about INSPIRE GENEROSITY
Fundraising
Is
Broken.
Let's
Fix
That.
Joanna Hogan, sitting on a couch smiling at the camera
Meet
Joanna Hogan

Joanna Hogan is a trusted advisor and educator with three decades of leadership in the nonprofit sector. As the founder of Inspire Generosity, she’s rewriting the rules of fundraising with her innovative DREAMS™ framework, empowering leaders to inspire generosity in ways that feel genuine, purposeful, and deeply human.


Joanna played a key role in helping Michigan State University secure $90 million for its College of Human Medicine in Grand Rapids and led a $7.5 million fundraising initiative for the Clark Foundation. At the Porter Hills Foundation, she and her team swiftly raised $1.8 million in just eight weeks to support healthcare workers.

Beyond fundraising, she led with clarity and compassion as President of Compass College of Film and Media, overseeing its closure while securing a path forward for students and honoring its mission.

What sets Joanna apart is not just her expertise; it’s her ability to help people see the possibilities that emerge when they lead with authenticity and purpose. Affectionately known as the “Generosity Whisperer,” she transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary opportunities for connection, inspiring leaders to build authentic relationships that leave a lasting impact on their organizations and the communities they serve.

the inspire generosity difference
An Approach That Works -
Backed by Experience
Let's Connect
Let's Connect
A New Way Forward

Inspiring generosity isn’t the same as fundraising - it’s a shift in mindset and approach. Traditional fundraising often feels like a dynamic of need and rescue, but inspiring generosity creates meaningful partnerships built on shared purpose. It’s about moving away from the discomfort of asking for help and stepping into the confidence of inviting collaboration, where both sides contribute and celebrate the impact they create together.

An Approach That Works

This isn’t just consulting or training - it’s a fresh way of thinking, backed by decades or experience and delivered through the DREAMS™ framework. My approach is intentional, clear, and empowering, equipping leaders to build genuine relationships and achieve powerful results. Instead of complicated, fragmented methods that leave many feeling stuck, this framework is straightforward, practical, and designed to make generosity an essential and rewarding part of your mission.

Take the First Step
Toward Lasting Impact
If you’re ready to reimagine fundraising and inspire generosity in a way that transforms lives, join us at an upcoming retreat. Together, we’ll build the connections and strategies your mission needs to create meaningful, sustainable change.
Let's Connect
Let's Connect
Hands in a steam of fresh water

The Journey Starts Here

This is your moment to step out of urgency and into clarity.

The DREAMS™ to Reality Assessment is a two-part experience designed to help you move from survival mode to alignment—so you can lead with purpose, invite generosity with confidence, and build support that’s actually sustainable. 

What You’ll Reflect On

Part 1: Journey to Generosity Focuses on how you're approaching fundraising, especially with individuals, families, and foundations.

Part 2: Strategic Sponsorship Explores how sponsorship fits into your funding model, especially when engaging companies or corporate partners. 

Not every question will apply. You can mark responses as “Not applicable” based on your role or focus.

Begin Your Journey
Begin Your Journey

If you’re ready to stop fundraising and start inspiring generosity, this is where we begin.