This episode is sponsored by:
In this episode of Lead with Heart, I am joined by Laura Bonnell, the founder of The Bonnell Foundation and host of the Living with Cystic Fibrosis Podcast.
Laura’s journey into advocacy began when her mother’s instincts clashed with initial medical skepticism, ultimately leading to a life-changing diagnosis for her daughter Molly. Fueled by a passion to help her daughter and others with cystic fibrosis (CF), Laura shifted from a journalism career to nonprofit leadership, combining her storytelling skills and commitment to advocacy. Now, she’s raising awareness, supporting families, and working with legislators to drive meaningful change for those living with CF.
Our conversation delves into the challenges faced by CF families, the importance of storytelling in fundraising and awareness, and the role of nonprofit advocacy in creating meaningful change.
In this episode:
- [02:46] Turning a challenging experience into a mission-driven career
- [06:11] Understanding cystic fibrosis and The Bonnell Foundation
- [08:38] The challenges cystic fibrosis families face once they receive the diagnosis
- [10:10] The Bonnell Foundation’s funding model
- [11:55] The value of telling your story
- [14:10] The key components of ethical storytelling
- [21:24] Adopting an advocacy mindset to create impactful and sustainable nonprofit growth
- [27:37] Involving children in advocacy
- [29:09] The Bonnell Foundation’s goals for the future
NOTEWORTHY QUOTES
“ It’s about relationships. I am friends with everybody that has donated. I have so much respect for them and continue those relationships.” – Laura Bonnell
“ The best gift is that when you tell your story, you connect with so many other people.” – Laura Bonnell
“ Getting information out there and continuing advocacy continues to be the goal because everyone’s voices need to be heard.” – Laura Bonnell
RESOURCES
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 LAURA
LinkedIn: Laura Bonnell
Instagram: @laurabonnell
Website: https://thebonnellfoundation.org/
Email: thebonnellfoundation@gmail.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
This episode is sponsored by Donorbox
As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more.
Leave a Comment