How Jesse Coleman Became a Confident Fundraiser With Fueling Dynamic Fundraising

Stepping into a leadership role at a nonprofit often means wearing a lot of hats. For many leaders, fundraising is one of the biggest challenges, especially when it is not something they have formal experience in. That was the case for Jesse Coleman, General Manager of WSLR + Fogartyville, who found himself navigating both a leadership transition and the complexities of nonprofit fundraising at the same time.

In this episode of the Nonprofit Thrivability Series, a Beyond The Blog Podcast, hosted by Read Corley, Jesse shares what that experience looked like and how going through Fueling Dynamic Fundraising helped him move from uncertainty to clarity.

One of the biggest takeaways from the conversation is that fundraising is not just about asking for money. It is about building a system and a strategy that supports long-term relationships. Many nonprofits fall into the trap of focusing only on the ask. They think about timing, messaging, and dollar amounts, but skip over the foundational work that makes those asks successful.

For Jesse, that shift came through understanding the full picture of fundraising. That includes identifying different types of donors, creating a clear case for support, and building a thoughtful stewardship process. Instead of approaching fundraising as a series of one-off efforts, it became something more structured and intentional.

Another key theme from the episode is the importance of communication. Jesse talks about how challenging it can be for an organization with a broad mission to clearly explain its impact. Through the training, he realized that the answer was not simplifying everything into one message, but instead tailoring the message to different audiences. Different donors connect with different aspects of the work, and effective fundraising meets people where they are.

The episode also highlights the role of culture in fundraising success. At WSLR + Fogartyville, that shows up in a strong sense of internal buy-in. Staff, board members, and volunteers are all engaged and invested in the mission. That kind of alignment makes a difference, not just in morale, but in how the organization shows up to donors.

Beyond fundraising, Jesse shares how their work with Margin & Mission Ignition is helping them think differently about sustainability. By turning unused time in their venue into an earned revenue opportunity, they are creating additional income while staying aligned with their mission. It is a practical example of how nonprofits can expand their impact without drifting away from their core purpose.

Overall, this episode offers a grounded look at what it takes to grow into fundraising as a leader. It is not about having all the answers upfront. It is about learning, building systems, and being willing to adapt along the way.

Ripple Effects of WSLR+Fogartyville’s work with FDF and MMI:

• More people are discovering WSLR + Fogartyville as a community hub, leading to increased attendance at concerts, film screenings, workshops, and cultural events.

• Stronger donor relationships for WSLR + Fogartyville, as the episode reinforces the importance of stewardship practices like thank-you calls, community connection, and mission storytelling.
  
  
• Increased volunteer interest in supporting the station and venue, especially from listeners inspired by the role volunteers play in programming, operations, and donor engagement.
  
  
• More organizations are renting Fogartyville as an event space after learning how the venue supports community groups, artists, and nonprofits through its social enterprise model.
  
  
• Greater visibility for WSLR’s journalism and community radio programming, encouraging more residents to tune in, share stories, and engage with local issues through the station.

For nonprofit leaders who are trying to strengthen their fundraising efforts, the message is clear. Start with understanding. Build a plan. Focus on relationships. And remember that confidence comes with practice.