The Nonprofit Podcast

Send us a textAre you leading your nonprofit on passion alone? Here’s why that might not be enough.What if the secret to true sustainability lies in smarter nonprofit management and leadership strategies?   Britt sits down with David Rhode—nonprofit leader, educator, and author of Passion Isn’t Enough: A Practical Guide for Nonprofit Leaders—to share actionable insights for nonprofit leaders ready to go beyond passion and embrace practical nonprofit management.David offers honest reflections from his journey in nonprofit leadership and implementable advice for leaders navigating the challenges of team-building, volunteer engagement, organizational culture, and leadership transitions. If you’re ready to start leading smarter, this is for you.🎯 Key Takeaways:1️⃣ Build a passionate and skilled team—your people are your greatest asset.2️⃣ Invest in volunteers to turn them into lifelong ambassadors for your cause.3️⃣ Foster a strong, transparent culture to reduce burnout and enhance team morale.4️⃣ Succession planning isn’t just for corporate—it’s essential for nonprofit stability.If you're a nonprofit leader, these strategies will empower you to take your organization to the next level in 2025 and beyond.📚 For more on leadership strategies, David's book is available here: Passion Isn’t Enough.📖 Resource: Need a deeper dive into planning for the future? Check out Donorbox's blog article: Your Guide to Nonprofit Succession Planning.Chapters 00:00  The Journey of Nonprofit Leadership02:56   Building the Right Team05:49   Volunteer Development and Engagement08:59   Creating a Strong Organizational Culture11:51      Succession Planning and Leadership TransitionsWhat 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 on all your favorite podcast platforms, so follow, rate, and download so you never miss an episode:🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-important-podcast/id1483848924 🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fj1bk0PHws7kn6CMwzhLQ Support the show

Send us a textYear-End Donor Retention: The Crucial First 30 DaysDid you know 80% of first-time donors don’t return the following year? This is especially true for year-end donors, where the first 30 days after their gift can make or break their decision to stay engaged. In this episode of The Nonprofit Podcast, Britt Stockert and fundraising expert Katherine Lacefield discuss how nonprofits can turn one-time donors into lifelong supporters through practical, actionable strategies.Top Highlights:✅ Build Trust Through Personalization: Simple, personalized communication shows donors they matter.✅ Stand Out with Handwritten Notes: They convey authenticity and genuine care.✅ Leverage CRMs for Deeper Connections: Organize donor data to personalize and streamline outreach.Join us for an episode packed with advice that nonprofits of any size can implement immediately to improve donor retention and engagement.🎄Thank you so much for your loyal support throughout 2024, we’ll be back on January 16, 2025, with a new season of tips, tools, and tactics to take your nonprofit to the next level from January to December.  Happy holidays!Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to Donor Retention Challenges02:51 – The Importance of the First 30 Days05:48 – Personalization in Donor Communication09:07 – Strategies for Effective Donor Engagement11:47 – Common Mistakes in Donor Outreach15:11 – Final Thoughts and ResourcesConnect with Katherine Lacefield:🌐 Website: Just Be Cause Consulting🔗 LinkedIn: Katherine Lacefield If this episode gave you actionable insights, don’t forget to subscribe for more nonprofit tips, and share with your team to make the most of year-end giving!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 PodcastSupport the show

Send us a text  Year-end performance reviews are here—are you ready to turn them into a game-changer for your team? This essential (and often daunting) task is a golden opportunity for nonprofit leaders to inspire growth, strengthen accountability, and drive meaningful results for your organization.In this episode, Jena and Britt break down how to approach year-end reviews with confidence and purpose. Whether you’re striving to celebrate wins, provide constructive feedback, or align individual goals with your nonprofit’s mission, this session is packed with actionable insights to help you succeed.Here’s what you’ll learn:Why reviews matter: Boost morale, accountability, and alignment.Feedback that works: Honest, empathetic, and trust-building.Celebrate wins: Motivate your team with recognition.Stay focused: Using SMART goals for clarity.Avoid missteps: Clear feedback, and two-way conversations.Engage your team: Build trust and collaboration.Year-end reviews are more than a formality—they’re a chance to deepen connections, strengthen your team, and set the stage for a successful new year.🎧 Listen now to learn how to make your nonprofit performance reviews meaningful, impactful, and motivating!Resources Mentioned:20 KPIs for Nonprofits to Track Over Time (includes a section on HR performance metrics): https://donorbox.org/nonprofit-blog/kpis-for-your-nonprofit Chapters00:00 Reflecting on Year-End Performance Reviews02:57  Balancing Accountability with Compassion06:12   The Importance of Open Dialogue08:52  Preparing for Productive Reviews11:47   Common Pitfalls in Performance Reviews15:07  Constructive Feedback Techniques17:56  Creating a Two-Way Conversation20:48 Setting Intentional Goals for the New YearWhat 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

Send us a text📊 Maximize your Giving Tuesday donations by unlocking the full potential of your donor data. Jena and Britt dive into how nonprofits can analyze critical metrics like ROI, donor acquisition, and retention rates to create smarter fundraising strategies.This episode also explores how nonprofit CRM tools and AI can streamline donor management, personalize outreach, and set data-driven goals for 2025. Packed with actionable insights, it’s a must-listen for nonprofits ready to optimize their impact.Chapters:00:00 - Unlocking the Power of Data for Nonprofits10:00 - Key Metrics for Evaluating Fundraising Success17:02 - Applying Insights for Future CampaignsListen now to turn your data into action!Don’t forget to subscribe for more expert nonprofit tips and strategies to take your giving Season to new heights.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

Send us a text🦃  This Thanksgiving, we’re gathering around the podcast table to celebrate you—the nonprofit heroes changing lives every day. As we reflect on gratitude, we’re thankful for your passion, your hard work, and the impact you create. We are so grateful for your continued support. 💙Today, we raise a toast to your wins, your dedication, and the difference you make in the world. Happy Thanksgiving! 🥂We’ll be back next week with more tips, tactics, and tools, so don’t forget to subscribe, download, and write us a review!  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

Send us a textNonprofit burnout isn’t just stress—it’s a threat to your mission! But, it doesn’t have to define your work. In this episode, Britt Stockert gets honest about the emotional weight of nonprofit work and reveals actionable strategies to build resilience and a supportive workplace culture—together.✨ What you’ll learn:How to recognize burnout as a shared challenge, not an individual failure.Practical tools for creating a work culture rooted in collective care.The power of structured, intentional conversations to lighten emotional burdens.How to build peer support networks that actually make a difference.Steps to advocate for wellness resources that your team truly needs.Burnout doesn’t have to define your work. Listen now for real solutions to build a resilient nonprofit team that thrives—together.And, to take this collective approach upline as well as to your team, head back to: Ep 127| Engage Your Board: Avoid Year-End Fundraising Burnout https://youtu.be/kWEQRhBobNQ?si=-6BuQ3E3d4bij4_A Plus, we have a great guide to recognize the causes, identify the symptoms, and 11 effective techniques to manage burnout, here:Nonprofit Burnout: How to Recognize And Manage It: https://donorbox.org/nonprofit-blog/nonprofit-burnout?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast_42    Don’t forget to subscribe for more expert nonprofit tips and strategies to take your giving Season to new heights.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

Send us a textWhy Recurring Donors Matter (And How to Get Them)Jena is joined by Chris Barlow, founder of Beeline Marketing, to explore how nonprofits can build and sustain a loyal base of recurring donors. This episode offers practical, real-world strategies for converting one-time donors into ongoing supporters who bring long-term stability.Discover:Why recurring donors provide critical revenue stability for nonprofits.How to time your asks to maximize conversions from year-end donors.The common mistakes nonprofits make when asking for recurring gifts—and how to fix them.Proven methods to keep donors engaged and feeling genuinely valued.Strategies to create a strong sense of community among your donor base.Key steps to start or enhance your recurring giving program.Insights into 2025 trends that will shape donor engagement.Want to create lasting donor relationships? Listen and start making a bigger impact today!Head back to Episode 104, Fundamentals of Nonprofit Digital Marketing, for more strategies to keep your year-end campaigns on target: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9w2_6_dfEtQ Chapters00:00The Importance of Recurring Donors02:52Common Pitfalls in Converting Donors06:09Effective Messaging Strategies08:47Building Relationships with Donors12:08Engagement Strategies for Recurring Giving14:52Starting a Recurring Giving Program18:05Emerging Trends for 2025Chris is leading a Donorbox workshop, 'The Truth About Getting Recurring Donors — And the First Way to Fix It', on November 20th at 1:00 PM ET.Register Here for more in-depth strategies!Don’t forget to subscribe for more expert nonprofit tips and strategies to take your giving Season to new heights.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

Send us a textReady to turn up the volume on your year-end fundraising?  Jena and Britt share how to craft multichannel appeals that truly resonate with donors. You’ll learn to create compelling storylines and messages that deliver real results for your nonprofit this giving season.Discover the elements that make a multi-channel appeal effective, including: The power of consistent messaging.Storytelling techniques that immerse donors in your mission.Quick tips for writing donation-driving emails and social posts.Effective strategies for boosting engagement with targeted asks.Boosting appeal letters with impactful design tweaks.Tips for stress-free campaign management and content scheduling.Make your year-end appeals unforgettable and drive maximum donations! This episode shares expert strategies and actionable insights to engage donors and make a lasting impact. To help you create a strong foundation for your multi-channel year-end appeal, head back to Episode 136, Craft the Perfect Year-End Ask & Case for Support, you can find it here: https://youtu.be/Kf7hTaEZEOs?si=BI7XkKhjIZi4R3gQ.Plus our in-depth webinar, Trending Ways to Write Fundraising Asks That Engage, to guide you step-by-step can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gTmtatQUCM Add our free downloadable e-book, Giving Tuesday Appeals, packed with email and social media appeal examples and ideas, to arm your campaign with comprehensive research-backed methods to help your appeals drive more donations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gTmtatQUCM Chapters:00:00 Crafting Compelling Appeals: The Power of Storytelling07:27   Storytelling Examples for Nonprofits09:55  Anatomy of an Effective Fundraising Appeal20:08  Multi-Channel Campaign Strategies 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. 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 | PodcaSupport the show

Send us a textCyber attacks occur every 39 seconds, and nonprofits are 50% more likely to be targeted!Understanding potential vulnerabilities can help your organization stay secure, continue its valuable work without interruption, and keep your donor trust relationships intact.In this episode, we discuss:Why Nonprofits Are Prime TargetsImpact of Fraud on NonprofitsKey Cybersecurity Terms Explained including PCI DSS Compliance, tokenization,  encryption, and DDoS attacks From data breaches and ransomware to payment fraud and spam donations, Jena and Donorbox IT Support specialist, Kimi Arnett, examine the risks and provide actionable steps to protect your valuable data and maintain donor trust.As Cyber Security Month closes and Giving Season picks up pace understanding the threats, how they can disrupt your fundraising efforts, and how to protect your organization proactively is critical. We have an excellent blog guiding you through the steps to prepare for a cyber-attack, you can find it here:📑 Cyber Security for Nonprofits | Steps to Address Cyber Security Risks: https://donorbox.org/nonprofit-blog/cyber-security To find out how Donorbox protects your data 24/7, visit donorbox.org/security, or reach out to Kimi and our dedicated security team at security@donorbox.org. 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 on all your favorite podcast platforms, so follow, rate, and download so you never miss an episode:🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-important-podcast/id1483848924 🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fj1bk0PHws7kn6CMwzhLQ 🎙️ Buzzsprout: https://thenonprofitpodcast.buzzsprout.comSupport the show

Send us a textJoin Britt as she balances the pros and cons of the CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) certification. Exploring what it means, how it can impact your career and your organization, and whether it’s the right path for you.CFRE is recognized as a valuable asset for nonprofit fundraisers, boosting job prospects, salary potential, and emphasizing ethical fundraising practices. But it’s also a significant commitment, both in time and resources. And—not everyone finds it aligns with their fundraising philosophy or has access to pursue it.If you’re exploring ways to grow as a nonprofit leader, tune in to learn:The benefits and challenges of CFRE certification 🎓How ethical fundraising practices can elevate your organization 📊Alternative paths to professional growth in the nonprofit sector 🌱To find more in-depth step-by-step information on taking the CRFE exam, head to The Nonprofit Blog for an article that covers everything from eligibility to maintaining your certification, read it here:CFRE Certification for Nonprofits: Everything You Need to Know: https://donorbox.org/nonprofit-blog/cfre-certification Whether CFRE is the right move for you or you’re considering other routes, this episode will help you make an informed decision on your professional development journey. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and subscribe! 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 on all your favorite podcast platforms, so follow, rate, and download so you never miss an episode:🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-important-podcast/id1483848924 🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fj1bk0PHws7kn6CMwzhLQ 🎙️ Buzzsprout: https://thenonprofitpodcast.buzzsprout.comSupport the show