Episode 205 · October 22, 2025
Steffanie Bonner: Creating Impact through Purposeful Work
with Steffanie Bonner, Founder, Steffanie Bonner Consulting
28 min
Steffanie Bonner: Creating Impact through Purposeful Work
Never miss an episode
In this episode
In this episode I sit down with Steffanie Bonner, the founder of Steffanie Bonner Consulting, someone I actually met at a networking event in the Tulsa area — and she immediately stood out to me as sharp, seasoned, and genuinely passionate about the work she does.
Steffanie has spent more than twenty-five years in the nonprofit world, and over that time she's helped organizations raise millions of dollars so they can truly impact the communities they serve. We talk about how she "fell into" nonprofit work straight out of a journalism degree, why she's never once worked for a cause she didn't believe in, and what really goes into building a thriving organization — from fundraising and capital campaigns to board development and strategic planning.
If you've ever felt the pull to start your own nonprofit, this conversation is honest in the best way. Steffanie doesn't sugarcoat how hard it is, and she offers a grounded, loving challenge: look at what's already out there, find where you can plug in, and make sure the passion is real. I love that she's now stepped out on her own to share her God-given gifts and talents with even more people. Keep going — this one will encourage you.
Key takeaways
- Many people 'fall into' nonprofit work — Steffanie came from a journalism background and discovered fundraising on the job during a capital campaign in 1997.
- Never fundraise for a cause you don't believe in. When you're passionate about the mission, that belief gets relayed to donors and the asking becomes natural.
- Fundraising isn't asking for money for yourself — it's asking for the mission. There's real strategy behind it, especially for capital campaigns.
- A strong organization starts at the top: a strong, cohesive governing board makes for a strong organization. Board retreats and strategic planning help members understand why they're there.
- Diversity on a board matters — different backgrounds and experiences mean more voices are heard — but genuine passion for the organization should come first, not resume-building.
- Before starting a nonprofit, look hard at the ecosystem in your community. If similar organizations already exist, volunteering your time and talent may serve the cause better than starting from scratch.
- Starting a nonprofit costs more than you think and depends entirely on you or your staff to keep it going — be honest with yourself about the work and the why before you begin.
Chapters
- 00:00November holiday event in Tulsa — Jill Donovan, Carol Matthews & Cindy Cain
- 03:30Introducing Steffanie Bonner and Steffanie Bonner Consulting
- 05:00Falling into nonprofit work from a journalism degree
- 07:30Never working for a cause you don't believe in
- 09:00Why board development matters and how to choose a board
- 13:00What she loves about the fundraising process
- 15:30The Gandhi quote and losing yourself in service
- 18:00Taking the leap to start her own consulting business
- 21:00How she assesses organizations to find the root cause
- 23:30Honest advice for anyone thinking of starting a nonprofit
- 27:00Purpose, relationships, and thriving in 2025
- 30:00Where to find Steffanie and working beyond Tulsa
“Fundraising is not asking money for yourself. It's asking money for the mission that you're working for.”
“If you have a strong governing board, you're gonna have a strong organization. It starts at the top.”
“I made the promise to myself and the community that I would never go to work for an organization or a purpose I didn't believe in.”
“It's not all about now I can get paid for my advice. It's more about sharing my advice.”
Resources mentioned
About Steffanie
Founder, Steffanie Bonner Consulting
Steffanie Bonner is a Tulsa native and the founder of Steffanie Bonner Consulting, where she specializes in nonprofit capital campaigns, fundraising, board development, and organizational development. With more than twenty-five years of nonprofit experience — including starting a credit union foundation from the ground up — she has helped organizations raise millions of dollars to serve their communities. She began her career with a journalism degree before finding her calling in nonprofit work.
Prefer another app? Open this episode on Spotify.
Free community
Connect, learn, and grow — together.
Listening is where it starts. The free community is where it sticks — Nancy, the conversations, and a circle of women cheering each other on. It's free to join, and there's a seat for you.
Join the free community →Keep listening
Episode 206 · Oct 28, 2025
Show notesDeana Ransdell: From Self-Awareness to Success
This week on the Sharing Passion & Purpose Podcast, Nancy is joined by Deana Ransdell, Founder of Strengthled Consulting & Coaching.
Episode 204 · Oct 14, 2025
Show notesLive Podcast with Best Selling Author, Dr. Meg Myers Morgan
Welcome, Friends! In this episode, Nancy hosts a live podcast visit with best-selling author, professor and speaker, Dr. Meg Myers Morgan about her third book, The Inconvenient Unraveling of Gemma Sinclair.
Episode 207 · Nov 4, 2025
Show notesAngie Ambrosetti: Real Talk for Women in MidLife
Get ready for an inspiring and faith-filled conversation! In this episode, I’m joined by Angie Ambrosetti—entrepreneur, breakthrough coach, podcast host, mother of seven, and one of the incredible speakers featured in The Finish Line…