Episode 5: Nonprofit Fundraising, Branding & Storytelling with Sarah Ernest | Mission Funded Podcast

Episode 5: Nonprofit Fundraising, Branding & Storytelling with Sarah Ernest | Mission Funded Podcast

In this episode of Mission Funded: A Grant Advance Podcast, we sit down with Sarah Ernest, founder of Ernest for Good and best-selling author of RETHINK PHILANTHROPY: Breaking Rules, Raising Funds and Doing Good, you can find the book here: https://a.co/d/06v1jSDU [https://a.co/d/06v1jSDU]  Sarah joins us to talk about what it really means to fundraise with confidence, build a nonprofit brand that stands out, and tell stories that help donors understand the impact of their giving.  We cover outdated fundraising rules, scarcity mindset in the nonprofit sector, confident fundraising asks, donor communication, fractional fundraising support, nonprofit branding, storytelling, and how organizations can find better-aligned funders instead of chasing every opportunity.  If you are a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, grant writer, executive director, or charity professional looking to strengthen your fundraising strategy and communicate your mission more clearly, this conversation is full of practical insight.  Topics covered in this episode:  • What “unapologetic fundraising” really means  • How nonprofits can move away from scarcity mindset  • What a confident fundraising ask sounds like  • Why nonprofit branding matters in fundraising  • How storytelling builds trust with donors and funders  • How often nonprofits should communicate with supporters  • When fractional fundraising support makes sense  • What makes a charity and funder a strong match  Learn more about Sarah Ernest and Ernest for Good: https://ernestforgood.com/ [https://ernestforgood.com/]  Check out Sarah’s podcast, What’s the Tea With Sarah E: https://open.spotify.com/show/45Jx81hmCgAq2JculddCzm?si=818fbb8be0424385 [https://open.spotify.com/show/45Jx81hmCgAq2JculddCzm?si=818fbb8be0424385]  About Grant Advance Solutions [https://grantadvance.com/]: A foundation directory: from research to results The Simple funding solution Find private foundation funding opportunities that align with your non-profits mission * Save up to 90% of your time applying to more foundation grants * Write winning grant proposals with built-in grant writing tools and templates * A complete foundation directory with search, tracking and grant management tools Try Grant Advance Solutions [https://grantadvance.com/] today!

Episode 4 - Larry Levine: Selling From the Heart

For many nonprofit leaders, the word “sales” can feel uncomfortable. But if you’re asking donors, funders, sponsors, or community partners to support your mission, you are influencing people to take action — and that means sales is part of the work.  In this episode of Mission Funded, we sit down with Larry Levine, author of Selling From the Heart [https://sellingfromtheheart.net/] and Selling in a Post-Trust World, to talk about how nonprofits can rethink fundraising, donor relationships, and the way they make the ask.  Larry shares why authentic selling starts with self-awareness, how to build trust before asking for support, and why fundraisers need to attach every donation to the real outcomes it creates. He also breaks down how to handle rejection, follow up after a “no,” build confidence through practice, and stay visible in your community.  If asking for money has ever felt awkward, pushy, or uncomfortable, this conversation will help you see fundraising differently. Because when you lead with service, impact, and trust, selling your mission becomes less about pressure and more about inviting people into meaningful change.  About Grant Advance Solutions [https://grantadvance.com/]: A foundation directory: from research to results The Simple funding solution Find private foundation funding opportunities that align with your non-profits mission * Save up to 90% of your time applying to more foundation grants * Write winning grant proposals with built-in grant writing tools and templates * A complete foundation directory with search, tracking and grant management tools Try Grant Advance Solutions [https://grantadvance.com/] today!

Mission Funded: Albert Rizzi My Blind Spot

On the latest episode of Mission Funded: A Grant Advance Podcast, we sat down with Albert Rizzi, founder of My Blind Spot, to talk about the life-changing experience that led him to become a passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusion. After losing his vision in 2006, Albert discovered just how inaccessible the world can be — and instead of accepting it, he set out to help change it. From technology and travel to everyday experiences most people take for granted, he’s working to create a world that’s more inclusive for everyone. This conversation is powerful, honest, eye-opening, and a reminder that accessibility isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. 🎙️ Listen now and hear how one person’s adversity became a mission to help millions. #MissionFunded #GrantAdvance #Accessibility #Inclusion #MyBlindSpot #NonprofitLeadership #AlbertRizzi #AccessibilityMatters #Podcast #NonprofitPodcast About Grant Advance Solutions [https://grantadvance.com/]: A foundation directory: from research to results The Simple funding solution Find private foundation funding opportunities that align with your non-profits mission * Save up to 90% of your time applying to more foundation grants * Write winning grant proposals with built-in grant writing tools and templates * A complete foundation directory with search, tracking and grant management tools Try Grant Advance Solutions [https://grantadvance.com/] today!

Mission Funded: Rick Dahlseid CFO & Non-Profit Guru

Rick Dahlseid is joining us today from sunny California! He’s here to share his expertise on what it means to serve as a fractional CFO, the critical role boards play in preparing their organizations for the months ahead, and his proven MARLIN framework for building and strengthening effective nonprofit boards. Rick will offer practical insights on financial leadership, governance readiness, and how boards can position their organizations for stability, growth, and long-term success. About Grant Advance Solutions [https://grantadvance.com/]: A foundation directory: from research to results The Simple funding solution Find private foundation funding opportunities that align with your non-profits mission * Save up to 90% of your time applying to more foundation grants * Write winning grant proposals with built-in grant writing tools and templates * A complete foundation directory with search, tracking and grant management tools Try Grant Advance Solutions [https://grantadvance.com/] today!

Inside Our Team’s Approach to Aligned Grant Funding

Listen in as we sit down with our Global Sales Director, Sarah Van Dyke, who shares her personal journey of writing Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) and working within our system to help organizations connect with the right funders. In this episode, Sarah walks us through her hands-on experience, the lessons she has learned along the way, and why writing from the heart—while staying clear and intentional—can make all the difference when building meaningful relationships with foundations. About Grant Advance Solutions [https://grantadvance.com/]: A foundation directory: from research to results The Simple funding solution Find private foundation funding opportunities that align with your non-profits mission * Save up to 90% of your time applying to more foundation grants * Write winning grant proposals with built-in grant writing tools and templates * A complete foundation directory with search, tracking and grant management tools Try Grant Advance Solutions [https://grantadvance.com/] today!