The Nonprofit Podcast

Send us a textDecember is where your year-end campaign is won or lost - and today, we’re making sure you stay steady, strategic, and connected all the way through December 31.Jena and Cara Augspurger walk through the two actions that shape your final numbers: follow-through and follow-up.Get ready for pro-tips covering:Stay consistent with your December communication rhythmWhy tight messaging keeps donors engaged (especially this month)How to steward donors well with thoughtful, timely follow-upWhy a January touchpoint strengthens trust and sets up the new yearHow recurring giving fits naturally into this momentWhether you're running your first year-end campaign or your fifteenth, this episode gives you the rails to stay steady, show donors their impact, and finish the year with clarity, care, and momentum.Helpful Resource LinksLearn more at Donorbox.org Try Recurring Upsell:Donorbox Recurring Upsell feature seamlessly converts one-time donors into monthly supporters with a gentle ask. Donors who upgrade to a monthly gift stick around, with 96% of upgraded donors surpassing their original one-time gift amount.Explore Donorbox's monthly giving tools and what they can do for your organization here.What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.Discover how Donorbox can help you help others!The Nonprofit Podcast, along with a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics, is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel. Subscribe today and never miss an episode:🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTubeThe Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday on all popular podcast platforms.🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast Support the show

Send us a textHappy Thanksgiving from all of us at The Nonprofit Podcast. 🦃Today’s episode is simply a pause - a moment to acknowledge the people who keep showing up, even in a year that’s felt heavier than most.If you’re writing the extra email, answering the late call, carrying more need than resources, or holding hope for someone else when your own feels thin… this is for you.Your work is noticed. Your impact is real. And we’re grateful for the way you keep moving your mission forward.Next week, we’ll be back with post–Giving Tuesday stewardship insights and focused fundraising strategies for the remainder of the year-end.What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.Discover how Donorbox can help you help others!The Nonprofit Podcast, along with a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics, is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel. Subscribe today and never miss an episode:🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTubeThe Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday on all popular podcast platforms.🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast Support the show

Send us a textGiving Tuesday Is Days Away - Here’s Your Game PlanGiving Tuesday is almost here…and yes, you still have time to show up with clarity, confidence, and zero panic.In this episode, Cara Augspurger walks you through the final steps that make the biggest difference – the practical moves, the strategic choices, and the calm mindset that help your nonprofit show up and shine in one of the biggest giving moments of the year.You’ll discover:Why Giving Tuesday is absolutely worth showing up forWhat to focus on when time is shortHow to show up authentically without getting lost in the noiseSmart steps from the Donorbox year-end checklistHow to use Giving Tuesday to set up December successThe monthly giving move most orgs forgetThe three things you must do on the day itselfPlus: Cara’s favorite low-lift ideas for creating real momentum – without a big team, big budget, or big stress.Create your comprehensive last-minute checklist with this great blog: Your 2025 Giving Tuesday Checklist to Raise More You’ve got this – and we’re here to help every step of the way.Sponsor thanks: This episode is sponsored by AppealMaker - an easy, simple, and stress-free way to send direct mail campaigns that feel personal and powerful. Set up your free account (no credit card needed!) at AppealMaker.com today.What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.Discover how Donorbox can help you help others!The Nonprofit Podcast, along with a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics, is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel. Subscribe today and never miss an episode:🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTubeThe Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday on all popular podcast platforms.🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast Support the show

Send us a textWriter’s block for Christmas? You’re not alone. Try these Giving Season AI writing prompts that actually workIn this short, informative easy listen, Britt Stockert shares how AI can be the creative writing partner you didn’t know you needed this Giving Season.She walks through how to use AI prompts to beat the blank page, keep your tone real, and save time on those endless donor messages.What’s inside:Why, and how, AI can be your creative sidekick for campaign writing3 prompts to get unblocked fastHow to keep your messages sounding real, not roboticThe ethical line you should never crossThis episode’s a little lighter and perfect for when your Giving Season coffee has gone cold and your cursor’s been blinking too long.And, to take your full fundraising strategy to the next level, check out JayAI here, or head to our blog for a breakdown of AI for Nonprofits: How to Use Artificial Intelligence for Good to round out your AI knowledge base.Listen now and make writing the easiest part of your Giving Season.What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.Discover how Donorbox can help you help others!The Nonprofit Podcast, along with a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics, is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel. Subscribe today and never miss an episode:🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTubeThe Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday on all popular podcast platforms.🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast Support the show

Send us a textNovember is Giving Season Go TimeIt’s here - now is the time to transition your year-end campaigns from planning to performance. Your message is live, donors are active, and every touchpoint counts.In this episode, Jena and Cara break down how to confidently lead your campaign, stay engaged, and keep supporters connected through every moment of Giving Season.What you’ll learnA simple 3-step rhythm to lead your campaign with clarityThe mistake that quietly stalls year-end fundraisingHow often to check campaign performance (and what to look for)Smart mid-month touchpoints that keep donors engagedPerfect for nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, campaign managers, and anyone running year-end appeals.Don’t forget your free featured resource from our sponsor, AppealMaker, The 2025 State of Direct Mail Survey, packed with fresh insights into donor behavior and communication trends.Download it here, and take a moment to explore how AppealMaker can strengthen your direct mail outreach.What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.Discover how Donorbox can help you help others!The Nonprofit Podcast, along with a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics, is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel. Subscribe today and never miss an episode:🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTubeThe Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday on all popular podcast platforms.🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast Support the show

Explore the critical importance of managing your nonprofit's online presence to build donor trust and organizational credibility. Discover how inaccuracies can hinder visibility in AI and search engines, confusing potential supporters. Jena Lynch shares actionable steps for auditing your digital footprint, claiming vital directory listings, and ensuring consistent donation links. With year-end campaigns approaching, this is the perfect time to refresh your online strategies for maximum impact.

Send us a textFreezing Before Donor Meetings? Let’s Fix That.Why do donor meetings feel so stressful - especially at year-end?  Brittan breaks down the real reason so many fundraisers dread sitting down with donors, and why it's not about your fundraising skills.You’ll learn how cultural money stories shape your confidence, how to reframe the fear, and how to lead donor meetings that are grounded in curiosity, connection, and trust - not pressure or perfection.Takeaways include:Why fundraising isn’t about “the ask”How to prepare for meetings with confidenceA simple 5-step framework for better donor conversationsWhat to do when the fear still creeps in📬 This episode is proudly sponsored by AppealMaker - an easy, simple, and stress-free way to send direct mail campaigns that feel personal and powerful. Set up your free account (no credit card needed!) at AppealMaker.com today.📅 Want coaching support for your year-end strategy? Book a 30-minute discovery call with Brittan here.  What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.Discover how Donorbox can help you help others!The Nonprofit Podcast, along with a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics, is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel. Subscribe today and never miss an episode:🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTubeThe Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday on all popular podcast platforms.🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast Support the show

Send us a textSome tools evolve. Others endure. Direct mail does both.Cara Augspurger sits down with Joe Leach, CEO of AppealMaker, to unpack how technology is reshaping one of fundraising’s most trusted tools - direct mail.They dig deep into how automation, follow-up strategies, and smart timing can turn traditional mail into a high-performing element of your year-end fundraising strategy. Plus, Joe shares how smaller nonprofits can use agility to their advantage, and why the simplest changes often deliver the biggest results.Discover:How automation streamlines direct mail fundraisingWhy follow-up letters can double response ratesHow small teams can move faster…and smarterWhere direct mail fits in your multi-channel strategyResources Mentioned:AppealMaker - Your all-in-one, 24/7 direct mail platform made for nonprofits. Get started today, no credit card needed.2025 State of Direct Mail ReportThis episode is proudly sponsored by AppealMaker - smarter direct mail for stronger donor connections.What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.Discover how Donorbox can help you help others!The Nonprofit Podcast, along with a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics, is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel. Subscribe today and never miss an episode:🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTubeThe Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday on all popular podcast platforms. 🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast Support the show

Send us a textYear-end appeals are your nonprofit’s biggest fundraising moment - and you only get one shot.Fundraising coach Britt Stockert shares 4 smart ways to help your appeal break through the noise and connect where it counts.Discover:A better way to segment your donorsThe story shift that grabs attention fastWhat donors actually want to hearHow to make your ask land with confidenceListen in - build an appeal that works and write your strongest year-end message yet.🗓 Want Britt to review your appeal? Book your free session here.  What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.Discover how Donorbox can help you help others!The Nonprofit Podcast, along with a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics, is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel. Subscribe today and never miss an episode:🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTubeThe Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday on all popular podcast platforms. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and download, and never miss an episode.🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast Support the show

October is the month where nonprofits must prepare to avoid a December scramble. The hosts share three crucial fundraising don’ts: avoid keeping plans in your head, don’t surprise donors, and ensure everything is clear and obvious. They emphasize the importance of warming up donors with personal touches and updates before major asks. Practical tips include moving tasks into systems and drafting appeals early. Listeners are encouraged to take immediate action by selecting one manageable task to alleviate future stress.