The Ripple Effect of Learning: How One Course Transformed the Literacy Council of Sarasota's Fundraising Results

In this episode, we explore how "Principles & Techniques of Fundraising," a four-day, in-person training of Indiana University's Lilly Family School of Philanthropy's The Fund Raising School, equips nonprofit leaders with practical, research-backed tools to strengthen fundraising efforts.  

Tom Melville, Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Sarasota, and Board President Laura Randall, who attended the course through TPF's Fueling Dynamic Fundraising initiative, share how the program helped them refine their case for support, engage their board more effectively, and take a more strategic approach to donor stewardship. With insights from both a seasoned fundraiser and a former development director, this conversation highlights how the right training can drive clarity, confidence, and measurable results.

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Intro to Fueling Dynamic Fundraising and guest introductions
• 03:40 – Laura on learning something new after 15 years in fundraising
• 06:30 – Tom on the power of peer learning in the cohort model
• 09:50 – Rethinking their case for support and internal culture
• 13:06 – A $100K donor becomes a $150K donor
• 19:45 – Board chair + ED: why attending together mattered
• 26:10 – Strategic planning, rebranding, and ongoing TPF support

• Fueling Dynamic Fundraising
• Literacy Council of Sarasota Website
• Blog: Fueling Dynamic Fundraising Lessons That Stick With Experienced Leaders

• Laura Randall LinkedIn
• The Literacy Council of Sarasota LinkedIn

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