Fundraising Without Fear: Tips for Non-Fundraising Executives (Shannon Williams)

Are you struggling with the complexities of fundraising as a senior leader at your nonprofit organization? In episode 275 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we delve into the insights and experiences of Shannon Williams from Armstrong McGuire, who offers valuable advice for nonprofit leaders. Shannon shares why fundraising often falls by the wayside and emphasizes the critical role executive directors must play in this essential task. Discover practical strategies to boost your confidence and effectiveness in fundraising, learn the importance of relationship-building, and explore how to engage your board members in the process. Shannon's journey from an accidental fundraiser to a mentor for nonprofit leaders provides inspiring lessons on cultivating donor relationships, asking for advice, and leveraging your executive title to its fullest potential. Tune in for actionable tips that can transform your approach to fundraising.

"As a nonprofit leader, your vision can unlock five times the support, simply by engaging with your donors personally and authentically."

ABOUT SHANNON

After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in journalism, Shannon stumbled into a fundraising position cloaked in a communications job and found her passion. For over 25 years, Shannon has focused on bringing fundraising systems, stories of impact, staff and volunteers together to help organizations change the trajectories of their clients and communities. Shannon leads the Armstrong McGuire team of advisors in helping boards find strategic direction, transforming vision into a clear, articulate case, maximizing fundraising potential, and matching talented leaders to exceptional organizations. When she is not partnering with nonprofits, you will find Shannon cheering on Furman Cross Country and Track, all things Tar Heels, and the Carolina Hurricanes. You might see her running on a trail, water skiing at Lake Gaston, or sipping wine. Shannon lives in Chapel Hill with her husband Jeff and occasionally one or both of her twenty-something sons.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Asking: A 59-Minute Guide to Everything Board Members, Volunteers, and Staff Must Know to Secure the Gift by Jerold Panas
• Ready for a Mastermind Leadership Development program? Learn more here.
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership
• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• Check out Armstrong McGuire's Bert Armstrong on the podcast: Managing Turnover as a Nonprofit Leader

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