Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach

Are you tired of feeling like your nonprofit’s survival is tied to a "Hunger Games" style lottery? In this episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, I dive deep into the hidden dangers of grant dependency and the burnout that comes from chasing every "restricted" dollar. We’re breaking down why Competition Fatigue is a choice and how you can reclaim your organization’s sovereignty. Learn how to shift from a scarcity mindset to a strategy of abundance, allowing you to stop twisting your mission to fit grant criteria and start building a sustainable, independent funding engine. It’s time to stop playing the game and start baking your own pie. Tune in and Huddle Up.

Are you communicating with your donors—or actually connecting with them? In a world where email, text, and social media make it easier than ever to reach people, many nonprofit leaders are unintentionally substituting messages for meaningful conversations. In this episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we explore why real, interpersonal connection—through phone calls, in-person meetings, or video conversations—is essential for building trust with major donors. You’ll learn how to use technology the right way: not as a replacement for connection, but as a bridge to deeper, more authentic relationships that lead to lasting support.

Have you ever wondered why a donor who once gave consistently suddenly disappears? It’s a frustrating and often confusing experience for nonprofit leaders. In this episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we unpack the real reasons donors stop giving—and it’s not always what you think. More often than not, it comes down to the relationship, not the dollars. I’ll walk you through the most common pitfalls that quietly erode donor trust and connection, and more importantly, how you can lead differently to keep your donors engaged, committed, and inspired to give. Register today for my LIVE free training: Big Mission Bigger Gifts scheduled for April 16th, 2026 at 12:00 pm ET

Why do so many nonprofit leaders hesitate when it’s time to ask for a meaningful gift—even when they believe deeply in their mission? In this episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we explore something most fundraising advice ignores: your personal relationship with money. The beliefs, experiences, and messages you’ve carried over time may be quietly shaping how you show up in donor conversations—often without you realizing it. If asking for larger gifts feels uncomfortable, intimidating, or even a little off, this episode will help you understand why—and how to move forward with greater clarity and confidence. Register today for my LIVE free training: Big Mission Bigger Gifts scheduled for April 16th, 2026 at 12:00 pm ET

If you’re leading a nonprofit, you likely feel the tension between a big, meaningful mission and the reality of inconsistent or limited funding. In this episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we explore why impactful work doesn’t automatically attract major gifts, the hidden assumptions that keep nonprofit leaders stuck, and why traditional fundraising approaches often feel uncomfortable or ineffective. More importantly, you’ll learn the mindset shift from transactional fundraising to relationship-based fundraising—and how building the right donor relationships can unlock the transformational support your mission truly needs. ***FREE TRAINING ALERT*** Register today for my LIVE free training: Big Mission Bigger Gifts  scheduled for April 16th, 2026 at 12:00 pm ET  

Many nonprofit leaders say the same thing when fundraising comes up: “I’m not a fundraiser.” And honestly, it makes sense. Most executive directors were hired because they believe deeply in the mission—not because they were trained to raise major gifts. But that belief can quietly hold you back from the very conversations that could transform your organization. In this episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we explore how identity shapes fundraising behavior—and how reframing your role can unlock the confidence to lead meaningful donor relationships.

What do you say when the conversation with a major donor turns toward a gift? For many nonprofit leaders—especially those without formal fundraising training—that moment can feel intimidating and awkward. In this episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, Mark shares practical, natural language you can use in real donor conversations. You’ll learn how to open the discussion, transition toward an ask, respond to hesitation, and close with clarity—without sounding pushy or salesy. If you’ve ever walked into a donor meeting hoping you’d find the right words, this episode will help you show up calm, confident, and ready to lead the conversation.

Is there a wealthy donor you’ve been meaning to reach out to… but haven’t? If so, you’re not alone — and you’re not lazy. In this episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we unpack the real reason so many nonprofit leaders procrastinate when it comes to high-capacity donors. It’s rarely about strategy. More often, it’s fear — fear of rejection, fear of feeling small, fear of getting it wrong. We’ll explore why wealthy donors can feel intimidating, how avoidance quietly undermines your confidence, and what it takes to shift from hesitation to steady, relational leadership.Tune in, and let’s huddle up!

Your board says, “We need you to raise $1 million in major gifts.” Now what? If you’re an executive director of a small to midsized nonprofit with no in-house fundraising support, that kind of goal can feel overwhelming fast. In this episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we break down exactly where to begin. You’ll learn how to shrink the big number into practical next steps, identify the right donors to focus on, and start building meaningful major gift relationships—without panic, pressure, or pretending to be someone you’re not. Tune in, and let’s huddle up!

What would it take for your nonprofit to receive a six-figure gift—and are you truly ready to ask for one? In this week’s episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we talk about the leap every nonprofit leader must make to move from smaller fundraising efforts into major, transformational giving. Securing six-figure gifts isn’t just about finding the right donor—it requires a shift in mindset, leadership, and clarity about the true scale of your mission. Join me as we explore the internal and practical changes necessary to confidently step into big-gift conversations and invite donors into deeper impact. Tune in, and let’s huddle up!

What would it take for your nonprofit to receive a six-figure gift—and are you truly ready to ask for one? In this week’s episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we talk about the leap every nonprofit leader must make to move from smaller fundraising efforts into major, transformational giving. Securing six-figure gifts isn’t just about finding the right donor—it requires a shift in mindset, leadership, and clarity about the true scale of your mission. Join me as we explore the internal and practical changes necessary to confidently step into big-gift conversations and invite donors into deeper impact. Tune in, and let’s huddle up!

Many nonprofit leaders quietly carry the same tension: “I’m not a fundraiser… so why does my job seem to depend on it?” In this episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we unpack why fundraising feels so uncomfortable for capable, mission-driven leaders—and why the problem isn’t a lack of skill, confidence, or commitment. You’ll hear a reframing that helps you see fundraising not as sales or pressure, but as an extension of leadership itself. If donor conversations feel heavy, awkward, or something you keep putting off, this episode will help you understand why—and point toward a more confident, relational way forward.

If your board feels hesitant—or invisible—when it comes to fundraising, the problem may not be motivation… it may be altitude. In this episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, I’m breaking down why boards stuck in the weeds of day-to-day operations are far less effective in fundraising—and how elevating them to 30,000 feet unlocks their most powerful role: opening doors to people with capacity. When board members focus on mission, vision, and strategy instead of operations, they gain the confidence to leverage their relationships—and that’s where major gifts begin. Tune in, and let’s huddle up!

As we come to the close of another year, I wanted to create space for something nonprofit leaders rarely give themselves time to do—pause. In this special year-end episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we talk about why it’s so important to take stock of where you’ve been before charging into what’s next. We celebrate the wins worth rejoicing over, reflect honestly on the mistakes that shaped us, and talk about the power of real rest. Most importantly, this episode is about hitting the reset button so you can step into 2026 clear-minded, re-energized, and ready to lead with confidence. Tune in, and let’s huddle up!

In this episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we explore what’s happening beneath the surface when nonprofit leaders freeze around major asks. Often, the fear isn’t about the donor or the size of the gift—it’s about our personal relationship with money, the memories we carry, and the beliefs we learned long before we ever became leaders. This conversation will help you understand where that fear comes from, how it shows up in your fundraising, and how to begin asking for big gifts with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Have you ever wondered if that popular fundraising mantra—“Ask for advice and you’ll get money”—is actually helping you, or quietly holding you back? In this week’s episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we dig into one of the most misunderstood lines in fundraising and unpack why it can mislead new nonprofit leaders, create false confidence, and derail authentic donor relationships. If you’ve ever questioned whether this advice is strategy or superstition, this episode is for you.

Have you ever wondered why some executive directors seem to consistently bring in major gifts while others feel like they’re always starting from scratch? In this week’s episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we’re digging into the real secret behind predictable major gift revenue: systems. Not complicated software or rigid scripts—but a simple, repeatable structure that keeps you focused, consistent, and confident even when your plate is overflowing. If you’ve ever felt guilty for not spending enough time on fundraising, or overwhelmed by all the moving pieces in donor relationships, this episode will show you why a system is your best friend—and the most important tool you can put in place to grow your mission. Tune in, and let’s huddle up!

As we head into the final stretch of the year, every nonprofit leader feels that familiar mix of urgency and opportunity. Year-end giving is when nearly 40% of annual donations come in — but here’s the secret most leaders miss: this season isn’t just about finishing strong. It’s your best chance to plant the seeds for sustainable major gift growth. In this week’s Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, I’ll unpack how to turn December generosity into year-round momentum — so you’re not just closing gifts, you’re opening lasting relationships. #majorgifts #relationshipfundraising #fundraising #nonprofitfunding #nonprofitleadership #nonprofit ***FREE RESOURCE ALERT!*** FREE GUIDE: 5 Habits of Executive Directors Who Land Big Gifts: bit.ly/4hFkOth Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlduncan/ To get this video podcast in your inbox, visit and subscribe here: https://www.thefundcoach.com/opt-in Need 1:1 Coaching? Click here to schedule a strategy session to discuss your fundraising needs: https://www.thefundcoach.com/discovery-call-booking-page Windfall - Wealth Analytics Report: https://analytics.windfall.com/partner/the-fund-coach Subscribe to the podcast on Apple -https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/huddle-up-with-mark-the-fund-coach/id1799766114 or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/03LPM7zjoDMLV0OGPJBxTO?si=c730fc5b97a04854 Bonus Resource: Windfall’s Kyle Curry discusses how to leverage segments in the Windfall application to enhance our Giving Tuesday and year-end fundraising efforts. He highlights the importance of reaching out to high net worth individuals who have previously donated on Giving Tuesday and in December, as they are likely to give again, especially for tax write-off purposes. He also emphasizes the value of re-engaging past donors, even those who contributed smaller amounts, to build relationships for larger gifts in the future. Additionally, He encourages you to utilize the matching gift information to maximize donations before the year ends. Please take action by prioritizing these segments and incorporating them into your outreach strategy. https://www.loom.com/share/6645d50c0c1248c6901f2ac4fdcbdb3c

In this week’s episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, I talk about how to get your volunteers — board members, committee members, and champions — off the sidelines and into the major gift game. Not every volunteer should be asking for money, but every volunteer can play a vital role in making it happen. We’ll break down who makes the best door openers, who’s ready to be a solicitor, and how to match people’s strengths with the right responsibilities. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s activity, momentum, and turning good intentions into real fundraising action. ***FREE RESOURCE ALERT!*** FREE GUIDE: 5 Habits of Executive Directors Who Land Big Gifts: bit.ly/4hFkOth To get this video podcast in your inbox, visit and subscribe here: https://www.thefundcoach.com/opt-in Need 1:1 Coaching? Click here to schedule a strategy session to discuss your fundraising needs: https://www.thefundcoach.com/discovery-call-booking-page Windfall - Wealth Analytics Report: https://analytics.windfall.com/partner/the-fund-coach

This week on Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we’re tackling one of the biggest blind spots in fundraising: assuming a donor’s past gifts tell the whole story. Too often, nonprofit leaders read giving history like a price tag — when in reality, those gifts were made without the benefit of a personal relationship. In this episode, I’ll show you why those numbers only scratch the surface of a donor’s potential, how trust and vision transform transactional givers into true partners, and how to use donor data as a launchpad for deeper connection.

In this episode of Huddle Up with Mark The Fund Coach, we’re tackling one of the biggest challenges nonprofit leaders face: finding time in a jam-packed schedule to focus on major gift fundraising. If you’re an executive director who feels pulled in a hundred directions — managing programs, staff, board requests, and daily crises — it can feel impossible to prioritize building relationships with the donors who can truly transform your mission. Today, I’m going to show you why making time for major gifts isn’t just a “nice to do” — it’s the work of leadership — and I’ll share practical strategies you can start using immediately to weave donor engagement into your daily routine.

Do you ever find yourself procrastinating — starting strong with a plan, then somehow losing steam? In this episode of Huddle Up, I explore why so many nonprofit leaders unintentionally sabotage their own consistency. From overthinking and perfectionism to the subtle pull of distractions, these patterns often reveal something deeper about your self-concept and money story. I share three practical ways to recognize the patterns, reconnect to meaning, and realign your identity so consistency stops being a struggle and starts becoming your natural state.

In this episode of Huddle Up, I unpack the power of legacy giving and why it’s essential to the long-term health of every nonprofit. Legacy gifts aren’t just about endowments or estate plans—they’re about ensuring your mission lives on for generations. Discover what legacy giving really is, why it matters more than ever, and how starting the conversation today can create lasting impact for your organization’s future.

In this episode of Huddle Up, I explores the psychology of wealthy donors and what truly drives their generosity. Beyond tax benefits and naming rights, high-net-worth individuals value impact, legacy, trust, and meaningful connection. Learn how to move past misconceptions, understand what they actually care about, and approach your donor relationships in a way that inspires transformational giving.#fundraising Get The Relationship Fundraising Method Master Course for $100 off until September 30th!

In this week's episode, I want to ask you a critical question: Is your organization surviving, maintaining, or truly thriving? Too many nonprofits are stuck in the cycle of just getting by or settling for the status quo. But thriving—that’s where growth, momentum, and real impact happen. This episode will help you recognize where your organization really stands and why it matters more than ever. Get The Relationship Fundraising Method Master Course for $100 off until September 30th!

In this episode of Huddle Up, I talk about the importance of not solely relying on transactional fundraising initiatives. Making the shift from transactional to transformational fundraising is what creates and sustains exponential philanthropic growth.

In this episode of Huddle Up, I share with you how you can use certain volunteers to increase your mission's visibility with an audience of high capacity prospects.

In this episode of Huddle Up, I share the difference between the direct and indirect ask why they are both a necessary part of your solicitation strategy.

What to do when you believe donors are "ghosting" you.

In this episode you'll learn that your current donors are your best donor and why.

In this episode I talk reveal some of the findings about the state of individual giving in the most recent Giving USA Annual Report.

In this episode I talk about the two fundraising love languages and how to determine which ones your donors speak.

S1 E15 In this episode I walk you through the first 5 things you must do so that you can start brining in those big gifts from wealthy individuals

In this episode of Huddle Up, I take a deep dive into the board contrarian - their pros and cons, and how to make them an asset.

In this episode of Huddle Up, I share with you how engaging in transactional fundraising can be a gateway to large gifts.

In this episode of Huddle Up, I talk the joy of giving, some of the neuroscience behind it, and why it should motivate you to boldly ask.

In this episode I talk about how having absolute clarity around your fundraising goals, priorities, audience, and plan is paramount to success.

In this episode of Huddle Up, I talk about how important having a solid major gift strategy is and some things you can implement today to secure those big gifts.

In this episode, I talk about the real reason why nonprofit leaders focus on grants and events to raise money.

In this episode of Huddle Up, I talk about the importance of the ask and I take on an expert who makes assumptions about what donors will and will not do.    

Just when you think a donor meeting is going well. Then, you get blindside with stalling questions. In this episode I tell you a story about how this happened to me and what I learned from it.

In this episode of Huddle Up, I talk about how to pivot from your reliance on federal funding to fierce fundraising!

As the executive director, what should you be doing during a fundraising event - or any event for that matter? Should you be immersed in the details to ensure everything is "perfect"? Should you be at the check-in table greeting guests? In this episode of Huddle Up, I share with you exactly what to do during an event and why.

In this episode of Huddle Up, I tell you what Relationship Fundraising is, why it works, and most importantly, why you should make it a priority.

So you've done your due dilligence and have identified the right prospects to pursue. But you're hesitant to reach out to secure that first visit, right? This week's Huddle Up episode gives you some helpful tips on how to secure that first visit with a major gift prospect.

In this week's Huddle Up episode, I talk about the importance of creating a comprehensive fundraising strategy and what you can do to overcome your discomfort of asking wealthy people for money.