

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

Nov 7, 2024 • 22min
Ep 139| Master Year-End Appeals with Multi-Channel Strategies
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

Oct 31, 2024 • 16min
Ep 138| Stay Secure: Cybersecurity Tips for Nonprofits
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

Oct 24, 2024 • 10min
EP137| Growing as a Nonprofit Leader: The CFRE Decision
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

Oct 17, 2024 • 15min
Ep 136| Craft the Perfect Year-End Ask & Case for Support
Send us a textWhy Your Nonprofit Needs a Powerful Case for Support This Year-End!In the sea of year-end appeals, how can your nonprofit stand out? We dive into why a clear, compelling case for support is essential to make your mission shine and drive donations.In this episode, we share:The power of storytelling to connect emotionally with donorsStrategies to craft a message that truly resonatesThe 3C Formula: Clear, Concise, Compelling donor communicationHow to tailor your message to different donor segmentsQuick, practical tips to create a powerful case—even when time is tightWhether you aim to increase donations, enhance meaningful donor engagement, or refresh your fundraising approach, this episode is packed with actionable insights to keep your nonprofit relevant and engaging!And we have more to get your mission front and center this Giving Season! Join our Donorbox fundraising experts on Thursday, October 24 at 2 p.m. ET for Fundraising Appeal Writing: How to Write Asks That Engage. The webinar is a full overview of the art and science behind creating compelling and impactful appeals so that you can ensure your message resonates with your donors. Book now.🔗 Appeal-Writing Workshop on October 24, 2pm ET: Sign up herePlus, download the free Year-End Fundraising Workbook to maximize your giving season strategy here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AQxjaYVbUXyOxGyLI9sAOtW2RIiHgqYx/view 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 major podcast platforms. Be sure to follow, rate, and download so you never miss an episode.🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast | Podcast on Spotify 🎙️ Buzzsprout: https://thenonprofitpodcast.buzzsprout.comSupport the show

Oct 10, 2024 • 9min
Ep 135| The Hidden Costs of 'Free' Donation Platforms
Send us a textAre fee-free donation platforms really free? 🤔 Jena dives deep into donation platforms that claim to offer 'fee-free' donations. While these platforms may sound appealing, unexpected costs could impact your nonprofit in the long term.Join us as we explore popular 'fee-free' platforms, unpacking the model’s impact on donor relationships, and what that could mean for your organization’s brand. Discover the value of maintaining authentic relationships with your donors, and how a more transparent fee model can be the better choice for scaling your nonprofit.Whether you’re a small nonprofit or a large organization, this episode provides essential insights for navigating the fundraising landscape. 🎧If you would like more information on how Donorbox stacks up against ‘fee-free’ and other donation platforms, head over to our Blog, we have a selection of comparative articles to help you make informed decisions. You can find them here: https://donorbox.org/nonprofit-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. 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 major podcast platforms. Be sure to follow, rate, and download so you never miss an episode.🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast | Podcast on Spotify 🎙️ Buzzsprout: https://thenonprofitpodcast.buzzsprout.comSupport the show

Oct 3, 2024 • 21min
Ep 134| The Ultimate Guide to Year-End Matching Gift Campaigns
Send us a text🚀 Unlock Hidden Funds: Maximize Matching Gifts Before Year-End!👀 Look out! The year-end giving season is quickly approaching. As a nonprofit professional, you know how critical this time can be for your fundraising efforts. But do you know how to maximize it for double the funding with matching gifts?In this episode, Jena is joined by Amelia Baumann of Double the Donation to demystify end-of-year campaign planning and share gift-matching must-haves you can keep in your back pocket. Discover more on:🎯 Achievable year-end campaign goals to prioritize📣 Multichannel promotional tips & tactics💡 Tips to drive corporate matches to completion before year-endDon't miss this opportunity to amplify your fundraising and make a bigger impact!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 major podcast platforms. Be sure to follow, rate, and download so you never miss an episode.🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast | Podcast on Spotify 🎙️ Buzzsprout: https://thenonprofitpodcast.buzzsprout.com#GivingSeason #DonorEngagement #NonprofitStrategySupport the show

Sep 26, 2024 • 19min
Ep 133| 3 Essential Strategies for Giving Season Success
Send us a text 🤔 How can you take action today to amplify your impact this giving season?🎯Join us for three critical strategies to help your nonprofit make the most of your Giving Season campaigns. From goal-setting to donor engagement to follow-up, this episode is filled with actionable tips to ensure your organization’s fundraising success. Including:Setting Goals: Learn why it’s essential to define specific goals for your giving season campaign and how to tailor your strategy to different donor segments.Engaging Donors: Discover the power of personalized outreach, peer-to-peer fundraising, and storytelling to connect emotionally with your donors.Follow-Up and Stewardship: Understand the importance of timely follow-ups and stewardship in building long-lasting donor relationships.Whether you’re trying to attract new donors, engage existing supporters, or reconnect with lapsed donors, you’ll find useful strategies that you can implement right away.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 major podcast platforms. Be sure to follow, rate, and download so you never miss an episode.🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast | Podcast on Spotify 🎙️ Buzzsprout: https://thenonprofitpodcast.buzzsprout.com#GivingSeason #DonorEngagement #NonprofitStrategySupport the show

Sep 19, 2024 • 9min
Ep 132| Master Your Giving Season Event Budget
Send us a text🎯 Set Your Year-End Event Budget Like a Pro: 3 Top Tips & StrategiesNeed help with nonprofit event budgeting? Join Britt as she dives into actionable strategies for effectively setting and managing your event budget. Take 10 minutes to learn pro tips on defining your event's purpose, creating realistic plans, and avoiding common budgeting mistakes. Discover advanced tactics for prioritizing expenses, negotiating with vendors, and maximizing your event's ROI, to make your Giving Season event successful and worthwhile. This episode is packed with expert advice on creating a solid financial foundation to achieve your fundraising goals and drive donor engagement for year-end success. With the end of the year just over 100 days away, NOW is the time to kick-start your giving season strategy.Join us for a special 90-minute workshop on October 2nd at 2 p.m. ET to master the art of early planning. This interactive session is one of our most popular events, so don’t miss out!Reserve your spot today: https://webinars.donorbox.org/w/mastering-year-end-fundraisingWhat 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

Sep 12, 2024 • 14min
Ep 131| Year-End Giving Strategies: 3 Fundraising Ideas for Tailored Charity Events
Send us a textLooking for original fundraising ideas to make your charity events stand out? With year-end giving right around the corner, don’t miss 3 strategic and creative ways to engage donors with tailored events that boost attendance. Jena and Britt share three strategies to personalize your events for different donor groups, add interactive and sensory elements, and even set up a holiday gift menu that lets donors see the real impact of their support. Plus, we cover how CRM tools can simplify planning and how virtual giving circles are a great option for nonprofits with limited resources. Whether in-person or virtual, these ideas will help you make the most of your year-end strategy.For more on experiential fundraising strategies head back to Episode 103, From Theory to Action: Mastering Experiential Fundraising, for Britt’s full breakdown, including insightful case studies and technology tips on how Text-to-Give and Fundraising Goal-Meters amplify fundraising efforts.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

Sep 5, 2024 • 26min
EP130| Master Monthly Giving: 5 Steps to Recurring Donation Success
Send us a textJoin Jena and Dana Snyder, founder of Positive Equation, as they explore Dana's five-step framework for enhancing nonprofit monthly giving programs. Learn actionable tips from her new book, "The Monthly Giving Mastermind," and discover how to build a thriving, community-driven giving program.Get actionable tips and tactics to:Treat your giving program like a brand to boost engagement.Simplify the donor experience with seamless tech integrations.Use personalized communication to convert supporters.Build trust before asking for recurring donations.Show ongoing appreciation to retain donors.Don’t miss Dana's insights, real-world examples, and advice on avoiding common nonprofit pitfalls. Join us at the Monthly Giving Summit TODAY, Thursday, September 5, 2024! to learn more from Dana and over 2,000 fellow nonprofits, and drop in to visit Donorbox at the event! Register NOW: https://monthlygivingsummit.com Chapters00:00 Introduction05:11 Step 1: Creating a Brand and Product for Your Monthly Giving Program09:19 Step 2: Making it Easy for Donors to Give: Seamless Tech Integration11:43 Step 3: Calling in the Believers: Engaging and Empowering Monthly Donors15:26 Step 4: Making the Ask: Strategies for Requesting Recurring Donations18:45 Step 5: Retaining Monthly Donors: Sharing Joy and GratitudeThe 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, download, and send us a message with your questions and requests:🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast on Spotify 🎙️ Buzzsprout: https://thenonprofitpodcast.buzzsprout.com🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes!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/Support the show


