

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

Apr 17, 2025 • 14min
Ep 159| Stable nonprofit funding: The smart approach in 2025
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

Apr 10, 2025 • 26min
Ep 158| Boost your nonprofit's impact with smart time management - Kelly McLaughlin
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

Apr 3, 2025 • 20min
Ep 157| Nonprofit interdependence: Smarter strategy for sustainability?
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

Mar 27, 2025 • 17min
Ep 156| 5 Strategies to strengthen donor stewardship with Mike Esposito
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

Mar 20, 2025 • 18min
Ep 155| 10 Tips to win back lapsed donors
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

Mar 13, 2025 • 21min
Ep 154| Storytelling in Tough Times - The Trust Factor with Maria Bryan
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

Mar 6, 2025 • 22min
Ep 153| How to Build Strategic Nonprofit Fundraising Partnerships
Send us a textStronger Together: Unlocking the Power of Collective Fundraising 🤝Partnerships aren’t just a buzzword—they’re a game-changer. Jena and Britt break down how nonprofits can team up for bigger wins, with real strategies for finding the right partners, structuring joint campaigns, and maximizing shared resources.No fluff—only actionable insights to fuel your mission:Deep-Dive on Partnerships: Moves beyond a superficial mention of collaboration, providing details on structuring and sustaining collective fundraising efforts.Practical: Focuses on strategy, relationship-building, and real-world examples.Actionable Insights: Offers immediate steps on how nonprofits can find like-minded partners, craft joint campaigns, and share resources effectively.Key Chapters:00:00 The Power of Collective Fundraising02:59 Identifying Potential Partners06:02 Approaching Potential Partners09:10 Structuring Successful Partnerships12:04 Fundraising Strategies for Partnerships14:50 Managing Conflicts in Partnerships17:46 Real-World Examples of Successful Partnerships20:46 Taking the First Step Towards CollaborationWhat 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 so you never miss an episode.🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast Support the show

Feb 27, 2025 • 21min
Ep 152| 5 Fundraising Tools Top Nonprofits Use
Send us a text5 Game-Changing Nonprofit Tools to Boost Fundraising & Donor SupportFundraising fuels your mission—but the right tech can supercharge it. Jena and Britt unpack five powerful nonprofit tools that make giving effortless, boost donor engagement, and secure long-term support.From AI-powered outreach to seamless donation flows, fast checkouts, recurring giving, and event ticketing, we’re diving into the strategies that drive bigger impact with less hassle.Whether you're looking to increase donor retention or simplify in-person giving, these expert insights will help you unlock more generosity, more often.Find out more! Take a tour right now and start fundraising in just 15 minutes: → https://donorbox.org/Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Fundraising Tools02:54 Key Features for Effective Fundraising06:12 Enhancing Donor Experience with Technology09:01 The Power of Recurring Donations11:49 Leveraging AI for Fundraising15:05 Event Ticketing as a Revenue Driver17:56 In-Person Donations and Technology18:56 Practical Actions for NonprofitsWhat 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 so you never miss an episode.🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast Support the show

Feb 20, 2025 • 15min
Ep 151| Fundraising Forward: Practical Strategies to Grow Your Impact
Send us a textInspiration is great—but implementation is what moves your mission forward.At the inaugural Donorbox Fundraising Forward Summit, nonprofit leaders gathered to share the real, no-fluff strategies that drive results. In this episode, Jena breaks down the key lessons you need to know—practical, proven tactics you can put to work right now to cut through the noise, connect with donors, and raise more for your cause.Missed the summit? No worries. We’ve got you covered.Join us as we dive into powerful insights from leading fundraising and nonprofit experts:👉 @ChadBarger on simplifying your approach👉 @KellyHernandez on storytelling that drives action👉 @MayaCruedehof on turning mission into momentum👉 @CherianKoshy on using AI the right wayListen now and start making real fundraising progress today.✅ Subscribe for more nonprofit insights! Stay ahead of the trends and take your fundraising to the next level. The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTubeWhat 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.Take a tour right now and start fundraising in just 15 minutes: → https://donorbox.org/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 so you never miss an episode.🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast Support the show

Feb 13, 2025 • 17min
Ep 150| The Power of Nonprofit Love Languages
Send us a text Happy Valentine’s Week! 🩷Love isn’t just for relationships—it’s what keeps nonprofit communities strong. Listen as Britt translates love languages into practical nonprofit strategies, showing how simple shifts in appreciation—whether it’s words, actions, or time—can strengthen relationships with donors, volunteers, and supporters.Learn how to:💌 Use words of affirmation to inspire deeper donor loyalty🙌 Show appreciation through acts of service that truly resonate⏳ Invest quality time where it matters most in your nonprofitMore strategies to connect you to your nonprofit community:Ep 123| Unlocking the Power of Donor Advised Funds Ep 107: Mastering Volunteer Management| Top Tips & Strategies Ep 94: Donation Thank You Letters: A Guide to Authentic Appreciation This Valentine’s season, let’s celebrate the heart of our nonprofits—the people who make them thrive!✅ Subscribe for more nonprofit insights! Stay ahead of the trends and take your fundraising to the next level. The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTubeWhat 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.Take a tour right now and start fundraising in just 15 minutes: → https://donorbox.org/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, be sure to subscribe, rate, and download so you never miss an episode.🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast Support the show


