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.

In this episode:

• [03:00] Ron’s path from politics to nonprofit fundraising
• [04:03] Leveraging a political background for nonprofit advocacy
• [05:00] How philanthropy drives medical advancement and enhances patient care
• [08:34] Building lasting donor relationships in today’s fundraising landscape
• [11:47] The power of patient-centered funding initiatives
• [13:44] Ron’s journey with CLL and its impact on his work
• [16:03] How to build strong donor relationships
• [18:07] The role of donor funding in research and treatment innovation
• [20:36] Ethical storytelling in healthcare fundraising
• [24:02] Key takeaways for emerging nonprofit professionals
• [26:06] Universal principles that apply across nonprofit sectors

RESOURCES

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

CONNECT WITH RON

LinkedIn:

Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE!

My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies to help nonprofit leaders turn visions into reality, and create meaningful impact

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CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. She founded The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business, and has experience with nonprofits in human services, homelessness, and youth sectors. Specializing in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, Haley is dedicated to empowering nonprofit leaders to create thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com

Produced by Ideablossoms