Podcast Summary: The Fundraising Masterminds Podcast

Episode 99: Four Fears in Nonprofit Leadership and How to Overcome Them
Hosts: Jason Galasinski & Jim Dempsey
Date: August 20, 2025

Overview

This episode addresses four common fears faced by nonprofit leaders and provides practical, faith-based strategies to overcome them. Drawing on decades of experience with thousands of nonprofit organizations, hosts Jason and Jim blend personal stories, biblical insights, and leadership wisdom to help listeners cultivate resilience and courage in their leadership roles. The tone is supportive, honest, and faith-filled, aiming to equip nonprofit leaders—both new and seasoned—to move past internal obstacles and embrace their mission with renewed confidence.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Introduction & Mindset for Nonprofit Leaders

[00:10–04:44]

• The episode’s theme is about understanding the mindset challenges nonprofit leaders face—moving beyond practical tips and delving into inner fears that impede growth.
• Many leaders are “thrown into” positions due to opportunity or necessity, not always through intentional training or education.
• Emphasis on the importance of recognizing and renewing one’s mindset, especially through spiritual (biblical) grounding.
• “You kind of have to… There’s no, like course to learn how to be a executive director leader or learn how to fundraise. That’s kind of why we exist.” — Jason [01:59]

1. Fear of Personal Inadequacy

[05:07–07:40]

• Many leaders struggle with feeling like impostors—what Jim calls the “poser mindset.”
  • “Somewhere inside we’re saying we’re not good enough, we’re not worthy… I really can’t do this job. I’m over my head…” — Jim [05:14]
• Outward confidence often hides inner doubts.
• Scriptural encouragement: God chooses and equips leaders for their roles.
  • Jason shares Isaiah 43:1: “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you, I have called you by name. You are mine.” [07:01]
• Key Insight: Centering one’s identity in faith and God’s call provides the confidence to lead.

2. Fear of Rejection

[07:47–11:35]

• The fear of asking for support or making decisions due to the prospect of being turned down or criticized.
• Many leaders internalize rejection—thinking “they’re rejecting me, not just the idea.”
  • “They believe when someone says no to them… that they are saying no to them and not the program, project or effort.” — Jim [07:52]
• Perfectionism and people-pleasing make this fear especially paralyzing.
• Consequences: Avoidance of tough conversations, inconsistent leadership, stagnation, and hesitancy to innovate.
• Solution: Disassociate personal worth from professional interactions; root self-worth in one's identity in Christ.
  • “It really just boils down to… understanding who you are in Christ.” — Jason [10:41]
• Practical tip: Spend intentional time in prayer and reflection on one’s identity in faith.

3. Financial Fear

[11:48–15:16]

• Fear of not having enough funding or money “running out” leads to scarcity mindsets and risk aversion.
• Jim frames the solution as a faith issue: “The root of that is a lack of trust in God. And I know that sounds so strong… but God owns a cattle on a thousand hills. He’s going to provide for our needs.” [12:25]
• Faith is positioned as the antidote to fear—“faith is the opposite of fear.” [14:20]
• Caution against being paralyzed by financial uncertainty; reminds leaders that trusting God goes hand-in-hand with doing the work (making the “ask”).
• These fears are often interdependent: financial fear, fear of asking, and fear of rejection are intertwined.
  • “When you have a fear of finances… you got the fear of asking… you have a fear of rejection. So all these are intertwined, they’re all involved.” — Jim [14:34]
• Encouragement: If you operate from trust and conviction, you will have the confidence to act.

4. Fear of Comparison & Expectations

[18:22–22:36]

• Many conflicts and leadership insecurities stem from unhealthy comparisons and unclear expectations.
• Board pressures and external comparisons can erode self-confidence—leaders often feel inadequate when measured against “bigger” or more “successful” peers.
• Parental analogy: “Just be the person God created you to be… not being the best, but doing your best.” — Jim [19:16]
• The solution is to shift from a temporal to an eternal perspective:
  • “You’ll never reach the expectations of others… If you go down that pathway, it’s just a pathway to disaster. So you really need to have an eternal perspective, not the temporal standard that lives here.” — Jim [21:14]
• Jason shares the inspiration from the Stephen Curtis Chapman song “Last Day on Earth”—underscoring the importance of focusing on what truly matters and stewarding one’s limited time well.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Greater is he who is in you than is in the world.” — Jim [07:40]
• “Faith is the opposite of fear… In a way, every fear that we’re mentioning can be countered with some kind of act of faith.” — Jason [14:20]
• “Take a random sampling of some of those people… find out, listen, what are they interested in? Instead of us trying to force something down their throat…” — Jim [16:41]
• “You need to be working unto the Lord and for God’s approval, not other people’s approval. And that’s where comparison comes in.” — Jim [19:16]
• “If we stay connected to the vine… then I believe… we can overcome a lot of these things.” — Jason [24:16]
• “Faith overcomes fears.” — Both Hosts [22:59–23:01]

Important Segment Timestamps

• Mindset intro & why fears matter: [00:10–04:44]
• Fear 1: Personal inadequacy: [05:07–07:40]
• Fear 2: Rejection: [07:47–11:35]
• Fear 3: Finances/Scarcity: [11:48–15:16]
• Strategy for asking & example: [15:44–18:13]
• Fear 4: Comparison & expectations: [18:22–22:36]
• Encouragement to abide, faith as antidote: [22:47–24:16]

Host Takeaways & Closing Thoughts

• Fear is normal and universal, but can be overcome by faith and a healthy, faith-based perspective.
• Leadership growth is often about retraining the mind and habitually placing identity in Christ rather than in performance or peer approval.
• Leaders are encouraged to prioritize time alone in reflection and prayer, focusing on eternal rather than temporal goals.
• “Faith overcomes fears” is the recurring encouragement.

Practical Action Steps

• Regularly assess which fears may be influencing your leadership decisions.
• Spend time grounding your confidence in your faith and calling.
• Engage in open dialogue with stakeholders to align opportunities with donor interests.
• Shift away from unhealthy comparisons; define your own metrics of success rooted in your mission and values.
• Make rest, reflection, and prayer a rhythm in leadership practice for sustained personal and organizational health.

This episode is an inspiring and practical guide for nonprofit leaders wrestling with doubts, reminding them that faith, clarity about identity, and a willingness to grow are keys to overcoming fear and leading well.