How This Mindset Shift Changes Everything

Tracie Kamenoff

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

How This Mindset Shift Changes Everything

The Greater East Montgomery County Chamber officially launched its Growth Exchange: Business Building Workshops series with a high-impact first session designed to strengthen the nonprofit community.

The inaugural workshop, “3 Steps to Better Fundraising,” brought nonprofit leaders together for a hands-on experience designed to shift how organizations think about fundraising — moving from traditional appeals to a more strategic, investor-focused approach.

The workshop was hosted at the Hope Media Group (HMG) headquarters, home of FM 89.3 KSBJ in Houston. As Facility Sponsor, HMG was a picturesque backdrop for the day’s activities as its a donor-funded media company that relies on community just like the attendees.

Joe Paulo, President of Hope Media Group, welcomes the group to the brand-new headquarters in Valley Ranch (New Caney, TX).

Led by Stephen King, founder of The Fundraising Accountant Community, the session challenged attendees to rethink one powerful question:

Are you asking for donations — or presenting an investment opportunity?

That mindset shift set the tone for the day.

Turning Numbers Into Impact

At the heart of the workshop was a simple but powerful idea: numbers tell the story.

Attendees explored how to identify the financial metrics that matter most, connect those numbers directly to mission impact, and communicate results in ways that build confidence and inspire giving.

Rather than relying on emotion alone, the workshop focused on using measurable outcomes, clear data, and authentic storytelling to strengthen credibility.

Known as The Fundraising Accountant, Stephen King, CPA, presents 3 Steps to Better Fundraising.

What Leaders Took Away

Nonprofit leaders left with ideas they could put to work immediately.

Tiffany Stafford of HAAM Social Services shared:

“We have got to create a sense of urgency around the work that we do. We must demonstrate our impact in order to maximize support. My other takeaway is the importance of treating donors like investors — because that is exactly what they are!” 

Chris Flores of the Sam Houston Area Council said:

“Successful fundraising is not simply about securing donations. It is about cultivating trust, demonstrating measurable impact, and creating long-term partnerships. What surprised me most was how practical and relevant the workshop was for mission-driven organizations like ours. The strategies shared were actionable and directly applicable to the nonprofit sector. I left with fresh ideas and a stronger understanding of how strategic fundraising can fuel growth and sustainability for organizations dedicated to making a difference.”

Chris Flores, with the Sam Houston Area Council of Scouting America, engages in dialogue during the session.

Jamie Moyer of Bloom Consulting and Bloom Community Services reflected:

“Effective fundraising isn’t about manipulating numbers or persuading people into giving. It’s about stepping back, understanding what the data is actually telling us, and then translating that into a meaningful story for anyone to understand.”

Pictured from left to right: Jamie Moyer (Bloom Consulting), Roni Jo Frazier (Bloom Consulting), and Jessica Penney (Family Promise of Lake Houston).

From Ideas to Action

This was not a sit-and-listen session.

Using a guided workbook, participants began building their own fundraising framework and left with:

a clearer understanding of their organization’s program economics
a stronger way to communicate measurable impact
practical next steps they can apply in donor conversations right away

For organizations that brought both fundraising and financial leadership, the workshop created valuable alignment between strategy, storytelling, and execution.

More Than a Workshop

This first session also introduced the bigger vision behind Growth Exchange: Business Building Workshops.

The series was built to deliver practical tools, real-world insight from experienced leaders, and opportunities for organizations to learn from one another.

That matters because some of the strongest ideas often emerge when people who care deeply about community impact gather in the same room.

Why It Matters

"Nonprofits are a vital part of the economic and community fabric of East Montgomery County," shares GEMC Chamber President and CEO, Mark Linabury. "When they can clearly communicate their impact, build stronger relationships, and secure sustainable support, the benefit reaches far beyond a single organization. It reaches the entire region."

Looking Ahead

If the first workshop was any indication, Growth Exchange is just getting started.

The Chamber is excited about what lies ahead: more conversations that sharpen strategy, more leaders sharing practical insight, and more opportunities to help organizations grow stronger together.

Because when great people gather around ideas that work, growth happens — and communities move forward.

For more information about the Growth Exchange Business Building Workshops or other Chamber events, contact:

Tracie Kamenoff, Director of Events and Marketing
Tracie@gemcchamber.com
281-354-0051

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This event and all Chamber events are proudly supported by funding from EMCID’s Community Development Grant.