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Beyond the Donation podcast cover art for Episode 17 with guest Ryan Goodman.

Ep. 17 | Involved and Invested, an interview with Ryan Goodman

Our Guest: Ryan Goodman, Entrepreneur/Philanthropist/Investor

About Ryan: Ryan is an accomplished businessman, active serving on various boards and involved in the philanthropic space. He considers himself a “serial entrepreneur”, with a wide range of business and investing experience. Outside of his career involvement, he serves on various boards, volunteers, and invests his time in his community.

[4:00] Why Ryan believes in DonorDock

[6:29] Focus in an organization from a board member’s perspective

[9:30] How board members can increase an organization’s impact

[12:00] Be and stay informed

[13:35] “When you’re signing up to be on a board, you’re a part of that leadership team. You have a responsibility to be able to represent that organization well.”  - Ryan Goodman

[13:50] When Executive Directors Transition

[16:02] Donor Advised Funds

[20:28] Endowment Funds

[24:00] Ryan’s advice for engaging with organizations

More About Ryan:

LinkedIn

To Connect with Beyond the Donation Podcast:

BTD Podcast DonorDock LinkedIn Matt LinkedIn

How do you get a nonprofit board engaged in fundraising?

Set explicit expectations during board recruitment: every board member is expected to give personally, make introductions to their network, and steward assigned donors. Pair each expectation with a tool and training — a board portal view, a sample intro email, a stewardship call template. Engagement follows clarity and tools, not inspiration alone.

Last updated
April 25, 2026
How do you align staff and board on fundraising goals?

Build the annual fundraising plan together — not a staff-written plan the board reviews. Use a joint goal-setting session that shows program needs, donor capacity, and the revenue target each role is accountable for. When the board votes on a plan they helped build, they defend it instead of second-guessing it midyear.

Last updated
April 25, 2026
How often should the board review fundraising performance?

Monthly at the staff level (development report) and quarterly at the full board level (trend review and strategy adjustments). The monthly cadence catches problems early; the quarterly cadence prevents tactical rabbit holes. Annual review is strategic — next year's plan, staffing, and infrastructure. All three layers are needed.

Last updated
April 25, 2026
What is a board fundraising commitment form?

A one-page form that each board member signs annually committing to a personal gift amount, an introduction quota, an event attendance expectation, and a stewardship contribution. It creates clarity for the board member and data for the development director. Sample forms are widely available from BoardSource, AFP, and many national coach networks.

Last updated
April 25, 2026
Author
Elisha Ford
Content Writer
Last updated:
April 29, 2026
Written by
Elisha Ford
Content Writer

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