We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits

Meet Tammy 🤝, the President + Founder of Fundraising Transformed and the Author of ‘Calling All Heroes’. With over 30 years of experience in fundraising, Tammy Zonker shares personal insights that have shaped her human-centered approach. She emphasizes empathy and trust as the foundation for genuine donor relationships, creating real, lasting connections. Tammy offers practical strategies to inspire donors to become lifelong advocates and build authentic, impactful partnerships that truly resonate.This episode is for anyone who believes in the power of thoughtful, compassionate giving to change lives ✨Episode Highlights: Tammy Zonker's Journey and Empathy in Fundraising (02:20)Reclaiming the Concept of Heroes in Fundraising (05:19)The Five Pillars of Human-Centered Fundraising (08:12)Building Trust and Authentic Partnerships (11:18)Navigating Power Dynamics in Fundraising (14:19)Transparency and True Partnership with Donors (17:18)The Courage to Release Donors (19:42)Understanding Mid-Level Donors (22:03)Listening as a Strategy for Small Shops (27:21)The Power of Open-Ended Questions (31:34)A Story of Generosity and Community (35:07)Tammy’s One Good Thing (40:00)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/650ImpactUp: PAUSE is here 🩵 Join us in 25+ cities + online to:-Reframe your relationship with work and perfection-Build wellness into your life and organization-Pause, reflect, and take intentional actionYou’ll walk away with practical tools, peer wisdom, and a renewed clarity to lead with strength—from the inside out. Sign up for free today at weareforgood.com/impactup Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, DonorDock, Feathr, Whiteboard and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Retention is about relationships. But most donor communications either feel too rushed or too robotic. This session is about doing things differently with the power of AI, done responsibly.We’re sitting down with three organizations that are using AI to help them show up better for their donors: writing magnetic messaging, personalizing with care + actually deepen connection. We’ll talk about how they’re saving time, scaling touchpoints, and staying true to their voice along the way.You’ll hear the tools they’re using, the prompts that are working, and where they’ve drawn the line on what not to automate. It’s real talk on using AI to build trust… not just create more output.Episode HighlightsRetention as a Love Language (05:14)Building Lasting Relationships with Donors (10:38)Using AI to Build Trust (15:54)Ethics in Storytelling and Communication (21:23)Practical Tools and Workflows for Retention (33:36)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/649ImpactUp: PAUSE is here 🩵 Join us in 25+ cities + online to:-Reframe your relationship with work and perfection-Build wellness into your life and organization-Pause, reflect, and take intentional actionYou’ll walk away with practical tools, peer wisdom, and a renewed clarity to lead with strength—from the inside out. Sign up for free today at weareforgood.com/impactup Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, DonorDock, Feathr, Whiteboard and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Our dear friend Christal Cherry and Founder + CEO of The Board Pro and F3 Fabulous Female Fundraisers is back for a third time—yes, a true 3-peat in podcast appearances—bringing her wealth of experience in transforming nonprofit boards into vibrant, engaged communities. 💙 In this episode, we go beyond the usual board meeting routine to explore how to create meaningful involvement throughout the year. Christal highlights why understanding the unique strengths and passions of each board member matters and shares practical tips for using those qualities to drive effective fundraising and leadership. If you’re working through complex board dynamics or looking for ways to deepen your nonprofit’s impact, this episode is packed with strategies and inspiration to help you succeed.Tune in for a warm and insightful conversation that will shift how you think about your board and unlock new ways to foster a supportive and innovative board environment.Episode Highlights: Engaging Boards for Fundraising (02:22)How to Overcome Board Disengagement (05:18)Strategies for Board Engagement (08:13)The Importance of building and maintaining Board Relationships (11:32)Recruitment and Succession Planning for Boards (17:18)How to Activate Boards for Impact (20:06)The Role of Boards in Challenging Times (23:08)Finding Community as a Leader (29:15)Christal Cherry’s One Good Thing (34:20)Resources: Little Bit of Good (The Board Shakeup Podcast): Listen Here on SpotifyThe Board Pro WebsiteEpisode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/648ImpactUp: PAUSE is here 🩵 Join us in 25+ cities + online to:-Reframe your relationship with work and perfection-Build wellness into your life and organization-Pause, reflect, and take intentional actionYou’ll walk away with practical tools, peer wisdom, and a renewed clarity to lead with strength—from the inside out. Sign up for free today at weareforgood.com/impactup Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, DonorDock, Feathr, Whiteboard and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Feeling the year-end crunch? Wondering how to balance fundraising, community care, and your own well-being without feeling overwhelmed? 🫠In this episode, Jon and Becky bring you the “End of Year Playbook,” a playbook packed with practical tips to help you navigate the busy season with confidence and calm. We know year end can feel overwhelming, from fundraising pressures, keeping your community engaged, and balancing it all while trying to take care of yourself. 🧘Bringing back form the podcast vault, we’ve featured some amazing guests like Woodrow Rosenbaum, who shares what really moves donors, Caroline Griffin with clever marketing ideas that don’t break the bank, Jeff Rosenblum on how to rise above the noise, and Lindsey Fuller reminding us why taking care of ourselves matters just as much as the work we do.This episode is full of actionable advice to help you tell stories that stick, create campaigns that truly matter, and spark the ripple effect that keeps your community and your impact, growing strong. We’re here to cheer you on as you step into the most generous and impactful time of the year. 🩵Episode Highlights: Data-Driven Insights for Nonprofits (02:48)Building a Playbook for Year-End Campaigns (04:14)Storytelling as a Tool for Connection (06:00)The Importance of Clarity and Goals (07:08)Wellness and Growth in Nonprofit Work (09:14)Creating a Supportive Community (09:25)Visionary Insights with Woodrow Rosenbaum (10:01)Marketing Strategies with Caroline Griffin (20:00)The Power of One Storytelling Framework (25:00)Community and Wellness with Lindsey Fuller (35:00)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/647Access WAFG's End of Year Checklist here: https://www.weareforgood.com/eoyImpactUp: PAUSE is here 🩵 Join us in 25+ cities + online to:-Reframe your relationship with work and perfection-Build wellness into your life and organization-Pause, reflect, and take intentional actionYou’ll walk away with practical tools, peer wisdom, and a renewed clarity to lead with strength—from the inside out. Sign up for free today at weareforgood.com/impactup Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, DonorDock, Feathr, Whiteboard and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Meet Zahraa 🤝, the inspiring founder of Arab Women United. Zahraa’s vision is simple but powerful: to create spaces where Arab, immigrant, and first-generation women feel seen, supported, and empowered. What started as a small college club has grown into a thriving nonprofit offering culturally grounded programs that nurture mental wellness, economic freedom, and leadership from within.In this conversation, Zahraa shares her journey and the deep care that fuels her work—a mission rooted in community, resilience, and the belief that when women support each other, entire communities rise. Her story reminds us that pausing to listen, heal, and connect is how we build lasting change.Join us for a heartfelt conversation that challenges stereotypes, celebrates diversity, and uplifts the unstoppable spirit of women rising together.Episode HighlightsFounding Arab Women United (01:47)Owning the Narrative & Breaking Misconceptions (06:48)Empowerment Through Community-Centered Programs (11:48)Building Partnerships & Community Growth (15:33)Responsive Program Design & Feedback (18:22)Scaling Leadership & Volunteer Engagement (20:37)Personal Inspiration & The Power of Representation (22:13)Zahraa’s One Good Thing (24:12)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/646ImpactUp: PAUSE is here 🩵 Join us in 25+ cities + online to:-Reframe your relationship with work and perfection-Build wellness into your life and organization-Pause, reflect, and take intentional actionYou’ll walk away with practical tools, peer wisdom, and a renewed clarity to lead with strength—from the inside out. Sign up for free today at weareforgood.com/impactup Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, DonorDock, Feathr, Whiteboard and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Meet Tesha McCord Poe 🤝, the CEO + Founder of Joy-Raising. The fundraising trailblazer and the visionary behind Joy Raising. Tesha generously shares her authentic journey into fundraising—full of lessons learned and real-world wisdom. She offers practical, proven strategies to keep your donors connected and engaged, even when the going gets tough.You’ll discover how to cultivate deep trust with your supporters, launch a capital campaign that truly resonates, and get innovative with grassroots fundraising efforts. Tesha also invites us into the heartfelt side of giving and receiving generosity, reminding us that kindness is at the core of it all.Tune in if you’re ready to be inspired and walk away with actionable tools to elevate your fundraising, this conversation is made for you 🎧. Episode Highlights:Tesha’s fundraising journey and early influences (01:49) Tesha’s core principles: earning the right to ask + only asking for true needs (04:22) How fundraisers can boost donor retention during uncertain times (06:32)Building trust through authenticity and mission alignment (10:59) Advice for hesitant leaders: board support + relationship focus (11:54) Laying the groundwork for a successful capital campaign (15:24) Inspiring belief in intangible or future projects (22:06) Grassroots fundraising tips for small nonprofits (24:46) Tesha’s One Good Thing: “That there's always a choice around being kind.” (35:52)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/645ImpactUp: PAUSE is here 🩵 Join us in 25+ cities + online to:-Reframe your relationship with work and perfection-Build wellness into your life and organization-Pause, reflect, and take intentional actionYou’ll walk away with practical tools, peer wisdom, and a renewed clarity to lead with strength—from the inside out. Sign up for free today at weareforgood.com/impactup Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, DonorDock, Feathr, Whiteboard and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Meet Trish + Mitch 🤝 — Trish Davis, VP of Major Gifts + Planned Giving at Susan G. Komen, and Mitch Stein, Head of Strategy at Chariot. Together, they’re reshaping the future of charitable giving.Trish shares her inspiring path from military service to leading transformational fundraising initiatives at Susan G. Komen, while Mitch is on a mission to simplify donor-advised fund (DAF) giving and make it more accessible for nonprofits everywhere. And when their expertise comes together? You get powerful results—like the $267,000 Susan G. Komen raised in a single day through the strategic use of DAFs.In this episode, you’ll hear the story behind that success, plus practical strategies and tools to help nonprofits leverage DAFs to spark deeper donor engagement and long-term retention. Trish + Mitch make it easy to understand the benefits for both donors and organizations, with insights you can put to work right away.✨ Whether you’re a seasoned fundraiser or brand-new to DAFs, this conversation will leave you inspired, equipped, and excited about the future of philanthropy.Episode Highlights: Inside the story of Susan G. Komen’s $267K fundraising day (03:15)Mitch breaks down the benefits + mechanics of DAFs (07:30)Trish shares her journey from military service to nonprofit leadership (12:45)Practical strategies for nonprofits to leverage DAFs + boost engagement (18:20)How Chariot is simplifying DAF donations + improving donor experience (24:10)Why cross-team collaboration matters for fundraising success (30:00)Mitch’s One Good Thing (31:00)Trish’s One Good Thing (33:00)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/644ImpactUp: PAUSE is here 🩵 Join us in 25+ cities + online to:-Reframe your relationship with work and perfection-Build wellness into your life and organization-Pause, reflect, and take intentional actionYou’ll walk away with practical tools, peer wisdom, and a renewed clarity to lead with strength—from the inside out. Sign up for free today at weareforgood.com/impactup Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, DonorDock, Feathr, Whiteboard and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Meet Jennifer 🤝, the President + CEO of Points of Light. She’s leading the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service—mobilizing nearly 4 million volunteers across 32 countries to create healthier, more equitable communities where everyone can thrive.In this episode, Jennifer shares her own story—from her early days as a volunteer to leadership roles with National 4-H Council, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and now Points of Light. Along the way, she’s learned the power of people coming together to serve, and she’s on a mission to double volunteer engagement by 2035.You’ll hear how Points of Light is partnering with nonprofits, companies, and social impact leaders to meet critical community needs. Plus, Jennifer offers practical wisdom for nonprofits navigating the challenges of recruiting and retaining volunteer and her hope-filled vision of what’s possible when we build cultures rooted in service.✨ It’s a conversation about purpose, resilience, and the belief that when we give of ourselves, we light the way for others too.Episode Highlights: Jennifer's Early Experiences with Volunteering and Nonprofit Work (05:30)The Importance of Volunteer Centers and Their Role in Community Impact (12:45)Strategies for Doubling Volunteer Engagement by 2035 (20:10)Challenges in Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers (28:25)Building a Volunteer-Centric Culture in Organizations (35:40)Personal Growth and Resilience Through Volunteering (42:55)Jennifer's ‘One Good Thing’ (40:00)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/634ImpactUp: PAUSE is here 🩵 Join us in 25+ cities + online to:-Reframe your relationship with work and perfection-Build wellness into your life and organization-Pause, reflect, and take intentional actionYou’ll walk away with practical tools, peer wisdom, and a renewed clarity to lead with strength—from the inside out. Sign up for free today at weareforgood.com/impactup Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, DonorDock, Feathr, Whiteboard and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Meet Nelle 🤝, the President + CEO of All Faiths Food Bank. From her start as a board member to leading the largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties, Nelle’s journey is all about stepping up with heart, vision, and a deep commitment to community.In this episode, she shares the innovative ways her team is reimagining food access—from wellness markets to food-as-medicine initiatives 🌱. You’ll hear how breaking down silos, leaning into collaboration, and lifting up stories of lived experience can spark real change and impact far beyond a meal.Nelle reminds us that leadership isn’t just about strategy, it’s about compassion, equity, and the belief that everyone deserves dignity at the table. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, a volunteer, or simply passionate about social good, her wisdom and heart will leave you inspired to keep building a world where community always comes first.Episode Highlights: Nelle's Journey from Board Member to CEO (02:15)Innovative Strategies for Tackling Food Insecurity (05:45)The Importance of Community Collaboration (10:30)The Power of Storytelling in Social Change (15:20)Practical Advice for Nonprofit Leaders (20:10)Addressing Food Insecurity as a Fundamental Right (25:00)Nelle's "One Good Thing" (35:50)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/642ImpactUp: PAUSE is here 🩵 Join us in 25+ cities + online to:-Reframe your relationship with work and perfection-Build wellness into your life and organization-Pause, reflect, and take intentional actionYou’ll walk away with practical tools, peer wisdom, and a renewed clarity to lead with strength—from the inside out. Sign up for free today at weareforgood.com/impactup Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, DonorDock, Feathr, Whiteboard and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Meet Nicole 🤝, the Executive Director of Boston CASA, a nonprofit that trains and supports volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates for children affected by abuse and neglect. With over 25 years in education and nonprofit leadership, Nicole has dedicated her career to improving the lives of vulnerable children and driving systemic change through equity and lived experience. Her journey, shaped by deep commitment and resilience, fuels Boston CASA’s mission to create lasting impact. 💙In this episode, Nicole opens up about how her own lived experience shapes her leadership and fuels her dedication to equity and systemic change. She shares what it takes to build volunteer programs that are welcoming and inclusive, and how Boston CASA is working to triple the number of children they support. Tune in to hear her honest reflections on leadership, the power of volunteers, and how one consistent, caring adult can create a ripple of hope and opportunity that lasts a lifetime. This conversation is a heartfelt look at showing up for kids, community, and the kind of leadership that moves people to make a difference. 🎧Episode Highlights: Nicole's Journey from Challenge to Leadership (02:15)The Power of Lived Experience in Leadership (09:30)Cultivating Strong Volunteer Programs (17:45)Boston CASA's Role in Child Advocacy (24:10)The Impact of One Caring Adult (31:25)Nicole’s One Good Thing (30:00)Strategies for Volunteer Recruitment and Retention (38:50)Authentic Leadership and Its Influence (44:05)Episode shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/641ImpactUp: PAUSE is here 🩵 Join us in 25+ cities + online to:-Reframe your relationship with work and perfection-Build wellness into your life and organization-Pause, reflect, and take intentional actionYou’ll walk away with practical tools, peer wisdom, and a renewed clarity to lead with strength—from the inside out. Sign up for free today at weareforgood.com/impactup Thank you to our partners 🩵Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, DonorDock, Feathr, Whiteboard and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.Support the showBecome a Member and Get All-Access to Everything We Are For Good!Experience the Impact Uprising Membership by We Are For Good: an ecosystem to learn, connect + grow in the power of a value-aligned community. Members gather monthly with Jon + Becky at exclusive members-only meetups + get video access to all new podcast episodes in an ad-free experience + so much more! Learn more + join us at weareforgood.com.Say hi👇LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter