What really happens when nonprofit CEOs step out of the boardroom and into one-on-one conversations with their donors?

In this episode of the Fit Fundraising Podcast, Roy Jones sits down with Michelle Porter, CEO and Co-Founder of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, to unpack what she learned by personally meeting with key supporters—without a large fundraising staff or a formal major gifts department.

Michelle shares how Souls Harbour grew from serving one meal to becoming a $17 million, multi-site mission, and how intentional, relational donor meetings from the C-suite transformed both donor engagement and internal culture. You'll hear practical insights on involving program staff in donor stewardship, shifting from fundraising to friend-raising, and discovering what truly motivates long-term supporters to give.

If you're a nonprofit leader wondering whether major donor meetings are worth your time—or how to start without "doing it wrong"—this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and a proven path forward.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What surprised Michelle most when she began meeting donors one-on-one

• Why major donor programs don't have to start with professional fundraisers

• How involving staff and clients strengthens donor relationships

• The most common motivations donors shared—and how to listen for them

• Why CEOs play a critical role in major donor engagement

In Part 2 of our conversation with Jordan Smith, Executive Chief Development Officer at Tree of Life Ministries, we explore what it really takes to reach donors from Boomers to Gen Z. Jordan breaks down the communication habits of different generations, how Tree of Life grew from a small online presence to more than 13,000 followers, and why social media is now the front door to donor engagement.

Jordan also shares how strategic events — including something as simple as a community pickleball tournament — are bringing in brand-new supporters, and how thoughtful follow-up, prayer, and authentic relationships turn first-time donors into long-term partners.

If you want to understand the future of donor engagement and how to connect meaningfully across generations, this conversation gives you a clear, practical roadmap from one of the leading young voices in nonprofit development.

In this episode, Roy Jones sits down with Jordan Smith, Executive Chief Development Officer at Tree of Life Ministries in Purcellville, Virginia. Jordan shares how a moment of compassion in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina inspired his family to launch a ministry that now partners with more than 40 churches and serves thousands each year.

Together, Roy and Jordan explore what it means to lead with humility across generations—how younger leaders can introduce innovation while honoring the wisdom of those who came before them. From implementing new technology to building bridges between Boomers and Millennials, Jordan offers powerful insights on faith-driven leadership, generational teamwork, and keeping Christ at the center of every mission.