Audaciously Visible: How to Own Your Message and Raise More Money

Most fundraisers don't lose donors by asking too big...they lose them by playing it safe, apologizing for their needs, and never showing up boldly enough. Dayna Del Val joins Rob Burke to change that.

Dayna spent 13 years as President and CEO of a regional arts nonprofit before becoming a speaker and coach who helps leaders become audaciously visible. In this episode, she shares how her acting background unlocked her approach to donor conversations, why so many nonprofit professionals shrink in the moments that require boldness, and the one shift that can transform how you walk into every donor meeting.

Whether you're heading into your fundraising season, prepping for a major ask, or just tired of feeling underprepared when it matters most, this conversation will give you practical tools and real permission to show up differently.

Dayna is also a featured speaker at the WellTold Nonprofit Conference this April, details in the links below.

WellTold Conference: https://welltoldconference.com/

Learn about DonorDock: https://www.donordock.com/

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Welcome and intro: Who is Dayna Del Val?
00:52 - Accidentally becoming a nonprofit leader
03:01 - What is Well Told and why should fundraisers attend?
05:39 - Leadership lessons from 13 years running an arts nonprofit
06:15 - How acting background shaped donor conversation skills
08:28 - Where nonprofit professionals shrink and play small
10:30 - The donor who told her she was thinking too small
11:17 - Listening well before making the big ask
12:03 - Do your research: understanding donor capacity
13:29 - The cost of staying hidden: what fear of rejection actually costs you
14:08 - A practical shift for communicating with more authority now
15:52 - A real story: the multi-year funding ask that broke her heart
18:00 - Tactical takeaway: own your message unapologetically
19:02 - Closing thoughts and Well Told Conference details

If this episode sparked something in you, subscribe so you never miss a conversation that helps you focus on what moves the needle in fundraising.