In the nonprofit sector, phone calls can be a powerful tool for building authentic relationships with donors and community members. Unlike online communication, which is one-sided, phone calls provide an opportunity for actual connection and dialogue. When tackled with vulnerability and clarity, fundraisers can break down isolation walls and engage supporters in genuine, non-transactional conversations.

Meet Kel Haney, an accidental fundraiser with a background in theater. Mallory and Kel  talk about the importance of phone calls and community engagement in the non-profit sector. Kel shares her “Five-Minute Phone Call Framework,” and speaks on the importance of genuine curiosity and intention in the questions asked during a call, the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in fundraising, handling objections and building relationships, and more.

Feeling jittery about making that fundraising call? 

You’re not alone. Many fear the dreaded hang-up when reaching out to potential donors. But imagine turning calls from cold to gold, sparking genuine connections that open doors to vital funds. 

This week, I chat with the remarkable Kel Haney about turning dreaded fundraising calls into thrilling opportunities for growth.

Kel brings a unique perspective from her vibrant past as a theater director, turning every fundraising call into a compelling story with a happy ending. With over $6 million raised through engaging conversations, Kel’s approach debunks our deepest fears about the dreaded “ask.”

Want to learn how you can harness the power of storytelling and genuine connection to make fundraising calls less about asking for money and more about forging meaningful relationships?

Tune into this insightful episode to unleash the power of the 5-minute ask in your own campaigns.

Meet Kel. She empowers nonprofits to grow their mid-level donor relationships through 5-Minute Fundraising Asks (over the phone!) 📞 She’s personally made over 20,000 fundraising asks and trained nonprofit organizations to raise almost $20M (primarily in donations under $2.5K)❗ Ring, ring, it’s Kel calling and she has a refreshing alternative to scripted calls, shifting fundraising conversations away from transactional encounters and toward relationship-building opportunities. Tune in to learn how to craft a compelling story within a short call, develop trust from the get-go, and personalize each interaction to resonate with donors. 

In this episode, Sarah Barton is joined by Kel Haney, founder and CEO of Kel Haney Consulting. They dive into the power of curiosity in fundraising, the importance of personal connections with donors, and how to build relationships that go beyond transactions. Kel shares her methodology for mid-level donor engagement and explains why phone calls, though intimidating for some, can build stronger, more meaningful relationships.

In this heartfelt and tactical episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with Kel Haney, a fundraising coach who champions the old-school power of the phone call. She breaks down why personal calls still work, even in the age of declining answer rates, and how nonprofits can use warm outreach to foster lasting donor relationships. From crafting compelling voicemails to replacing rigid scripts with conversational frameworks, Kel’s approach is rooted in empathy, authenticity, and action.

Kel Haney was doing a little bit of everything: directing theater, consulting non profits, coaching others, and it left her burned out and unsure of how to grow.

But everything changed when she made the decision to specialize in mid-level donor fundraising.

In this episode, Kel shares how focusing on the work she does best helped her build a thriving, fully booked fundraising business. We talk about the clarity and momentum that came with refining her services, why mid-level donor strategies are often overlooked, and how this specialization allowed her to scale with more ease and impact.

If you’re feeling spread too thin or unsure how to grow, Kel’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible when you align your business with your zone of genius.

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. 

Fundraising isn’t about asking—it’s about connecting. On this episode of Raise Nation Radio, host Dawn Lego sits down with Kel Haney, a fundraising consultant, coach, and speaker, to unpack the power of authentic donor conversations. Kel shares her expertise on transforming five-minute phone calls into relationship-building opportunities that drive long-term impact.

Discover why fundraising shouldn’t feel transactional, how technology can support (but not replace) personal connections, and why gratitude is your greatest asset. Plus, Kel reveals how to take the ‘ick’ out of the ask—so donor calls feel natural, engaging, and even enjoyable. Tune in as Kel role-plays a donor call with Dawn on the spot—securing a $1,000 gift in a mock call. You can do it too!

At last year’s F2F & Telephone Fundraising Conference, fundraising consultant Kel Haney shared game-changing strategies in her session, “Taking the Ick Out of the Ask”. She explored why fundraising can feel uncomfortable, how to shift that mindset, and how to confidently engage in quick, meaningful donor conversations that leave everyone feeling good.

Now, she’s back for a conversation  with Simon Scriver, ready to dive even deeper into these topics.

Is your nonprofit fundraising strategy working? In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria speaks with Kel Haney, a fundraising coach and consultant, about transforming donor engagement through personalized and strategic phone calls. Kel introduces her "ditch the script" approach and her "five-minute fundraising ask" framework, which emphasizes authenticity, connection, and clear asks. Whether you’re a seasoned fundraiser or new to phone outreach, Kel’s insights will help you foster deeper relationships and make your calls more effective. 

In this episode of the Lead with Heart podcast, we 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.