PODCAST · education
Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast
by Brad Layland, CEO of The Focus Group
Taking Donors Seriously® is a time-tested, sustainable framework for relational fundraising. Hundreds of nonprofits and schools have used TDS over 30+ years to successfully raise the funds that are critical to their missions.Brad Layland, CEO of The FOCUS Group shares insight, stories, and tips on this podcast.
Episodes
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From Call Center to Classroom
In this episode, Craig Hefner, head of Covenant School in West Virginia, shares the journey of growing a classical Christian school, navigating space challenges, and the power of strategic fundraising. Discover how vision, surprises, and community support transform educational missions. Book...
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The Power of a Father's Presence
In this episode, Dr. Garth Japhet, CEO of Heartlines in South Africa, shares his journey from creating a popular TV show to leading a movement addressing fatherlessness. Discover how media, storytelling, and community programs are transforming society by emphasizing the importance of positive…
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Believing Jesus When He Said, "I Will Build My Church"
Brad Layland sits down with his longtime friend and pastor for a deeply personal, surprisingly practical conversation about succession, spiritual reproduction, and what happens when a church stops waiting for the future and starts preparing for it now. Dave Aucremann, Lead Pastor of Good News...
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The Founder Who Sat Next to Steve Jobs
In this episode, Jamie Radtke, CEO of ExploreGod, shares insights into how digital evangelism is transforming global outreach. She shares staggering statistics including the over 3 billion gospel presentations since 2004 and a million daily shares. Discover how strategic vision, innovative...
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How Women Are Changing Philanthropy
In this episode, Julie Wilson, president of Women Doing Well, shares insights on empowering women financially and philanthropically amidst a significant wealth transfer. Discover how data-driven strategies and community connections can transform women's confidence and generosity. Women doing well...
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From Tracts to Cold Brew (Aaron Abramson with Jews for Jesus)
In this episode, Aaron Abramson shares his inspiring journey from exploring his Jewish roots to becoming the CEO of Jews for Jesus. Discover how strategic pivots, relationship-building, and innovative outreach methods are transforming the organization and reaching Jewish communities worldwide....
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From One Prayer to a Thriving Community
In this interview, Lisa Franklin shares the remarkable journey of founding Alpha-Omega Miracle Home, a faith-driven ministry transforming lives through housing and support for single/expectant mothers, their children, and senior women. Discover how faith, strategic planning, and community support...
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Beyond the Transaction: Taking Every Donor Seriously
In this conversation, Brad Layland interviews Steve Woodworth, the founder and executive chairman of Masterworks, a marketing agency focused on serving Christian nonprofits. Steve shares his journey from aspiring missionary to leading a successful organization that emphasizes innovative…
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The Secret to Record Enrollment
In this interview, Dr. Mark Yarbrough, president of Dallas Theological Seminary, shares insights into the seminary's mission, growth strategies, and the importance of mission-driven education. Discover how DTS is expanding its global impact through innovative methods and unwavering faith.…
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Enough: Leadership, Contentment, and the Stewardship Journey
In this interview, Brad interviews Dr. Scott Rodin, Chief Culture Officer of The FOCUS Group, to discuss the transformative power of contentment and stewardship in leadership. Scott shares insights from his new book 'Enough,' emphasizing the importance of gratitude, shifting from ownership to...
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Known by Name: The Life-Changing Ministry of Young Life Canada
In this interview, David Thakkar shares his journey which took him from Kenya to Canada as a young man and eventually to his current role as President of Young Life Canada. We delve into the organization's history, its impactful ministry, and the power of faith and community in youth development....
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From Desert to City Center: Trinity Church Aberdeen
Summary In this conversation, Brad Layland and David Gibson discuss the journey of Trinity Church in Aberdeen, Scotland, from its formation to its current status. They explore the challenges faced in fundraising, the importance of building trust within the community, and the transformative...
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The Power of Pro Abundant Life Ministry
In this inspiring interview, Roland Warren shares his personal journey and the transformative vision of Care Net, emphasizing the importance of a Pro Abundant Life perspective that integrates faith, family, and discipleship in addressing unplanned pregnancies. Care Net is a Pro Abundant Life...
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Anti-Trafficking Work in Indonesia
In this episode of the Taking Donors Seriously podcast, Brad Layland interviews Mike Mercer, founder of Compassion First, a Christian relief and development organization focused on anti-trafficking work in Indonesia. They discuss the complexities of trafficking in Indonesia, the impact of...
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Inventivity: The Legacy of Gatorade and the Cade Museum
In this engaging podcast episode, Brad Layland interviews Phoebe Miles, the founder and board chair of the Cade Museum, which honors her father's legacy as the inventor of Gatorade. Phoebe shares the inspiring story of how the Cade Museum was established in Gainesville, Florida, and its mission…
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Empowering Evangelism: Wheaton College Billy Graham Center
In this conversation, Brad Layland interviews Andy Cook, the executive director of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center. They discuss the center's mission to equip believers for evangelism, the challenges churches face in growing their congregations, and the importance of building a culture of...
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Year-End Appeals: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
In this episode, Brad Layland is joined by Jamie Sellers in his annual Year End Appeals episode. In this episode, he evaluates the year-end appeals he received last year. We learn about the good, the bad, and the ugly of this facet of fund raising as well as some thoughts about target audience…
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The Superpower of Starting Something Good — From the UK to the Kingdom
In this conversation, Brad and Patrick McDonald discuss the founding and mission of OpenWell, an organization dedicated to supporting mission entrepreneurs. Patrick shares his journey from founding Viva, an organization that helps children in Latin America, to creating OpenWell, which focuses on...
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Before You Quit
In this conversation, Brad and Doug Gehman, President of Globe International, discuss Doug's extensive experience with Globe, a mission sending agency, and the importance of member care for missionaries. They share personal stories of collaboration, the impact of training on fundraising, and…
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153 Years of Hope: Fighting Homelessness in NYC
In this episode Brad Layland interviews James Winans, CEO of the Bowery Mission, discussing his journey from intern to CEO, the mission's response to homelessness in New York City, and the challenges faced during the pandemic. They explore the importance of community, the role of faith in...
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Leading a College On Top of a Hill
In this conversation, Brad Voyles, the president of Covenant College, shares his journey to leadership, the distinctives of the college, and the importance of community and student experience. He discusses the challenges and opportunities that come with growth, particularly in light of the recent...
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Answering Hudson Taylor's Challenge
In this episode of the Taking Donors Seriously podcast, Brad Layland interviews Justin Burkholder, the International Director of Team, a mission-sending organization with a rich history of over 135 years. They discuss the legacy of Team, the challenges of funding and measuring impact, and…
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A Podcast I Recorded Seventeen Years Ago
Have you ever wondered where our fundraising framework came from? In 2009, before Brad joined The FOCUS Group, he interviewed Bill Hautt, founder of The FOCUS Group. As you'll learn, Bill was a key thought leader in developing the Taking Donors Seriously (TDS) framework through his work with…
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How The FOCUS Group Opened an Office in Guatemala
In this episode, Brad interviews Daniel McCollum, CEO of Torrent Consulting and Torrent Impact Sourcing. They discuss Daniel's journey from a computer science graduate to a missionary in Russia, and then to Malawi, where he discovered the power of creating jobs as a form of ministry. Daniel…
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An Anchor in the Storm
In this conversation, Brad Layland interviews Katie Robertson, the founder of the Anchor Gathering, a women's outreach ministry aimed at encouraging women in their faith. Katie shares her personal journey, including the loss of her daughter, which inspired her to create a supportive community for...
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One Bite at a Time
In this episode, Brad Layland interviews Keith Nix, the head of Veritas School (Richmond, VA), discussing the school's transformation from a young startup to a thriving educational institution. They explore the challenges and successes of fundraising campaigns, the importance of building...
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From a Basement to a Thriving Campus
What can God do with seven students, four families, and a church basement? A whole lot. Head of School Courtney Palumbo shares how Regent School of Charlottesville grew from a one-room start to a 280-student campus—with significant moments along the way, including a miraculous 20-acre land...
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Running at the Speed of Generosity
In this episode, Brad Layland interviews Steve Atkinson, CEO of The Bible Project, discussing the organization's mission to help people experience the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus. They explore Steve's journey from business to nonprofit leadership, the philosophy of generosity…
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Venturing Something Crazy for God
Russ Gregg joins us to share the transformative journey of founding Hope Academy, a classical Christian school in Minneapolis that serves children living in poverty. Russ shares his personal story of faith and commitment to education, detailing the challenges faced in starting the school and the...
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From the Margins to the Heart of Campus
Bryan Bademan didn't set out with a grand vision for Anselm House. When he joined the Christian study center at the University of Minnesota over 15 years ago, the ministry was struggling. It took five challenging years of dedicated effort just to achieve financial stability. However, as Bryan…
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Bringing Donors Into Your Story
In this conversation, Brad and Scott Brown discuss the mission and impact of Globe International, a unique mission-sending agency that empowers missionaries to pursue their individual callings. Scott shares his personal journey with Globe, the challenges faced in fundraising, and the…
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A Rowboat in the Ocean
In this conversation, Brad interviews Nick Stumbo and John Begeman from Pure Desire Ministries, discussing their mission to help individuals overcome sexual addiction and the importance of community in healing. They share personal stories of struggle and recovery, emphasizing the need for…
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A Blueprint for Kingdom Impact
In this episode, Brad sits down with John Hudson, the founder of 100 Fold Studio, a nonprofit international architecture firm based in Montana that serves both the spiritual and physical needs of communities worldwide. John shares how 100 Fold uniquely blends architecture with vocational...
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Radically Hospitable
Learning about Water Street Mission's decade-long transformation to become a place that physically demonstrates the love of Christ–especially to those experiencing homelessness–would be a great story. The bonus is that, in this podcast, you will also get to know Jack Crowley who has been serving...
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From the Rubble: Rebuilding a Stronger Culture
Join us as we explore the transformative journey of leadership with Nigel Pollock, President of InterVarsity Canada. Tasked with revitalizing a nearly century-old ministry, Nigel began his tenure facing a $6 million debt, only to encounter the added challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic soon after....
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Using Our Power to Stand Up to Injustice
Thomas Keown grew up in Northern Ireland during "The Troubles," a time of conflict that deeply formed him. Inspired by this experience, Thomas dedicated himself to serving others facing similar struggles and empowering them to create solutions within their own communities. In this episode, Thomas...
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The Year-End Appeal...It's Not Impawsible
In this episode, Brad, Dan, and Jamie from The FOCUS Group bring a mix of humor and expertise to tackle a crucial topic in nonprofit fundraising: year-end appeals. Fundraising can feel daunting—Who should you target? What's the best way to execute your strategy? How do you follow up effectively?...
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Send Someone Else!
Do you ever feel like God has called you to a big, challenging task? So did Rim Hinckley, founder and Head of School at The Geneva School of Manhattan. She started her career as a math teacher but soon found herself in NYC feeling the tug to respond to late pastor Tim Keller's question: "What…
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Stained Glass Windows
Service, Learning & People. Romanita calls these the "red threads" that have been woven into her life and work since she was little. Her current role as CEO of M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is simply the next step in her journey of living out these themes and following the quiet leading in her...
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Fitness, Faith and Fundraising
Andrew Smalley is UK-born, loves running and triathlons, and relishes the role he gets to play as head of school in St. Augustine, FL. Hear about Andrew's journey to his current leadership role and the joy he finds in furthering classical Christian education. The school is in the process of...
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All For Jesus
Reid Saunders is an evangelist who has led his organization for 27 years. During the past 15 years of Brad and Reid's friendship, RSA has grown 10x and has seen a million people make decisions to follow Jesus worldwide! Enjoy this inspiring and fun interview. Our prayer is that you are encouraged...
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Too Good To Be True?
When I first learned about Medical Ambassadors International, the scale of their ministry relative to their budget seemed so crazy that it was almost too good to be true. In this episode, we dive deep with Dr. Ravi Jayakaran, the current President, to explore this incredible Christ-centered,...
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Deep Voice and Depth of Character
Playing two truths and a lie with Trinidad-born Dr. Wintley Phipps would be tricky. It's hard to fathom the number of famous people whose paths he has crossed—whether singing for Mother Theresa or for one of six different U.S. Presidents, or at Diana Ross's wedding, or a divine appointment with a...
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Can "Seminary" and "Innovative" Go Together?
Dr. Felix Theonugraha, President of Western Theological Seminary shares how he sees fundraising as a way to minister to and care for his donor partners. As many seminaries are struggling, Western, instead is leaning into their distinctives such as focus on mental health and Hispanic ministry.…
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What I Learned at Taco Tuesday
Ray Keen exudes wisdom and compassion. He's a veteran CEO of The Canby Center, a wrap-around care ministry to youth and families in a small town in Oregon. Even as a growing organization–they are currently finishing up a $10 million campaign to expand their facilities and services– they seek to...
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Saying "Yes" To Kids
Chuck Hagele, CEO of Project Patch, is no stranger to darkness. The ministry he leads provides therapeutic residential programs for teens struggling with severe depression, anxiety and other acute challenges. Through fundraising, they strive to say "Yes" to kids needing treatment even if finances...
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The Most Significant Influencer in the World: Mom
Mandy Arioto wrote a book about fun. She loves to give unusual gifts. She's also the President and CEO of the organization that led 58,000 women to follow Christ last year. Through her leadership of MomCo (formerly MOPS), she has transformed from seeing fundraising as a "necessary evil" to...
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From Stockbroker to Apologist
In this special Juneteenth edition of the podcast, we interview Lisa Fields, a prominent apologist, speaker and founder of the Jude 3 Project. The Jude 3 Project exists to help equip the black Christian community to know what they believe and why they believe it. Lisa is also an expert on...
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Redeeming Education for Jesus
As God laid on his heart a desire to re-orient education to the focus of glorifying God, David Nees was drawn to classical education. He is now the Head of School at Heritage Classical Academy outside Cleveland, OH, and has led the school through a phenomenal season of growth in the last decade....
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Outbidding the Amish
Hear from Ty Fischer, a 27-year veteran Head of School at Veritas Academy in Lancaster, PA. He shares about the need for humility in asking for help with fundraising as well as the surprising diversity God has brought to his school via the refugee community. For a school nestled in Amish country,...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Taking Donors Seriously® is a time-tested, sustainable framework for relational fundraising. Hundreds of nonprofits and schools have used TDS over 30+ years to successfully raise the funds that are critical to their missions.Brad Layland, CEO of The FOCUS Group shares insight, stories, and tips on this podcast.
HOSTED BY
Brad Layland, CEO of The Focus Group
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast have?
Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast currently has 98 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast about?
Taking Donors Seriously® is a time-tested, sustainable framework for relational fundraising. Hundreds of nonprofits and schools have used TDS over 30+ years to successfully raise the funds that are critical to their missions.Brad Layland, CEO of The FOCUS Group shares insight, stories, and tips on...
How often does Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast release new episodes?
Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast has 98 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast?
You can listen to Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast?
Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast is created and hosted by Brad Layland, CEO of The Focus Group.
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