Episode 33 – From Survival to Service: Resilience in Nonprofit Fundraising
Host: May Harris, Esq.
Guest: Ken Miller
“I did things. I had things happen to me that were setbacks. What resilience is, is the comeback from the setback. That's a cliche term, it’s a meme, but that's what it is. I've had many setbacks, but I overcame them. And I am well today.”
- Ken Miller
In This Episode
Why shallow engagement through social media fails compared to deep storytelling in fundraising that creates emotional connections, paints pictures of future impact, and builds lasting community through the power of "we."
Nonprofit fundraising expert Ken Miller joins May Harris on The Nonprofit Counsel Podcast to share transformative insights on building sustainable development programs and organizational resilience. Ken, founder and CEO of Denali FSP, brings a unique perspective shaped by his journey from homelessness to becoming a Certified Fund-Raising Executive. He reveals how to start a nonprofit fundraising program by understanding your "why" and reframing donor asks as invitations rather than requests. Ken emphasizes that effective fundraising professionals give donors opportunities to feel good about their contributions. The conversation explores storytelling in fundraising, preparing for setbacks, and navigating nonprofit life cycles with acceptance rather than shame.
Key Takeaways
Insightful moments and lessons from the conversation.
Successful nonprofit fundraising requires understanding your personal why and recognizing that you're not taking from donors—you're allowing them to feel good about supporting something they believe in, which removes fear from the solicitation process.
Nonprofit founders must establish a solid legal foundation, including articles of incorporation, solicitation licenses, and proper board governance that avoids conflicts of interest, ensuring founders never serve on boards that set their own salaries.
Organizational resilience means preparing for known setbacks and accepting the truth about unknown ones—not all problems are solvable, and sometimes the only solution is to face the facts and move forward, not let emotions drive you.
Guest Bio: Ken Miller
Ken Miller is an author, speaker, and the founder of Denali FSP, a consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations achieve sustainable funding. His book, Becoming Ken: One Black Man’s Journey from Ivy League to Prison and Back Again, chronicles his powerful story of resilience, redemption, and authenticity. Through his keynotes and programs like “From Rock Bottom to Resilience,” Ken inspires audiences to embrace truth, face adversity, and make meaningful life choices.
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