The Donor Centric Approach

Episode 24: Strengthening Campus Ministry with CCMA

In this episode of The Donor Centric Approach, I sit down with my friend, Rosie Chinea Shawver, Executive Director of the Catholic Campus Ministry Association (CCMA). Rosie shares her own journey into campus ministry and the fire that continues to fuel her mission today. Together, we dive into: * The unique challenges of reaching students on today’s college campuses * Why campus ministers need support, mentorship, and resources to thrive * How CCMA is equipping ministers nationwide to accompany students in faith * Practical lessons in fundraising and development that apply to any nonprofit or ministry One of my favorite parts of this conversation is how Rosie frames fundraising as accompaniment—a spiritual act of walking with donors, just as ministers walk with students. Her perspective is a powerful reminder that development is not just about money—it’s about relationship, clarity, and mission. 👉 Learn more about CCMA’s mission and resources: https://calendly.com/orlando-mrpdonordev/45min [https://calendly.com/orlando-mrpdonordev/45min] As always, thank you for listening. If this episode resonates, please subscribe, leave a review, or share it with a colleague who needs encouragement today.

Episode 23: From Ashes to Beauty

This week’s episode is something different — and deeply personal. In this talk, originally given to my local covenant community, I share how my recent accident became a moment of interruption that God transformed into an invitation: to deeper dependence, to gratitude, and to the gift of community. While this isn’t a fundraising strategy session, the lessons here apply directly to the work of nonprofit and ministry leaders. Just as I needed others to carry me through weakness, our missions cannot thrive without the strength of community and the humility to depend on others. Listen in as I reflect on: * The reality of suffering and interruptions in life and ministry. * How dependence is not weakness, but a gift. * Why true community sustains us in life, faith, and mission. * What this means for fundraising and building donor relationships. If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying your mission alone, this episode is for you. 👉 I’d love to hear your thoughts. Reach out at www.mrpdonordev.com [http://www.mrpdonordev.com], or schedule a time to connect with me directly here: calendly.com/orlando-mrpdonordev/45min [https://calendly.com/orlando-mrpdonordev/45min]

Episode 22: Healing Wounds, Faith, and Fundraising Leadership (with Dr. Dan Meola)

In this episode of The Donor Centric Approach, Orlando sits down with Dr. Daniel Meola, co-founder and president of Life-Giving Wounds, a Catholic ministry dedicated to bringing Christ’s healing to adult children of divorce and separation. Dan shares his powerful story of how his personal wounds became the seed of a national ministry, the challenges and surprises of building and sustaining Life-Giving Wounds, and the lessons he’s learned about integrating mission and fundraising. Together, we explore: * Why fundraising is ministry — not just a means to support it. * How vulnerability, trust, and honesty are central to both healing and donor relationships. * Practical lessons in building sustainable fundraising programs, from major gifts to monthly donors. * Why caring for donors spiritually (yes, even through prayer!) is as essential as showing them impact. This conversation is both deeply moving and incredibly practical for nonprofit and ministry leaders who carry wounds of their own while trying to lead with faith and vision. 🔗 Learn more about Life-Giving Wounds: https://www.lifegivingwounds.org/ [https://www.lifegivingwounds.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 📧 Connect with Dr. Dan Meola: dan@lifegivingwounds.org

Episode 21: The Fundraising Lesson I Learned from a Meal Train

Three weeks ago, I was in a serious bicycle accident that changed my perspective — not just on life, but on fundraising. When a friend from high school set up a Meal Train for my family, she made it crystal clear how people could help. If you lived nearby, you could drop off a meal. If you lived far away, you could send a DoorDash gift card. Simple. Specific. No guessing. Within hours, people responded generously. In this episode, I share why this is exactly how great fundraising works — and how an invitation from a mindset of abundance will always inspire more generosity than an obligation rooted in scarcity. You’ll learn three ways to make your next donor ask crystal clear, actionable, and easy to say “yes” to. What you’ll learn in this episode: * How to shift from a scarcity mindset to abundance in fundraising * Why vague calls to action fall flat * How clarity and specificity make generosity easy * Three takeaways to immediately improve your next donor ask Whether you’re a solo fundraiser, a nonprofit leader, or part of a development team, this episode will help you create invitations that donors are eager to accept. 🎧 Listen now and learn how to make your next ask feel like a gift, not an obligation.

Episode 20: My Conversation with JJ Berg

This episode is unlike anything I’ve shared before. A few weeks ago, I was involved in a serious cycling accident. I don’t remember much about what happened on the road that day—but I do know this: without JJ Berg, I might not be here. JJ was the young man who found me unconscious, called 911, and stayed by my side until help arrived. Today, I get to sit down with him, not as a host, but as someone deeply grateful for his courage, compassion, and presence. This is a raw, unedited conversation. You’ll hear the real story, in JJ’s own words—and at the end, I’ve included the original 911 audio, which we received just days ago. There’s no talk of fundraising strategy in this episode. No lessons on donor development. Just a reminder of the power of showing up—and the unexpected grace that can enter our lives through others. JJ, thank you. This one’s for you. — 🎧 Subscribe to The Donor Centric Approach for weekly episodes on mission-driven fundraising and nonprofit leadership. We’ll be back to our regular programming next week.