318: From Loss to Legacy: How Joey’s Song Scales Volunteer-Led Fundraising

In this episode of What the Fundraising Podcast,

What if music could do more than entertain people? For Mike, concerts have become a way to bring people together and raise money for an important cause: finding better treatments for epilepsy.

Mike Gomoll founded Joey's Song, a 100% volunteer organization, following the loss of his son. Based in Madison, Wisconsin, the organization is dedicated to funding research grants aimed at minimizing and ultimately eliminating seizures. Rather than spreading its efforts across awareness campaigns and patient services, Mike has kept the mission deliberately focused on research, making it easier for sponsors, artists, and supporters to understand and champion the cause.

Mike explains how Joey's Song uses unique music concerts to raise funds. Well-known artists, including The Bangles, Goo Goo Dolls, and Tears for Fears, come together to perform covers and create a special experience for both musicians and audiences. Moreover, he talks about why artists return every year and shares lessons from ideas that did not work as expected. The conversation also covers taking smart risks, protecting donor money, and being willing to change plans. Mike believes organizations should keep their main purpose clear while listening to their teams, learning from experience, and following new opportunities.

In this episode, you will be able to: 

- Understand how a clear mission can guide an organization.

- Explain how music events can support fundraising.

- Identify ways to engage and retain artists.

- Understand the value of community building.

- Recognize the importance of taking smart risks.

- Learn from unsuccessful ideas and mistakes.

- Understand how to balance risk and responsibility.