47 Nonprofits, One Table, and Nobody Asks for Money - Eileen Denner - 09/04/2026

Eileen Denner, co-founder and chief servant officer of the Iowa Christian Generosity Council, sits down with Deacon Mark Campbell for her first appearance on the show. Eileen tells the origin story: a handful of Christian business leaders who spent two years praying about what God was calling them to do for their community, and who kept coming back to the nonprofits around them that declare Christ in their mission. What started as a few lunches has become a network of more than 47 Christ-centered nonprofits, plus individual members, meeting for quarterly luncheons and workshops on everything from donor relationships to AI.Eileen and Deacon Mark dig into what makes ICGC unusual: nobody asks for money at any ICGC event, ever. Eileen explains why she frames fundraising as a ministry of relationship rather than a transaction, and why generosity received as a calling — instead of a "have to" — opens a person up to being led where God actually wants them. Deacon Mark, speaking as a nonprofit leader himself, describes what the luncheons offer small staffs on tight budgets: rare space to collaborate, share best practices, and be spiritually nourished rather than pitched. And when people ask whether putting 47 nonprofits in one room breeds competition, Eileen's answer is simple — you can be competitive once all the needs are met.The conversation turns to Ignite Your Legacy, ICGC's signature annual gathering and a thank-you dinner for the mission partners and donors who support member ministries. This year's theme is Shine Your Light, and it moves to a larger venue to fit a growing crowd:Monday, September 14 at the Ron Pearson Center in West Des Moines4:00–5:45 p.m. — nonprofit fair and reception with charcuterie6:00–8:00 p.m. — dinner and programFeatured speaker: Chris McDaniel, author of Ignite Your Generosity and a national voice on biblical stewardship475 to 500 guests expected, volunteers from Saint Ambrose Cathedral serving, over a thousand candles, and a gift for every guestNo fundraising appeal of any kindIgnite Your Legacy is invitation only, but Iowa Catholic Radio has a listener table this year. The first five people to text ICGC to 515-223-1150 will each receive a pair of tickets.Learn more about the council and its membership at ICGC Iowa, see upcoming events at icgciowa.org/events, and read more from the speaker at Ignite Your Generosity.Heard on the Catholic Morning Show, weekdays at 7 a.m. Central on Iowa Catholic Radio. More at IowaCatholicRadio.com.#IgniteYourLegacy #BiblicalGenerosity #ChristianNonprofits #ICGC #Stewardship #DesMoines #CatholicPodcast #IowaCatholicRadio Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm. ENJOYING THE SHOW? Follow The Catholic Morning Show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode — and if this one was worth your time, please leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating. It takes ten seconds and it's the single best way to help more people find the show. 🎧 LISTEN LIVE Catch The Catholic Morning Show live, weekday mornings on Iowa Catholic Radio. Listen Live · Program Schedule · Our Stations LINKSYou can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok! More on our website.If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here! More from Iowa Catholic Radio:Sunday Dive with Katie PatrizioMan Up! with Joe StopulosCatholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie NelsonThe Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrBe Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce RiebeBe Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián MoncadaMaking it Personal with Bishop William JoensenFaith and Family Finance with Gregory WaddleThe Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos Liturgy & DevotionsThe Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick SmithThe Daily Mass from St. Francis of AssisiThe Daily Mass from St. Pius XThe Daily Mass from St. TheresaSunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint JohnWant to support your favorite show? Click Here Iowa Catholic Radio - Connecting People to Christ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.