E103: Transforming Personal Adversity into Powerful Fundraising with Ron Katz

In this episode of the Lead with Heart Podcast, I’m honored to welcome Ron Katz – a seasoned fundraising leader with over three decades of impact in healthcare, education, and social services. Ron has raised over $100 million for mission-driven organizations, and today, he shares how his personal journey with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has deepened his approach to donor relationships and philanthropy.

We explore how personal experiences can shape and enhance fundraising effectiveness, how to build lasting donor trust, and why authentic storytelling matters – especially in healthcare philanthropy. Whether you’re a major gifts officer, executive director, or emerging nonprofit leader, Ron’s insight into patient-centered funding and nonprofit resilience will leave you inspired and empowered.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES

“ I’d rather have 10 really good relationships with good donors than be making a hundred calls to people who may or may not care who I am.” – Ron Katz

“ If you really want to be successful, you’ve got to have a strategy that takes into account the donor’s needs, the donor’s expectations, and the process that is required to build those relationships.” – Ron Katz

“ Living for a couple of decades with cancer that’s treatable, but not curable, can be very emotionally straining for just about anybody.” – Ron Katz

RESOURCES

E62: Turning Personal Loss Into Community Impact with Susan Combs from Pancakes for Roger

The EmC Masterclass developed by Dr. Lola Gershfeld is for everyone looking to enhance their communication and collaboration skills to raise more revenue for their mission. This groundbreaking Emotional Connection process has been integrated into top universities’ curriculum and recognized by international organizations like ICF HRCI, and SHRM. Use the code LEADWITHHEART to enjoy a generous 10% discount.

Imagine a fundraising partner that not only helps you raise more money but also supports you in retaining your donors. A partner that helps you raise funds both online AND on-location. Donorbox is a comprehensive suite of tools, services, and resources that gives fundraisers, just like you, a custom solution to tackle your unique challenges. Helping you…help others. Visit donorbox.org to learn more.

CONNECT WITH RON

LinkedIn: Ron Katz

Website: https://cllsociety.org/

CONNECT WITH HALEY

Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Certified Stress Management Coach, and Certified EmC train the trainer. She is the Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business. She has worked in both small and large nonprofit teams in the human services, homelessness, and youth sectors; and she specializes in the EmC process, nonprofit leadership, board development, and fundraising. Haley is a passionate, impact-driven, experienced nonprofit professional whose mission is to empower, elevate and engage nonprofit leaders to build healthy, thriving organizations.

Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser

LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE

Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com