Taking the 'Ick' Out of Fundraising Calls with Kel Haney

Image for The Small Nonprofit podcast on fundraising calls. Teal grid background. Bold text reads 'CALLS THAT GET DONATIONS,' with a clock icon showing '5 mins.' A smiling woman is on the left. 'Small Nonprofit' logo in the top right

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In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria speaks with Kel Haney, a fundraising coach and consultant, about transforming donor engagement through personalized and strategic phone calls. Kel introduces her "ditch the script" approach and her "five-minute fundraising ask" framework, which emphasizes authenticity, connection, and clear asks. Whether you’re a seasoned fundraiser or new to phone outreach, Kel’s insights will help you foster deeper relationships and make your calls more effective.

Key Episode Highlights: 

  • Why scripts don’t work 

  • The power of vulnerability 

  • Five-minute fundraising ask framework 

  • Effective voicemail strategies 

  • Time management for fundraising calls   

Actionable Tips: 

Be prepared but flexible:
Have talking points, but allow the conversation to flow naturally. 

Personalize your approach:
Reference past interactions or specific donor interests to build rapport. 

➜ Practice active listening:
Make donors feel heard by acknowledging their concerns and interests. 

Follow up consistently:
Whether via email or another call, keep the lines of communication open. 

Make specific asks:
Avoid vague language; be clear about the amount or action you’re requesting. 

Resources Mentioned:

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Watch this episode on Youtube.

Coming Next Week: 

Join us next week as Caitlin McBride shares how small nonprofits can streamline operations, set boundaries, and build a culture of philanthropy to drive lasting impact without burning out. 

Maria

Maria leads the Further Together team. Maria came to Canada as a refugee at an early age. After being assisted by many charities, Maria devoted herself to working in non-profit.

Maria has over a decade of fundraising experience. She is a sought-after speaker on issues related to innovative stewardship, building relationships, and Community-Centric Fundraising. She has spoken at AFP ICON and Congress, for Imagine Canada, APRA, Xlerate, MNA, and more. She has been published nationally, and was a finalist for the national 2022 Charity Village Best Individual Fundraiser Award. Maria also hosts The Small Nonprofit podcast and sits on the Board of Living Wage Canada.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/
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