Major Donor Meetings From The C-suite

What really happens when nonprofit CEOs step out of the boardroom and into one-on-one conversations with their donors? In this episode of the Fit Fundraising Podcast, Roy Jones sits down with Michelle Porter, CEO and Co-Founder of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, to unpack what she learned by personally meeting with key supporters—without a large fundraising staff or a formal major gifts department. Michelle shares how Souls Harbour grew from serving one meal to becoming a $17 million, multi-site mission, and how intentional, relational donor meetings from the C-suite transformed both donor engagement and internal culture. You'll hear practical insights on involving program staff in donor stewardship, shifting from fundraising to friend-raising, and discovering what truly motivates long-term supporters to give. If you're a nonprofit leader wondering whether major donor meetings are worth your time—or how to start without "doing it wrong"—this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and a proven path forward. In this episode, you'll learn: What surprised Michelle most when she began meeting donors one-on-one Why major donor programs don't have to start with professional fundraisers How involving staff and clients strengthens donor relationships The most common motivations donors shared—and how to listen for them Why CEOs play a critical role in major donor engagement