The Nonprofit Podcast

Jena Lynch, Brittan Stockert & Cara Augspurger
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Feb 6, 2025 • 17min

149| Nonprofit Resilience: A Conversation

Send us a text  How do you build nonprofit resilience in times of uncertainty?The recent federal funding freeze confusion has left many nonprofits facing tough questions about their future. In this episode, Jena and Britt explore how organizations can build resilience in a rapidly changing landscape. They touch on collaboration and data-driven advocacy as key areas to stay adaptive and mission-focused.More from us to get you on the road to resilience:Ep 140 | Recurring Donations: How to Boost Donor Retention and RevenueEp 128 | 5 Effective Nudges for Monthly GivingEp 104 | Fundamentals of Nonprofit Digital MarketingRemember, you don’t have to navigate uncertainty alone. Together, our community can build strength and stability.Chapters00:00Navigating Uncertainty in Nonprofits05:07Building Collaborative Networks10:26The Role of Data in Advocacy15:49Self-Care and Resilience for Nonprofit Leaders✅ 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 follow, rate, and download so you never miss an episode.🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast Support the show
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Jan 30, 2025 • 23min

Ep 148| 5 Fundraising Trends to Watch in 2025

Send us a textWhat if the key to fundraising success in 2025 isn’t just about raising more money—but fundraising smarter? Fundraising is evolving, and nonprofits that stay ahead of the trends will be best positioned for long-term growth. That’s why we’re breaking down five must-know fundraising trends for 2025, giving you the insights and strategies to strengthen donor relationships, amplify your impact, and boost donations.Jena and Lindsey Bower unpack how nonprofits can optimize nonprofit management and fundraising strategies to thrive in the coming year.Here’s what you’ll learn:Individual Giving is Rebounding – How to engage donors and increase recurring gifts.Data-Driven Fundraising – Why nonprofits leveraging analytics outperform others.Digital Tools & AI – How automation can personalize donor relationships at scale.Planned Giving & The Great Wealth Transfer – Why legacy gifts are a massive opportunity. For a deeper understanding, take a listen to The Great Wealth Transfer: The Big Nonprofit Advantage here Corporate Giving & Partnerships – How to maximize employer gift matching and CSR funding.Ready to dive deeper? Check out the full blog post: Read Here.Chapters00:00  Introduction to Fundraising Trends for 202501:09   The Rise of Individual Giving04:28   Harnessing Data-Driven Fundraising08:55   Embracing Digital Tools for Engagement13:49    Exploring Planned Giving Opportunities17:48    Maximizing Corporate Partnerships and Giving✅ Subscribe for more nonprofit insights! Stay ahead of the trends and take your fundraising to the next level.  The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube 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.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 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube The Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday, be sure to follow, rate, and download so you never miss an episode.🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast Support the show
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Jan 28, 2025 • 38min

Ep 146| How Authentic Storytelling Drives Nonprofit Growth - Project Street Vet

Send us a textDr. Kwane Stewart’s mission is as impactful as it is inspiring. As co-founder of Project Street Vet, he provides free veterinary care to pets of unhoused individuals. In this powerful conversation, discover how storytelling and social media have turned his purpose into a movement.✨ What You’ll Learn ✔️Why “no judgment, just help” is a mantra that builds trust and empathy. ✔️ How authentic storytelling fuels nonprofit visibility, networking, and growth. ✔️ Dr. Kwane’s journey from shelter veterinarian to being celebrated as CNN’s Hero of the Year.🔥 Why It Matters Now California’s pet shelters are in crisis during the LA fires. This episode isn’t just a story—it’s a rallying cry. Together, we can support these shelters and create brighter futures for pets and their people.🔗 Take Action, Support Project Street Vet: https://www.projectstreetvet.org/donate🎥 BIG NEWS! Our first video podcast is LIVE on YouTube! You don’t want to miss this episode—it’s a game-changer. Watch and subscribe here: 🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube Episode Highlights00:00 Project Street Vet’s Mission and Impact06:00 Breaking Stigmas with Trust and Empathy12:07   Social Media and Fundraising Strategies that Work18:02  Planning for Year-End Campaigns and GrowthWhat 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 is available every Thursday, be sure to follow, rate, and download so you never miss an episode.🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit PodcastSupport the show

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