Is Your Organization Ready to Raise More? The Truth About Fundraising Readiness

The Shared Brain Podcast

The Shared Brain Podcast
Is Your Organization Ready to Raise More? The Truth About Fundraising Readiness
Aug 10, 2026 Episode 15
Global Philanthropic Canada

Is Your Organization Ready to Raise More?

What does it really take to grow a nonprofit fundraising program?

In this episode of The Shared Brain Podcast, François Lanthier sits down with Adrienne Nolan, CFRE, Senior Consultant at Global Philanthropic Canada, for an insightful conversation about fundraising readiness, organizational capacity, and sustainable growth.

Adrienne draws on more than 35 years of experience in healthcare and post-secondary fundraising, including leadership roles with organizations such as the University of British Columbia, SickKids Hospital Foundation, University of Regina, and Royal University Hospital Foundation. She has also worked on major campaigns totaling $1.9 billion.

Together, François and Adrienne explore why an organization's need for funding and its ability to raise that funding are two very different things.

They discuss how nonprofits can assess whether they are ready to grow, including:

• Aligning fundraising goals with organizational capacity
• Building a culture where fundraising is everyone's responsibility
• Engaging boards and leadership in meaningful ways
• Developing a strong and realistic donor pipeline
• Strengthening donor stewardship and relationships
• Investing in the right people, systems, technology, and processes
• Using CRM and centralized information to support sustainable growth
• Avoiding burnout and protecting organizational momentum
• Preparing small and grassroots organizations to expand their fundraising capacity
• Understanding how donor expectations and fundraising have changed over time

Adrienne also shares why fundraising is a team sport and why simply hiring a fundraiser isn't enough to build a successful program.

Book a free consultation with Adrienne Nolan, CFRE and explore where your organization can build capacity, strengthen fundraising, and unlock new opportunities.

👉 Connect with Adrienne and book your free call:
Book a Free Consultation with Adrienne Nolan

Whether you're a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, board member, development professional, or part of a grassroots organization, this episode offers practical insights to help you take an honest look at where you are today—and identify what needs to change before you pursue your next big fundraising goal.

🎧 Listen to the latest episode of The Shared Brain Podcast and discover what fundraising readiness really looks like.

Learn more about Global Philanthropic Canada and connect with our team for support in strengthening your organization's fundraising strategy and capacity.

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