Nonprofit Hub Radio

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We sit down with Derric Bakker, founder and CEO of Dickerson Bakker and author of A Better Way to Fundraise: Treat Every Donor Like a Major Donor, to discuss why modern fundraising feels increasingly transactional, exhausting, and disconnected from its true purpose.

Derric shares the airport story that inspired his philosophy and outlines why every supporter—regardless of gift size—deserves to feel seen, valued, stewarded, and invited into meaningful partnership. The conversation breaks down the seven behaviors of relationship-based fundraising, explains how AI can be leveraged to listen to donors at s...

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Dr. Derria Ford of Seed Fundraisers shares a practical, repeatable framework for collecting and sharing nonprofit stories while keeping dignity, agency, and consent at the center.

Here we explore what ethical storytelling looks like in practice—moving away from single-checkbox release forms, writing alongside clients rather than over them, and avoiding the trap of exploiting hard moments for fundraising gain. We discuss practical consent strategies, navigating modern pressure points like AI-generated imagery, and proving that hope-filled, data-backed narratives can inspire donors just as effectively as traditional appeals.

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If your calendar is packed with galas, auctions, golf outings, and “one more event” that still doesn’t fix your budget, this conversation is for you. We sit down with Sherry Quam Taylor, CEO of Quam Taylor, to talk about the simplest and hardest shift in nonprofit fundraising: getting out from behind the tactics and back into real human donor relationships.

We dig into why so many mid-level and major donors are not giving their best gift each year and how well-meaning fundraising events can quietly cap generosity. Sherry shares a clear...

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In this episode of Nonprofit Hub Radio, leadership coach and author Nick Reich explores why systems and software cannot solve foundational leadership challenges. The discussion delves into the "full circle leader" framework, the critical difference between vision and direction, and how balancing high expectations with deep care—defined as "love with standards"—helps nonprofit teams shift out of burnout and into a sustainable growth zone. 

Nick Reich is the CEO of Abundant Empowerment and the author of Every Player Is Bigger Than The Program. With over 25 years of experience spanning school socia...

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You can run an inspiring nonprofit and still feel lost the moment a P&L hits your inbox. In this episode, Michael Baldree, founder of Crosswind CFO Advisory, breaks down how executive directors who came up through the program side can build a true partnership with finance. We unpack what a healthy relationship with your CFO or finance lead actually looks like: one where finance understands the heart of your mission, respects your vision, and works alongside you to turn ambitious goals into fundable, step-by-step realities without being the "wet blanket."

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In this episode of the Nonprofit Hub Radio Podcast, Alison Teitelbaum of AST Strategies shares practical insights on how executive directors and boards can protect strategic direction, reduce friction, and keep teams energized through transition and change.

The conversation covers essential techniques for overcoming mission creep, such as "level setting" decisions with clear context, measurable goals, and explicit reopening criteria. Teitelbaum details strategies for transitioning legacy organizations from working boards to strategic boards through training and term limits, while offering startup leaders a lighter cadence for keeping strategic plans active and...

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In this episode of the Nonprofit Hub Radio Podcast, Allison Wyatt, founder and CEO of Edgility Talent Partners, shares practical strategies for constructing sustainable talent infrastructure around compensation, performance management, and career progression. Together, they unpack how establishing clear compensation philosophies and transparent salary scales can reduce distrust, reduce churn, and protect equity across an entire organization.

The conversation explores practical ways to navigate organizational growth, from using FAST goals as a lightweight starting point for small teams to rebuilding roles from a clean-slate view. Wyatt explains how to avoid the...

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In this episode, parliamentary attorney Jim Slaughter discusses why Robert’s Rules of Order remains essential for nonprofits seeking faster, fairer, and clearer board meetings. The conversation explores how to match meeting formality to board size, how chairs can guide balanced debate without turning meetings into courtrooms, and key strategies for navigating virtual governance challenges like Zoom "shadow debate". 

Jim Slaughter is a parliamentary attorney, Certified Professional Parliamentarian, Professional Registered Parliamentarian, and author. He serves as a trusted advisor to professional associations, corporations, and nonprofit boards on meeting procedure, bylaws, and par...

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An organization can run the best mission in town and still get ignored simply because supporters are flooded with digital noise. The host sits down with Bradley Martin, VP of Sales and Marketing at Feathr, to get honest about what nonprofit marketing looks like when the average person is hit with thousands of impressions a day and organic reach keeps shrinking. If the word “marketing” still feels too salesy, this conversation reframes it in plain terms: fundraising, donor engagement, and staying present so people remember a cause when they are ready to act.

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Nonprofit Hub Radio sits down with James Ryzhkov, Head of Growth at Bezalel Lab, to explore what it really takes to "double" a nonprofit without turning the mission into a spreadsheet goal. The conversation challenges KPI-first thinking, digs into the leadership and clarity problems that block growth, and offers practical ways to build focus, systems, and a message donors can actually repeat.

James Ryzhkov is the Head of Growth at Bezalel Lab, where he pairs a technology background with a strategic outlook on the nonprofit sector. His focus is closing the...

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When your work depends on trust and relationships, AI can feel like a threat. In this episode, we sit down with Lizzie Neufeld, CEO and founder of Strat Labs, to unpack the fear surrounding automation and explore how nonprofits can move forward without losing the human touch. The big takeaway: AI works best when it focuses on operations and internal capacity first, allowing fundraisers to spend less time buried in administrative tasks and more face-to-face time with donors.

Instead of searching for flashy new tools, Lizzie argues for a process-driven approach—ma...

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Nonprofit Hub Radio sits down with Meggie Nauman and Rob Northrop, both from Lancaster Bingo Company, to explore why charity gaming can be a repeatable fundraising program rather than a once-a-year event. The conversation breaks down who bingo works best for, how to navigate licensing and compliance, and what it takes to make game night entertaining enough that players keep coming back and bring friends.

Meggie Nauman is the Director of Marketing and Customer Service at Lancaster Bingo Company, where she has spent eight years helping charitable organizations connect with sales...

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One big check shouldn’t be able to rewrite a nonprofit's mission, but that’s exactly how many organizational budgets are built. This episode features Vincent Jones, CEO of Beyond Impact, to challenge the status quo and unpack a blunt claim: philanthropy’s current funding structure is a design failure. The conversation gets specific about how the “low overhead” mindset starves organizations of fundraising capacity, traps teams in constant donor courting, and concentrates power in a handful of decision-makers instead of the communities nonprofits serve.

Jones breaks down the two structural problems h...

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In the nonprofit world, urgency is constant and that makes operations easy to neglect. Yet operational excellence is often the difference between a mission that scales and a team that burns out. This conversation focuses on nonprofit operations, process improvement, and leadership clarity through a surprising origin story: learning business systems inside McDonald’s. The point is not fast food, it is repeatability. When an organization can explain how work gets done, it can train faster, protect quality, reduce errors, and improve donor and client experience without relying on heroics. That is the hi...

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In this episode, Sal Salpietro, Chief Growth Officer at Daytaro, unpacks what AI really means for nonprofits—where 82% use AI but only 10% have a policy. He offers a simple filter for evaluating tools (does it still work with the AI turned off?) and distinguishes AI-enabled "helpers" from AI-native "doers."

He also shows how to scale AI without losing the human side of fundraising, sharing real examples of predictive modeling that reorders donor outreach and slashes list-building time. Plus, why nonprofits can't afford to stand still—and two book picks to close.

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In this episode, communications strategist Vanessa Wakeman explores the high-stakes reality of modern nonprofit messaging, where public scrutiny and evolving language demand a more responsible approach to communications. Wakeman shares a practical framework for moving past draft-paralysis, building narrative resilience against digital threats, and effectively segmenting audiences to ensure every donor, volunteer, and community partner feels accurately seen. From auditing internal lexicons to establishing proactive crisis guardrails, this conversation provides marketing teams with the strategic tools necessary to confidently protect their organization's narrative.

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Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of Neurogiving! This high-energy episode cracks open the human brain to reveal the hidden biological drivers that actually spark generosity while moving way beyond old-school fundraising myths to show how identity and deep-seated emotions pull the strings of donor decisions long before they even see a "Donate" button. Listeners will walk away with a toolkit of actionable strategies—from slashing the "cognitive load" that kills conversions on digital forms to turning a cold CRM into a powerhouse of donor identity and trust. Plus, th...

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Online donation forms are often the most overlooked friction point in nonprofit fundraising, yet they serve as the ultimate moment of donor conversion. In this episode, Danielle Rice, Senior Director of Solutions at Fundraise Up, breaks down how nonprofits can bridge the trust gap by treating their donation experience as a core product rather than a simple processing step. The discussion covers practical ways to leverage modern payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay to reduce friction, the difference between "creepy" and helpful personalization, and the critical need for AI governance and...

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Nonprofit leadership longevity is increasingly rare, yet staying the course can be a powerful strategic advantage when coupled with the right management systems. In this episode, Janelle Miller Moravek, Executive Director of Youth and Family Counseling, shares her nearly two-decade journey of leading a community-based mental health nonprofit through various strategic "eras"—from a funding crisis to mission expansion and navigating a global pandemic. The discussion offers a grounded playbook for sustainable nonprofit management, focusing on relationship-driven leadership with clinical professionals, the transition from development director to executive management, and the shift from ri...

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Connected TV (CTV) advertising is often viewed as a "big brand only" channel, but modern streaming inventory is making television marketing increasingly accessible and affordable for nonprofits. In this episode, Chris Johns, founder and CEO of AdGood, explains how organizations can leverage unused streaming inventory to drive donor acquisition and brand awareness with budgets as low as $250. The conversation breaks down the technicalities of CTV, the importance of human-centric creative hooks, and tactical approaches to omnichannel attribution using QR codes and retargeting tags. Additionally, the episode explores how AI-driven ad tools are removing...

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Finance often feels like a part of nonprofit leadership to be tolerated rather than utilized until a cash crunch forces decisions into panic mode. In this episode, Ryan Alexander, founder of RA Partners and author of Protect Your Mission, discusses the financial infrastructure required to keep growing missions from getting derailed. The conversation covers the practicalities of cash flow forecasting, including how to model unpredictable revenue using timing and probability to avoid painful surprises. Additionally, the episode tackles the complexities of grants management, the distinction between revenue recognition and actual cash flow, and...

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Your nonprofit already has influencers, and they’re sitting in your staff meetings. In this episode, Meghan Speer talks with Deanna Tomaselli from The Motherhood: Influencer Marketing Agency about employee-generated content and why it is the most realistic, budget-friendly way to grow nonprofit visibility, trust, and community support. We dig into how to make advocacy work by keeping participation optional, training staff on the platforms they already use, and addressing brand safety concerns head-on with clear social media guidelines and crisis protocols.

Deanna Tomaselli is a seasoned communications leader at...

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We explore the quiet creep of nonprofit burnout and the "dehumanized leadership" patterns that often cause it. Moving beyond standard metrics, this conversation dives into the vital difference between "checking up" on goals versus "checking in" on people, and why the most effective leaders are those willing to start hard conversations without having all the answers. By focusing on psychological safety and vulnerability, we provide a roadmap for rehumanizing mission-driven work and building a workplace culture where high performers can actually thrive long-term.

James Dismond serves as the CEO...

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A lot of nonprofits still plan fundraising like every channel lives on its own island, then wonder why “more posting” doesn’t turn into more giving. In this episode, Ben Smithee, Chief Growth Officer at NextAfter, unpacks what happens when you build an omnichannel fundraising ecosystem where each touchpoint increases familiarity, trust, and momentum toward a gift.

If you want more practical nonprofit marketing and fundraising strategy, subscribe, share this with a teammate, and leave a review. What’s one channel you’re ready to connect into a real donor journey this week...

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Monthly giving is exploding, but a lot of nonprofits are still treating recurring donors like a one time gift that repeats. We sit down with Dave Raley, founder of Imago Consulting and author of The Rise Of Sustainable Giving, to talk about what changes after the “big idea” phase and what it takes to build a mature sustainable giving program that donors actually trust.

If you want stronger donor retention, more predictable recurring revenue, and a healthier culture of generosity, you’ll get a clear next step from this conversation. Subscribe, share...

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Social media can feel like a dead end for nonprofits: you post, you hope, you celebrate likes, and somehow the donations still don’t show up. We sit down with Nick Black, CEO of Good United and founder of Stop Soldier Suicide, to get brutally honest about why “good work” isn’t a fundraising strategy and why donors can’t be treated like ATM machines. Nick shares how losing fellow soldiers to suicide pushed him to build a nonprofit from scratch and how that lived experience shaped his obsession with practical, repeatable relationship-building.

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Stop writing emails no one wants to open. We sat down with email strategist Amanda Nicholson to unpack why “email is dead” keeps getting repeated—and why the data says otherwise for nonprofits seeking real donor relationships and measurable results. From the first line to the final click, Amanda breaks down how to turn a crowded inbox into a steady channel for funding, volunteering, and community. If you’re ready to turn messages into momentum—more opens, more clicks, and more impact—hit play. Then subscribe, share this episode with a nonprofit friend, and leave a...

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In this episode of the Nonprofit Hub Podcast, Rhiannon Hendrickson, founder and senior strategist at Orapin, unpacks the often-overlooked role of public relations in a nonprofit’s communication strategy. From building authentic relationships with reporters and pitching stories that connect to larger community conversations, to preparing spokespeople and crafting clear talking points, Rhiannon shares practical guidance for earning meaningful media coverage. The conversation also dives into crisis communications—why “no comment” can do more harm than good, how transparency builds trust, and what every organization should include in a crisis PR plan. Packed with act...

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In this episode of the Nonprofit Hub Podcast, Joshua Crowther, Vice President at Dunham+Company, breaks down recent tax policy changes that could significantly impact charitable giving. Drawing from newly commissioned donor research, he explains how updates to the state and local tax (SALT) deduction and the introduction of a universal charitable deduction may unlock new generosity—especially among Gen X and Millennial donors. With only 25% of donors currently aware of these changes, nonprofits have a timely opportunity to increase giving through simple, strategic messaging—without turning their communications into tax seminars. The conv...

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Feeling uneasy about asking for money? In this episode, we sit down with Mike Duerksen, CEO of BuildGood, to break down a simple flywheel that takes the pressure off the ask and builds trust through the parts most teams skip: listening deeply, engaging like a real community, celebrating every gift, and reporting back with honesty. When those four pieces are strong, asking becomes a natural next step instead of a nerve-wracking leap.

We also share how the Fundraising Academy blends coaching, cohorts, and live copy sessions so EDs and solo fundraisers...

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Donor trust doesn’t travel on autopilot across borders—it’s earned through clarity, consistency, and care. We sit down with Morgan Gross, founder and CEO of Fundraising Beyond Borders, to unpack a practical playbook for U.S.-based fundraising that supports programs around the world, from first impressions on your website to the stewardship that keeps supporters engaged long after they give.

If you’re building support for global programs from a U.S. base, this conversation delivers the how-to details: trust signals that convert, ethics that protect people and brand, a...

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Ever wonder why some boards feel alive, focused, and productive while others stall out in meetings and rubber-stamp decisions? In this episode, we're joined by Debra Hertz, Managing Director at The Strategy Group, who unpacks a practical roadmap for turning any board into a true strategic asset—from first contact in recruitment to the cadence of training, evaluation, and culture-building that keeps trustees engaged for the long haul. As hosts, we press into the hard truths: vague expectations create passive members, “fundraise-only” mindsets repel great candidates, and friends-and-family boards can lock you into short...

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A tidal shift in philanthropy is underway, and the clock is ticking. We sit down with fundraising strategist Sarah B. Lange to unpack the $84 trillion wealth transfer and lay out a practical roadmap for turning loyal supporters into legacy champions—without massive budgets or complex infrastructure. If you’ve wondered how to approach planned giving, engage entire families, or earn Gen Z’s trust, this conversation delivers clear steps you can use now.

If you’re ready to move from reactive fundraising to a family-centered legacy strategy, press play and take notes. T...

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Year-end left many teams drained and second-guessing their playbook. We brought in Jeff Schreifels, principal at Veritus Group, to reframe the path forward: treat staff, donors, volunteers, and the community as the mission—and rebuild fundraising around real relationships that last through channel swings and economic shifts.

We start with leadership fundamentals: rest, clarity, and a broader definition of mission that includes the people who carry it. Jeff lays out four pillars—staff, donors, volunteers, community—and shows how culture becomes strategy when you reduce burnout, align teams, and make gratitude and im...

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If you’ve ever tried to run a nonprofit on passion alone, you know where that road leads: long hours, reactive decisions, and donor updates that feel like fire drills. We sat down with Lauren Reilly, executive director of the Gratitude Network, to map a different path—one where nonprofit leaders claim the tools CEOs use and apply them to mission-driven work without losing soul.

We start by flipping a core belief: a nonprofit is a business. Lauren shares how to trade busywork for “CEO sprints,” short, focused blocks that pull you out...

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In this episode of the Nonprofit Hub Radio Podcast, host Meghan Speer is joined by Dr. Bill Flores—speaker, author, consultant, and former university president—for a timely conversation on leading nonprofits through turbulent times. Drawing from decades of hands-on nonprofit leadership, Dr. Flores challenges organizations to stop “driving blindfolded” and instead embrace strategic planning, business planning, and creative adaptation in the face of uncertainty. Together, they explore why so many nonprofits struggle without clear plans, how leaders can refocus on strengths and core supporters, and what it takes to build sustainable revenue beyond g...

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In this episode of the Nonprofit Hub Radio Podcast, host Meghan Speer welcomes back fan-favorite guest Becca Segovia, CEO of GCS Partners, for a deep dive into the “V” of the G.I.V.E. Framework—Volunteer—as a powerful strategy for turning supporters into ambassadors. Together, they explore how nonprofits can activate volunteers, donors, and supporters to lend not just their time or dollars, but their voices, sharing authentic stories that drive awareness, engagement, and giving. Becca unpacks practical ways to equip communities with messaging tools, embrace generational differences in advocacy, responsibly release...

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As we kick off a new year, it’s time to reimagine what healthy, sustainable leadership can look like. In this refreshed conversation, author, consultant, and recovering fundraiser Kishshana Palmer joins Meghan Speer to explore why “busy” is the four-letter word holding so many nonprofit leaders back. Kishshana unpacks the personal wake-up call that led her to redefine success, why rest must be a non-negotiable, and how leaders can model wellbeing for their teams without losing credibility. From setting boundaries to choosing one meaningful wellness domino to tip the rest, this episode is an inv...

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As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time for nonprofits to take a hard look at their website and ensure it’s ready for the year ahead. In this refreshed conversation, Meghan sits down with Jay Owen, CEO of Business Builders, to unpack the most common website mistakes nonprofits make—and what to fix first. From clarifying your message to choosing the right primary audience, prioritizing design that builds trust, and understanding the data that actually matters, Jay offers clear, practical guidance to help nonprofits strengthen their digital presence. If you want y...

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Governance can propel a mission forward or quietly stall it, and the difference often comes down to clarity, courage, and the right people in the right roles. We sit down with strategist and former executive director Eddrick Martin to unpack how boards become true force multipliers instead of rubber-stamp committees. From aligning with your board chair to recruiting beyond your first-degree network, this conversation delivers a practical blueprint for nonprofit leaders ready to modernize their governance and build momentum.

If you’re ready to turn governance into a strategic advantage, this ep...