Story‑Driven Fundraising | Ministry, Fundraising Ideas, Donations, Marketing Plan, NonProfit Groups
Do you wish fundraising was easier? Do you wish you didn’t have to worry so much about the money? Feeling the awkwardness, the icky-shame feeling of asking for money? Putting so much effort in but still getting “nos” or worse… ghosting?
I’m excited you’re here!! This is the place for you to learn how to fundraise easier, get rid of the shame and awkwardness of asking for money, and finally start growing supporters for your ministry that stay for the long haul!
Hi, I’m Lisa. I love Jesus, have been in ministry since I was born (missionary kid here) and I love being a part of what God is doing in people’s lives!
I’ve worked with and in ministries that struggle to truly connect with supporters. I’ve seen the stigma around raising support, the scramble across platforms and videos to “keep up,” and the relentless trial-and-error that never quite clicks—often ending in burnout.
But then I saw first hand the power of story and was BLOWN AWAY at how quickly it engaged donors and encouraged them to donate- the first time I used the power of story in our messaging, we raised so much support, the team wasn’t even prepared for it! This had never happened before!
And I want the same for your ministry!!
If you’re ready to finally raise the support you need—without the constant stress or worry…
If you want to grow your base of supporters and keep them with you for the long haul…
If you’re looking for a simple strategy you can use again and again—one that replaces burnout with confidence…
And if you’re ready to drop the awkward, icky, or shameful feelings around asking for money…
Then this podcast is for you.
Grab your coffee, your calling, and maybe a snack—let’s do this.
-Lisa
Connect w/ me:
lisa@irisstorytelling.com
https://irisstorytelling.com
Episodes
81 episodes
80 | How to Get Donors to Say Yes Faster in Ministry Fundraising
What happens when the donors you were relying on end up not giving… or stop after a little while?It can throw everything off. Logistically, financially, emotionally. You start wondering what happened, why it’s taking so long f...
79 | They Said They’d Give… Then Didn’t. What’s Blocking Consistent Fundraising
They said they’d give. They were excited. They meant it. And then… they don't follow through.Or maybe they gave once… and then stopped.vIt’s one of the hardest parts of fundraising—and it can leave you feeling confused, discouraged, and ...
78 | Think Churches Don’t Care About Missions? What’s Actually Blocking Your Fundraising
You’ve thought it before. Churches just aren’t generous anymore. They don’t really care about missions.And after enough polite conversations, low support, and missed follow-through… it starts to feel true.But w...
77 | Your Fundraising Isn’t Connecting: 3 Ways to Turn Your Message Into a Compelling Story
Your donors are reading your updates… but they’re not responding. You’re sharing what you’ve done, the impact you’re making, the numbers-but something still feels off.Because information isn’t what creates connection. Story do...
76 | Want Your Ministry Fully Funded? 3 Things You Need In Your Fundraising Message
Why won't donors step into support when you know your ministry matters?If people are smiling, nodding, and saying “that’s great”… but not actually giving or engaging, the issue might not be your ministry—it’s your message....
75 | Do Your Donors Feel Like ATMs or Partners? (Ministry Fundraising Relationships That Actually Work)
Be honest for a second… When your donors hear from you, does it feel like a relationship—or a transaction?Because most ministry leaders don’t mean to do it… but their donors end up feeling like ATMs. Only hearing from...
74 | What NOT to Say When Fundraising for Your Ministry (And What to Say Instead)
You’re trying to explain your ministry… and something feels off. You’re talking, they’re nodding—but you can tell they’re not really getting it.So you start wondering: Am I using the wrong words? Am I saying something that...
73 | How to Fundraise for a Building Campaign Without Losing Donor Interest
Fundraising for a building, renovation, or project can feel harder than anything else.Because it’s not a person.It’s not a story.It’s a building.And when you’re trying to talk about it, it can f...
72 | Don’t Make This Mistake After a Donor Says Yes (Ministry Fundraising)
Most ministry leaders think the hard part of fundraising is getting the yes.But what happens after that?Because this is where a lot of people unknowingly make a mistake that slowly disconnects their donors—without realizing it.
71 | You’re Using Story Wrong in Your Ministry Fundraising (Start Here Instead)
You know stories matter in fundraising. But when it’s time to actually use them, everything can start to feel forced. You freeze, overthink, or wonder if you even have a story worth sharing. In this episode, I’m breaking down two simple ways to...
70 | Ready to See Consistent Giving? The Marketing Plan Every Ministry Leader Needs
**Last chance to learn how to start the conversation when you're asking for money at the FREE Fundraise with Confidence Workshop. Save your spot: irisstorytelling.com/fundraising<...
69 | 3 Reasons Why Donors Aren’t Engaging With Your Ministry Fundraising
**Join the FREE Fundraise with Confidence Workshop and learn exactly what to say when you ask for money. Save your spot: irisstorytelling.com/fundraising**
68 | How to Start a Fundraising Conversation Without Feeling Pushy
**Join the FREE Fundraise with Confidence Workshop and learn exactly what to say when you ask for money. Save your spot: irisstorytelling.com/fundraising**
67 | Why Your Nonprofit Fundraising Feels Messy (And How to Build a Foundation That Works)
**Join my FREE Fundraise with Confidence Workshop and learn how to ask for money without the ick. Save your spot: irisstorytelling.com/fundraising**If...
66 | Ministry Fundraising Without Stories? Build a Simple Story Bank That Keeps Donors Engaged
**Join my FREE Fundraise with Confidence Workshop and learn how to ask for money without the ick. Save your spot: irisstorytelling.com/fundraising**Yo...
65 | 3 Ways to Build Long-Term Donor Relationships That Actually Last
**Struggling with fundraising? Join the free workshop, Fundraise with Confidence, and learn how to start support conversations without feeling pushy or uncomfortable.Save your seat:
64 | LIVE COACHING: The Donor Clarity That Transformed Her Ministry Fundraising
Join my FREE Fundraise with Confidence Workshop and learn how to ask for money without the ick. Save your spot: irisstorytelling.com/fundraisingMost ministri...
63 | Missionary Basics: 5 Steps to Share Your Story Clearly—Even If Fundraising Feels Awkward
**Join my FREE Fundraise with Confidence Workshop and learn how to ask for money without the “ick.” In one hour, you’ll learn why fundraising feels so uncomfortable, how to reframe it so it feels honest, and what to say to start the conv...
62 | Struggling to Fundraise? How a Clear Marketing Plan Can Get Your Ministry Fully Funded
**Join my FREE Fundraise with Confidence Workshop and learn how to ask for money without the "ick". Save your spot: irisstorytelling.com/fundraising **Fundraising can feel ...
61 | Top Ways to Attract Ideal Donors: A Clearer Approach to Ministry Fundraising
**Join my FREE Fundraise with Confidence Workshop and learn how to ask for money without the "ick". Save your spot: irisstorytelling.com/fundraising **If you feel like you’...
60 | Ministry Fundraising Feels Icky? 3 Mindset Shifts to Ask for Support with Confidence
**Join my FREE Fundraise with Confidence Workshop and learn how to ask for money without the "ick". Save your spot: irisstorytelling.com/fundraising **Fundraising still ...
59 | 3 Signs Your Fundraising Message is Turning Donors Away
What if what you're saying to your supporters/donors is actually turning them away? The words you use matter- so let's break it down.We're talking about 3 subtle but powerful signs your ministry message is confusing donors — a...
58 | Why Your Donors Aren’t Engaging—3 Simple Story Fixes That Reignite Connection
It’s hard not to wonder, “Do people even care about my ministry?” Even after pouring your heart out in a newsletter or update- no replies. no comments. barely a like. In this episode, we unpack why donor engageme...
57 | Not Getting Enough Donations? 3 Story Shifts That Inspire People to Give
Your ministry is doing good work — so why aren’t the donations coming in? If asking feels awkward, discouraging, or even gross… and you’re tired of hearing crickets after you share an update, this episode walks through three simple story...
56 | Why Your Ministry Fundraising Ideas Fail and The #1 Way To Have Success
Something is actually wrong with the way you’re fundraising — and it’s not that you haven’t tried hard enough. If your ministry fundraising feels scattered, exhausting, or like you keep “trying new ideas” with nothing sticking, this epis...