Host: Aaron Cozort
Guest: Courtney Pinkston
VIDEO
PRESENTING SPONSORS:
Wisdom Integrators – www.wisdomintegrators.com
EPISODE SPONSOR:
Pure Focus Media – https://www.purefocus.media/
DESCRIPTION
In this episode of Southaven Business Beat, we sit down with the dynamic and passionate Courtney Pinkston from Fund the Nations, a unique fundraising company that has helped raise over $60 million by turning t-shirts into tools for impact! Whether it’s adoption, mission work, or launching nonprofits, Fund the Nations walks alongside individuals and organizations to bring big dreams to life.
Courtney shares her personal journey from corporate dreams to kingdom impact. With a master’s in journalism and a heart for missions, she found her calling helping people fundraise in creative, powerful, and deeply personal ways. Her message is clear: “You can do hard things for a short amount of time, especially when the result is life-changing.”
If you’re curious about how to fundraise using custom apparel, need a streamlined process for your next mission trip, or want insight into community-driven impact — this is the episode for you!
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The story behind Fund the Nations and its founder’s vision
How a single t-shirt can fund adoptions, mission trips, and nonprofits
The step-by-step fundraising process from idea to delivery
Why being bold is key to successful fundraising
The difference between FTN Stores and the new FTN Campaigns platform
Tips for maximizing shirt sales and building your support network
How Fund the Nations collaborates with organizations like Compassion International
The power of local support and the Southaven Chamber’s impact
CHAPTERS
- Welcome & Sponsor Shout-Out (00:00 – 01:16)
- Meet Courtney Pinkston (01:16 – 02:00)
- What is Fund the Nations? (02:00 – 03:05)
- From Journalism to Fundraising: Courtney’s Story (03:05 – 05:24)
- The Shirt Fundraising Process (05:24 – 08:35)
- New Platform Alert: FTN Campaigns (08:35 – 09:45)
- Common Fundraising Challenges (09:45 – 11:13)
- Do You Need to Be a Nonprofit to Fundraise? (11:13 – 14:27)
- Why T-Shirts Still Work (14:27 – 16:11)
- Best Practices for a Successful Campaign (16:11 – 18:10)
- Using Social Media + Creative Tactics (18:10 – 19:56)
- Why Courtney Loves Her Job (19:56 – 21:38)
- Store vs. Campaign Model (21:38 – 23:49)
- The Chamber Connection (23:49 – 25:02)
- Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up (25:02 – 26:48)
Stay Connected with Southaven Business Beat:
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Share this episode with someone who needs to fundraise
Learn how businesses are making a difference in Southaven
Favorite Quotes:
“You only get a ‘yes’ if you ask. The answer is already ‘no’ if you stay silent.”
“Every shirt tells a story. And sometimes, that story changes a life.”
“The Chamber isn’t just a resource—it’s a family of people who see you, support you, and cheer you on.”
Ready to Start Your Fundraiser? Visit www.fundthenations.com to begin your own custom t-shirt campaign. Whether you’re fundraising for a mission trip, an adoption, or a new community initiative, their team is ready to walk with you from start to finish.
Huge Thanks to Our Sponsors:
https://www.wisdomintegrators.com – Wisdom Integrators: Your behind-the-scenes tech partner.
https://thefollowapp.co/ – The Follow App: Modern networking made simple.
https://www.purefocus.media/ – Pure Focus Media: Bringing your vision into focus with professional video, photo, and drone services.
YOUTUBE URL
