Fueling Dynamic Fundraising: Lessons That Stick With Experienced Leaders

In the latest episode of the Nonprofit Thrivability Podcast, two nonprofit leaders who know fundraising inside and out share their insights. Tom Melville, Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Sarasota, and Laura Randall, Board Chair and Certified Fundraising Executive, recently completed "Principles & Techniques of Fundraising," a four-day training from Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy's The Fund Raising School. This course is presented in partnership with the Patterson Foundation's Fueling Dynamic Fundraising initiative. Both came in with years of experience. Both left with fresh insight and immediate results.

This in-person course is designed to strengthen nonprofits' fundraising capacity at all stages of development. For Tom and Laura, it offered more than a review. It gave them new tools, a deeper understanding of current best practices, and a renewed sense of direction.

One clear result came just days after the training ended. Tom used what he learned in a meeting with a major donor. He came prepared with a one-page investment-style proposal and a clear message. That donor, who typically gave $100,000 each year, committed to increasing their gift to $150,000. It was a direct outcome of the course's focus on case development, donor alignment, and strategic asking.

But the impact didn't stop there. As Tom and Laura explain, the course helped their organization in broader ways. They returned to their team with a stronger understanding of how to align messaging, KPIs, and donor engagement with the overall mission. This led to better communication between staff and board, stronger strategic planning, and clearer internal goals.

Here's a recap of the ripple effects they shared:

• Culture of philanthropy: Fundraising is now viewed as a shared effort across staff and board.
• Immediate results: A donor increased their gift by $50,000 after one meeting.
• Strategic alignment: Key performance indicators and storytelling are now part of organizational planning.
• Engaged board: Board members are more involved in major and planned giving.
• Collaboration network: The course introduced them to a network of peers through The Patterson Foundation.
• Renewed confidence: Both leaders felt reenergized and better equipped to lead fundraising efforts.
• Long-term capacity: Continued engagement with The Patterson Foundation to keep building fundraising capacity

The cohort model of the training was another major strength. Tom and Laura spoke about the value of learning alongside peers from other nonprofits. From shared challenges to role-playing donor conversations, the group format created a learning environment rooted in real-world practice.

This podcast episode is a great listen for nonprofit professionals who want to grow their fundraising skills, but it's especially relevant for experienced fundraisers who want to sharpen their approach, reconnect with peers, and walk away with tangible results.

Learn how Fueling Dynamic Fundraising created momentum and clarity for two leaders already deep in the work.