Fundraising isn't just about telling your story and making the ask – it's a deeply collaborative process that starts inside your organization. In this episode, we're joined by Ainsley Chapman, Executive Director of Evangel Hall Mission, a downtown Toronto mission providing services for people experiencing homelessness. With over 20 years in the sector, Ainsley shares how she went from avoiding fundraising entirely to confidently leading an organization that raises $1.3-$1.5M in philanthropy each year. We cover: How to bridge the gap between fundraising, finance and program teams by building trust, understanding shared values, and creating genuine internal partnerships What authentic, reciprocal donor relationships actually look like Why fundraising training demystifies development work and gives nonprofit leaders confidence to lead fundraising initiatives, redirect board energy, and hire the right people Creating a fundraising culture across your organization through clear policies and procedures, cross-departmental collaboration, and helping every team member understand the "why" behind their work If you're a nonprofit leader who feels intimidated by fundraising, struggling with siloed departments, or looking to build more authentic partnerships with your donors, this episode offers practical insights on transforming your approach from transactional to relational and creating an organizational ecosystem where fundraising, finance, and programming truly work together. Resources and links: Check out Ainsley Chapman and host Cathy Mann on LinkedIn Book your Fundraising Growth Game Plan call Email us at
[email protected] Subscribe to our email list Share this episode with a friend! Podcast editing and post-production by: Daniella Sorrentino at Feral Culture Lab (feralculturelab.com) Music: Intro and Outro Music is Fancy Free by Reveille - https://app.soundstripe.com/songs/16267