The Nonprofit Podcast

Send us a textIs starting ‘the funding uncertainty’ conversation early, “crying wolf,” or leading with honesty and foresight?Nonprofit leaders are walking a tightrope between transparency and alarm. In this episode, Jena unpacks how smart donor communications and strong donor relationships can build donor trust, even in the face of uncertain nonprofit funding. Join us for a deep dive into the dilemma of when to talk to donors about funding shifts and possible impacts.  Jena shares a middle path for messaging that balances preparedness with calm, and offers four tactical mindsets and tools to keep your community engaged, well before challenges intensify.Discover why:The timing of donor messaging is a strategic decision, not a gamble.Early, scenario-based updates build trust more effectively than last-minute alerts.Share what you do know, name your values, and make small, meaningful asks.Fundraising is about community; don’t let crises be your only cue to connect.Chapters00:00. Navigating Fragility in Nonprofits03:14.  Communicating with Donors: Timing and Transparency06:10.  Building Trust Before CrisisWhat 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 100,000+ 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 and a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials,  expert advice, tips, and tactics are 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

Send us a textAre your nonprofit emails and social posts falling flat? It’s time to pick up the phone!Jena chats with Bart Lillie from Synergy Direct Marketing Solutions about how texting and strategic phone outreach can overcome donor fatigue. Learn why personalized text messaging can significantly enhance your nonprofit’s engagement, acquisition, retention, and drive fundraising results.Quick Wins You'll Gain:Why digital-only tactics lead to donor burnout.Proven strategies for impactful text message outreach.Simple ways to integrate texts and calls into your existing strategy.Use case examples of nonprofits doubling responses through strategic texting.Boost donor connections today…send that text! 💬👉 Click to connect with Bart and Synergy Direct Marketing Solutions: Chapters00:00The State of Nonprofit Fundraising03:01Reviving Phone Engagement06:12Understanding Donor Fatigue09:02Effective Communication Strategies11:56Integrating Phone and Text Outreach15:09Success Stories and Practical TipsWhat 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 100,000+ 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 and a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials,  expert advice, tips, and tactics are 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

Send us a textActivate Your Nonprofit Board for Fundraising SuccessIf you've ever wanted your nonprofit board to take a more active role in fundraising, this episode is for you. Britt speaks with Sabrina Walker Hernandez, CEO of Building Better Boards, about how to unlock your board’s full fundraising potential. From dispelling common board fundraising myths to introducing Sabrina’s field-tested formula, join the conversation for practical strategies to get your board members involved, motivated, and driving tangible results.Key Takeaways:Understanding your board's role in fundraising is key to making them active participants.Sabrina’s fear-free fundraising formula breaks down the board’s role into manageable tasks aligned with abilities that anyone can get behind.How to gamify the fundraising process to keep your board motivated and engaged.Resources:Grab Sabrina’s resources to help you get started with your board!Building Better Boards Chapters00:00  Introduction to Fundraising and Board Engagement03:00  Understanding Fundraising Misconceptions05:52   The Role of Board Members in Fundraising11:47     Cultivating Relationships for Successful Fundraising18:01    Gamification and Making Fundraising Fun23:17    Personal Journey and Hope in Nonprofit WorkWhat 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 100,000+ 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 and a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials,  expert advice, tips, and tactics are 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

Send us a textIs your email strategy helping you raise funds, or just filling inboxes?Jena sits down with Chris Barlow of Beeline Marketing to unpack how email automation can transform how nonprofits engage supporters.We’re talking: ✔ How to set up effective welcome sequences✔ Using segmentation to send the right message at the right time✔ Cleaning your list without losing future donors✔ Why automation doesn’t mean losing the personal touch✔ And yes... why you might want to rethink that monthly newsletterWhether you're managing a small list or thousands of contacts, this episode gives you practical steps to turn passive subscribers into active donors, without overwhelming your team or your audience.Plus, hear how weekly emails (done right) boosted donor retention by 47% for one nonprofit!Connect with Chris Barlow: yourbeeline.com and try the Beeline GPT for a free custom marketing resource built just for you!Chapters00:00 Transforming Email Engagement for Nonprofits02:56 The Power of Email Automation06:10 Rethinking Newsletters: A New Approach08:59 Segmentation and Personalization Strategies12:11 Common Pitfalls in Email Automation14:59 Getting Started with Email Automation17:50 Building a Meaningful Connection with DonorsWhat 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 and a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials,  expert advice, tips, and tactics are 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

Send us a text2025 has already thrown nonprofits a curveball. So what now?That’s why this week, we’re taking a moment to breathe and break down the tools, tactics, and mindset shifts that are actually helping nonprofits right now.Think recurring giving strategies that stick, smoother donor journeys, and collaboration that cuts costs and builds resilience. Whether you’re adjusting to shifting priorities or bracing for what’s next, this episode gives you a game plan to steady your fundraising efforts and re-energize your team.  Discover:✔ Why recurring giving is your most reliable revenue stream✔ How to simplify the donor experience to reduce drop-off✔ Tools and tactics to support long-term donor relationships✔ Real-world examples of collaboration and resource sharing✔ Ways to pivot when funding contracts get rockyFrom recurring donation upsells to collective fundraising campaigns, this episode is packed with practical ideas to help you stabilize, grow, and thrive through whatever 2025 throws your way.You’ve got this. And we’ve got your back.Chapters:00:00Navigating the Nonprofit Landscape in 202501:29The Power of Recurring Giving04:29Building Resilience Through Collaboration08:27Enhancing Donor Experience and Engagement12:30Shifting Mindsets: From One-Time to Recurring DonorsWhat 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 and a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials,  expert advice, tips, and tactics are 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

Send us a textEver finish your day feeling exhausted but unproductive? You're not alone! Join Jena and Kelly McLaughlin, founder of From Scratch Fundraising, as they get real about nonprofit productivity tactics that make a meaningful difference in combating overwhelm. Learn how to prioritize effectively, manage your energy instead of your time, and harness powerful tools like CRMs and project management systems.Discover:Why urgent tasks often overshadow important ones (and how to fix it!)The power of brain dumping and daily reviews for clarity and focusHow to combine or choose between Time Boxing and Time Blocking for your scheduleReserve your spot at Kelly’s Friday Focus Session: Productivity Hacks for Fundraising on Friday, April 18, here. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Nonprofit Productivity Challenges03:06 Understanding Urgency vs. Importance in Nonprofits06:02 Strategies for Effective Time Management08:51 The Importance of Goal Setting and Energy Management12:04 Timeboxing vs. Time Blocking: Finding Your Fit15:09 Leveraging Tools for Enhanced Productivity17:55 Implementing Daily Reviews for Continuous Improvement20:53 Actionable Tips to Overcome OverwhelmWhat 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 and a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials,  expert advice, tips, and tactics are 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

Send us a textWhat if the future of nonprofit success isn’t about doing more alone, but about doing better together?Britt sits down with Michelle F. Vryn, CFRE, to explore how nonprofits can move beyond traditional collaboration and toward something deeper: interdependence. Listen now as we unpack Michelle’s powerful “network of mutuality” framework, originally shared in her standout LinkedIn think-piece, and discuss why emotional health, healing, and community are key to long-term nonprofit sustainability.We interrogate what it means to shift away from old ideas of growth and move toward more relational funding models and strategic partnerships. It’s an honest, if challenging, look at where nonprofit leadership is headed and why these conversations matter right now.If you’re a nonprofit professional, leader, or strategist ready to think differently about impact, scale, and the role of mutual support in today’s complex world, this episode is for you.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Interdependence in Nonprofits02:59 Understanding the Network of Mutuality05:53 Challenges of Collaboration in Nonprofits08:46 Practical Steps for Nonprofit Collaboration12:09 The Importance of Emotional Processing14:58 Reframing Nonprofit Work for Sustainability17:52 Conclusion and Call to 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 and a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials,  expert advice, tips, and tactics are 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

Send us a textStewardship Isn’t a One-and-Done—It’s a RelationshipIt takes care, consistency, and a team. Here’s how to make it doable!Join fundraising expert Mike Esposito CFRE and Britt to break down simple, practical ways to make stewardship feel manageable, increase donor retention, and create a culture of real, heartfelt connection across your whole team.What you’ll learn (and actually use):Why donor retention rates tend to drop—and what you can do about itEasy ways to tailor your outreach for different types of donorsHow to turn stewardship into a team mindset (not just a one-person job)Discover clear, actionable strategies you can start using right away to strengthen donor relationships and keep the support flowing.🎁 Free Resource:Want an easy way to keep your donor follow-up consistent and stress-free?Download our Sample Stewardship Plan to organize your thank-yous, updates, and check-ins—so nothing slips through the cracks.Chapters00:00 – Intro: Why Stewardship Matters01:27 – The Power of Staying Connected with Donors03:44 – Must-Haves for an Effective Stewardship Plan04:41 – Segmenting Your Donor Communications08:27 – Real-World Tips for Fundraisers11:07 – Making Stewardship a Team Effort13:33 – Wrapping Up: Small Steps, Big ImpactFollow Mike to learn more: mikeespositocfre.com | LinkedInWhat 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 and a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials,  expert advice, tips, and tactics are 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 to never miss an episode.🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast Support the show

Send us a textLapsed donors aren’t lost forever—you just need the right approach to bring them back. This episode covers why donors disengage, how to prioritize outreach, and offers 10 simple, low-pressure ways to rebuild trust. Discover how small, intentional steps can make a big impact.In This Episode: The real reasons donors stop giving How to identify and prioritize lapsed donors The most effective ways to reconnect—without pressure Simple actions you can take today to reignite donor support🔗 More Resources: 📺 Episode 81: 3 Ways to Win Back LYBUNT Donors – Listen here 📖 Blog: Step-by-Step Guide to Regaining Lapsed Donors – Read hereWhat 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 and a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials,  expert advice, tips, and tactics are 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 to never miss an episode.🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast    Support the show

Send us a textBuilding donor trust is essential for nonprofit engagement, especially in times of crisis. Join Jena and a favorite guest, Maria Bryan, an ethical and trauma-informed storytelling expert, to explore how nonprofits can effectively share crisis stories without causing donor fatigue or eroding hard-won trust.Learn key storytelling strategies, including:Balancing urgency with hope to maintain engagementAvoiding exploitative narratives while still driving actionUsing multiple platforms to strengthen community connectionsCreating transparency to foster lasting donor relationships🎧 Listen now for actionable tips to refine your nonprofit's storytelling approach!For a deeper dive into mastering ethical storytelling, join Maria and Jena on Wednesday, March 19, for the "Developing Donor Trust: 3T Approach to Deepen Donor Engagement" workshop. Book your seat here.🔗 More resources from Maria Bryan: Storytelling Workshop When Bearing Witness Program Storytelling CircleChapters:00:00 Navigating Crisis in Nonprofit Storytelling06:05 Balancing Urgency and Hope in Communications12:03 Platforms for Effective Storytelling17:58 Building Trust Through Authentic StorytellingWhat 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 and a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials,  expert advice, tips, and tactics are 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 to never miss an episode.🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast Support the show