Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell
Ready for some real talk about nonprofits? Julia Campbell sits down with industry experts and practitioners to get advice on the best ways to build a thriving movement and a vibrant, passionate community around a cause. Topics include fundraising, storytelling, and marketing of course - but it also dives into mental health issues, leadership strategy, digital wellness, and much more. Julia's guests share practical wisdom, entertaining stories, and real-world tips that will help you strategize, plan, and grow your nonprofit. You never know exactly what you’re going to learn when you tune into Nonprofit Nation, but you can be assu...
AI Prompts That Help Nonprofits Do More With Less with Faigy Gilder
In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, we’re joined by Faigy Gilder, a nonprofit digital marketing strategist with over 15 years of experience helping small organizations punch above their weight. With an MPA and a passion for practical, no-fluff strategies, Faigy specializes in teaching AI workflows tailored specifically to the unique challenges nonprofit professionals face.
Whether you’re overwhelmed by limited resources or looking for smarter ways to write, market, and fundraise, Faigy shares actionable techniques using free or low-cost AI tools — all without needing to be tech-savvy.
💡Tune in to learn how to:<...
How to Stop Nonprofit Burnout with Megan Whitney
What if nonprofit burnout isn’t inevitable—but preventable?
This week on Nonprofit Nation, we’re joined by Megan Whitney—nonprofit leader, coach, and mindfulness guide—who’s on a mission to help changemakers stop sacrificing their well-being for the work.
After an 18-year career in the sector—and burning out a decade ago—Megan realized that passion alone isn’t enough. Now, through 1:1 coaching, team workshops, and guided meditations on Insight Timer, she equips nonprofit professionals with tools to release stress, regulate emotions, and build a culture of collective care.
In this episode, M...
How Philanthropy Can Step Up In This Moment with Sherece West-Scantlebury
What does it take to lead with purpose in philanthropy today? How can foundations lead in moments of political uncertainty or during periods of reduced federal support for nonprofits?
As nonprofits across the country face political and financial pressures—from policy rollbacks to funding cuts—the role of foundations has never been more critical. In this episode, Dr. Sherece West-Scantlebury, President & CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, joins us to reflect on how philanthropy can lead in uncertain times. With decades of experience in public policy, community development, and systems change, Dr. West-Scantlebury shares how WRF is lean...
Stop Raising Awareness with Kathleen Tonini
Simply “raising awareness” isn’t enough anymore for nonprofits. In this episode, communications specialist Kathleen Tonini joins Nonprofit Nation to challenge one of the sector’s most common traps—mistaking noise for strategy. With her G.A.M.E. framework (Goal, Audience, Message, Engage), Kathleen helps values-driven organizations get clear and confident about how they communicate, so they can inspire real action—not just fill inboxes.
Together, we dig into the difference between performative messaging and strategic storytelling, and how nonprofit leaders can shift from reactive comms to communications that build trust, clarity, and genuine support.
🔍 What...
How AI Is Reshaping Donor Engagement with Juliet MacDowell
Can artificial intelligence actually help you raise more money, as well as build better donor relationships? We’re diving into the future of fundraising with Juliet MacDowell, a veteran development strategist who’s raised over $1 billion for global NGOs and is now the founder of Mission AI.
Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or just curious about how AI is impacting our sector, this episode is full of practical insights, big-picture thinking, and a hopeful look at what’s next for nonprofit development.
🔍 What We Discuss:
How Juliet helped raise over $1B for mission-d...Mastering Nonprofit Sponsorships with A.J. Steinberg
If you've ever wondered how to land and leverage sponsorships for your nonprofit’s events, this episode is your playbook. A.J. Steinberg is a fundraising powerhouse with more than 20 years of experience producing high-impact nonprofit events and millions raised for mission-driven causes. Through her company, Queen Bee Fundraising, A.J. teaches organizations the art of securing corporate sponsorships that don’t just support events—but fuel entire fundraising strategies.
In this episode, A.J. pulls back the curtain on her popular training, Mastering Nonprofit Sponsorships, and shares actionable steps to identify your assets, build irresistible sponsorship packag...
Nonprofit Leadership Amid Global Turmoil with Rabbi Joanna Samuels
What does it take to step into leadership during a time of profound cultural, social, and institutional change? Rabbi Joanna Samuels joins Nonprofit Nation to share how she’s navigating this challenge as the CEO of the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan—one of the largest and most influential Jewish community centers in the U.S.
A longtime advocate for gender equity and social justice, Rabbi Samuels brings a unique lens to leadership, storytelling, and community-building. She discusses how nonprofit leaders can rethink engagement, lift up historically excluded voices, and lead with courage in post-pandemic times. Drawing from her...
How to Be Fundable and Findable with Kevin L. Brown
What if the reason you're not raising more money... isn't your fundraising strategy?
Kevin L. Brown believes most nonprofits are stuck in the wrong cycle—constantly doing more fundraising, instead of fixing their fundability and visibility. In this episode, the Mighty Ally CEO and author of Fundable & Findable shares a brand-first, strategy-driven approach to nonprofit growth that challenges everything you've been told about development.
We explore why only 1 in 1,000 nonprofits ever scale, what makes a nonprofit actually attractive to funders, and how branding, positioning, and clarity of purpose aren’t luxuries—they’re prerequisites for serious f...
How to Improve Your Nonprofit’s Message with Lynn Bohart
📊 Did you know the average human attention span is just 8 seconds—shorter than a goldfish? In today’s noisy digital world, that stat has big implications for how nonprofits write appeals, newsletters, and even mission statements.
This week, Lynn Bohart—author, former nonprofit executive, and founder of Lil Dog Communications—joins us to unpack how nonprofit professionals can dramatically increase fundraising results through stronger, more persuasive messaging. Lynn Bohart is a seasoned nonprofit professional turned author and writing consultant. With over 35 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she now leverages her expertise to help organizatio...
Future-Proof Your Nonprofit With Planned Giving with Tony Martignetti
In a time when short-term fundraising feels relentless, planned giving offers something rare: stability.
Planned giving often seems like a strategy reserved for large institutions or a distant concern for smaller nonprofits. However, Tony Martignetti, the Planned Giving evangelist, and host of Tony Martignetti Nonprofit Radio podcast, argues that it's a crucial tool for organizations of all sizes seeking long-term financial resilience.
With nearly three decades of experience and having assisted clients in raising more than $150 million through planned gifts , Tony brings a wealth of knowledge to demystify planned giving. He emphasizes that initiating a...
Fundraising Is Not a Dirty Word with Jill Vorndran
What if fundraising isn’t a “necessary evil,” but a powerful act of bridge-building?
Jill Vorndran leads a 75-person team raising over $85 million annually for Covenant House International. In this episode, she shares what most conferences leave out: how to lead with both relentless joy and accountability, why excellent CEOs still struggle with fundraising, and what it really takes to sustain a high-performing development culture.
We dig into what it takes to sustain fundraisers in a time of budget cuts and uncertainty, how to thrive inside federated models, and what leaders can do to stop apolog...
Science As Storytelling with Vivienne Ming
What if science wasn’t just about data—but about meaning? And what if stories were our most powerful technology for building a better future?
This week on Nonprofit Nation, we’re joined by Dr. Vivienne Ming—theoretical neuroscientist, delusional inventor, and founder of The Human Trust—for a mind-expanding conversation about the stories we tell about science, progress, and ourselves.
Vivienne is known for using AI, neuroscience, and epigenetics to tackle “impossible” problems—from detecting postpartum depression to transforming global economic inclusion. But what drives her work isn’t just data—it’s a deep belief in human c...
Fundraise Like A 5th Grader with Patrick Kirby
What if fundraising was as simple and fun as a 5th-grade project? In today’s episode, we sit down with Patrick Kirby, founder of Do Good Better Consulting and host of The Official Do Good Better Podcast, to talk about his newest book, Fundraise Like a 5th Grader. Patrick brings his signature energy and humor to share why embracing a childlike approach to fundraising can lead to big wins for nonprofits.
We also dive into 2025 fundraising trends, the dangers of “we’ve always done it this way” thinking, and the simplest ways nonprofits can raise more money this yea...
Writing For Busy Readers with Todd Rogers
Everyone is busy. Whether it’s emails, reports, or social media, most people skim rather than read in depth. So how can we write in a way that ensures our message gets through?
In this episode, we’re joined by Todd Rogers, a Harvard Kennedy School professor, behavioral scientist, and author of Writing for Busy Readers. Todd shares the cognitive science behind effective communication and offers six actionable principles to help nonprofit professionals, educators, and leaders write clearly and concisely.
We also explore:
✅ The psychology behind why people skim i...
How Boards Can Lead Through Turbulent Times with Christal Cherry
In times of uncertainty—whether due to political shifts, economic downturns, or crises—strong nonprofit boards are more essential than ever. But how can boards step up, adapt, and lead with equity, inclusion, and power-sharing at the forefront?
In this episode, I sit down with Christal M. Cherry, Principal & CEO of The Board Pro, to explore how nonprofit boards can navigate challenges, build resilience, and foster leadership that drives real impact. Christal brings years of experience coaching and training boards, and she’s passionate about ensuring boards reflect the communities they serve.
We also dive i...
Building a Thriving Nonprofit Consulting Business with Mandy Pearce
If you’ve ever thought about starting or growing a nonprofit consulting business, this episode is for you! Our guest, Mandy Pearce, is the founder of Funding for Good, where she has spent over two decades helping nonprofits build sustainable fundraising strategies. She also coaches aspiring and established consultants, helping them refine their business models and create profitable, purpose-driven consulting practices.
In this episode, Mandy shares her journey into consulting, the biggest lessons she’s learned, and practical advice on how to attract clients, price your services, and create multiple income streams. She also gives us a...
A Call for Transparent and Vulnerable Leadership with Sabrina Walker Hernandez
Leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about authenticity, empathy, and vulnerability. But in the nonprofit sector, where burnout is high and resources are stretched thin, how can leaders balance transparency while maintaining strong leadership?
In this episode, I sit down with Sabrina Walker Hernandez, President & CEO of Building Better Boards, to explore how nonprofit leaders can build trust, inspire their teams, and lead with courage—even in uncertain times. With a Harvard certification in nonprofit management, eight influential e-books, and a track record of empowering over 10,000 nonprofit professionals, Sabrina is a powerhouse in nonprofit leadership developm...
How the Subscription Economy is Transforming Recurring Giving with Dave Raley
Recurring giving isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating sustainable, long-term impact. What if nonprofits took lessons from the booming subscription economy to revolutionize donor retention and engagement?
In this episode, I sit down with Dave Raley—speaker, consultant, writer, and founder of Imago Consulting—to discuss his new book, The Rise of Sustainable Giving: How the Subscription Economy is Transforming Recurring Giving and What Nonprofits Can Do to Benefit. Dave shares why traditional fundraising models are broken, what nonprofits can learn from companies like Netflix and Spotify, and how organizations can create engaging, value-driven donor expe...
How Curiosity Can Transform Nonprofit Communications with Leo Chan
We’re often told to “be more curious,” but how do you actually develop curiosity as a skill? And how can curiosity be used as a powerful tool in nonprofit and philanthropy communicators?
In this episode, I talk with Leo Chan, founder and Chief Innovation Igniter of Abound Innovation Inc., to explore how curiosity fuels creativity, improves storytelling, and leads to fresh, innovative solutions in nonprofit communications. Leo, a former Innovation Catalyst at Chick-fil-A, a LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® facilitator, and a LinkedIn Learning instructor, shares hands-on techniques to cultivate curiosity and apply it to your work.
How to Grow & Convert Your Email List with Chris Barlow
Growing your nonprofit’s email list is one thing—but turning subscribers into engaged donors is another. In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I talk with nonprofit digital marketing expert Chris Barlow, founder of Beeline Marketing, to discuss how nonprofits can consistently grow their audience and cultivate relationships that lead to first-time donations.
Chris shares expert insights on ethical email list-building strategies, crafting engaging content that nurtures trust, and using storytelling to inspire action. Whether you're struggling to grow your list or wondering why your emails aren’t converting, this episode is packed with actionable takeaw...
Effective Digital Storytelling Strategies with Neda Azarfar & Charlie Kunzer
Childbirth is a universally significant experience, but for too many mothers around the world, it is also a life-threatening one. In this episode, we explore the urgent maternal health crisis in sub-Saharan Africa and the power of storytelling to drive change.
Joining us are Charlie Kunzer, Executive Director of ALIMA USA, and Neda Azarfar, Managing Director of Nazar Works. They take us behind the scenes of ALIMA’s “Ode to Strangers” campaign, a powerful digital storytelling initiative that sheds light on the life-saving impact of compassionate strangers.
Through real-life storie...
Digital Threads: A New Approach to Digital Marketing with Neal Schaffer
Nonprofits know that digital engagement is essential, but too often, their marketing efforts feel disconnected—social media posts, emails, fundraising campaigns, and website updates can feel like separate pieces rather than a cohesive strategy.
Enter Neal Schaffer, a leading authority on digital transformation in sales and marketing, and author of the new book Digital Threads. Neal joins us to share how nonprofits can use this innovative marketing approach to create stronger relationships, better engagement, and more sustainable growth in the digital space.
In this episode, we discuss:
✅ What the Digi...
The Importance of Community Foundations with Peter Panepento and Elyse Hammett
Community foundations have long been the quiet force behind local philanthropy, but how can they step into the spotlight and inspire action on a national scale? In this episode I sit down with Peter Panepento, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Turn Two Communications and Elyse Hammett, Vice President, Marketing and Communications at Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta to discuss the groundbreaking Make More Possible campaign—an effort to create a true national brand for community foundations.
Peter shares insights on how social good organizations can align their messaging with their mission and values to...
Non-Obvious Thinking for Nonprofit Leaders with Rohit Bhargava
What if the key to innovation isn’t following best practices—but seeing what others miss? I sit down with Rohit Bhargava, bestselling author, futurist, and expert in non-obvious thinking, to explore how nonprofit leaders can break free from conventional wisdom and discover fresh ideas.
Rohit’s latest book, Non-Obvious Thinking: How to See What Others Miss, introduces a four-step framework (SIFT) to help leaders generate better ideas, uncover hidden insights, and rethink the way they work. We’ll discuss how nonprofits can apply these principles to fundraising, storytelling, innovation, and diversity & belonging—even with limited res...
Mission Retainable: How to Inspire Donor Loyalty with Wendy Mercurio of Bloomerang
Donor retention is more than just a fundraising metric—it’s the key to nonprofit sustainability. Yet, retention rates remain stubbornly low. In this episode, we sit down with Wendy Mercurio, Market Researcher at Bloomerang, to discuss the findings from their latest report, Mission Retainable: Research-Backed Strategies to Inspire Donor Loyalty.
We explore:
Why donors give but don’t always stayThe biggest challenges in donor retentionStrategies high-retention nonprofits use to build loyaltyHow technology, personalization, and transparency can improve donor engagementActionable steps nonprofits can take to bridge the gap between donor expectations and nonprofit actionsWat...
How Micro Influencer Marketing is Changing Outreach with Ryan Davis
How do you get real people—especially those deeply embedded in their communities—to amplify your cause in a meaningful way? Traditional influencer marketing often focuses on celebrities, but micro influencers—everyday people with strong, trusted networks—are proving to be far more effective for building lasting engagement.
This week, we’re joined by Ryan Davis, Co-founder & COO of People First, a company that identifies, recruits, and manages content from diverse communities by blending technology with human organizing. Ryan shares how nonprofits, advocacy groups, and mission-driven brands can tap into micro influencer marketing at scale to reach t...
How to Build Trust with One Acre Fund
Today, instead of our regular program, I wanted to play an episode from a show I think you'll love. I'm talking about System Catalysts, a podcast about the incredible people who are fixing the broken systems that run the world.
In this episode, English Sall talks to the people behind One Acre Fund, an organization that supports smallholder farmers in Africa through a brilliant social enterprise model. They discuss how to build trust across sectors, something I think all social entrepreneurs should learn to do.
If you like what you hear, don’t forg...
The State of Fundraising Events in 2025 with Samantha Swaim
The landscape of nonprofit fundraising events is evolving rapidly in 2025. With the return of in-person gatherings, the rise of digital engagement, and changing donor expectations, how can nonprofits design events that maximize impact and financial success?
In this episode, we sit down with Samantha Swaim, co-host of The Fundraising Elevator podcast and 20 year consultant to nonprofit fundraising events, to explore the latest trends shaping nonprofit events this year. Drawing on decades of experience in event strategy, storytelling, and fundraising, she shares insights on:
✅ Why in-person events are making a strong comeback
✅ How nonp...
How to Nail Your Nonprofit Website with David Hartstein
Your website is one of the most powerful tools your nonprofit has—but is it actually working for you? Too often, nonprofit websites are cluttered, confusing, or missing key elements that drive engagement, donations, and action.
In this episode, David Hartstein, co-founder of Wired Impact, shares expert insights on how nonprofits can build a website that is clear, compelling, and built to convert. Whether you’re launching a new site or improving an existing one, this conversation will help you create a website that serves your mission effectively.
We’ll cover...
How to Take Care of Yourself While Changing the World with Meico Marquette Whitlock
In a world where burnout is the norm and rest is often seen as a luxury, how can changemakers sustain their well-being while making an impact? Meico Marquette Whitlock—a workplace well-being strategist, mindfulness teacher, and recovering workaholic—joins us to explore how mission-driven professionals can prioritize self-care without guilt and create a culture of well-being in their organizations.
We dive deep into:
✔️ Reconnecting to Your WHY when the work feels overwhelming
✔️ Creating a sustainable culture of well-being at work (beyond wellness perks)
✔️ Self-care strategies for challenging times—even when resources are tight
✔️ Navig...
How to Stay Human in an AI World with Tim Lockie
As AI continues to reshape industries—including the nonprofit sector—how can we ensure that technology serves people, rather than the other way around?
In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, we dive into the intersection of artificial intelligence and human-centered work with Tim Lockie, founder of The Human Stack and creator of the AI for Anyone course. With over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit technology space, Tim has helped organizations transition from being tech-resistant to tech-resilient.
Tim shares his insights on leveraging AI in a way that enhances human connection, decision-making, and impact. Whether you'r...
The 100% for Purpose Business Model with Alex Amouyel
What if businesses existed solely to give back? That’s the revolutionary idea behind the 100% for Purpose business model—one pioneered by Paul Newman over 40 years ago and now embraced by companies like Patagonia and Bloomberg.
In this episode, we’re joined by Alex Amouyel, CEO of Newman’s Own Foundation, to discuss how philanthropy and business can intersect in a way that truly serves communities. We dive deep into how Paul Newman reversed traditional governance by giving his for-profit company to a nonprofit—a move that wasn’t even legal at the time! Alex shares insights on why more...
Transforming Lives Through Water Equity with Shilpa Alva
Shilpa Alva is the visionary founder of Surge for Water, a women-led, women-centered nonprofit dedicated to providing marginalized global communities with access to safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health solutions.
Under Shilpa’s leadership, Surge has impacted over 1 million lives and created more than 2,000 community jobs, while advancing sustainable water equity around the globe.
Shilpa’s journey—from her background in engineering and corporate consulting to full-time social entrepreneurship—is a compelling example of how diverse experiences can lead to impactful change. We explore:
The critical importance of water equity and its connection to global...How Mentorship Can Grow Your Fundraising with Ken Miller
What if mentorship could help you grow your career, and your fundraising bottom line?
This week, I’m joined by the amazing Ken Miller, CFRE—a powerhouse in the nonprofit world and a true advocate for professional growth. Ken is the president of Denali FSP Fundraising & Grant Consultants, a fundraising consultancy he founded in 2014 after a long and successful career in development. He’s also deeply involved in leadership roles with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and other organizations working to advance equity and excellence in philanthropy.
In our conversation, Ken shares his wis...
How Nonprofits Can Fight Back Against Harmful Executive Orders with Bethany Snyder
Since his inauguration, President Trump has signed dozens of executive orders covering a broad range of issues, including many that impact charitable nonprofits directly or indirectly. Some won’t take effect immediately and will be challenged in court.
This slew of Executive Orders are threatening the communities we serve, and nonprofits must be ready to prepare, respond, and advocate like never before.
This fight is going to be tough—but nonprofits are tougher. That’s why I’ve invited Bethany Snyder, MPP on to the podcast to discuss actionable steps your organization can take right now to p...
How AI is Revolutionizing Fundraising with Josh Hirsch
AI is reshaping the nonprofit sector, from improving efficiency to revolutionizing donor engagement—but how do we ensure it’s done ethically and effectively? 65% of nonprofits using AI report improvements in efficiency and productivity, with the biggest wins in communication and data analysis. But 42% of nonprofits cite ethical concerns, such as data privacy and bias, as barriers to adoption.
This week, we’re joined by Josh Hirsch, aka “The AI Dude,” a seasoned nonprofit strategist with over 17 years of experience. Josh is the Education and Training Strategist at FundRaise Up, a faculty member at Indiana University’s Lilly Family Sch...
Community, Collaboration & Collective Care with Johanna Moya Fábregas
In this episode, we explore the art of scaling nonprofit impact with Dr. Johanna Moya Fábregas, executive director of Con Mi Madre. This Central Texas nonprofit empowers Latina girls and their mothers, combining social-emotional learning with college readiness. But the strategies Johanna shares extend far beyond one mission—her expertise in storytelling, partnership building, and inclusive leadership offers actionable insights for nonprofit professionals of all kinds.
You’ll learn how to:
Build trust with your target audience to create generational impact.Use storytelling as a tool for fundraising and community engagement.Measure program outco...Data-Driven Nonprofit Success: Build Authority and Boost Impact with Drew Reynolds
Did you know that nonprofits using data to tell their stories are 70% more likely to secure major grants and build donor trust? In this episode, we dive into how your nonprofit can harness the power of data to amplify your message, establish authority, and communicate your impact effectively.
My guest, Drew Reynolds, founder of Common Good Data, shares actionable strategies to position your organization as a thought leader, win the confidence of funders, and scale your efforts to drive meaningful change.
About Drew: Drew Reynolds is a nationally recognized expert in nonprofit evaluation and storytelling...
Social Media Trends Nonprofits Should Embrace in 2025
This bonus episode is brought to you by RoundTable Technology—your Nonprofit IT Partner. For the tenth year in a row, they’re back with their FREE annual cybersecurity webinar, and this time, it’s bigger and bolder with a 2025 twist: Cyber Karaoke!
Make it your New Year’s resolution to give your entire staff FREE cybersecurity awareness training. Don’t miss the encore—head over to NonprofitIT.com/best-ever to save your seat now.
I also have another exciting announcement - Social Media for Social Good Academy is open for 2025 enrollment! It only opens onc...
Passion Isn’t Enough with David Rhode
David Rhode is a seasoned nonprofit founder, consultant, and author whose career has centered on scaling impact for mission-driven organizations. In this episode, he shares valuable insights from his new book, Passion Isn’t Enough: A Practical Guide for Nonprofit Leaders, a comprehensive resource for nonprofit executives, board members, and emerging leaders. With over two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, teaching, and consulting, David reveals why passion, while essential, must be paired with strategic and practical leadership skills to drive meaningful change.
Key Topics Covered:
Why passion alone isn’t sufficient for nonprofit succ...
