In this episode of Nonprofit Nation , we’re joined by Cecilia Lee, Alumni Relations Principal at Communities In Schools (CIS), to discuss the powerful role alumni networks can play in driving nonprofit success. CIS—a national organization ensuring students have the resources they need to stay in school—has built a robust alumni engagement strategy that connects participants beyond graduation, turning them into lifelong supporters, advocates, and ambassadors. Cecilia shares how nonprofits can lev...
Dec 25, 2024•38 min•Season 2Ep. 175
Confused or overwhelmed by capital campaigns? I've got just the right person for you! In this episode, I welcome Steven Shattuck, Director of Engagement at Capital Campaign Pro and a highly respected thought leader in the nonprofit sector. Steven shares his perspectives on the 2024 Capital Campaign Benchmark Report findings, the balance between heart and data in fundraising, and how nonprofits of all sizes can achieve their capital campaign goals. From the role of board support to the power of f...
Dec 18, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 174
Rapinder Dhinsa is the Director of Mass Marketing at Make-A-Wish Canada, and she's an expert in the ever-changing, always-evolving donor landscape. Rapinder shares with us the best ways for nonprofits to engage with younger donors and to connect meaningfully with diverse audiences. Drawing on her storytelling background and years of experience in nonprofit marketing, Rapinder discusses practical strategies and challenges that nonprofits face when adapting to shifting donor expectations. She also...
Dec 11, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 173
In this episode, we speak with Bhumika Regmi, Digital Director at the Malala Fund, and Mahina Martison, Digital Coordinator at Malala Fund to explore how the organization leverages TikTok and other digital platforms to engage young audiences and promote girls’ education worldwide. Bhumika shares how her team balances trendy content with meaningful advocacy, discusses the challenges and rewards of working on youth-centric platforms, and offers insights on how to stay innovative in the fast-changi...
Dec 04, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 172
In this episode of Nonprofit Nation , we sit down with Brad West, attorney, nonprofit leader, and the visionary behind the Profit for Good Initiative . Brad shares his innovative approach to transforming the way businesses contribute to impactful causes—without adding any extra cost to consumers. We’ll also dive into his newly launched initiative, Commissions for a Cause , which partners with a life insurance agent to donate 40% of commissions from every lead generated. This groundbreaking model...
Nov 27, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 171
In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I dive deep into the evolving landscape of major gifts fundraising with two of the industry’s most respected thought leaders, Gail Perry and Beth Ann Locke. Together, they unravel the shift from traditional, scripted major gift solicitations to a transformative, donor-centered approach that fosters authentic relationships and maximizes impact. Learn why the “old-fashioned pitch” no longer works, discover the power of emotional intelligence in fundraising, and...
Nov 20, 2024•38 min•Season 2Ep. 170
In this episode, we’re diving into the art and ethics of nonprofit storytelling with Carly Euler, the creative force behind MemoryFox’s 2023 Ethical Storytelling Report. With experience across multiple nonprofits—from working with youth development at the Wily Network to community fundraising at the Breast Cancer Coalition—Carly knows how storytelling can engage, inspire, and empower. We’ll explore out-of-the-box storytelling techniques, practical ways to collect stories, and the fine line nonpr...
Nov 13, 2024•38 min•Season 2Ep. 169
Monthly giving is one of the fastest-growing areas of nonprofit fundraising, with organizations seeing a 52% increase in recurring donors and a 94% rise in revenue from these gifts over the past three years. On average, monthly donors give between $24 and $36 per month, and retention rates for these donors can be as high as 94% when using bank transfers or credit cards. With monthly donors contributing significantly more over time compared to one-time donors, nonprofits that focus on building an...
Nov 06, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 168
Executive directors, are you tired of chasing after those $20 donations like a squirrel on espresso? Focusing all your energy on foundation grants and corporate donations because they seem easier is a bit like preferring instant noodles over a gourmet meal—it sort of does the job, but often, you are left feeling unsatisfied. Rhea Wong to the rescue! Rhea has over 20 years experience in the nonprofit space as an Executive Director and front line fundraiser. A fundraising thought-leader, an author...
Oct 30, 2024•40 min•Season 2Ep. 167
This week on Nonprofit Nation, I’m excited to sit down with Erin Hogue, Senior Director of Spark Good at Walmart. Erin is leading the charge on how Walmart is bringing nonprofits, customers, and associates together to make a real impact in communities across the country. In this episode, we’ll get into the nitty-gritty of how Walmart is using data to power its giving, the inspiration behind their Roundup program, and how nonprofits can plug into Walmart’s massive network to grow their reach. Wit...
Oct 24, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 166
In this episode of Nonprofit Nation I am thrilled to welcome back the brilliant Tamsen Webster, a renowned message strategist, author, and keynote speaker, whose latest book, Say What They Can’t Unhear: The 9 Principles of Lasting Change , is launched on October 8. Tamsen brings her 25 years of experience in message design and change communication to the table, offering actionable insights for anyone looking to create meaningful, lasting change. We discuss: The core principles that help create l...
Oct 16, 2024•45 min•Season 2Ep. 165
In this episode of Nonprofit Nation , I have an inspiring and heartfelt conversation with Mallory Erickson, the brilliant mind behind What The Fundraising: Embracing and Enabling the People Behind the Purpose , which launched on October 1st. As a fundraising expert and coach, Mallory opens up about the emotional journey behind writing her first book, and how her personal experiences as a new mother shaped her approach to both life and work. Mallory shares the challenges of writing and rewriting ...
Oct 09, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 164
In this episode, Jay Acunzo, a leading voice in content creation and storytelling, shares invaluable insights tailored for nonprofit fundraisers and marketers. Jay discusses how to move beyond traditional, transactional fundraising tactics to create transformational experiences that resonate deeply with donors and volunteers. He offers guidance on building a strong Brand IP for nonprofits, the power of journey-based storytelling, and how to use frustration as a catalyst for creative and impactfu...
Oct 02, 2024•47 min•Season 2Ep. 163
The way we search the web is being transformed in huge ways, and nonprofits need to understand the changing landscape in order to reach their donors and their stakeholders online. In this episode, I sit down with Rafi Norberg to explore the latest development in search technology: Google’s AI Overviews. Rafi serves as President and Founder of Nexus Marketing , a marketing agency that helps businesses and organizations generate revenue online in the mission-driven sector. Rafi has over a decade o...
Sep 25, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 162
It's National Hispanic Heritage Month! In this episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by the inspiring Cynthia Torres, LMFT—someone who has been a true force in the social good space for over 25 years. As a Colombian-American entrepreneur and community leader, Cynthia wears two powerful hats: she’s the founder of New Dawn Counseling & Consulting, Inc., and the Executive Director of the beloved nonprofit, City Impact. Cynthia is here to break down how she’s mastered the art of blending business w...
Sep 18, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 161
In this episode, I have the pleasure of hosting Sean Kosofsky, also known as "The Nonprofit Fixer." With over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Sean brings a wealth of knowledge on executive coaching, leadership development, and nonprofit management. Tune in to discover practical advice on overcoming common challenges, setting fair compensation, and implementing innovative work practices. Sean Kosofsky is a seasoned expert in nonprofit leadership, known widely as "The Nonprofit Fix...
Sep 11, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 160
What’s the secret sauce to engaging donors across different generations? In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I’m thrilled to sit down with Wendy Mercurio the Content and Education Specialist at Qgiv and Bloomerang to dig into the juicy findings from their latest Generational Giving Report (Volume 2) . You’re going to love this one because Wendy breaks down what makes each generation of donors tick, from Boomers to Gen Z, and shares actionable insights that your nonprofit can use right now to up...
Sep 06, 2024•32 min
In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I talk with my friend and colleague Dana Snyder, a dynamic force in the nonprofit world and the founder of Positive Equation . Dana recently embarked on a whirlwind journey to write and publish her new book, "The Monthly Giving Mastermind - A Framework to Build, Grow & Sustain Subscriptions for Good." In just four weeks, she wrote the book, and in an unheard-of four months, she had it published! Join us as Dana shares her experiences and insights, offerin...
Sep 04, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 159
In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I sit down with Shannon McCracken, the founding CEO of The Nonprofit Alliance (TNPA), to explore her journey in the nonprofit sector and her visionary leadership at TNPA. Shannon brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles, including her impactful tenure as Chief Development Officer at Charity Navigator and Vice President of Donor Development at Special Olympics International. Recognized as one of The NonProfit Times Power & Influence Top 50 in ...
Aug 28, 2024•38 min•Season 2Ep. 158
It seems like the only thing anyone is talking about is AI - Artificial Intelligence - and the ways in which it is revolutionizing and changing work and impact in all industries, including the nonprofit sector. I want to get beyond the hype, and explore the implications for nonprofits, how to use AI not just to further productivity but also to create more impact, and how it might help with the Generosity Crisis. Who better to address these issues than Nathan Chappell? Nathan is one of the world’...
Aug 21, 2024•43 min•Season 2Ep. 157
As the nonprofit sector faces shifting economic conditions and technological advancements, it may seem hard to keep up. In this episode, I sit down with Barbara O'Reilly, a renowned expert in donor retention and fundraising trends, to delve into the evolving landscape of nonprofit fundraising. Drawing from her extensive experience and her recent analysis of 2024's fundraising trends, Barbara provides actionable advice on how nonprofits can adapt and thrive amidst generational shifts, technologic...
Aug 14, 2024•40 min•Season 2Ep. 156
There are many underlying issues that hinder the progress of nonprofits- but they may not be what you think! In this episode, we dispel some of the most pervasive, and destructive, myths and misconceptions that often cloud the path to success for nonprofits. My guest, Woodrow Rosenbaum, Chief Data Officer for GivingTuesday , brings invaluable insights from the forefront of a global movement dedicated to driving giving and collective action. Are the challenges nonprofits face merely obstacles, or...
Aug 07, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 155
With the end of the year being a particularly hectic time for nonprofits, how can Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools help streamline processes and improve efficiency? This episode explores the transformative potential of AI in fundraising. We discuss the implications, benefits, and challenges of integrating AI tools, sharing practical examples and success stories. We delve into how AI can lighten the load for fundraisers during busy periods and enhance donor engagement and retention. My guest al...
Jul 31, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 154
Research indicates that around 60% of GenZs are inspired to donate to charity by social media. 55% of people who engage with nonprofits on social media end up taking some sort of action. This recording is of a LinkedIn Live chat with Stephen Knight, Director of Communications for JustLeadershipUSA. Join us as we talk about the themes of our upcoming conference session and what fundraisers need to know about social media in 2024. Our session at Bridge 2024: How to (Really!) Convert Fans to Donors...
Jul 25, 2024•30 min
In this episode, we talked about: Overview of Nicholas Bruneau's book "Engage with Impact" and the innovative AGILE Framework for digital advocacy. Deep dive into how adopting a startup mentality can transform digital campaigns in the nonprofit sector. Discussion on the significance of leveraging and repurposing content to maximize digital outreach. Exploration of the role of personal stories in creating compelling advocacy campaigns and how to select ambassadors. Strategies for building and mai...
Jul 24, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 153
What's going on with giving as we enter the second half of the year? What are the latest trends that nonprofits - of all sizes- need to know and understand? This recording is of a LinkedIn Live chat with Woodrow Rosenbaum, Chief Data Officer of GivingTuesday. We dove into the latest insights from the Q1 2024 GivingPulse report—a treasure trove of data to empower the social sector! 📈✨ Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation to supercharge your fundraising strategies! 📅🕐 Get your copy of...
Jul 18, 2024•34 min
Advocacy is a key tool for nonprofits aiming to influence policy and secure funding. However, many nonprofits often struggle to prepare their teams for effective advocacy due to a lack of resources or knowledge about where to focus their efforts. In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I’m joined by Bethany Snyder, a renowned expert in nonprofit advocacy and the founder of Snyder Strategies. Bethany brings over two decades of experience in empowering nonprofit organizations to effectively influence...
Jul 17, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 152
Today, we're diving into the world of nonprofit websites and how to make them more user-friendly to better serve your mission and engage your audience. I'm thrilled to welcome our guest, Spencer Brooks, an expert in web design and digital marketing for nonprofits. Spencer Brooks is the Founder & Principal of Brooks Digital, a website development and usability studio for nonprofits, particularly those in the health space. He has over a decade of experience leading projects for organizations w...
Jul 10, 2024•40 min•Season 2Ep. 151
What makes a nonprofit successful? A lot of things. An engaged donor base, for example. Enthusiastic Board members. A compelling case for support. Those are all necessary to grow your organization and sustain your mission. But a critically important and often overlooked element is the employee. Nonprofits suffer higher turnover than any other sector. The nonprofit turnover rate clocks in at just over 21% and the overwhelming majority of that is voluntary. Surveys show that nearly half of nonprof...
Jul 03, 2024•59 min•Season 2Ep. 150
As the U.S. gears up for the 2024 presidential election, nonprofit professionals find themselves at the intersection of philanthropy and politics, considering the unique challenges and opportunities that come with fundraising during an election year. My guest this week is Alyssa Wright, industry expert on fundraising. Having spent time as a human rights activist in Eastern Europe and Africa, Alyssa brings over a decade of experience in international philanthropy to Wright Collective. With a back...
Jun 27, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 149
