Fully Funded Podcast - Fundraising for Christian Missionaries
Proven strategies, actionable insights, and encouraging testimonies for Christian missionaries raising support in today's world. We're Mary Valloni and Mike Kim, a team that only God could have brought together. Both of our lives were significantly impacted by missions. Mary is a respected non-profit consultant with a wealth of experience from working with ministry orgs like Chi Alpha as well as nonprofits like The American Cancer Society and the Special Olympics. Mike is best-selling author and expert in branding and marketing. Subscribe now to learn how to grow your donor base, raise more support, and get fully funded. More info at: http://fullyfundedacademy.com.
Episodes
What's possible when you raise support with clarity, confidence, and community?
In this New Year episode, Mike Kim and Mary share powerful real-life testimonies from missionaries and ministry leaders who experienced breakthrough in their fundraising — including:
- A $25,000 gift from a newly formed advisory team
- A $230,000 year-end campaign that started with a $100,000 goal
- Members rebuilding confidence after financial hardship
- ...
https://youtu.be/keUWqXWeJegWatch on YouTube »
If you've ever felt like support raising should be easier by now—like maybe you're just not cut out for this—you need to watch this. Support raising has very predictable phases: the highs, the valleys, the plateaus. And if...
After coaching over 2,000 missionaries, we've noticed something: every single one who reached 100% support shared these five habits. They're not complicated, and they're not about being a "natural" at fundraising - they're just consistent, repeatable practices that work. If you want to get fully funded in 2026, start here.
CONNECT WITH FULLY FUNDED ACADEMY:
- Website: https://fullyfundedacademy.com
- Get th...
Mike Kim and Mary Valloni break down four common phrases that quietly kill missionary fundraising, especially in 1:1 conversations... and what to say instead!
The shift is simple but powerful: move from neediness and vague asks to clarity, confidence, and invitation, treating supporters as partners in the mission, not transactions.
CONNECT WITH FULLY FUNDED ACADEMY:
- Website: https://fullyfundedacademy.c...
Watch this on YouTube (recommended) »
After three and a half years apart, we reunite to reshoot all the core content for Fully Funded Academy—and we're asking the big question: does your support raising strategy need a facelift, an overhaul, or a funeral?
This behind-the-scenes episode captures our two-day studio shoot and why putting your best foot forward matters. We share how they've grown in seven years, why excellence isn't pe...
Watch this episode on YouTube »
Thanksgiving is coming soon, and today we're sharing our personal journeys with gratitude and the profound impact that a gratitude practice can have on how you raise support and you day-to-day well-being. We are grateful for you!
- 00:00 Introduction to Gratitude
If your missionary budget isn't cutting it, or you're wondering how to create more financial margin without abandoning your ministry, this conversation is for you.
Mike and Mary tackle one of the most under-discussed realities in missions: what it actually means to be bi-vocational in today's world. Spoiler: it doesn't mean splitting your day between ministry and working retail.
As we head into November and December, your donors are deciding where to give. They're looking for ministries with clear vision and faithful stewardship.
Today we discuss a common mistake missionaries make that costs them thousands in support: focusing on money rather than vision. Tune in on how to make the shift ...
In this episode, we dive into the critical role of personal connections in ministry fundraising and missions support. This episode is packed with actionable advice designed to help you cultivate deeper connections and foster a supportive community around your mission. Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or just starting out, these insights will empower you to make a meaningful impact in your fundraising eff...
Your relationship with money might be more dysfunctional than you realize—and it can show up in every fundraising conversation you have. Today we unpack why so many ministry leaders wear financial scarcity like a badge of honor while billion-dollar nonprofits operate with completely different money mindsets.
What You'll Discover:
<...Join us as walk through our book Fully Funded chapter by chapter, sharing the stories and strategies behind each section. From the prayer card that fell out of Mary's dad's Bible to the framework that's helped thousands of missionaries raise support, we break down what's actually inside the book and why we structured it the way they did.
We're back with exciting news about the future of the Fully Funded Podcast - we're coming back!
For the past year, we've been heads-down working on our book Fully Funded and also building our YouTube channel. We've heard from so many of our readers and viewers that they'd like the audio format of the podcast, so we're coming back!
Today we're talking all about how to bring the entrepreneurial spirit to missions with our special guest, Ryan Steuer.
Ryan is the founder of Magnify Missions, an organization focused on combating the problem of ministry and business burnout. As a former pastor and entrepreneur, Ryan knows the challenges and limitations to creating long-term sustainability in both ministry and business.
In this episode, we explore:
- The relatio...
Today we're taking a question from a listener who wants to know how to ask for funds from a business.
Partnerships between charities and businesses can be immensely powerful. The collaboration between these two groups can result in significant positive impact for the community and the world. One of the key avenues for this collaboration is through corporate donations.
In this episode, we'll explore:
- 5 effective strategies for...
Have you ever wondered...
- Why can other people rely on me, but I can't rely on myself?
- Why does it seem like I resist doing things I want to do?
- Why can't other people accept that I find comfort and freedom in my routines?
- Why doesn't everyone do the things they say they are going to do like I do?
- Why do I struggle to make decisions, often becoming overwhelmed by analysis paralysis?
- Why can't I make time for myself and the hab...
On today's episode, Mary shares how to turn a large gift into a matching gift.
Today's episode comes from a listener who shares, "Our ministry was recently given a gift of $20,000 and I wanted to know if putting a matching funds 'ask' out there a good idea when my primary goal right now is personal support, not operational funds?"
In this episode you'll also hear:
On today's episode, Mary shares how to get back up when you feel knocked down.
Today's episode comes from a listener who shares, "I feel overwhelmed by my support raising goal. Just when I feel like I'm getting ahead, I lose a supporter and feel super defeated. What do I do?"
In this episode you'll hear:
- 3 verses to read when you're feeling defeated
- What key steps can you take to pick yourself up and get back on track
- How to r...
On today's episode, Mary shares how to overcome the poverty mindset
Overcoming a poverty mindset can be a difficult and challenging process, but there are several steps that an individual can take to work towards a more positive and empowered mindset.
In this episode you'll hear:
- What is a poverty mindset
- What are the 5 most common reasons for a poverty mindset
- What are the 6 things you can do today to create an abundance mind...
On today's episode, Mary shares the three key obstacles to raising funds and how to overcome them.
In this episode you'll also hear:
- How to get more people to know you and your ministry exist
- How to stand out from your competition
- What is donor fatigue and how do I ensure my donors don't experience it
- and more!
If you enjoy the show, please share it with a friend, and consider a special gift to fullyfundedacademy.com/giv...
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