Fundraising Bright Spots

A podcast for fundraisers who want ideas, examples and inspiration to help you raise more money for your charity or non-profit. Rob is an author and award-winning fundraising trainer. Each week he and his guests share examples of successful fundraising, as well as lots of practical tips to help you apply these techniques in your own job.

Fundraising Bright Spots is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 199 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Unknown Host hosts Fundraising Bright Spots, a business show with 199 episodes published.

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  Fundraising Bright Spots

  Numbers That Move, with Karla Starr

  Sep 17, 202631 min

  Charities rely on numbers to communicate impact. Yet year after year, supporters nod politely when you quote your statistics - without really understanding or feeling the profound meaning behind them. How can you translate your numbers so donors connect emotionally and feel moved to give? Rob was thrilled to talk to Karla Starr, co-author of the brilliant Making Numbers Count , to share techniques for bringing your most important numbers to life. Whether you're writing grant proposals, donor reports, campaign appeals, or you sometimes pitch for funding, this episode gives ideas and examples to help you make your numbers sing.

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  Fundraising Bright Spots

  Say the Thing, with Paul McKenzie

  Sep 2, 202631 min

  Every fundraiser knows those conversations that get avoided. The donor meeting where the ask never gets made. The strategic mistake that goes ahead because we didn’t manage to speak up. Paul McKenzie from Giant Steps calls this 'being nice' as opposed to ‘being kind’. And he reckons it's costing you more than you think. In this refreshingly honest conversation, Paul unpacks why the bravest thing you can do is ask clearly, speak truly, and stop softening things because they feel awkward. He agrees it doesn’t always feel easy! And he shares things you can do to get yourself to speak up anyway, and the massive upside when you prioritise ‘kind’ over ‘nice’. We'd love to know what you think! And thank you for supporting our podcast, e.g. by sharing it with colleagues or on social media. We are both on LinkedIn.

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  Fundraising Bright Spots

  When Funders Say No: Shamime's Answer

  Aug 5, 202629 min

  Most fundraisers know the frustration of hearing a funder say no to something you believe in. After years of this, Shamime decided to stop asking funders to fit her vision into their boxes - and started building her own system instead. She created Bollyfit Active to solve a real problem: giving women a safe, culturally affirming space to enjoy exercise. But funding challenges tested her resolve. This episode captures the moment she shifted from grant dependency to earned income and found a better strategy. It's a lesson in trusting your vision, telling your story and adapting your approach until it works.

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  Fundraising Bright Spots

  Be Bold, Take Risks: Why It Pays Off in Fundraising, with Chris Murphy

  Jul 2, 202627 min

  Fundraising can feel safer when we stick to what's tried and tested, but is that quietly holding us back? In this episode, Chris Murphy, Director of Fundraising at Maggie's, shares five principles that have helped him grow results, including being willing to take risks. Chris and Rob discuss ways to make this easier to do, for yourself and others. And Chris gives examples of how this approach makes work more interesting and rewarding. If you've ever wondered whether playing it safe is costing you more than it's saving you, this one's worth a listen.

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  Fundraising Bright Spots

  You're Not the Only Imposter in the Room, with Lara Roche

  Jun 10, 202631 min

  Most fundraisers and leaders have experienced it – the feeling sometimes that you’re not quite good enough, or that it’s only a matter of time before someone finds you out. It’s uncomfortable, and it can quietly limit what you do and how boldly you do it. The good news? You’re in very good company. Coach and trainer Lara Roche shares why these feelings are far more widespread than we tend to assume. And she offers practical tools to help you reduce how often they arise – and find your way back to feeling confident.

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