Purpose & Profit Club® – The Nonprofit Fundraising Podcast

40 Episodes
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By: Christina Tzavaras Edwards

Ready to stop fundraising the old way and start doubling results? Join nonprofit strategist Christina Tzavaras Edwards for bold, fast-action tactics that help you 2X your next fundraiser and build a community fueled by generosity. From leveraging the Social Street Team®: Influencer Marketing Method to mastering courageous fundraising asks, this podcast equips you with the mindset and strategies needed to spark deep engagement and sustainable growth—no extra workload required.Music by The Selmanaires, featuring "Selmanaire Rock." Visit http://www.splendidatl.com/podcast for more.

153: What Smart Nonprofits Are Stealing from E-Commerce: The Campaign Engine That Replaces 3 Staffers
#153
Today at 4:00 AM

What if your next major hire isn’t a person, but a system?


In this episode, I pull back the curtain on the “NextGen Fundraising Engine”, a proven campaign system that replaces the need for a marketing coordinator, development associate, and monthly giving manager. If you’re stuck in a cycle of burnout, chasing one-off donations, or hiring your way out of a revenue gap, this episode is your permission slip to do it differently. You’ll learn why the smartest nonprofits are stealing proven growth tactics from e-commerce brands, and how to streamline your fundraising, storytelli...


152: You’ve Hit a Plateau. Now What?Why the $500K–$2M range is the danger zone—and how to grow past it faster with next-gen strategy
#152
07/01/2025

Feeling stuck at $200K? Plateaued at $500K? Are you wondering why you can’t push past $1M even when your mission is solid and your team is working nonstop? In this episode, I explain why nonprofit revenue stalls — and more importantly, how to move beyond it. From outdated donor funnels to board bottlenecks, this episode offers a smarter system for sustained growth. I walk you through real revenue tiers, key mistakes organizations make at each level, and what to do instead. If you're ready to stop treading water and start building a pipeline that scales, this is for you.
...


151: NextGen Fundraising: What to Do When “What You’ve Always Done” Stops Working
#151
06/24/2025

If your fundraising strategy still runs on 2010 logic, this is your wake-up call. In this episode, I break down the concept of NextGen Fundraising—not just for Gen Z, but for every generation of donor who now expects fast, friction-free, modern giving experiences. I share why traditional tactics are burning you out, why your board doesn’t need another gala, and how to cut the clutter and focus on what actually works. Get ready for mindset shifts, strategy overhauls, and some tough love on why clinging to the past is costing you funding. If your nonprofit is still waiting on p...


150: Donors Are Shoppers Now. Is Your Nonprofit Ready? with Salvatore Salpietro
#150
06/17/2025

Donors don’t act like traditional donors anymore—they act like digital shoppers. And in this episode, Salvatore Salpietro, Chief Community Officer at Fundraise Up, joins me to break down exactly what that means for your nonprofit.


This isn’t about throwing shade. It’s about meeting donors where they are—on their phones, on the go, and expecting the same seamless experience they get from Amazon, Uber, or Netflix.

Topics:

Why nonprofits are 10–20 years behind on digital fundraisingHow donor expectations mirror consumer habitsWhat nonprofits can ethically borrow from...


149: 10 Reasons Why Your Board Isn't Helping You Fundraise
#149
06/10/2025

You keep hoping your board will step up and help fundraise. They say they will. But when campaign crunch time hits, you get silence. Crickets. And you're stuck doing it all. In this episode, I walk you through the real reasons your board isn't fundraising — and it’s not just because they’re busy. From fear of rejection to outdated event mindsets, I unpack the top 10 blockers (with real-world examples), and most importantly, how to turn things around. You’ll walk away with practical steps to re-engage your board, shift your leadership energy, and activate their networks for your...


148: The 7-Minute Rule: For Fundraisers Who Hate Failing
#148
06/03/2025

Ever pour your heart into a campaign, emails sent, donors hyped, and an event planned, only to hit a wall? Donations stall, goals aren’t met, and suddenly, it feels like you failed. This episode is your permission slip to pause, reflect, and bounce back stronger. In part two of the mindset series, I’m sharing a concept I coach clients on weekly: The 7-Minute Rule. It's the strategy that helps nonprofit leaders recover from fundraising flops without spiraling into shame or burnout. Because the real issue isn’t that you missed the mark—it’s that no one tau...


147: The 7-Second Rule: For Fundraisers Who Take Every ‘No’ Personally
#147
05/27/2025

You know that moment when someone doesn’t reply to your email, or a donor backs out, or you get an unsubscribe notification—and suddenly, your stomach drops? Rejection stings—it hits hard and can hijack your momentum fast.

In this episode, I’m sharing something I’ve been coaching on behind the scenes: The 7-Second Rule. It’s a mindset tool to help you handle rejection—ghosting, “no thank yous,” radio silence, without falling into a spiral that slows your mission down. Because the real issue isn’t the “no.” It’s what happens in the seven seconds after...


146: Why Nonprofit Fundraising Campaigns Stall & How to Fix It
#146
05/20/2025

Your campaign launched strong—emails out, ambassadors ready, social posts scheduled. And then the momentum vanished. You’re not alone.

I’m sharing what no one prepares you for: the messy middle of your fundraising campaign. That moment when things slow down, energy dips, and you start asking, “Where is everybody?” If it feels harder to move donors right now, you’re right. The game has changed. Campaigns that used to work aren’t hitting the same, and it’s not because your cause isn’t worthy. It’s because “good enough” no longer cuts it. Your donors are behaving more...


145: You're Not Supposed to Do This Alone: Grow Faster with Digital Ambassadors
#145
05/13/2025

If you're still fundraising alone, this episode will change everything. Whether you're a solo shop executive director, a part-time founder, or running a million-dollar organisation, one thing is clear: you're not meant to do this work alone.

In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly how to grow faster using digital ambassadors—aka your passionate, everyday supporters who already love your mission and are ready to spread the word. From awareness to fundraising to enrollment, mobilizing others is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s essential. Because what worked in 2014 doesn’t work in 2025. And when you b...


144: Stop Parenting Your Board: How to Recruit, Retain, and Lead Like a CEO
#144
05/06/2025

If you’ve ever felt like your board is holding you back—or worse, like you’re stuck asking for permission to lead the organization you’re working so hard to grow, you’re not alone. In this episode, I'm joined by Sabrina Walker Hernandez, founder of Building Better Boards, to dig into why so many nonprofit CEOs get stuck parenting their boards — and how to break free from the cycle.

Sabrina’s lived it from all sides: she’s run a thriving nonprofit, serves on five boards, and is not afraid to name what’s happening behind...


143: Stop Blending In and Find Your Fundraising Edge
#143
04/29/2025

Ever feel like your nonprofit is saying all the “right” things but still not growing the way you want? In this episode of The Purpose & Profit Club®, we’re flipping the script on what you think is the problem. It’s not visibility or the economy—you’re blending in. You’ll leave this episode with the motivation—and permission—to say what only you can say. To show up with boldness. To be impossible to ignore. If you’ve ever said, “We’re doing incredible work, but people don’t get it,” this one’s for you.

Topics:

What your <...


142: Motivation vs. Commitment: What You Actually Need
#142
04/22/2025

Are you waiting for motivation to strike before you write that email, make that donor call, or launch that campaign?

In this episode of the Purpose & Profit Club® Podcast, I break down the sneaky trap nonprofit leaders fall into when we rely too much on either motivation (which feels good but disappears fast) or commitment (which can quickly turn into burnout if we’re not careful). I share real-life examples—from my improv class to client wins—and show you how to build momentum even when you don’t feel ready. This one’s packed with mindset shifts, rea...


141: The 100% YES Method: The Energy That Closes the Gift
#141
04/15/2025

This episode is one of those had-to-record-it-right-away moments. I’m sharing a mindset shift that will completely change how you approach donor outreach, fundraising campaigns, partnerships, and even your emails. It’s called the 100% YES Method—and once you understand it, you’ll never pitch or plan the same way again. Inspired by a little league coaching moment with my son (stay with me, sports fans and non-fans alike), I’m breaking down why assuming the answer is "YES" until it clearly isn’t creates unstoppable energy, faster results, and wildly magnetic campaigns. We’re talking less hesitation, mo...


140: Fundraising, Legacy & ALS with Live Like Lou + Sisters of St. Francis
#140
04/08/2025

What happens when you mix a powerhouse ALS advocate, a faith-driven advancement leader, and a whole lot of heart? You get this conversation.

Recorded live at GiveCon, presented by Bloomerang and QGiv, I sat down with Wendy Faust, Executive Director of Live Like Lou Foundation, and Jen Waning from the Sisters of St. Francis, and let me tell you—it was one of the most real, heartfelt, and surprisingly joyful chats I’ve had in a long time. We talk about the uncertainty so many nonprofits are navigating right now—and how to meet it with clarity, commun...


139: How a Retirement Community Raised $5M in 18 Months
#139
04/01/2025

What makes a retirement community more than just a place to live? How do you build a culture so strong that residents, their families, and even local businesses want to give back? 

This week, we’re live at GiveCon, presented by Bloomerang and QGiv, with the Bridgewater Retirement Community team—and trust me, their fundraising approach is something special. They raised $5 million in just 18 months, but the real magic is in how they connect, the stories they tell, and the generosity they inspire every single day. This story is about fundraising and, more importantly, belonging, community, and impac...


BONUS: Peer Power: How to Raise More Without Doing It All Yourself
03/26/2025

Feeling like you're doing all the fundraising yourself? That stops here.

In this bonus episode, I’m sharing a sneak peek inside a live training from my program, The SPRINT Method™—where we talked about how to activate your board, volunteers, and community members as peer fundraisers (even if they’ve never done it before).

You’ll learn:

Why most peer fundraising strategies fall flatThe better way to mobilize supporters with low-lift, high-impact asksWhat happens when you stop fundraising alone—and start building real momentum

If you’re a solo shop founder, part-time exec...


138: From AI to Bold Asks: 10 Nonprofit Marketing & Fundraising Trends Shaping 2025
#138
03/25/2025

The nonprofit world is shifting fast, and if you want to stay ahead in 2025, you can’t rely on last year’s strategies. After attending and speaking at GiveCon, I took a step back to really absorb what’s working—and what’s not. From AI-powered donor outreach to bold fundraising asks that work, I’m breaking down the 10 biggest nonprofit marketing and fundraising trends that will shape how you raise money and grow your mission this year. The organizations that win are the ones willing to be brave, adapt fast, and put relationships first—and that’s exactly what I’m coverin...


137: The 2 Skills You Need to Raise 5 Figures Every Time You Fundraise
#137
03/18/2025

Nonprofit fundraising doesn’t have to be a guessing game or a long, drawn-out, exhausting process. Yet, so many nonprofit leaders struggle to hit that $10k+ mark every time they run a fundraiser. If you’ve ever felt like fundraising is an uphill battle, you’re not alone—but it doesn’t have to be this way. In this episode, I’m breaking down the two essential skills that will help you raise five figures consistently—without dragging out campaigns for months or shouldering all the work alone. Whether your nonprofit is brand new, stuck at 100k, or even more establish...


BONUS: Why You’re Not Raising More (And the 1 Fix You Need)
03/14/2025

Nonprofit Founders & Solo Execs: If you’re constantly scrambling for donations, feeling like fundraising is an unpredictable, never-ending hustle, this episode is for you. Today, I’m breaking down the one shift that will change everything for your nonprofit: Fundraising Sprints.

Most small nonprofits rely on scattered, reactive fundraising—hustling for grants, hoping for surprise donations, and over-relying on their existing networks. But that approach keeps you stuck in survival mode. In this episode, I’ll walk you through:

Why fundraising often feels so unpredictable (and what to do instead)The biggest mistake keeping nonprofits under $100K in ann...


136: Part-Time Executive Director? How to Raise Enough to Go Full-Time (and Quit Your Day Job)?
#136
03/11/2025

You’ve poured your heart into your nonprofit, spending nights and weekends building programs, rallying volunteers, and making an impact—yet, there’s still not enough funding to quit your day job and go all in. Sound familiar? So many nonprofit founders get stuck in this exact cycle—working tirelessly but never quite breaking through to a fully-funded organization. And here’s the hard truth: The way you’re fundraising is keeping you stuck.

In this episode, I’m breaking down how to raise enough money to finally go full-time, why small-dollar fundraisers (like that exhausting gala or 5K) aren’t...


135: It’s Not Your CRM: 3 Real Reasons You’re Missing Your Fundraising Goals
#135
03/04/2025

If you’re not hitting your fundraising goals, it’s easy to think the problem is your CRM, website, or donation platform. But switching tools won’t fix a broken strategy. I see so many nonprofits stuck in a cycle of blaming their tech instead of addressing the real issue—how they’re engaging donors and running campaigns. In this episode, I’m breaking down three major reasons organizations miss their fundraising targets and what to do instead. I’m talking about the difference between reactive and proactive fundraising (and why most organizations are stuck in survival mode), the fear of making...


134: Funding Red Flags: When Grants Disappear & Other Signs Your Strategy Needs a Shift
#134
02/25/2025

Grants disappearing overnight? Funding feeling more uncertain than ever? If the recent federal grant freeze had you panicked, you're not alone. Traditional nonprofit funding strategies aren’t as secure as they once were, and it’s time to rethink how your organization brings in revenue.

I’m breaking down the biggest funding red flags I’m seeing right now, why social media without conversions is a giant waste of time and money, and where you should be reallocating your budget to bring in bigger, more sustainable donations. Plus, I’m talking about influencer-led campaigns (yes, even for small nonp...


133: How a VA Can Save Your Sanity & Scale Your Impact with Sara Wiles
#133
02/18/2025

Ever feel like your to-do list is never-ending? Nonprofit leaders, founders, and busy professionals are juggling way too much—and it’s keeping you from the work that actually moves the needle. That’s why I brought in VA expert and business coach, Sara Wiles, to talk about a total game-changer: hiring a virtual assistant. We’re breaking down exactly how hiring a virtual assistant can transform your productivity, free up your time, and (finally) get those bottom-of-the-list tasks off your plate. If you’re feeling overworked, under-supported, and desperate for more breathing room, this episode will show you how to hir...


132: Breaking the Board Barrier: Why Outdated Leadership is Costing You Millions
#132
02/11/2025

Let’s talk about something that’s quietly draining your nonprofit—outdated leadership. You know the kind… the board that plays it safe, resists change, and clings to “what’s always worked” even though it’s clearly not working anymore. And guess what? It’s costing your mission millions. In this episode, we’re calling it out: playing small is the biggest risk you can take. I’ll walk you through why leadership’s fear of innovation is keeping you stuck, why your nonprofit needs to invest in modern fundraising strategies, and how organizations that embrace bold moves are seeing massive results...


BONUS: Will Influencers Actually Partner With My Nonprofit For Free?
02/09/2025

Send us a text

Most nonprofits assume that influencer marketing is only for brands with big budgets—or that influencers only care about getting paid. That’s a myth. 

The Creator Economy is worth $127 billion—and growing. Influencer marketing isn’t just for brands anymore. It’s a fundraising superpower waiting for nonprofits to tap in.

But here’s the catch: Most nonprofits think influencers only work for a paycheck. That’s not true.

In this Linkedin Live replay, I break down exactly how to:

✅ Get influencers to fundraise and amplify your...


BONUS: Why Old-School Fundraising Is Failing & The Bold Strategies That Work Now
02/07/2025

Send us a text

If you're still relying on the same donors, chasing grants, or overloading your calendar with fundraising events—it's time for a shift. The biggest funding opportunities aren’t where you’ve been looking.

In this session replay, I break down:

✔️ How to tap into the Creator Economy to bring in new donors & major gifts—without working more
✔️ Why traditional nonprofit fundraising strategies are keeping you stuck
✔️ How to move donors from “interested” to “invested” with influencer-driven fundraising
✔️ Why you don’t need a bigger audience—jus...


BONUS: Why Fundraising Feels Stuck & How to Fix It—Without More Work or More Donors
02/04/2025

Send us a text

Feeling like fundraising is an uphill battle? You’re not alone. If you’re stuck relying on the same donors, struggling to secure major gifts, or constantly scrambling to make campaigns work—this episode is for you.

In this bonus episode, I’m breaking down:

✔️ How fundraisers are unlocking new donors & gifts—without more work
✔️ Why relying on events or grants alone is keeping you stuck
✔️ How to actually move donors from “interested” to “invested”
✔️ Why you don’t need a massive social media...


131: Ditch The Gala: Fundraise Smarter, Faster, and Bigger
#131
02/04/2025

Let’s talk about galas. The often over-the-top events that take forever to plan and leave you feeling more drained than excited, and leave you thinking “Is this even worth it?” If so, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re having an honest chat about why these big fundraising events can do more harm than good. Raising more money doesn’t have to mean throwing another black-tie affair. I’m sharing what’s working for nonprofits right now—fun, low-key events, creative pop-ups, and innovative digital strategies that bring in big results without all the stress. If you’re ready to re...


130: Get Your Board on Board or Get Left Behind
#130
01/28/2025

Nonprofits, it’s time to rethink how you approach growth. The challenges you’re facing—the rising costs, donor fatigue, and constant burnout—aren’t going to be solved with the same old strategies. In this episode, I discuss why traditional fundraising methods fall short and how you can flip the script with bold, modern solutions. I am covering donor behavior shifts, how to tap into the $127 billion Creator Economy, and why mobilizing a Social Street Team™ could be your nonprofit’s secret weapon. Whether reaching new donors, scaling impact, or simply working smarter (not harder), this episode is about moving y...


129: Creating Influencer Partnerships on Zero Budget: The Secret to Fundraising Success
#129
01/21/2025

Today, we’re talking about a game-changer: influencer partnerships and why they’re the fastest, most impactful way to raise funds, build awareness, and grow your nonprofit—without spending a dollar. If your nonprofit isn’t already tapping into the creator economy, you’re leaving money (and so much impact) on the table. I’m breaking down how free influencer partnerships work, and why they’re not just for big-name nonprofits. Whether you’re running a small shop or a million-dollar organization, I’m here to show you how to build authentic, no-budget collaborations with creators who want to use their platform...


128: Old School Fundraising Won’t Get You New School Money: What to Do Instead
#128
01/14/2025

Today we’re breaking down why traditional fundraising isn’t cutting it anymore. Donor habits have shifted, motivations have evolved, and clinging to outdated tactics like galas, auctions, and 5Ks is holding your organization back.
Here’s the hard truth: what worked a decade ago now delivers diminishing returns. Donors today want connection, impact, and innovation—not the same tired playbook.

In this episode, I’ll unpack why these methods are falling short, reveal what’s working right now, and arm you with the insights you need to take bold action. Share this with your board t...


127: Raising Major Funds Without a Social Media Audience
#127
01/07/2025

In this episode, we’re talking about Fast-Track Fundraising—how to raise more money, even if your social media audience feels tiny (or non-existent!). I’m sharing the bold strategies that helped nonprofits crush their Giving Tuesday goals—like one small organization raising record-breaking dollars with less than 1,500 followers. We’ll also take a close look at the 2024 Giving Tuesday numbers—$3.6 billion raised in the U.S. alone—and uncover why some nonprofits thrived while others didn’t. Spoiler: It’s not about going viral. It’s about activating the networks you already have and leaning into strategies like building a Social St...


126: 10 Key Trends in Nonprofit Fundraising & Marketing for 2025
#126
12/31/2024

There are 10 trends that are revolutionizing nonprofit fundraising in 2025 and beyond. If you're ready to build unstoppable donor movements and you're ready to break revenue plateaus, you're in the right place. If you follow these trends, you will see increased growth, increased donor engagement and retention, and of course, donations. So grab a pen, bookmark this and dive in with me!

For a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.

Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience...


125: 5 Reasons Donation Plateaus Happen & How to Fix Them
#125
12/24/2024

In this episode I want to talk about plateaus – every organization, every business ever has experienced some flavor of a plateau. For a lot of nonprofits, it sounds a little bit like this: Your campaign started strong, donations were rolling in, you are feeling excited because you can just feel the buzz. But then, like clockwork, it just flatlines. Plateaus don’t happen because donors stop caring, they happen because you stop giving them motivation to engage. So we're going to dig into the five reasons why plateaus happen today, and some of my favorite strategies to get you out...


124: 3 Questions Every Donor Asks Before They Give
#124
12/17/2024

Today I’m sharing the the three questions every donor asks—whether they say them out loud or not—before they decide to give. Understanding these questions is a game-changer for creating campaigns, writing appeals, and connecting with donors.

If you’ve ever felt stuck crafting the “perfect” ask or struggling to connect with your audience, this episode will give you the tools to create messaging that resonates and inspires action. Tune in, and let’s answer those three questions together!

Topics:

Why donors want to feel like partners, not heroes—and how this mindset...


123: Grassroots Giving: Women & Collective Philanthropy with Catherine Curry-Williams & Dr. Theresa Ashby
#123
12/10/2024

Y'all, we have a trio on the podcast today. I'm so excited to welcome Dr. Theresa Ashby and Catherine Curry-Williams to the podcast. Cat is a dynamic speaker and bestselling author known for her raw, authentic, and caring approach while Dr. Ashby challenges the status quo through her high-energy, cutting-edge, and humorous presentation leaves audiences re-imagining the future of business. Both are experts on collective giving and are reimagining philanthropy with their grassroots organization, The She Angels Foundation, where they are pooling their resources to make a big impact through $5,000 grants to underfunded organizations. What struck me most was...


122: Go All In: How Improv Transformed My Fundraising Mindset
#122
12/03/2024

Today, I’m taking you behind the scenes of something new I’ve been doing—an improv class! I signed up on a whim, and it’s been such a game-changer for how I think about fundraising, storytelling, and even just showing up for donors. In this episode, I’m sharing what improv has taught me about committing fully—whether it’s to your energy, campaigns, or messaging—and why half-hearted effort (what I call “decaf energy”) doesn’t cut it. I’ll give you tips on how to shift into full commitment, bring contagious energy to your work, and how to adopt those u...


121: Win Giving Tuesday: 10 Ways to Create Record Breaking Campaigns
#121
11/26/2024

We're digging into Giving Tuesday today. Last year, Giving Tuesday had a record breaking year. It broke all the years passed, raising $3.1 billion in the US alone. That was a 15% revenue increase over the previous year. Beyond that, research shows that 24% of Giving Tuesday donors are actually first time donors to the organization. So, today I'm going to share the 10 strategies that will help you have a record-breaking campaign, and this is something you can apply to any campaign so even if you’re listening to this when Giving Tuesday has already passed, don’t skip this episode! We’re cov...


120: Building a Thriving Monthly Giving Program (and Donor Base) with Dana Snyder
#120
11/19/2024

Today, I'm so excited to introduce Dana Snyder, the author of The Monthly Giving Mastermind! Dana is all about helping nonprofits create steady, reliable support through monthly giving. She has a gift for turning one-time donations into ongoing support that organizations can truly depend on. She shares practical tips for starting and growing a monthly giving program that builds real connections with donors, creates a strong community, and boosts your impact over time. Whether you're new to monthly giving or ready to level up, Dana’s advice will help you build a loyal group of supporters who believe in wh...


119: Increasing Your Monthly Donors with Recurring Giving Expert, Erica Wassdorp
#119
11/12/2024

I am thrilled to speak with Erica Wassdorp, a monthly giving expert with over 41 years of experience, today. Monthly giving is on the rise and we’re sharing how to start or grow yours. And the best news from Erica? Your long-term success is more about investing time than money. She highlights the importance of shifting mindsets to see monthly donors as loyal, long-term supporters instead of smaller donors. When you listen in, you will hear practical strategies for engaging your database, from leveraging simple tools to crafting compelling value propositions. She stresses the power of personal connections, testimonials, an...