The Business Behind Fundraising

Hosted by Sherry Quam Taylor

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed LinkedIn Facebook YouTube

Episodes

Latest episode

Apr 2026

Language

About the show

Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors, with Sherry Quam Taylor.

Listen to episodes

53 recent

April 28, 2026Episode 235 min

Shifting Capital Donors to Annual Fund Donors : A Case Study w/ Kelly Hill at Heart of Missouri CASA

Kelly Hill is the leader of Heart of Missouri CASA. As an organization who advocates for abused and neglected children, the need to grow and serve more kids, and in deeper ways, has weighed on Kelly's heart her entire career. Kelly set out on a determined path, taking the organization from 3 to 13 staff members and growing their annual budget by 5x over 10 years! But, she knew they could grow even more! Sherry and Kelly discuss the steps that have allowed Heart of Missouri CASA to continue to grow again and through a relational fundraising approach. Kelly shares how a High-ROI funding model and mindset has benefited both her organization's Annual Fund and Capital Campaign. What You Will Hear: ✔️ Donors want to know your true need ✔️ Looking ahead to a multi-year funding approach is scary, but an important mindset shift ✔️ Fundraising is fun when you have a clearer idea of what your organization truly needs ✔️ Leveling up your LinkedIn can vastly grow your knowledge and support base ✔️ Raising to a higher number actually feels "easier" now! —————————————— Kelly Hill is the Executive Director of Heart of Missouri CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), where she has spent nearly a decade expanding the reach and impact of advocacy for children in foster care. Since taking the helm in 2016, she has grown the organization from a $220K operation serving 20% of children in need to a $1M+ program reaching 60% — placing Heart of Missouri CASA among the top programs in the state. The number of children served has nearly tripled, from 150 to almost 400 annually, and the volunteer corps has grown from 79 to nearly 200 active advocates. Kelly's leadership extends beyond the day-to-day. Over nine years, she has grown the team from 3 to 13, diversified the funding base, and built a culture recognized by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce as the 2024 Inaugural Nonprofit of the Year. She also successfully led a $4.7 million capital campaign — fully funded before construction began — with a new permanent home for the organization expected to open by the end of 2026. Kelly holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Missouri and a Bachelor of Social Work from Evangel University, where she was named Outstanding Student in the Field of Social Work. Her career spans child abuse prevention, child welfare, and family preservation. A 2021 COMO Magazine 20 Under 40 honoree, she has also served on the National CASA/GAL Urban Leadership Council and the Missouri CASA Board of Directors. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-hill-msw-84174348/ Website: https://www.homcasa.org/ ---- Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor. Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line. If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place! #nonprofits #podcast

February 24, 2026Episode 135 min

Fundraising When Following a Founder: A Case Laurie Quinn at The Stern Center for Language & Learning

Laurie Quinn strives to make learning better for all. Working with both teachers and students, the Stern Center for Language and Learning strives to stay at the forefront of innovation to be experts at applying knowledge learned in the classroom. As President, Laurie is following in the steps of a founder that had been with the organization for 38 years! Sherry and Laurie discuss the challenges and opportunities of leadership transitions in nonprofit organizations, the power of storytelling in fundraising, and the necessity of shifting fundraising culture to foster stronger donor relationships. What You Will Discover: ✔️ Storytelling is a powerful tool in fundraising. ✔️ Leadership transitions require humility and mindfulness. ✔️ Teaching is an identity that extends beyond traditional roles. ✔️ A growth mindset can transform organizational challenges into opportunities. —————————————— As President of the Stern Center for Language and Learning, a Vermont-based nonprofit with a 40+-year history, Laurie Quinn is a proud champion of helping every learner to succeed. She brings expertise in nonprofit strategy, educational leadership, and innovative programs, as well as dedication to supporting an accomplished team of experts. Dr. Quinn earned her Ph.D. in English Literature at the University of New Hampshire and her master's and undergraduate degrees at Boston College. Her professional background includes serving as a nonprofit program and grants officer, teaching as a member of the faculty at colleges and universities, and leading in higher education executive roles as a Provost/Senior Vice President. Prior to taking the helm the Stern Center, Laurie was Interim President at Champlain College. Her community commitments currently include serving on the Board of Directors of Generator. Dr. Quinn believes in the power of learning to shape every life and to strengthen our communities. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-quinn-06b84638a/ Website: https://sterncenter.org/ -------------------------- Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor. Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line. If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place! #nonprofits #podcast

November 18, 2025Episode 539 min

Learning to Lead Investment-Level Conversations: A Case Study with Melissa at Illinois Stewardship Alliance

As the Director of Development at the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, Melissa Frueh helps center the voices of farmers and workers in the food system to champion impactful changes and create a system that works for and feeds everyone. This crucial community work requires consistent funding, and consistent funding requires belief in your cause from your donors. With a sales background in hand, Melissa has gotten seriously good at helping donors take the leap to greater investment opportunities. Sherry and Melissa discuss the skills that translate from sales to the nonprofit world, building confidence as a first time director of development, and the strategies that help make investment-level conversations with donors easier. What You Will Discover: ✔️ All work is development work if your organization's mission is clearly defined ✔️ Unlocking new ways of communicating your goals can make the challenge of seeking membership funding less daunting ✔️ Understanding the perspectives of your donors helps you meet them where they are at ✔️ Painting a clear and focused picture of your needs to a donor can go farther than any ask could achieve —————————————— Melissa Frueh is the Development Director for the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, a statewide grassroots organizing organization that is building a stronger local food and farm system. She lives in Chicago where she enjoys all that the city has to offer, and ventures into the northern great lakes region to relax. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-frueh-20636a113/ Website: https://ilstewards.org/ -------------------------- Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor. Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line. If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place! #nonprofits #podcast

August 26, 2025Episode 430 min

Next-Leveling a High-Performing Development Team: A Case Study with Drew Moran at Nourishing Hope

Drew Moran knows the importance of culture in an organization, and to understand that culture requires an understanding of your mission. Through 12 years of growth at Nourishing Hope, Drew has gotten hands on every aspect. Now, as the Chief Development Officer, his vast insight allows Nourishing Hope to operate as more than just a food pantry, providing additional mental health and social services that address the needs of the whole individual to offer a generous and friendly helping hand. Sherry and Drew discuss his journey to the Chief Development Officer role, his emphasis on developing a culture of joy and abundance, and the innovative ideas that have allowed Nourishing Hope to thrive in times of great need. What You Will Discover: ✔️ Donors and beneficiaries latch on to the culture of your organization ✔️ Joy within your team permeates throughout the entire organization, from your volunteers, to your donors, and ultimately to the individuals you serve ✔️ A solid foundation is needed for your organization to pull back and examine the macro ✔️ Putting clear intention behind your gala elevates it from just an event to a transformational experience for donors —————————————— Drew Moran currently serves as Nourishing Hope's chief development officer where he is dedicated to building transformational relationships with philanthropic organizations to support Nourishing Hope's many strategic initiatives. Before assuming this role, Drew served as the director of institutional partnerships. Prior to that role, Drew served on the leadership team as its director of innovation and strategic initiatives. He is also deeply invested in his local community, serving as a director of the East Lake View Neighbors Association. Drew's commitment extends beyond just organizational partnerships. He shares Nourishing Hope's passion for mental wellness. As a Licensed Professional Counselor with a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Roosevelt University, he was the first clinician to provide therapeutic services to Lakeview Pantry clients in 2017. Drew also has a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Eastern Illinois University. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewjmoran/ Website: http://nourishinghopechi.org -------------------------- Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor. Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line. If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place! #nonprofits #podcast

May 27, 2025Episode 329 min

The Slow & Steady Path to Large Gifts: A Case Study with Lauren M. Scott at Foundation for Fresh Produce

Lauren M. Scott is working on growing a healthier world to help change the trajectory of human health. Such a task might seem daunting, but the President of the Foundation for Fresh Produce has used her prior experience in crucial ways to help bridge the gap between sharing their big vision and providing tangible results. The process has not always moved at a rapid pace, but Lauren's patience is paying off in a big way for her organization. Sherry and Lauren discuss the importance of clear and effective communication - not just with your donors, but throughout the entire organization. There are a lot of moving parts that go into any mission, and taking the time to define and understand what they are can save you from headaches later on. What You Will Discover: ✔️ You are not desperate. Fundraising with a sense or urgency can create a scarcity mindset ✔️ Your community wants to be more informed to increase knowledge - make it easier for them! ✔️ Marketing should be integrated early in the fundraising process. ✔️ Your Case for Support sheet can take conversations to places you never would have imagined —————————————— Lauren M. Scott is the President of The Foundation for Fresh Produce, an organization founded by the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), the largest and most diverse global association serving the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain. The foundation's vision and mission are to grow a healthier world by changing the trajectory of human health. Lauren previously held various marketing, strategy and leadership roles at PepsiCo, Colgate-Palmolive, and Diageo. She earned a BS in Marketing from Rutgers University, an MBA from the University of Maryland, an MS in Strategic Communication from Columbia University, and is a Certified Association Executive (CAE). Lauren proudly serves as the board chair of Food for Climate League and is passionate about combating food insecurities and perpetuating arts and culture. She loves spending time with her husband and son, affectionately known as The Allens. Her personal motto is to learn and laugh every day. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamlaurenmscott/ Website: https://www.freshproduce.com/foundation/ -------------------------- Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor. Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line. If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place! #nonprofits #podcast

March 25, 2025Episode 228 min

Diversifying Your Human Service Org's Revenue: A Case Study with Carina Santa Maria at Shelter, Inc.

Carina Santa Maria is a first time ED making veteran moves at her organization. At Shelter Inc., Carina helps youth experiencing homelessness find emergency shelter, transitional housing, and clinical care, filling a crucial need for a vulnerable population within her community. Such a need requires great funding, and when Carina stepped into the role, things weren't where they needed to be. Fast forward to today - Shelter Inc. has seen their revenue grow nearly 5x thanks to changes in strategy implemented by Carina. Sherry and Carina discuss the growth and challenges faced by Shelter Inc., the journey of scaling the organization,and how their relationship with donors impacted the transition to their new funding model. The two explore the need for diversification in funding, the impact of innovative ideas, and the significance of infrastructure in nonprofit operations. What You Will Discover: ✔️ Infrastructure needs are often overlooked but essential for operations. ✔️ The ask doesn't have to be awkward. By staying open and consistent, your funders won't be caught off guard when you make the big ask, and even might be more proactive that you anticipate. ✔️ New initiatives can appear nice and shiny for donors, but communicating the importance of overhead funding is crucial. ✔️ An engaged team is vital for implementing change throughout your organization. —————————————— Carina H. Santa Maria, MSW, LCSW, was appointed Executive Director and member of the Board of Directors of Shelter, Inc, in June 2018. She was previously Director of Field Education with Dominican University's School of Social Work where she managed and coordinated internship experiences for master level social work students while maintaining relations with community organizations to address the needs of clients needing social work intervention. While at Dominican, she also served as an adjunct instructor, teaching various graduate level social work classes, including a graduate level human trafficking course. Prior to her work at Dominican University, she was a Community Youth Counselor for Memorial Health Care Systems and partnered with the Broward Sheriff's Office and their Juvenile Diversion program. She has also served as the Vice President of Education and Outreach at the Broward Human Trafficking Coalition, and as a residential counselor at Youth Villages in Memphis, TN. In addition, Carina has volunteered with Kristi House – Project GOLD and served as the Education Director for Traffick Free, a volunteer driver organization in the Chicago area that combats human trafficking. Carina is also a founding member of a local Arlington Heights community group called Voices of Community, Acceptance, and Love (VOCAL), whose mission is to bridge differences to create a supportive, connected community that celebrates diversity and practices tolerance and acceptance. She was recently awarded the NASW Illinois Chapter's Emerging Young Leader Award as well as Delta Zeta National Sorority's 35 women under 35. She graduated with her bachelor's degree in psychology and criminology from the University of Tampa in 2007. In 2011, she received her master's degree in social work from Dominican University. She resides in Arlington Heights, IL with her husband and two sons. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cnhomann/ Website: https://www.shelter-inc.org/ -------------------------- Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor. Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line. If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place! #nonprofits #podcast

January 28, 2025Episode 145 min

Pressing Pause on Your Gala: A Case Study with Janelle Miller Moravek at Youth & Family Counseling

Janelle Miller Moravek describes herself as an "accidental" nonprofit employee, but when you see the thought and care she puts into her organization, the results are no accident at all! As the Executive Director at Youth & Family Counseling, Janelle works on providing and educating her community on affordable mental health care. She has done a bit of everything at the organization, and that experience has proven useful for understanding the needs of her team during a time of change and growth. Janelle and Sherry discuss the bold act of cutting her organization's gala out of the budget and how redirecting the resources spent on that event opened up new opportunities to spread their message to the community. What You Will Discover: ✔️ Trust and flexibility are crucial within a team when navigating change. ✔️ Being visible on platforms like LinkedIn can attract funders and like-minded individuals. ✔️ Fundraising and systems-level work require ongoing learning, growth, and patience. ✔️ Authenticity and inclusivity are key in building relationships and engaging with donors. —————————————— Janelle Miller Moravek has served as Youth & Family Counseling's Executive Director since 2009, when she was promoted from her previous position as Development Director. She holds a BA in French Studies from Wesleyan University in Connecticut. Janelle's vision, leadership, and passion for improving access to mental healthcare have steered YFC's steady growth over her 14-year tenure. Janelle is a champion for YFC's mission of opening doors to mental healthcare so people can cope, heal, and thrive. In service of this mission, she is responsible for overseeing programming, administration, and strategic plan implementation, as well as representing the organization to community partners and other stakeholders. In addition to her Executive Director role at YFC, Janelle is engaged with the Lake County human services community. She served as Co-Chair of the Lake County Behavioral Health Action Team (2016-2018), and currently serves on the board of the Lake County Alliance for Human Services and the Co-Chair Lake County Behavioral Health Action Team. Janelle lives in Libertyville with her husband and three children. Prior to joining YFC in 2000, Janelle served as Director of Development for Carmel Catholic High School, and Director of Annual Fund at Barat College. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janelle-miller-moravek-903a815b/ Website: https://counselingforall.org/ -------------------------- Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor. Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line. If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place! #nonprofits #podcast

November 19, 2024Episode 1050 min

Cultivating & Captivating Next Gen Board Members with Julia Patrick of American Nonprofit Academy

Julia Patrick exemplifies that it's never too late in your career to make an impact on the world around you. After a career in media covering social, political, and cultural issues in Arizona, Julia pivoted and dedicated her life to helping the nonprofit sector through the American Nonprofit Academy. As the CEO and Founder, as well as being the co-host of The Nonprofit Show, Julia allows nonprofit professionals to engage in discussions on problem-solving, innovation, and change within the sector. Sherry and Julia discuss how growing up in Arizona influenced her passion for nonprofit work. Julia dives deep into how board members can set up their organization for future success by empowering the next generation of leaders. What You Will Discover: ✔️ Your processes are key to attracting and retaining younger talent. What's going to happen to your organization after you leave it? If there is not a structure in place, your ideal candidates may not be comfortable stepping in to lead. ✔️ Be strategic with your approach to board recruitment, seeking individuals with diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. Your board member's tool kits are vital to sustaining success within the community you serve! ✔️ Next-gen board members are focused on impact and finding solutions, rather than simply giving money. Foster an environment that promotes this thinking! —————————————— Julia C. Patrick is the CEO and Founder of the American Nonprofit Academy and serves as the co-host of The Nonprofit Show, the only daily live program dedicated to the nonprofit sector. This platform allows nonprofit professionals to engage in discussions on problem-solving, innovation, and change within the sector. Julia is the author of Building Board Champions: Activating Impactful Nonprofit Board Members. In addition to her roles in media and nonprofit education, Julia has an extensive background in media management and production as the CEO and President of Patrick Media Group, based in Phoenix, Arizona. With over 34 years of experience, she has significantly impacted the media landscape in Arizona and beyond. She studied Economics at Claremont McKenna College, further grounding her expertise in strategic planning and economic analysis, which she applies to her entrepreneurial and philanthropic endeavors. Julia's leadership continues to inspire and shape the nonprofit community, especially through her innovative approach to nonprofit education and philanthropic leadership. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-c-patrick-b74b3b28/ Website: https://americannonprofitacademy.com/ Book: https://a.co/d/jljTUk9 —————————————— Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor. Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line. If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place! #nonprofits #podcast

October 22, 2024Episode 945 min

Fall Funder Series: A Discussion with Aba Taylor Brookline Community Foundation

On the final episode of this year's Fall Funder Series, Sherry Quam Taylor speaks with Aba Taylor of the Brookline Community Foundation. Located in the immediate suburbs of Boston, BCF partners with nearly 50 organizations, seeking to improve the financial equity and economic growth of vulnerable populations in their area. As Executive Director, Aba not only cultivates relationships with organizations seeking their assistance, but also fundraises on her own, helping secure the money from private donors that will then flow to community partners that align with BCF's values. The importance of relationship building continues to be a theme throughout this series, but Aba dives deeper into the unique challenge of positioning a foundation within their communities nonprofit environment. Foundations have to seek funding on their own, so they are also doing the groundwork that nonprofit organizations. Because of this, foundations often understand the work that goes into securing funds, and they want to help those that they see making the greatest impact from that work, regardless of their size or reputation. What You Will Discover ✔️ Funders come in all shapes and sizes. Take the time to figure out what kind of organizations a foundation generally funds. Rather than shooting in the dark with someone you hope may notice you, find a foundation that works with organizations similar to your own. ✔️ Funders have a unique challenge on their hands: they sometimes are competing for the same resources as the organizations they intend to fund. Understanding your fundraising environment can help leverage these relationships to their greatest extent. ✔️ "Lead by listening." Whether you're an established organization or one just getting off the ground, funders will hear about you if there is motivation and action behind your cause. —————————————— Aba Taylor has spent the last two decades engaged in social justice as an educator, facilitator, organizer, consultant, and nonprofit executive. From working internationally at the United Nations to conducting civil rights trainings all over the United States, to leading high impact social justice organizations and efforts, Aba has committed herself to supporting the capacity and leadership of nonprofit, educational and philanthropic organizations dedicated to social transformation. Prior to joining BCF, Aba held multiple senior leadership roles at the Interaction Institute for Social Change (IISC). Prior to that Aba was the Executive Director of the Network for Social Justice, and before that the Deputy Executive Director of the Astraea Foundation for Justice. Aba has sat on numerous boards and is currently the Board President of the Neighborhood Schools Inc. where her daughter attends school. Aba holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia University and a Master of Arts degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the School of International Training. She is a Rockwood Leadership Institute alumnus and a certified trainer with Quabbin Mediation. Passionate about arts, culture, and creative expression Aba is a closeted writer and a very out sci-fi nerd. For Aba, liberatory parenting as well as spiritual and healing practices are her North Star. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abataylor/ Website: https://www.brooklinecommunity.org —————————————— Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor. Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line. If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place! #nonprofits #podcast

September 24, 2024Episode 833 min

Fall Funder Series: A Discussion with John Tracey, Program Director of the Simons Foundation

In the next edition of the Fall Funder Series, John Tracey of the Simons Foundation joins the show. As the Program Director managing the Science Sandbox, an incubatory portfolio focused on funding science communication practitioners, John helps organizations emphasize the importance of science in our everyday lives, helping build trust in modern practices and expanding access into new communities. Sherry and John dive into how organizations can get their foot in the door with larger funding operations. Spoiler alert: it's not as hard or scary as you may think! Similar to working with the common donor, building an organic, mutualistic relationship can open the door to a world of opportunities. What You Will Discover: ✔️ Don't be afraid to reach out. Ever heard the phrase "it doesn't hurt to ask?" Take that mentality into your search for funding. Funders are looking for motivated organizations who are proud of the work their mission is accomplishing. ✔️ The power is in the programs. Having programs that are both well-organized and proven successful is key when attracting larger funders. ✔️ Things aren't always going to be running exactly as planned. Transparency and honesty in conversations about challenges and reallocation of funds can lead to better outcomes and stronger relationships. —————————————— John Tracey joined the Simons Foundation in 2014 as part of a team to improve public engagement with science. As program director, Tracey works with the vice president of Science, Society & Culture to develop and execute funding strategy. He leads the division's external communications and storytelling, including content development for the website, external media strategy, visual storytelling and more. Prior to joining the foundation, he worked at the American Association for Cancer Research, specifically on the Stand Up to Cancer initiative, where he managed grantee statistics and statistics reporting, and edited and produced website content. He holds a bachelor's in English literature from the College of New Jersey. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-tracey-476b88213/ Website: https://www.simonsfoundation.org/ —————————————— Welcome to the Business Behind Fundraising podcast, where you'll discover how to raise the kind of money your big vision requires without adding more events, appeals, or grant applications. Learn how to stop blocking overall revenue growth and start attracting investment-level donors with Sherry Quam Taylor. Sherry Quam Taylor's unique approach and success combine her background of scaling businesses with her decade-long experience advising nonprofit leadership teams. With out-of-the-box principles and a myth-busting methodology, proven results, and an ability to see solutions to revenue problems that others overlook, her clients regularly add 7-figures of revenue to their bottom line. If you need a true partner to show you how to fully finance your entire mission, both programs, AND overhead, year after year… You're in the right place! #nonprofits #podcast