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Ep. 37 | Trusting the Process for Nonprofit Growth - An Interview with the Calloway Stern Group

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, host Matt Bitzegaio is joined by Katy Calloway and Daniel Stern, co-founders of Calloway Stern Group. Katy and Daniel discuss their background in the nonprofit sector, particularly their efforts to help small to medium-sized nonprofits with fundraising and development. They emphasize the importance of 'trusting the process' in nonprofit growth, highlighting the critical role of programming, funding education, and board governance. The conversation also covers pivoting in nonprofit missions, the benefits of fiscal sponsorships, and the nuanced process of executive searches focused on cultural fit. The episode concludes with key advice for nonprofit leaders about persistence and patience in their efforts.

00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Donation

00:25 Meet the Guests: Katy Calloway and Daniel Stern

01:11 Trusting the Process in Nonprofit Growth

02:57 Starting a New Nonprofit: Key Considerations

05:49 Fiscal Sponsorship Explained

12:56 Challenges in Nonprofit Growth

“You start with your mission statement, and you realize what you are actually good at and where the real need is, is actually different. In the first 5 years of a nonprofit’s life, for them to change their mission statement is not unheard of. Your mission statement doesn’t need to be relevant for the next 15 years because community needs change.” -Katy Calloway

19:19 Executive Searches for Nonprofits

22:15 Fostering a Culture of Trust and Patience

25:12 Final Thoughts and Advice for Nonprofit Leaders

27:50 Conclusion and Farewell

To Connect with Katy and Daniel:

Katy’s LinkedIn | Daniel’s LinkedIn | Website

To Connect with Beyond the Donation Podcast:

BTD Podcast | DonorDock LinkedIn | Matt LinkedIn

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The average fundraiser leaves within 16 months because of unrealistic revenue targets, unclear role definitions, and a misalignment between what they were hired to do and what the organization actually needs. Burnout is the symptom, not the root cause. Turnover usually starts during hiring, when expectations are set without the strategy, systems, or board support to match.

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Author
Elisha Ford
Content Writer
Last updated:
April 28, 2026
Written by
Elisha Ford
Content Writer

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