Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell

In this episode, Julia Campbell discusses the evolving landscape of nonprofit social media management in 2026. She shares insights on the challenges faced by social media managers, including low engagement rates and the importance of community building.Julia provides five essential tips for effective social media management, emphasizing the need for time management, mental health breaks, and the acceptance of imperfection in content creation. She encourages listeners to advocate for themselves within their organizations and highlights the significance of marketing as part of the nonprofit mission.Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

What does it really mean to lead through change—especially when you're still figuring things out yourself?This week on Nonprofit Nation, we’re diving into what it takes to navigate organizational change with a growth mindset. My guest is Sabine Gedeon—executive coach, transformational speaker, and host of The Aligned Leader Show podcast. She has 20 years of experience guiding leaders and organizations through critical moments of growth, change, and reinvention.We talk about the reality behind change—what it feels like to lead in the messy middle, why high-achieving leaders often hide their process, and how vulnerability can become a strategic advantage. Sabine brings a rare mix of emotional intelligence and practical wisdom to this conversation—reminding us that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about staying open, steady, and self-aware as you grow.🔍 We explore:How to lead through organizational change even when the outcome is unclearWhat it looks like to shift from performance to presence in leadershipHow to reframe setbacks as information, not personal failureThe pressure leaders feel to “have it all together”—and how to let go of thatWhat it means to be witnessed in growth, not just the resultsSabine’s insights are especially relevant for nonprofit leaders navigating transition, burnout, or major strategic shifts. Her reflection questions and mindset frameworks offer a grounded way to stay clear and connected—even in seasons of uncertainty.💼 About Sabine GedeonSabine Gedeon is a transformational speaker, executive coach, and leadership strategist with over 20 years of experience guiding leaders and organizations through critical moments of growth, change, and reinvention.As the founder of Gedeon Enterprises, she partners with high-impact leaders to build resilience, strengthen team alignment, and lead with greater clarity and influence. Her work has been featured in national media, and in 2025, she was named one of Influence Digest’s Top 15 Coaches in San Diego.Sabine holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, is a certified ICF Professional Coach, and is the author of Transformed: The Journey to Becoming and two additional books on self-leadership and personal power.🧰 Resources & Links:https://sabinegedeon.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabinegedeon/ Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

What happens when a nonprofit loses critical federal funding overnight? And how can we prepare for even greater funding shifts ahead?In this episode, we explore the changing landscape of charitable funding—what’s happening now, what’s coming with the 2026 federal budget, and how nonprofits can build resilience in the face of uncertainty.My guest is Kendall Webb, a pioneer in digital philanthropy and the Founder & Executive Director of Charity Bridge Fund—a new, nonpartisan platform that connects donors with nonprofits that have lost federal funding. With over 25 years of experience at the intersection of giving, technology, and impact, Kendall brings both a big-picture perspective and practical advice for today’s nonprofit leaders.💡 We discuss:What’s at stake for nonprofits as the 2026 federal budget loomsHow to proactively prepare for funding gaps before they hitWhy transparency and data-driven giving are essential in this next era of philanthropyHow platforms like Charity Bridge Fund can connect donors and nonprofits in smarter, more sustainable waysBroader trends in digital giving and what they mean for fundraising in 2025 and beyondKendall also shares powerful insights from her own journey—from co-founding WorldTeach as a Harvard undergrad, to launching JustGive, one of the first online donation platforms, to volunteering as an EMT and clinic support worker in her local community. Her career is a testament to what’s possible when innovation, service, and generosity come together.💼 About Kendall WebbKendall Webb is a pioneer in online philanthropy, with over 25 years of experience shaping the way individuals, nonprofits, and companies engage in charitable giving. As the Founder & Executive Director of Charity Bridge Fund, she has been a trusted advisor on digital giving strategy, helping organizations and corporations integrate meaningful giving programs into their platforms.Kendall’s passion for impact began early. As a Harvard undergraduate, she helped launch WorldTeach, a global education nonprofit. After early roles at Goldman Sachs and the World Bank, she volunteered in Uganda, deepening her commitment to service and international development.Upon returning to the U.S., Kendall joined the founding team at More.com, one of the earliest e-commerce platforms. It was there that she recognized the Internet’s power to transform philanthropy—a realization that led her to launch one of the first nonprofit donation platforms on the web in 2000.Since then, Kendall has remained at the forefront of digital giving—building strategic partnerships, advising on donation infrastructure, and working to ensure that generosity remains accessible, transparent, and impactful in the digital age.🧰 Resources & Links: https://www.charitybridgefund.org/Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Feeling stretched too thin? Wondering how your nonprofit will survive the next wave of challenges? You’re not alone.As we head into 2026, nonprofit leaders are asking tough questions: Where is funding going? Why is donor behavior shifting? How can we keep our teams motivated in the face of burnout and uncertainty?This week, I’m joined by Rob Harter — veteran nonprofit executive, leadership coach, and host of the long-running Nonprofit Leadership Podcast — to explore what’s really happening across the sector, and where the hope lies. Drawing from his decades of experience, his writing on organizational health and leadership, and the hundreds of interviews he’s conducted on the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob offers a hopeful — but honest — roadmap for social impact organizations navigating change.🔍 About Rob HarterRob is a nonprofit executive professional with over 30 years of experience in leading and building social impact organizations. Rob is known as an inspirational leader with contagious energy and entrepreneurial spirit. He is a frequent speaker and seminar facilitator, and he founded and hosts the “Nonprofit Leadership Podcast”, which has had over 541,000 downloads, is heard in 179 countries and is in the top 1.5% of all podcasts globally according to Listen Notes.Rob has been a member of and contributor for the Forbes Nonprofit Council. Rob was invited to be part of Harvard Business School’s “Young American Leaders Program”. He also serves on the Utah Advisory Committee for the US Global Leadership Coalition. Rob has chaired the MLK Jr. Commission for Human Rights for the State of Utah and served as the Chair of the Utah Nonprofit Association’s Board as well as serving on the Park City Chamber of Commerce. Rob was voted as the professional “Citizen of the Year” for Park City by the local Rotary club, received the Park City “Chief’s Award for Community Service” and was also recognized as a “Hometown Hero” by Salt Lake Magazine. Most recently, Rob has launched his own Coaching business Rob Harter Coaching and Consulting as a way to invest in and strengthen leaders and individuals to grow both personally and professionally. He is a certified Professional Coach and Certified Enneagram Instructor along with being a Neurofeedback trained technician.Rob has received a Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees. He loves deep powder skiing, hiking, cycling, reading great books, and traveling to new places. Most of all, Rob loves spending quality time with his amazing wife and family. 🧰 Resources & Links:Nonprofit Leadership Podcast: https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/Rob’s website: https://robharter.com/ Connect with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rob-harter-25457313/ Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Darian Rodriguez Heyman, a nonprofit strategist and founder of AI4NP.org, and Cheryl Contee, Chief Innovation Officer at BrightWorksAI, dive into the transformative potential of AI for nonprofits. They discuss practical applications for donor communications and grant writing, emphasizing the importance of ethical adoption. The duo also highlights the need for data privacy measures and provides accessible AI tools to enhance nonprofit efficiency. Listeners will learn actionable first steps to confidently integrate AI into their organizations.

"We’re not just telling stories anymore—we’re helping people make sense of the world."That’s the powerful message behind this week’s episode of Nonprofit Nation featuring Kristen Grimm, founder and strategist of Spitfire Strategies, a leading communications firm that helps nonprofits, foundations, and social changemakers sharpen their voice and deepen their impact.In this conversation, Kristen introduces the concept of “meaning-making” — the process of helping people interpret what’s happening around them, understand what it means, and decide how to act. With the world experiencing unprecedented levels of uncertainty, polarization, and complexity, Kristen argues that communicators now face a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help people cut through the noise and find clarity, purpose, and direction.Drawing on her recently published meaning-making blog series, Kristen shares a timely roadmap for nonprofit leaders looking to rise above the chaos and communicate with resonance. You’ll hear about the different phases of meaning-making, how to spot a "meaning-making window" when it opens, and why now is the time to shift from persuasion to perspective-shaping.🔍 In This Episode, We Discuss:What “meaning-making” really is — and why it's vital right nowWhy traditional messaging may fall flat in today’s environmentThe phases of meaning-making: from recognition to resonanceTools to assess your organization's readiness to lead with meaningReal-world examples of meaning-making strategies in actionHow small or resource-constrained nonprofits can start this work today💼 About Kristen GrimmKristen is the founder of Spitfire Strategies, a public interest firm focused on advancing racial, economic and social justice, protecting the environment and promoting opportunity for all. She has extensive experience running smart communication and campaign efforts that create lasting social change. A hopeful strategist, she believes progress is always possible, setbacks are sources of inspiration and building beyond the choir is where the real work is. She is the mastermind behind Spitfire’s Smart Chart, Planning to Win, Mindful Messaging and Replenishing Trust, thinks fast in a crisis, is deft at drawing phenomenal visionary speeches out of leaders and is someone you want in your corner when you’re ready to go big. When it comes to storytelling, all you need to know is that her last name is Grimm.🧰 Resources & Links:🔗 Kristen Grimm’s Meaning-Making Series – Spitfire Strategies🔗 Meaning-Making: An Idea Whose Time Has Come and How to Make It Come to Fruition🔗 Meaning-Making: Approaches to Consider🔗 Meaning-Making: Live Examples We Can Watch Play OutTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Social media success isn’t just about posting content and hoping for the best. It's about strategy, audience insight, and internal advocacy.This was originally a live conversation on LinkedIn. Listen in to my conversation with Kate Meyers Emery, Ph.D., Senior Digital Comms Manager at Candid and one of the most insightful voices speaking up about what social media professionals really need to succeed. Kate shares why social media needs to be seen as an organization-wide responsibility, how SMMs can elevate their role beyond “just posting,” and what nonprofits must do to ensure these roles are sustainable and strategic going into 2026.In this episode, we cover: Why social media is a team sport, even if you're the only one on the fieldHow to advocate for your work and educate others about its valueStrategies to build a culture of content collaboration across departmentsWhat systems and tools need to evolve for long-term sustainabilityWhat’s ahead in 2026: predictions and priorities for social media teamsAbout Kate: With over 14 years of experience, Kate Meyers Emery, Ph.D., has proven track record of using experimentation, data, and creativity to transform complex stories into simple yet compelling content on social media, web, email, and other digital platforms. She is a data nerd who uses her depth of industry knowledge, natural curiosity, and background in anthropology to create innovative, inclusive, and human-centered stories in digital spaces.  Kate has worked with nonprofits, museums, and universities to engage and educate. She is currently the senior digital communications manager at Candid, where she leads the strategy, content production, and analysis of organic social media. Connect with Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meyersemery/ Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

💰 What’s a DAF and why should nonprofits - of every size- care about this trend in giving?My guest this week is Mitch Stein, Head of Strategy at Chariot, a fintech company revolutionizing how nonprofits receive Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) donations. Mitch shows us the growing significance of DAFs - which now hold over $230 billion in charitable assets - and why most nonprofits are still leaving money on the table. From integrating DAFs into digital fundraising to engaging donors more strategically, Mitch shares actionable insights from the field, including recent findings from Chariot’s DAF Fundraising Report. Whether you're new to DAFs or ready to optimize your approach, this conversation offers clear takeaways for every fundraiser and mission-driven leader.💡 Together, we explore:What Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) are, and why they’re so important nowWays nonprofits can integrate DAFs into digital campaigns and donor journeysSurprising insights from Chariot’s DAF Fundraising ReportWhy fundraisers may be overlooking DAF donors in their marketingCommon misconceptions about DAFsWhat’s ahead for DAFs, and how nonprofits can prepare now💼 About Mitch SteinMitch Stein is the Head of Strategy for Chariot - a financial technology company focused on DAF payments. Mitch leads the company's stakeholder engagement and industry-wide initiatives like the DAF Fundraising Report and DAF Day.Prior to Chariot, Mitch founded a marketplace for nonprofits called Pond, which connected organizations with the best software and services for their mission. Mitch previously spent 7 years as an Investment Banker at Goldman Sachs, where his work included running client strategy for the CEO and serving as a Vice President in the Technology, Media & Telecom deal team. Mitch is an avid fundraiser for nonprofits himself, having participated in Cycle for the Cause since 2016 and serving as a board member for The LGBT Center of NYC since 2019.🧰 Resources & Links: Chariot’s WebsiteDAF Fundraising Report DAF DayTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

How do you tell stories that not only inform but inspire people to act? In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I’m joined by Caroline Keylock, co-founder of LookUP, a global storytelling consultancy helping nonprofits, brands, and agencies harness the power of narrative to drive growth, connection, and impact.Caroline shares her unique perspective drawn from both the nonprofit and commercial sectors, including her work with Wikimedia, Alzheimer’s organizations, and The Communications Network. Her message is clear: in a noisy world filled with apathy and misinformation, storytelling is not a nice-to-have - it’s absolutely essential. 🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss:he critical difference between telling your story and telling your audience’s storyHow to structure a story to make it memorable—and actionableWhat nonprofits can learn from entertainment storytellingWhy story is the key to alignment, clarity, and influence—internally and externallyThis is a conversation for communicators, leaders, and change-makers who want their messages to matter, and to move. 💼 About Caroline KeylockCaroline Keylock is co-founder of LookUP, a storytelling consultancy working with people and organisations to drive growth through the power of story. She spends half her time working with non-profits globally (Wikimedia, Alzheimers, The Communications Network); and the other half working with agencies, media owners, and brands who want to harness their story to give them clarity as to their future goals, get their teams to work together more effectively, or sell what they do more effectively. She believes that storytelling has become the essential skill for organisations working in social good, in a world of apathy and disinformation, and LookUP are increasingly working with companies in this space to help them harness this skill.🧰 Resources & Links:LookUP websiteFollow Caroline on LinkedInTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

What if everything you’ve been taught about fundraising isn’t wrong—but just too safe?In this episode, I’m joined by Lisa L. Stueckemann, CFRE, author of Fundraising Rebel—a book that’s shaking up how we think about donor relationships, generosity, and what it means to lead with courage in today’s fundraising landscape.Lisa is a consultant, mentor, and nationally recognized speaker who’s worked with hundreds of nonprofit teams to help them ditch the “donor-centric” buzzwords and build real, lasting connections instead. In a time when donor trust is down and fundraising feels harder than ever, Lisa offers a refreshing—and rebellious—approach to leadership, authenticity, and generosity.💡 We talk about:What it really means to be a fundraising rebelHow to build donor loyalty in a time of burnout and disconnectionWhy “donor-centered” fundraising may be doing more harm than goodHow to talk about money in ways that feel honest and alignedStrategies to lead with courage, not just KPIsIf you’re ready to shake off the guilt, say goodbye to outdated scripts, and fundraise with more freedom—this conversation is for you.💼 Lisa StueckemannLisa L. Stueckemann, CFRE, is the author of “Fundraising Rebel.” She has over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music and Master of Nonprofit Administration from North Park University provide a unique and creative lens to her fundraising strategy and leadership style. She has on-the-ground experience in annual giving, major gifts, corporate philanthropy, event design, cause-marketing, and communications. She truly enjoys encouraging fundraising and marketing teams and forwarding the sector through teaching, consulting, and mentoring. A sought-after speaker on fundraising and leadership, Lisa regularly speaks at local, state, and national conferences.🧰 Resources & Links: 🔗 Learn more at fundraisingrebel.org📘 Get the book: Fundraising Rebel on AmazonTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts