Episode 22 – Fundraising From Scratch: Building a Sustainable Giving Program
Host: May Harris, Esq.
Guest: Kelly McLaughlin
“I'm not afraid of asking donors for money. I'm inviting my donors to do something incredible. So if they say no, that's their loss because they don’t get to be a part of this incredible impact. I think about inviting you to do something amazing when I’m out there. And if you say no, you’re missing out, not me.”
- Kelly McLaughlin.
In This Episode
How to grow individual giving systems that last—without burning out your team.
Successful fundraising doesn’t happen by accident—it’s a system you can build. In this episode, May Harris sits down with Kelly McLaughlin, creator of From Scratch Fundraising, to share how nonprofits can craft, grow, and scale individual giving programs that fuel long-term success. From identifying your ideal donors to treating fundraisers as mission-critical partners, Kelly provides actionable insights to help organizations avoid burnout, stay mission-centered, and achieve sustainable impact.
Key Takeaways
Insightful moments and lessons from the conversation.
Why fear of asking for money holds nonprofits back—and how to overcome it.
Tips for identifying your ideal donors and choosing the right outreach channels.
Why your fundraising strategy must align with your nonprofit’s goals.
How executive directors and fundraisers can build strong, effective partnerships.
Practical steps for crafting a giving program from the ground up.
Guest Bio: Kelly McLaughlin
Kelly McLaughlin is a dynamic fundraiser, systems architect, and nonprofit advocate who helps organizations create sustainable, joyful giving programs. As the founder of From Scratch Fundraising and creator of the Framework for Fundraising Sustainability, she specializes in crafting and scaling individual giving systems that banish burnout and empower nonprofits to maximize their impact. Kelly has been a professional fundraiser since 2009 and brings a unique blend of creativity and strategy to her work with clients.
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