Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

J.Paul Fridenmaker

@jpfry.bsky.social

79 followers 93 following 1.8K posts

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.

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Pinned

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:

1 2

J.Paul Fridenmaker @jpfry.bsky.social · 11h

Some people dream of success. Others wake up and log into Salesforce.

J.Paul Fridenmaker @jpfry.bsky.social · 20h

In the Breakthru Blog this week I share more about it and how I’ve worked through it.

Check it out and let me know what you think.
buff.ly/TG5oxO3

buff.ly

J.Paul Fridenmaker @jpfry.bsky.social · 20h

Are you comparing yourself to the person who “already hit their number” or “just closed a six-figure gift.”

Are the whispers relentless?
🫢You’re not doing enough
😱You’re already behind
😬They’re going to find out

I get it because I’ve been there.

J.Paul Fridenmaker @jpfry.bsky.social · 1d

The deeper the trust, the more room for transformation.

J.Paul Fridenmaker @jpfry.bsky.social · 1d

This weekend’s Breakthru Guide is about what happens when asking feels like a loss of power.
📬 Want to read it now? Join here (free):
buff.ly/VXEhmMi

J.Paul's weekly Breakthru Guide

Reflections and pro tips on major gift fundraising.

buff.ly

J.Paul Fridenmaker @jpfry.bsky.social · 1d

“I used to be the one people pitched to. Now I’m the one asking - and sometimes it feels like I’m begging.”

That’s what Richard told me. He used to be a corporate VP. Now he runs a nonprofit for at-risk youth.

J.Paul Fridenmaker @jpfry.bsky.social · 2d

“Being brave doesn’t mean you’re not scared. It means you show up anyway.” - Brené Brown

J.Paul Fridenmaker @jpfry.bsky.social · 2d

And last but not least, some super practical advice from our favorite professional on-camera person, Ross Kimball - buff.ly/DNDitZW

Thanks everyone!

J.Paul Fridenmaker @jpfry.bsky.social · 2d

* William Myatt - buff.ly/siLxvab - Five things that set apart the best fundraisers.

J.Paul Fridenmaker @jpfry.bsky.social · 2d

* David Duxbury - buff.ly/GB2hLbf - Super creative initiative from a local church to create sustainable revenue.

J.Paul Fridenmaker @jpfry.bsky.social · 2d

* Andrew Olsen - buff.ly/Y5ueA5y - Please (please) test your gut instincts before deciding how, when, and in what ways to engage your major givers.

J.Paul Fridenmaker @jpfry.bsky.social · 2d

* Courtney Harrness - buff.ly/vG4lOb1 - If your strategy starts with the ask, you’ve started too late.

J.Paul Fridenmaker @jpfry.bsky.social · 2d

* Michelle Benson - buff.ly/VYuJPoz - Senior job titles for your frontline fundraisers are essential.

J.Paul Fridenmaker @jpfry.bsky.social · 2d

* Rohan Sheth - buff.ly/plzMEp9 - Three important insights for great networking.

J.Paul Fridenmaker @jpfry.bsky.social · 2d

* Marcus Sheridan - buff.ly/Cuh5Pjv - This wisdom absolutely applies to nonprofits. Have you tested putting an “impact estimator” on your giving page?

J.Paul Fridenmaker @jpfry.bsky.social · 2d

* Amanda Smith, MBA, MPA, bCRE-PRO - buff.ly/iTDLsp6 - The most valuable metrics in fundraising are relationships strengthened. Can you guess what percentage of nonprofits measure giver satisfaction?

J.Paul Fridenmaker @jpfry.bsky.social · 2d

DHTFaT;GMYF [Don’t Have Time For All These; Give Me Your Favorite]
* Mario Hernandez - buff.ly/k3XEGsE - Five exquisite points here about how to raise major funding.

J.Paul Fridenmaker @jpfry.bsky.social · 2d

That’s why I’m grateful for the folks here on LinkedIn who keep showing up to share wisdom, tools, insights, and even a few laughs.

Each Saturday I choose 10 posts that stood out to me from across the major gift and philanthropy world. Enjoy!

J.Paul Fridenmaker @jpfry.bsky.social · 2d

AND - if you’ve done this work for more than five minutes, you know that it’s not always a straight line. One week you’re encouraged, the next you’re doubting your entire approach.

J.Paul Fridenmaker @jpfry.bsky.social · 2d

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.

J.Paul Fridenmaker @jpfry.bsky.social · 2d

Is it really “just an invitation” if it feels like begging?

This weekend’s Breakthru Guide explores what’s actually going on beneath that feeling - and what to do about it.

I write this guide every week for major gift fundraisers and nonprofit leaders. You can get it here:
buff.ly/VXEhmMi

J.Paul Fridenmaker @jpfry.bsky.social · 3d

“The best time to build a bridge is long before you need to cross it.” - Unknown

J.Paul Fridenmaker @jpfry.bsky.social · 3d

Subscribers get it yesterday. If you want to join them, you can sign up here (free):
buff.ly/VXEhmMi

J.Paul's weekly Breakthru Guide

Reflections and pro tips on major gift fundraising.

buff.ly

J.Paul Fridenmaker @jpfry.bsky.social · 3d

What do you do when the people you’re inviting to give… used to report to you?

That’s the story behind this weekend’s Breakthru Guide. It’s about status, asking, and the quiet fear of seeming needy.

J.Paul Fridenmaker @jpfry.bsky.social · 4d

If it’s not for them, don’t force it. Let them be free.