J.Paul Fridenmaker
@jpfry.bsky.social
I help charity leaders to multiply major gift fundraising results for their favorite causes (and have fun doing it) with systems, psychology, sanity, and sacredness.
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J.Paul Fridenmaker
@jpfry.bsky.social
· Feb 11
#LetsGrowThisThing!
Are you leading a small charity ($500K to $2M) and thinking about adding a major gift strategy? Here are a few key things to consider:
Are you leading a small charity ($500K to $2M) and thinking about adding a major gift strategy? Here are a few key things to consider:
Investment readiness is a critical part of building healthy businesses. When entrepreneurs understand their numbers, governance, and growth strategy, capital can serve its intended purpose.
buff.ly/HPAm757
buff.ly/HPAm757
buff.ly
December 20, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Investment readiness is a critical part of building healthy businesses. When entrepreneurs understand their numbers, governance, and growth strategy, capital can serve its intended purpose.
buff.ly/HPAm757
buff.ly/HPAm757
So much of our effort is invisible. But it counts.
This weekend’s Breakthru Guide tells the story of Judy - a fundraiser whose quiet, faithful work in major gift fundraising created more transformation than she realized.
If you’ve ever wondered whether what you do matters... this one’s for you.
This weekend’s Breakthru Guide tells the story of Judy - a fundraiser whose quiet, faithful work in major gift fundraising created more transformation than she realized.
If you’ve ever wondered whether what you do matters... this one’s for you.
December 19, 2025 at 12:30 PM
So much of our effort is invisible. But it counts.
This weekend’s Breakthru Guide tells the story of Judy - a fundraiser whose quiet, faithful work in major gift fundraising created more transformation than she realized.
If you’ve ever wondered whether what you do matters... this one’s for you.
This weekend’s Breakthru Guide tells the story of Judy - a fundraiser whose quiet, faithful work in major gift fundraising created more transformation than she realized.
If you’ve ever wondered whether what you do matters... this one’s for you.
“The art of conversation lies in listening.” - Malcom Forbes
December 19, 2025 at 12:31 AM
“The art of conversation lies in listening.” - Malcom Forbes
Big Giver Truth #1: Giving Is Emotional, Not Just Logical
This is post 1 of 5 on a recent article in Inside Philanthropy called “Beyond Rational Generosity” - see the intro post here (buff.ly/kr7ATFu)
This is post 1 of 5 on a recent article in Inside Philanthropy called “Beyond Rational Generosity” - see the intro post here (buff.ly/kr7ATFu)
December 18, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Big Giver Truth #1: Giving Is Emotional, Not Just Logical
This is post 1 of 5 on a recent article in Inside Philanthropy called “Beyond Rational Generosity” - see the intro post here (buff.ly/kr7ATFu)
This is post 1 of 5 on a recent article in Inside Philanthropy called “Beyond Rational Generosity” - see the intro post here (buff.ly/kr7ATFu)
Margaret Komen’s company, MACE FOODS LTD., works with small farmers to source dried chilies for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food markets. What stands out in this story is not just the product, but the people. Farmers gaining reliable income.
buff.ly/CW5Np9S
buff.ly/CW5Np9S
December 18, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Margaret Komen’s company, MACE FOODS LTD., works with small farmers to source dried chilies for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food markets. What stands out in this story is not just the product, but the people. Farmers gaining reliable income.
buff.ly/CW5Np9S
buff.ly/CW5Np9S
Sometimes we (I) talk about givers as investors - rational, strategic, calculating.
But giving rarely starts in the head. This recent article by Michael Parker - “Beyond Rational Generosity: What We Miss About How Big Donors Really Think” - reminds us it almost always starts in the heart.
But giving rarely starts in the head. This recent article by Michael Parker - “Beyond Rational Generosity: What We Miss About How Big Donors Really Think” - reminds us it almost always starts in the heart.
December 17, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Sometimes we (I) talk about givers as investors - rational, strategic, calculating.
But giving rarely starts in the head. This recent article by Michael Parker - “Beyond Rational Generosity: What We Miss About How Big Donors Really Think” - reminds us it almost always starts in the heart.
But giving rarely starts in the head. This recent article by Michael Parker - “Beyond Rational Generosity: What We Miss About How Big Donors Really Think” - reminds us it almost always starts in the heart.
“It’s not enough to start. You have to keep showing up.” - Austin Kleon
December 17, 2025 at 12:30 AM
“It’s not enough to start. You have to keep showing up.” - Austin Kleon
🕺 Breakthru Guide “Top Performer” Series 💃
Every Tuesday or Wednesday, I’m resharing one of the most-read and talked-about Breakthru Guides from the past two years - the ones that made fundraisers stop and think.
Every Tuesday or Wednesday, I’m resharing one of the most-read and talked-about Breakthru Guides from the past two years - the ones that made fundraisers stop and think.
December 16, 2025 at 12:30 PM
🕺 Breakthru Guide “Top Performer” Series 💃
Every Tuesday or Wednesday, I’m resharing one of the most-read and talked-about Breakthru Guides from the past two years - the ones that made fundraisers stop and think.
Every Tuesday or Wednesday, I’m resharing one of the most-read and talked-about Breakthru Guides from the past two years - the ones that made fundraisers stop and think.
“I think a growth stage entrepreneur has to do this program. It’s not a consideration. You have to do it.”
buff.ly/v1C81vW
Access to capital accelerates a business, but only when the business is ready to absorb it well.
buff.ly/v1C81vW
Access to capital accelerates a business, but only when the business is ready to absorb it well.
www.linkedin.com
December 16, 2025 at 12:30 AM
“I think a growth stage entrepreneur has to do this program. It’s not a consideration. You have to do it.”
buff.ly/v1C81vW
Access to capital accelerates a business, but only when the business is ready to absorb it well.
buff.ly/v1C81vW
Access to capital accelerates a business, but only when the business is ready to absorb it well.
An encouragement for major gift fundraisers and charity leaders as you start a new week...
December 15, 2025 at 7:52 PM
An encouragement for major gift fundraisers and charity leaders as you start a new week...
“If you can’t laugh at yourself, you’re missing the best joke of all.” - Joan Rivers
December 15, 2025 at 12:30 AM
“If you can’t laugh at yourself, you’re missing the best joke of all.” - Joan Rivers
Surprise isn’t the enemy of fundraising. Disconnection is.
This week’s Breakthru Guide explores what happens when we let go of control - and still choose connection.
It’s part 3 of the INSPIRED series (S is for Surprised), and it landed yesterday.
This week’s Breakthru Guide explores what happens when we let go of control - and still choose connection.
It’s part 3 of the INSPIRED series (S is for Surprised), and it landed yesterday.
December 14, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Surprise isn’t the enemy of fundraising. Disconnection is.
This week’s Breakthru Guide explores what happens when we let go of control - and still choose connection.
It’s part 3 of the INSPIRED series (S is for Surprised), and it landed yesterday.
This week’s Breakthru Guide explores what happens when we let go of control - and still choose connection.
It’s part 3 of the INSPIRED series (S is for Surprised), and it landed yesterday.
“Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned.” - Peter Marshall
December 14, 2025 at 12:30 AM
“Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned.” - Peter Marshall
Time for some Saturday Standouts!
One of my favorite things in the world is watching charity leaders experience breakthroughs in major gift fundraising… Those moments when the conversation clicks, the strategy shifts, and generosity flows.
One of my favorite things in the world is watching charity leaders experience breakthroughs in major gift fundraising… Those moments when the conversation clicks, the strategy shifts, and generosity flows.
December 13, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Time for some Saturday Standouts!
One of my favorite things in the world is watching charity leaders experience breakthroughs in major gift fundraising… Those moments when the conversation clicks, the strategy shifts, and generosity flows.
One of my favorite things in the world is watching charity leaders experience breakthroughs in major gift fundraising… Those moments when the conversation clicks, the strategy shifts, and generosity flows.
Nerve isn’t hype. It’s not pretending everything’s fine. It’s not pushing through with a fake smile.
buff.ly/1YkrIQC
Nerve is:
* Holding tension without breaking
* Staying in the room after a hard meeting
* Saying, “We’ll find a way,” even if the path’s unclear
buff.ly/1YkrIQC
Nerve is:
* Holding tension without breaking
* Staying in the room after a hard meeting
* Saying, “We’ll find a way,” even if the path’s unclear
When The Bottom Drops Out | J.Paul Fridenmaker - Major Gift Fundraising Courses & Consulting
N is for Nerve (It's what holds us upright)
www.jpaulfridenmaker.com
December 13, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Nerve isn’t hype. It’s not pretending everything’s fine. It’s not pushing through with a fake smile.
buff.ly/1YkrIQC
Nerve is:
* Holding tension without breaking
* Staying in the room after a hard meeting
* Saying, “We’ll find a way,” even if the path’s unclear
buff.ly/1YkrIQC
Nerve is:
* Holding tension without breaking
* Staying in the room after a hard meeting
* Saying, “We’ll find a way,” even if the path’s unclear
You reach out. You pray. You wait.
Then out of nowhere: a reply. A moment. A story you didn’t expect.
This week’s Breakthru Guide is about the sacred work of staying present to surprise - even when the numbers don’t add up.
Then out of nowhere: a reply. A moment. A story you didn’t expect.
This week’s Breakthru Guide is about the sacred work of staying present to surprise - even when the numbers don’t add up.
December 13, 2025 at 12:30 PM
You reach out. You pray. You wait.
Then out of nowhere: a reply. A moment. A story you didn’t expect.
This week’s Breakthru Guide is about the sacred work of staying present to surprise - even when the numbers don’t add up.
Then out of nowhere: a reply. A moment. A story you didn’t expect.
This week’s Breakthru Guide is about the sacred work of staying present to surprise - even when the numbers don’t add up.
In this beautiful port city of Mombasa, Kenya, entrepreneurs gathered to learn, encourage one another, and build businesses that strengthen their communities.
buff.ly/k5dVyli
buff.ly/k5dVyli
www.linkedin.com
December 13, 2025 at 12:30 AM
In this beautiful port city of Mombasa, Kenya, entrepreneurs gathered to learn, encourage one another, and build businesses that strengthen their communities.
buff.ly/k5dVyli
buff.ly/k5dVyli
They gave $35k two years ago. $30k last year.
This year? Nothing so far.
Until one surprising call - and a conversation I won’t forget.
This week’s Breakthru Guide is about how connection can still break through... even when the gift goes somewhere else.
This year? Nothing so far.
Until one surprising call - and a conversation I won’t forget.
This week’s Breakthru Guide is about how connection can still break through... even when the gift goes somewhere else.
December 12, 2025 at 12:30 PM
They gave $35k two years ago. $30k last year.
This year? Nothing so far.
Until one surprising call - and a conversation I won’t forget.
This week’s Breakthru Guide is about how connection can still break through... even when the gift goes somewhere else.
This year? Nothing so far.
Until one surprising call - and a conversation I won’t forget.
This week’s Breakthru Guide is about how connection can still break through... even when the gift goes somewhere else.
“Be where your feet are.” - Scott O'Neil
December 12, 2025 at 12:30 AM
“Be where your feet are.” - Scott O'Neil
Want to see character in a meeting? Watch how the fundraiser treats *everyone* in the room.
The spouse. The assistant. The adult child. The assistant again.
It’s easy to laser in on “the main giver.” But real fundraising character makes everyone feel seen and valued.
The spouse. The assistant. The adult child. The assistant again.
It’s easy to laser in on “the main giver.” But real fundraising character makes everyone feel seen and valued.
December 11, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Want to see character in a meeting? Watch how the fundraiser treats *everyone* in the room.
The spouse. The assistant. The adult child. The assistant again.
It’s easy to laser in on “the main giver.” But real fundraising character makes everyone feel seen and valued.
The spouse. The assistant. The adult child. The assistant again.
It’s easy to laser in on “the main giver.” But real fundraising character makes everyone feel seen and valued.
Throughout my career I’ve heard this false dichotomy: ministry only happens in churches or on mission fields.
Sinapis’ CEO Matthew Rohrs has a great and winsome way of describing why that view is too small. I appreciated this short reflection from him and think you will as well.
Sinapis’ CEO Matthew Rohrs has a great and winsome way of describing why that view is too small. I appreciated this short reflection from him and think you will as well.
How to balance faith and business as an entrepreneur | Sinapis posted on the topic | LinkedIn
In our latest Coffee Break episode, Matthew Rohrs dives into the struggle many entrepreneurs feel between the ‘sacred’ and ‘secular’ sides of their work. Entrepreneurs - what challenges do you...
buff.ly
December 11, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Throughout my career I’ve heard this false dichotomy: ministry only happens in churches or on mission fields.
Sinapis’ CEO Matthew Rohrs has a great and winsome way of describing why that view is too small. I appreciated this short reflection from him and think you will as well.
Sinapis’ CEO Matthew Rohrs has a great and winsome way of describing why that view is too small. I appreciated this short reflection from him and think you will as well.
A friend of mine was offered a job - senior-level, record-breaking pay.
But he knew the culture was toxic. A micromanaging exec. Gossip and ego in the air.
He said no. “I wanted to enjoy the people I work with. I wanted to grow, not shrink.”
But he knew the culture was toxic. A micromanaging exec. Gossip and ego in the air.
He said no. “I wanted to enjoy the people I work with. I wanted to grow, not shrink.”
December 10, 2025 at 12:30 PM
A friend of mine was offered a job - senior-level, record-breaking pay.
But he knew the culture was toxic. A micromanaging exec. Gossip and ego in the air.
He said no. “I wanted to enjoy the people I work with. I wanted to grow, not shrink.”
But he knew the culture was toxic. A micromanaging exec. Gossip and ego in the air.
He said no. “I wanted to enjoy the people I work with. I wanted to grow, not shrink.”
“Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real.” - Thomas Merton
December 10, 2025 at 12:30 AM
“Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real.” - Thomas Merton
🕺 Breakthru Guide “Top Performer” Series 💃
Every Tuesday or Wednesday, I’m resharing one of the most-read and talked-about Breakthru Guides from the past two years - the ones that really hit a nerve with major gift fundraisers.
Every Tuesday or Wednesday, I’m resharing one of the most-read and talked-about Breakthru Guides from the past two years - the ones that really hit a nerve with major gift fundraisers.
December 9, 2025 at 12:30 PM
🕺 Breakthru Guide “Top Performer” Series 💃
Every Tuesday or Wednesday, I’m resharing one of the most-read and talked-about Breakthru Guides from the past two years - the ones that really hit a nerve with major gift fundraisers.
Every Tuesday or Wednesday, I’m resharing one of the most-read and talked-about Breakthru Guides from the past two years - the ones that really hit a nerve with major gift fundraisers.
I *love* that the Sinapis team does a post like this every Friday.
buff.ly/HFZPAiA
I know from personal experience how much entrepreneurs give of themselves. The work is demanding and the pressure is real.
buff.ly/HFZPAiA
I know from personal experience how much entrepreneurs give of themselves. The work is demanding and the pressure is real.
December 9, 2025 at 12:30 AM
I *love* that the Sinapis team does a post like this every Friday.
buff.ly/HFZPAiA
I know from personal experience how much entrepreneurs give of themselves. The work is demanding and the pressure is real.
buff.ly/HFZPAiA
I know from personal experience how much entrepreneurs give of themselves. The work is demanding and the pressure is real.