E51: The Art of Fundraising as a Relationship-Building Opportunity with Kel Haney

In this episode of the Lead with Heart podcast, I have Kel Haney, a former theater director turned fundraising expert, on the show. Kel shares her journey from theater to fundraising, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building over transactional encounters. 

She discusses the power of vulnerability and storytelling in connecting with donors and highlights the need for everyone in an organization to engage in fundraising. 

The conversation also explores the significance of understanding personal motivations, creating a positive donor experience, and fostering an engaged community — especially in organizations with experiential elements. 

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES

“It’s about being vulnerable first and foremost, leading from a place that’s very personal and specific.” -Kel Haney

“I don’t like to have surface conversations; I want to have conversations where we’re going deep.” -Kel Haney

“If this conversation is truly evolving from a place that is specific, authentic, vulnerable, knowledgeable, that’s what matters, and the money always follows.” -Kel Haney

“At the end of the day, we cannot control whether or not someone says yes or no. But we can control them learning more about the organization by how we’re engaging with them. And that’s what I care about.” -Kel Haney

RESOURCES

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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.

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CONNECT WITH KEL

Kel Haney is a fundraising expert with over 20 years of experience in the performing arts and nonprofit sector. As a former theater director who raised $6 million for the Manhattan Theatre Club, Kel now teaches nonprofit professionals to cultivate donors through intentional relationship-building. She helps organizations strengthen engagement and loyalty by reframing fundraising as community-focused conversations that invite supporters into the mission through empathy, understanding, and personalized outreach.

LinkedIn: Kel Haney

Instagram: @KelHaney

Website: kelhaney.com

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