Fully Funded - Marketing and Fundraising for Missionaries

071: How to Bring the Entrepreneurial Spirit to Missions with Ryan Steuer

Today we’re talking all about how to bring the entrepreneurial spirit to missions with our special guest, Ryan Steuer. Ryan is the founder of Magnify Missions, an organization focused on combating the problem of ministry and business burnout. As a former pastor and entrepreneur, Ryan knows the challenges and limitations to creating long-term sustainability in both ministry and business. In this episode, we explore: The relationship between ministry and entrepreneurship. How to determi...

070: How To Ask For Corporate Support

Today we’re taking a question from a listener who wants to know how to ask for funds from a business.  Partnerships between charities and businesses can be immensely powerful. The collaboration between these two groups can result in significant positive impact for the community and the world. One of the key avenues for this collaboration is through corporate donations. In this episode, we’ll explore: 5 effective strategies for your ministry and organization to connect with businesses to...

069: The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin

Have you ever wondered... Why can other people rely on me, but I can’t rely on myself? Why does it seem like I resist doing things I want to do? Why can’t other people accept that I find comfort and freedom in my routines? Why doesn’t everyone do the things they say they are going to do like I do? Why do I struggle to make decisions, often becoming overwhelmed by analysis paralysis? Why can’t I make time for myself and the habits I know would make me happier and healthier? Today'...

068: How to Turn a Large Gift Into a Matching Gift

On today's episode, Mary shares how to turn a large gift into a matching gift. Today's episode comes from a listener who shares, “Our ministry was recently given a gift of $20,000 and I wanted to know if putting a matching funds 'ask' out there a good idea when my primary goal right now is personal support, not operational funds?" In this episode you'll also hear: The best way to approach a donor to turn their gift into a matching gift. The 5 Steps to create a matching gift campaign w...

067: How To Get Back Up When You Feel Knocked Down

On today's episode, Mary shares how to get back up when you feel knocked down. Today's episode comes from a listener who shares, “I feel overwhelmed by my support raising goal. Just when I feel like I’m getting ahead, I lose a supporter and feel super defeated. What do I do?” In this episode you'll hear: 3 verses to read when you're feeling defeated What key steps can you take to pick yourself up and get back on track How to reframe your situation from a dark spiraling story to a st...

066: How to Overcome A Poverty Mindset

On today's episode, Mary shares how to overcome the poverty mindset Overcoming a poverty mindset can be a difficult and challenging process, but there are several steps that an individual can take to work towards a more positive and empowered mindset. In this episode you'll hear: What is a poverty mindset What are the 5 most common reasons for a poverty mindset What are the 6 things you can do today to create an abundance mindset The single statement you can say to yourself that c...

065: The Top 3 Obstacles to Raising Funds (and How to Overcome Them!)

On today's episode, Mary shares the three key obstacles to raising funds and how to overcome them. In this episode you'll also hear: How to get more people to know you and your ministry exist How to stand out from your competition What is donor fatigue and how do I ensure my donors don't experience it and more! If you enjoy the show, please share it with a friend, and consider a special gift to fullyfundedacademy.com/give. For more information about Fully Funded Academy, go to fu...

064: The 7 Key Steps to Overcome Your Fear of Failure

On today's episode, Mary shares the seven key steps to overcome your fear of failure. In this episode you'll also hear: What is fear? What is healthy and unhealthy fear? How you can take the 7 steps to overcoming your fear of failure and use them to improve your fundraising efforts. and more! If you enjoy the show, please share it with a friend, and consider a special gift to fullyfundedacademy.com/give. For more information about Fully Funded Academy, go to fullyfundedacademy.co...

063: The Power of Mentorship with Chris Cortte (In Memory of Roger Lane)

In this episode, Mary interviews full-time U.S. missionary, Chris Cortte. Chris serves with the Assemblies of God college ministry, Chi Alpha Campus Ministries, and was mentored by a former guest of the Fully Funded Podcast, Roger Lane. On January 5, 2023, Rev. Roger Allen Lane passed away at 73 years old from liver cancer. Roger was a respected pastor, leader, fundraiser, mentor, and coach to countless people throughout his years. He had a passion for fundraising, and his book “Funded...

062: The 4 Bible Verses That Make Fundraising Harder

On today's episode, Mary shares the four verses that make fundraising harder. In this episode you'll also hear: How to use these four verses to build stronger relationships with potential donors How to overcome the challenge of finding donors who don't look like they have money to give How to tell stories from an anonymous donor How to engage high-level donors as volunteers If you enjoy the show, please share it with a friend, and consider a special gift to fullyfundedacademy.com/g...

061: How To Minister To The Rich

On today's episode, Mary shares how to minister to the rich in the world we live in today. In this episode you'll also hear: What the Bible says about the rich The 6 ways to minister to the rich How ministering to the rich compares to ministering to the poor Why we need to care about the rich If you enjoy the show, please share it with a friend, and consider a special gift to fullyfundedacademy.com/give. For more information about Fully Funded Academy, go to fullyfundedacademy.co...

060: The 5 Kinds of Donors Every Ministry Needs in 2023

On today's episode, Mary shares the five kinds of donors every ministry needs in 2023. In this episode you'll also hear: What kinds of donors are more consistent with their giving (and which ones aren't!)? What is a supersize donor? 5 reasons why major gifts are important to your ministry How to create a game plan for all 5 kinds of donors so you can connect with each of them, while remaining authentic to who God created you to be If you enjoy the show, please share it with a frien...

059: Should Ministry Workers Be Bi-Vocational

On today's episode, Mary takes a listener question who asks, "As a ministry worker, should I support myself and be bi-vocational?" In this episode you'll hear: What does it mean to be bi-vocational Is it biblical to be bi-vocational Should ministry workers be poor Why do ministries and religious organizations need to exist What questions should you ask yourself to know what is best for you If you enjoy the show, please share it with a friend, and consider a special gift to fullyf...

058: How to Hit the Reset Button on Work and Life

On today's episode, Mary shares how to start fresh and hit the reset button in the new year. In this episode you'll hear: The 7 tips to start the new year off right How to create a new vision of what's possible for you and your work When's the best time to make a change If you enjoy the show, please share it with a friend, and consider a special gift to fullyfundedacademy.com/give. For more information about Fully Funded Academy, go to fullyfundedacademy.com. Download our free su...

057: The Single Reason Why Your Ministry Isn't Fully Funded

On today's episode, Mary shares the #1 reason your ministry may not be fully funded. In this episode you'll hear: The 3 action steps to build your faith to raise the funds you need How to promote your "personal brand" without feeling scammy The mental strategies you can use to gain the confidence to promote your ministry Be sure to join us for our last FREE online training of the year on How To Develop A Successful Fundraising Strategy for 2023 on Thursday, December 15th at 2pm EST. ...

056: How To Build a Relationship With a Multi-Millionaire

On today's episode, Mary answers a listener question who asks, "How do I build a relationship with a multi-millionaire?" In this episode you'll hear: The 5 ways to build new relationships (regardless of how wealthy they are) What action steps can you take to start reaching out How you can get them interested in funding you, your ministry, or a special project If you enjoy the show, please share it with a friend, and consider a special gift to fullyfundedacademy.com/give. For more...

055: Everything You Need to Know About Giving Gifts to Donors

On today's episode, Mary answers the question, "Should I give a year-end gift to my donors? If so, what should I give them?" In this episode you'll hear: What gifts work (and what don't) How to get your gifts donated so your donor's donation doesn't pay for gifts New gift ideas for 2022 and more! If you enjoy the show, please share it with a friend, and consider a special gift to fullyfundedacademy.com/give. For more information about Fully Funded Academy, go to fullyfundedacad...

054: The 2 Things You Should Do Before December 31st to Maximize Your Year-End Giving

On today's episode, Mary answers the question, "If I can only do two things at the end of the year, what should I do to maximize my year-end giving?" In this episode you'll hear: How to take action before December 31st What two things should I do (with a bonus third if you have the time!) What key elements should I include in my year-end appeal If you enjoy the show, please share it with a friend, and consider a special gift to fullyfundedacademy.com/give. For more information ab...

053: 3 Strategies to Raise More Funds In a Closed (or Open) Nation

On today's episode, Mary answers a listener question who asks, What are some strategies for ministries serving in closed countries? It's hard enough to raise funds, but then add all the challenges of working in a religiously hostile environment to the mix. In this episode you'll hear: How to raise funds when you can't tell 100% of the full story. How do I still communicate with my donors without sharing pictures and names of those we serve. How do I raise funds without using chris...

052: Snail Mail or Email (What Should I Do?)

On today's episode, Mary answers a listener question who asks, "What are your thoughts on the effectiveness of direct mail fundraising for ministry nonprofits?" Paying for postage and mailing may feel like a waste of your time and resources, but Mary gives you the four primary reasons why direct mail (snail mail) is still so effective. In this episode you'll hear: In the world we live in today, what marketing channel gets the most attention from nonprofit donors What's the best way ...

051: How Missionary Lydia Nigh Got Fully Funded

On today's episode, Mary brings in a special guest to answer today's listener question who asks, "I don't know anyone who is fully funded! Could you help me?" When a student joins Fully Funded Academy, they get access to our Fully Funded Checklist document. In it we ask our students to do a brief exercise where they reach out to 2-3 missionaries (or organizations) who are fully funded and ask them how they got there, which usually triggers the question above. In this episode you get to...

050: How To Go From Raising Missionary Dollars To Raising Ministry Dollars

In today's episode, Mary takes on a listener question. KC asks... "I have been in full-time missions work for 23 years and am in the process of starting a new ministry geared toward women in missions with a colleague. We are starting from scratch and could really use some guidance. Could you give us some expert input?" In this episode you'll hear... Four different ways to set up your ministry Two of the most important areas to focus on with a ministry launch What is a volunteer jo...

049: From Volunteer To Paid Missionary With Kim Boley

Join us for today's conversation with campus missionary, Kim Boley, as we take a deep dive into how she went from a volunteer to paid missionary. She talks about how she went from supporting her husband in his role as the director to becoming the co-director and finding her voice in the support raising process. Kim shares: How to avoid confusion when you do ministry with a spouse. How to speak from one voice. How frequently should you communicate with your email list. What should ...

048: 3 Reasons Why You Need an Annual Giving Campaign

An annual campaign includes the funds raised to provide for the cost of operational funds of a ministry, organization, or individual raising support. Annual giving is a MUST for anyone raising funds. We cannot rely on monthly support alone. Give your donors the option to choose how they want to give and start your planning today. In this episode you'll hear... The three reasons why every missionary, ministry, and nonprofit organization needs an annual giving campaign. The different wa...

047: 3 Reasons Why You Need a Monthly Giving Campaign

Before online giving, it was extremely difficult to raise funds through recurring gifts. Today, monthly giving is easier than ever and there is no better time to start your monthly campaign than right now. In this episode you'll hear... The three reasons why every ministry needs a monthly giving campaign. The challenges to consider when starting a monthly campaign. How to start your monthly giving campaign, if you don't have one. If you enjoy the show, please share it with a friend...

046: How To Bring On New Donors At 68 Years Old

In today's episode, Mary takes on a listener question. Jim asks... "How do I bring on new donors as I continue to do ministry at 68 years old." The myth that is often spread by the retirement industry is that people should retire at 65. Does that mean that ministry leaders should as well? In this episode you'll hear... Why older ministry leaders are actually better fundraisers than their younger counterparts What you've learned in your 68 years that will help you bring in more do...

045: Why Build a Fundraising Advisory Team | 5 Things to Consider

Fundraising isn’t just about raising money – it’s about teambuilding, inviting others in and yes, not going it alone. Traditional support raising training encourages you to create a list of names and one-by-one invite them in. Our FREEDOM framework encourages you to do the opposite. Don’t create a list of donor prospect names, create a list of prospective advisory team members. Releasing yourself of the pressure of doing your fundraising alone is one aspect of this new way of thinking, b...

044: 10 Ways to Attract New Donors

How to attract new donors is one of the most frustrating parts of support raising and fundraising. In today's episode, Mary helps you to overcome the frustration with 10 ways to attract in new donors. Take the time to listen in and start implementing these ideas. They include... Setting a donor goal (how many donors do you WANT, not how many do you NEED) Creating your ideal donor on paper Building out your donor's ideal journey with you And much more! If you enjoy the show, ple...

043: How to Support Raise Through a Big Transition

Today, Mary takes on the question: “How do I raise support when I’m in transition?” Some of the key areas we discuss are: How do you communicate your transition to your donors What is a mission and vision statement and do you need one for you and your ministry work How long should your mission and vision statement be What are your donors thinking when you ask them to give How can you identify whether a donor prospect is the right fit for you. To get access to our free monthly w...

042: The 4 Lies About Support Raising That Need To End Today

041: The 3 Questions To Ask Yourself To End Your Love: Hate Relationship with Fundraising Once and For All

040: How to Raise More Funds When You Have a Small Network of Friends

Small is the new big! It's easy to think we need a huge network or inside connections with influential people to support our work, but that's far from true. Jump into this episode with Mary Valloni as she shares how to raise more funds even if you have a smaller network.

039: 3 Reasons Why Wealthy Donors Don't (and Won't) Give to You

Happy New Year! In this episode, Mary takes you inside the thought process of wealthy donors and why they support you (or don't).

FREE TRAINING on December 14th: Exactly How to Get Fully Funded in 2022

On Tuesday December 14th at 3pm ET, we are hosting a free online training and you're invited! Register here » Exactly How to Get Fully Funded in 2022 Tuesday December 14th 3pm ET / 2pm CT / 1pm MT / 12pm PT A few things we'll cover: Easy-to-implement ideas for fundraising in 2022 How to incorporate online and email fundraising in 2022 (things have changed) and so much more If you can't make it live, register anyway and we will send you the replay. Register here »

038: Practicing Gratitude: An Inside Look At How I Do It

It's Thanksgiving week here in the United States, and on this episode Mike Kim shares a short (and hopefully sweet) message on practicing gratitude. You'll learn why "new horizons" are great for setting goals but lousy for tracking them, and how practicing gratitude instead can help you really step into the progress you've made wherever you are. Episode Resource: The Five Minute Journal »

037: Knowing Yourself and the Audience You Want to Connect With

In this episode, Mike and Mary discuss a listener question:   Have you noted any particular challenges for minority missionaries or church planters and how did you help them overcome them?   Here are the cliff notes:   Mike shares his experience as a minority in the United States Every culture has different values that have to be taken into consideration Acknowledge what community God is calling you to join Organize your ask Be comfortable in your skin and culture   Hav...

036: How to Clearly Communicate with Your Ideal Audience

Mike and Mary dig into one of Mike’s clients, Elim Bible Institute and College, and discuss how they can attract more students. Most organizations and businesses struggle with the same things:   Knowing who they are communicating to Strategizing around their specific recruiting season Highlighting what they want to be known for WIIFM (What’s In It For Me)   This episode helps recruiters and fundraisers think more critically of their marketing efforts so they can encourage more pe...

035: How to Rebuild Rapport After Poorly Raising Support

Today, Mike and Mary field a listener question:  "Do you have any advice on rebuilding rapport after poorly raising support?" A sneak peek of the episode: How to address concerns and apologize if needed What it means to build a campfire around what you share Why following a cookie cutter approach when raising support is not the answer (despite what you've been taught) Note: This episode was recorded just a few days before Mary's daughter was born so it's a bit behind the big news! ...

034: How to Mobilize the Local Church for Missions

Eric Peoples is the lead pastor of Legacy Church in Farmington, CT. Eric has done significant work in missions throughout South and Central America, as well as Europe. He ministers frequently overseas and pioneered various mission initiatives through the context of a local church, taking teams of members on short-term trips to revitalize communities and strengthen churches.    In this interview, Eric shares a few key insights from the perspective of a lead pastor, and how missionaries an...

033: What Does It Mean to Be Faithful with Kelly Baader

Kelly Baader lives in Switzerland and serves as a mentor to Christian marketplace leaders across the world.  Here are some of the things Kelly touches on: The 5 invisible areas that affect your life and business Switching the discussion from how much you want to make to how much you want to give Inviting Jesus to your business meetings How giving and receiving are emotional things and we have different reasons for giving to different causes Why you don’t need everybody to support ...

032: The Power of Writing with Kent Sanders

Kent Sanders is a former college professor turned ghostwriter and writing coach. Kent believes nothing is more powerful than a written story and that books are one of the few forms of magic we have left. In this episode we talk about: Why it’s important to help others with writing and storytelling Why storytelling is vital and how it’s the way God communicates with us How to get started writing on a blank page Why you shouldn’t be apologetic in your ask and be bold instead What wo...

031: How to Market Your Mission with Chris Barlow

Chris Barlow is the customer happiness director for Beeline Marketing and an all-around master of digital marketing.  After working in sales, Chris moved on to volunteering for a nonprofit. Everyone in mission work has a skill that they can serve other people with. Chris has found success by finding out what donors need and providing it to them before asking for anything from them. In this episode you’ll hear: How you can meet donors where they are at and find out how you can help them ...

FFP 31 - How to Market Your Mission with Chris Barlow

Chris Barlow is the customer happiness director for Beeline Marketing and an all-around master of digital marketing.  After working in sales, Chris moved on to volunteering for a nonprofit. Everyone in mission work has a skill that they can serve other people with. Chris has found success by finding out what donors need and providing it to them before asking for anything from them. In this episode you’ll hear: How you can meet donors where they are at and find out how you can help them ...

030: How to Stretch Your Boundaries with Daniel Hammond

Daniel Hammond is a former interrogator for the military and to say his life has been turned around would be an understatement! Today, Daniel runs a significant nursing school ministry in Honduras. I recently met Daniel in Nashville at Mike Kim's mastermind events and he said, “Mary Valloni, we’re going to change the world together!” We hit it off as immediate friends, and while he's been part of Fully Funded Academy for awhile, this was the first time we got to meet. In this episode y...

FFP 30 - How to Stretch Your Boundaries with Daniel Hammond

Daniel Hammond is a former interrogator for the military and to say his life has been turned around would be an understatement! Today, Daniel runs a significant nursing school ministry in Honduras. I recently met Daniel in Nashville at Mike Kim's mastermind events and he said, “Mary Valloni, we’re going to change the world together!” We hit it off as immediate friends, and while he's been part of Fully Funded Academy for awhile, this was the first time we got to meet. In this episode y...

029: The 3 Questions You Need to Ask Yourself Today to Gain Instant Clarity

One of things Mike Kim talks about in his new book, You Are the Brand, are three questions you need to ask yourself to gain INSTANT clarity: What pisses you off? What breaks your heart? What is the big problem you are trying to solve? You can find Mike's book on Amazon here. In this episode, Mary walks you through the questions to help you connect with your "why".  

FFP 29 - The 3 Questions You Need to Ask Yourself Today to Gain Instant Clarity

One of things Mike Kim talks about in his new book, You Are the Brand, are three questions you need to ask yourself to gain INSTANT clarity: What pisses you off? What breaks your heart? What is the big problem you are trying to solve? You can find Mike's book on Amazon here. In this episode, Mary walks you through the questions to help you connect with your "why".  

028: Should You Share About How Much Money You Live On?

Mary takes a question from a listener named Michael (last name withheld) regarding how transparent you should be about how much support you live on. This can be a touchy issue for anyone raising or living off support, so if you're struggling in this area be sure to tune in. Do you have a question you'd like to submit for our podcast? Visit: fullyfundedacademy.com/question

FFP 28 - Should You Share About How Much Money You Live On?

Mary takes a question from a listener named Michael (last name withheld) regarding how transparent you should be about how much support you live on. This can be a touchy issue for anyone raising or living off support, so if you're struggling in this area be sure to tune in. Do you have a question you'd like to submit for our podcast? Visit: fullyfundedacademy.com/question

Should You Share About How Much Money You Live On?

Mary takes a question from a listener named Michael (last name withheld) regarding how transparent you should be about how much support you live on. This can be a touchy issue for anyone raising or living off support, so if you're struggling in this area be sure to tune in. Do you have a question you'd like to submit for our podcast? Visit: fullyfundedacademy.com/question