

The Nonprofit Podcast
Jena Lynch, Brittan Stockert & Cara Augspurger
The Nonprofit Podcast is your weekly dose of real-talk fundraising, designed for the doers, dreamers, and difference-makers powering today’s nonprofit world.Hosted by Jena Lynch, Donorbox’s Education & Community Engagement Manager, and fundraising strategist Britt Stockert, CFRE, each episode delivers clear, practical insights you can act on right away, no fluff, no filler.You’ll also hear from Cara Augspurger, Ed.M., CFRE, ED of Grace Care Center Foundation, sharing field updates and frontline perspectives.Whether you’re building something new or leveling up your impact, we bring you bold ideas, honest conversations, and tools to help you fundraise smarter and lead with confidence.Information. Inspiration. Implementation. Impact.That’s the energy we bring…every week.Let’s get to work.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 2, 2025 • 20min
Ep 178| The 3 Don’ts of October Fundraising (Year-End Roadmap)
Send us a textSkip the scramble. These 3 October fundraising don’ts turn stress into strategy.October is where the pressure builds, and where many nonprofits either set themselves up for success or stumble into a December scramble.In this episode of The Nonprofit Podcast, host Jena Lynch and co-host Cara Augspurger walk through practical planning tips to stop you from tripping over the 3 Don’ts of October Fundraising:Don’t keep it all in your headDon’t surprise your donorsDon’t assume it’s obviousSimple shifts, big impact. This is your October roadmap to a calmer, more confident Giving Season.Your future self and your donors will thank you.If this episode helps you, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review - it helps us reach even more changemakers like you. And, to make sure you’ve got your Giving Season ducks in a row, head back to our year-end roadmap guides to get your planning up to speed:Ep 172| The 4 Month Roadmap to Year-End FundraisingEp 174| September Reset: Simplify Giving SeasonWhat 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

Sep 25, 2025 • 15min
Ep 177|From Year-End to Year-Round: 5 Top Recurring Giving Tips
Send us a textReady to go from year-end gifts to year-round growth?Year-end giving may steal the spotlight, but what happens after December is what determines lasting success. The nonprofits that thrive aren’t just chasing one-time gifts - they’re building relationships that carry impact well into the new year.Today, Jena revisits a standout 2024 conversation with Chris Barlow of Beeline Marketing, layered with fresh insights for Giving Season 2025. Together, they explore how nonprofits can transform seasonal generosity into sustainable recurring giving programs rooted in trust, timing, and clear messaging.Here’s what you’ll take away:Why year-end giving should be the start of your retention strategy.How recurring revenue secures long-term donor value.Strategic shifts that strengthen year-round fundraising.Listen in, take notes, and step into 2026 with a plan built for more than just December.Find the full conversation with Chris Barlow here Discover how the Donorbox Recurring Upsell feature can help you hereAnd, to round out your strategy: Jump into a variety of Year-End Fundraising Guides on the Donorbox Blog 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.The Nonprofit Podcast, along with a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics, is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel. The 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

Sep 18, 2025 • 30min
Ep 176| From Guest to Donor: Your Nonprofit Event Game Plan with Chad Barger
Send us a textWhat if your nonprofit event did more than raise money for a night?What if it sparked long-term donor loyalty?This week, Jena Lynch sits down with master fundraising strategist Chad Barger to rethink how we measure event success.Forget vanity metrics. We're talking about the event ROI that actually counts, and how your fall events should be the start of something bigger than a single gift.Ready to flip the script on your next Year-end event? Tune in to learn:What you're not measuring (but should be)How donor journeys really start at eventsAnd the critical follow-up moves most nonprofits skipPrefer to watch? Catch Jena and Chad in action on The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube - and don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share so more nonprofits can find us. Discover how Donorbox can help you help others! This Giving Season, power up your nonprofit event with Donorbox’s Dynamic Duo:Donorbox Events: Sell tickets, collect donations, and boost turnout with easeDonorbox Live™ Kiosk: Let guests give on the spot, right at check-in, the bar, or your auctionWhat 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.The Nonprofit Podcast, along with a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics, is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel. The 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

Sep 11, 2025 • 17min
Ep 175| 3 Simple Strategies to Grow Donor Relationships
Discover the art of micro-touches in fundraising that transform donor relationships. Learn how personalized, emotionally resonant messages can build trust and keep your cause vibrant in donors' minds. Unpack the power of audio check-ins and handwritten notes to engage supporters. Dive into storytelling and co-creation strategies that deepen connections. Plus, don't miss a chance to win a Donorbox Live Kiosk to boost year-end giving. Fundraising is about being human, not just louder!

Sep 4, 2025 • 15min
Ep 174| September Reset: Simplify Giving Season
This discussion highlights the importance of emotional connections with donors, emphasizing that feelings matter more than past communications. The hosts share effective strategies for re-engaging donors after the summer lull and advocate for simple updates over complex campaigns. They delve into the benefits of building on previous fundraising successes to streamline efforts. Additionally, they explore straightforward upgrades to enhance donation processes, making it easier for donors to contribute as the Giving Season approaches.

10 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 15min
Ep 173| 3 Donation Form Hacks To Get More Donations
Discover how to transform your donation form into a fundraising powerhouse this Giving Season. Small tweaks can turn one-time donors into loyal supporters. Learn effective follow-up strategies that engage donors without adding to your workload. Explore ways to combat burnout while building strong relationships with your supporters. Make your fundraising smarter, not harder, and ensure donors feel valued and connected.

Aug 21, 2025 • 9min
Ep 172| The 4 Month Roadmap to Year-End Fundraising
Discover a four-month roadmap for effective year-end fundraising, focusing on donor engagement strategies from September through December. Learn how to reconnect with lapsed donors and maximize giving momentum. Get tips for aligning appeals with digital channels to ensure consistent messaging. The importance of gratitude and stewarding supporters is emphasized, along with actionable ideas for impactful communication. This guide is packed with methods to inspire donors and achieve fundraising goals with confidence.

Aug 14, 2025 • 13min
Ep 171| The Big Beautiful Bill: Key Tax Changes for Nonprofits
Recent tax reforms are transforming the landscape of charitable giving. New standard and itemized deductions, alongside changes in corporate and university endowment taxes, create both challenges and opportunities for nonprofits. Organizations are encouraged to enhance their communication with donors to encourage giving. The importance of building strong relationships and fostering trust remains paramount. Overall, nonprofits can thrive by adapting their strategies to these legal updates while staying committed to their mission.

Aug 7, 2025 • 9min
Ep 170| When Giving Slows: 4 Leadership Strategies for Nonprofits
Send us a textWhat do you do when the numbers don't look good?In this episode, Cara Augspurger shares her experience leading through fundraising slowdowns. She opens up about how to handle those tough moments when donations dip and the pressure rises. Cara offers strategies to recognize the early signs of a slowdown, stay calm, and focus on what really matters. Discover how to:Recognize fundraising challenges before they turn into crisesSet the tone with your team and donors when giving slowsFocus on what matters when everything feels urgentBe transparent with donors to strengthen your relationshipsPacked with actionable insights for nonprofit leaders who are navigating tough times, discover how to lead without losing sight of your mission or burning out. Tune in to hear Cara’s key strategies and learn how you can lead through a fundraising slump with confidence.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

Jul 31, 2025 • 23min
Ep 169| Practical strategies for one-person nonprofit leadership
Send us a textLeading a nonprofit alone can feel impossible, but with the right mindset, systems, and support, you can move the needle on your mission.In this episode of The Nonprofit Podcast, Jena Lynch talks with returning host Cara Augspurger about what it really takes to thrive as a solo Executive Director while wearing all the hats.Cara shares candid lessons on protecting your time, leading with intention, and asking for help, even when it feels easier to just “do it all yourself.”Whether you’re juggling fundraising, communications, donor relations, and board reports, or just trying to keep your mission moving forward, this conversation offers practical tips on how to:Get clear on what truly moves the needleShift from adrenaline-fueled reaction to intentional leadershipFind support and tap into the strengths already around youIf you’ve ever felt maxed out as a nonprofit leader, this episode will remind you: You don’t have to do it all - and you’re not alone.Join our community:Like & Subscribe for more nonprofit survival tactics on your favorite podcast platformWatch our monthly video podcasts on our Donorbox YouTube Channel and discover a mine of information to take your nonprofit to the next level here: https://www.youtube.com/@Donorbox/podcasts Comment: Which move are you most curious about?Share with your team to spark actionWhat 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