Episodes
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 determine...
Published 08/09/23
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...
Published 05/31/23
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's episode...
Published 05/17/23
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 with...
Published 05/10/23
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 story of...
Published 04/19/23
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 could...
Published 04/05/23
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...
Published 03/22/23
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.com. ...
Published 03/15/23
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”...
Published 02/15/23
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/give. ...
Published 02/08/23
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.com. ...
Published 02/01/23
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 friend, and...
Published 01/25/23
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...
Published 01/18/23
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 support...
Published 01/11/23
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. Go...
Published 12/13/22
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...
Published 12/07/22
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 fullyfundedacademy.com. ...
Published 11/29/22
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 about...
Published 11/22/22
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 christian...
Published 10/12/22
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 to...
Published 09/21/22
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...
Published 08/31/22
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 job...
Published 08/24/22
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 you...
Published 08/17/22
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 ways...
Published 08/10/22