The Nonprofit Podcast

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.