategic hurdles faced by nonprofit leaders in fundraising. Listeners walk away with actionable strategies, encouragement rooted in faith, and the reminder that asking for support is less about money—and more about inviting others into meaningful impact.