Mission Funded: A Grant Advance Podcast
Join us on our podcasting journey and discover the tools, knowledge, and confidence you need to navigate nonprofit funding successfully.
Mission Funded: A Grant Advance Podcast is your inside look at the world of nonprofit funding. In each episode, we dive into all things grant-related—from practical guidance on writing strong Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) to real conversations with organization leaders who share their funding wins and lessons learned along the way. We also sit down with industry professionals to bring you expert insights, strategies, and best practices you can apply immediately.
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Episode 5
Nonprofit Fundraising, Branding & Storytelling with Sarah Ernest | Mission Funded Podcast
In this episode of Mission Funded: A Grant Advance Podcast, we sit down with Sarah Ernest, founder of Ernest for Good and best-selling author of RETHINK PHILANTHROPY: Breaking Rules, Raising Funds and Doing Good, you can find the book here: https://a.co/d/06v1jSDU
Sarah joins us to talk about what it really means to fundraise with confidence, build a nonprofit brand that stands out, and tell stories that help donors understand the impact of their giving.
We cover outdated fundraising rules, scarcity mindset in the nonprofit sector, confident fundraising asks, donor communication, fractional fundraising support, nonprofit branding, storytelling, and how organizations can find better-aligned funders instead of chasing every opportunity.
If you are a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, grant writer, executive director, or charity professional looking to strengthen your fundraising strategy and communicate your mission more clearly, this conversation is full of practical insight.
Topics covered in this episode:
• What “unapologetic fundraising” really means
• How nonprofits can move away from scarcity mindset
• What a confident fundraising ask sounds like
• Why nonprofit branding matters in fundraising
• How storytelling builds trust with donors and funders
• How often nonprofits should communicate with supporters
• When fractional fundraising support makes sense
• What makes a charity and funder a strong match
Learn more about Sarah Ernest and Ernest for Good: https://ernestforgood.com/
Check out Sarah’s podcast, What’s the Tea With Sarah E:
https://open.spotify.com/show/45Jx81hmCgAq2JculddCzm?si=818fbb8be0424385
Episode 4
Larry Levine – Selling From the heart
For many nonprofit leaders, the word “sales” can feel uncomfortable. But if you’re asking donors, funders, sponsors, or community partners to support your mission, you are influencing people to take action — and that means sales is part of the work.
In this episode of Mission Funded, we sit down with Larry Levine, author of Selling From the Heart and Selling in a Post-Trust World, to talk about how nonprofits can rethink fundraising, donor relationships, and the way they make the ask.
Larry shares why authentic selling starts with self-awareness, how to build trust before asking for support, and why fundraisers need to attach every donation to the real outcomes it creates. He also breaks down how to handle rejection, follow up after a “no,” build confidence through practice, and stay visible in your community.
If asking for money has ever felt awkward, pushy, or uncomfortable, this conversation will help you see fundraising differently. Because when you lead with service, impact, and trust, selling your mission becomes less about pressure and more about inviting people into meaningful change.
Episode 3
Albert Rizzi – My Blind Spot
On the latest episode of Mission Funded: A Grant Advance Podcast, we sat down with Albert Rizzi, founder of My Blind Spot, to talk about the life-changing experience that led him to become a passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusion.
After losing his vision in 2006, Albert discovered just how inaccessible the world can be — and instead of accepting it, he set out to help change it. From technology and travel to everyday experiences most people take for granted, he’s working to create a world that’s more inclusive for everyone.
This conversation is powerful, honest, eye-opening, and a reminder that accessibility isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity.
?️ Listen now and hear how one person’s adversity became a mission to help millions.
Episode 2
Rick Dahlseid CFO & Non-Profit Finance Guru
Rick Dahlseid is joining us today from sunny California!
He’s here to share his expertise on what it means to serve as a fractional CFO, the critical role boards play in preparing their organizations for the months ahead, and his proven MARLIN framework for building and strengthening effective nonprofit boards.
Rick will offer practical insights on financial leadership, governance readiness, and how boards can position their organizations for stability, growth, and long-term success.
Episode 1
Inside Our Team’s Approach to Aligned Grant Funding
Listen in as we sit down with our Global Sales Director, Sarah Van Dyke, who shares her personal journey of writing Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) and working within our system to help organizations connect with the right funders. In this episode, Sarah walks us through her hands-on experience, the lessons she has learned along the way, and why writing from the heart—while staying clear and intentional—can make all the difference when building meaningful relationships with foundations.
Rick will offer practical insights on financial leadership, governance readiness, and how boards can position their organizations for stability, growth, and long-term success.