Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell

Why do women give — and what truly inspires them to give more? In this powerful episode of Nonprofit Nation, I’m joined by Jacqueline Ackerman, Director of the Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI) at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.and a leading voice in gender and philanthropy. With a background shaped by early experiences in Haiti and a career grounded in rigorous research, Jacqueline shares why understanding how women give is just as important as how much they give.If you’re not segmenting, stewarding, and storytelling with women in mind, you’re not just missing out on donations — you’re missing the opportunity to build a more inclusive and sustainable culture of philanthropy.💡 Key Topics:Why women give and why it’s important to understandThe biggest myths and blind spots nonprofits have about women donorsHow to use storytelling to build trust and deepen engagementWhat it means to create a gender-inclusive fundraising strategyHow fundraisers can apply an intersectional lens to their workReal examples of how WPI research has helped nonprofits grow giving🔍 About Jacqueline AckermanJacqueline Ackerman is Director of the Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI) at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. WPI believes that gender matters in philanthropy, and that solving the world’s complex problems requires perspective, leadership and generosity from women and men. Jacqueline’s work centers on moving the institute’s research into action, delivering insights to donors, fundraisers and sector leaders that grow women’s giving and deepen fundraisers’ engagements with female donors. Over the last decade, Jacqueline has led WPI’s research agenda, including serving as primary author on most of WPI’s research reports. Jacqueline joined the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy in 2012 after earning a Master of Public Affairs from the Indiana University O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs in Bloomington. She was raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and resides in Bethesda, MD.🧰 Resources & Links:Explore the Women’s Philanthropy Institute: https://philanthropy.indianapolis.iu.edu/institutes/womens-philanthropy-institute/about/index.htmlAccess WPI’s latest research reports: https://philanthropy.indianapolis.iu.edu/institutes/womens-philanthropy-institute/research/index.htmlConnect with Jacqueline Ackerman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelineackerman/Learn more from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy: https://philanthropy.indianapolis.iu.edu/index.htmlTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

This episode was recorded live on LinkedIn. Join me and Rachel at the all-virtual, free Nonprofit Social Media Summit November 18-19! What does it mean to be a changemaker in today’s nonprofit world — and how do we take that spirit onto social media, and even into the halls of government?In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Rachel D’Souza, founder of Gladiator Consulting and a leading voice in community-centric fundraising, joins Nonprofit Nation to talk about changemaking, systems transformation, and her next big leap: a run for public office in Missouri.Rachel is currently a candidate for the Missouri House of Representatives (District 79), bringing her deep experience in nonprofit leadership, racial equity, and social justice to the legislative arena. From organizational healing to fundraising with integrity, Rachel has long been committed to reshaping the sector — and now she’s taking that commitment to the ballot.We also preview Rachel’s upcoming keynote at the 2025 Nonprofit Social Media Summit, where she’ll be sharing tools for navigating power, privilege, and purpose in a digital world.In This Episode:What it really means to be a changemaker todayHow to navigate the tension between tradition and transformation in nonprofitsThe intersection of nonprofit leadership and political advocacyWhy community-centric fundraising still matters more than everHow nonprofit leaders can engage in healing work within organizational culturesA sneak peek at Rachel’s keynote at the Nonprofit Social Media Summit🧰 Resources & Links:🔗 Learn more about Rachel and her work at Gladiator Consulting🎟️ Register for the Nonprofit Social Media Summit  🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!Ready to join them?  Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

🪷Nonprofit Nation is supported by Bloomerang. Download their free Ultimate Guide to GivingTuesday and get helpful templates to help you raise more on the biggest day of the year for new donor acquisition. 🪷Kathleen Jeanette Guillaume-Delemar is the President and CEO of the Center for Community Progress. From her historic role as the first Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Latina, Haitian American elected to the Glenarden City Council to her current work shaping national policy, Kathleen’s journey is both inspiring and instructive. She shares how Community Progress builds partnerships, communicates impact, and mobilizes policymakers, funders, and practitioners toward transformative change.If you’re a nonprofit leader, marketer, or fundraiser, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas on:How to tell compelling stories that make systemic issues like vacancy urgent and relatable.Building partnerships that align with both local needs and national priorities.Elevating equity and justice in your messaging and fundraising.Inspiring donors and stakeholders to see themselves as part of lasting community revitalization.💡 Key Topics:Why property vacancy is more than a housing issue—it’s a nonprofit issue tied to racial, economic, and community justice.How to frame complex problems for funders, policymakers, and partners in ways that motivate action.Practical strategies for connecting local voices with national platforms.Lessons in leadership, authenticity, and resilience that nonprofit professionals can apply in their own work.🧰 Resources & Links:Learn more about the Center for Community ProgressExplore the National Land Bank NetworkConnect with Kathleen on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-guillaume-delemar/🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!Ready to join them?  Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

🪷Nonprofit Nation is supported by Bloomerang. Download their free Ultimate Guide to GivingTuesday and get helpful templates to help you raise more on the biggest day of the year for new donor acquisition. 🪷Is the print newsletter dead? Not so fast. In this episode, I’m joined by Julie Edwards, also known as The Nonprofit Maven, a fundraising strategist and coach who helps organizations move from reactive chaos to strategic clarity. Julie shares a real-world case study where one mid-size nonprofit reimagined their print newsletter and saw a 55% increase in giving.🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss:Why donor-focused storytelling beats internal updatesWhat direct mail best practices can boost newsletter ROIHow to evaluate whether a purchased mailing list makes senseTips to refresh old fundraising tactics with new energyWhy it’s time to stop saying, “Our donors don’t give that way”Whether you’re a one-person dev shop or leading a full team, this episode will help you rethink how you connect with supporters and the type of communication that you give to them. 🔍 About Julie EdwardsJulie Edwards is a nonprofit strategist with 30+ years of experience in copywriting, marketing communications, and fundraising. After a decade of leading a nonprofit organization, she launched The Nonprofit Maven in 2020 and has since helped clients raise over $20 million. Known for turning reactive chaos into strategic clarity, Julie brings a practical, donor-centric approach to fundraising strategy, donor relations, and campaign management. She partners with nonprofit leaders to create clear, effective plans that strengthen donor relationships, increase revenue, and build sustainable growth.🧰 Resources & Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieedwards/ Get on the Maven Mailing List!🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!Ready to join them?  Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

🪷Nonprofit Nation is supported by Bloomerang. Download their free Ultimate Guide to GivingTuesday and get helpful templates to help you raise more on the biggest day of the year for new donor acquisition. 🪷What if your most powerful advocates are already inside your community — and just waiting for you to activate them?In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell talks with Tasha Van Vlack, community builder, engagement strategist, and founder of The Nonprofit Hive, about how nonprofit organizations can create impactful community ambassador programs without burning out their teams or breaking the bank.🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss:Why “micro-influencers” in your own community are more powerful than you thinkWhat a community ambassador program really looks like (and how to start small)How to create social media toolkits and storytelling prompts that ambassadors will actually useBest practices for recognition and motivation beyond “thank-you” emailsWhat shifts when nonprofits center community instead of just transactions🧰 Resources & Links:LinkedInWebsiteCommunity Reimagined  Why Social Media Isn’t Community and What Canadian Nonprofits Can Do InsteadEmail & productivityFxxer AI — drafts/organizes emails in your voice  Social & relationship managementLinkedIn (primary channel + DMs)LeadDelta — to organize/manage LinkedIn relationships.Secondary/repurposed channels: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook.Recording & contentStreamYard — to record interviews/panels.Descript — for editing those recordings.Story collectionProofPact — to capture member stories/quotes.Ambassador/comms back-channelWhatsApp — for your ambassador group chat.Community opsOyr custom 1:1 matching tool (Community Hives layer) that powers weekly Hive Chats and white-label deployments.🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks aTake my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Wendy McGrady, President and COO of The Curtis Group and Chair of the Giving USA Foundation, shares insights from the 2025 Giving USA Report. She discusses the 6.3% rise in charitable giving and the economic factors behind it, including improved donor confidence. Wendy also explores changing donor behavior post-pandemic, the decline in household giving, and the importance of personalized stewardship for nonprofits. She emphasizes the need for effective messaging to foster deeper donor engagement amidst uncertain times.

🪷Nonprofit Nation is supported by Bloomerang. Download their free Ultimate Guide to GivingTuesday and get helpful templates to help you raise more on the biggest day of the year for new donor acquisition. 🪷What if your nonprofit’s most passionate supporters aren’t new donors or current volunteers, but the people who were part of your mission years ago?In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I talk with Gustavo Zylberberg, founder of Vitalcy, an AI-powered engagement platform built to help nonprofits reconnect with the former staff, members, and donors who still care deeply but may have fallen off the radar.Gustavo shares his journey from physical therapy and finance to launching a tech platform focused on community, storytelling, and long-term connection. We explore why re-engaging your extended community can unlock surprising value - and how AI can help make that possible without adding extra work for your team.🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss:Why your former members, staff, and donors might be your greatest untapped assetHow Vitalcy uses AI to automate personalized re-engagementLessons learned from working with camps, Hillels, and Boys & Girls ClubsEthical considerations around using AI in nonprofit outreachWhat nonprofits can do today to start rebuilding relationships with their alumni communityWhy community isn’t just about who’s here now — it’s also about who helped get you here💡 About Gustavo ZylberbergGustavo Zylberberg is a mission-driven entrepreneur with a background in both the nonprofit and business worlds. He’s the founder of Vitalcy, an AI-powered platform that helps organizations reconnect with former members, donors, and staff without adding extra work to their teams.Earlier in his career, he led strategy and finance at a growing company, helping guide it through a period of meaningful growth and impact. He also holds a doctorate in physical therapy, and his work has consistently centered around community, storytelling, and building things that last.Gustavo approaches every project with curiosity and a strong belief in learning from others. He’s grateful to be part of conversations that push important ideas forward.🧰 Resources & Links:Learn more: vitalcy.comConnect with Gustavo on LinkedInEmail: gustavo@vitalcy.com🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

🪷Nonprofit Nation is supported by Bloomerang. Download their free Ultimate Guide to GivingTuesday and get helpful templates to help you raise more on the biggest day of the year for new donor acquisition. 🪷How can nonprofits tell powerful, compelling stories without compromising the dignity of the people they serve?In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I welcome Carly Euler, Marketing Director at MemoryFox and creator of the Ethical Storytelling Report. With a rich background in fundraising, marketing, and communications across organizations like the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester and the BOMA Project, Carly has seen firsthand how storytelling can both uplift and unintentionally harm.We dive into Carly’s recent article, “I Wish Someone Would Have Told Me: Stories Can Be Ethical & Still Raise Funds,” and unpack the fundraising industry’s overreliance on trauma-driven narratives. Carly shares a powerful personal moment that reshaped how she approaches storytelling, and offers tangible strategies for nonprofit professionals who want to center consent, agency, and dignity while still driving results.🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss:Why “trauma-forward” storytelling is so common—and so problematicThe key elements of ethical storytellingHighlights from the 2023 Ethical Storytelling ReportHow to give story subjects real agency (even on a small budget)Building trust and long-term relationships through dignified narratives🧰 Resources & LinksWeb: https://www.memoryfox.io/ethical-storytelling/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carly-euler-53a0b776/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carly_memfox 2024 MemoryFox Ethical Storytelling Report 🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!Ready to join them? Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

🪷Nonprofit Nation is supported by Bloomerang. Download their free Ultimate Guide to GivingTuesday and get helpful templates to help you raise more on the biggest day of the year for new donor acquisition. 🪷In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I’m joined by Amanda Nicholson, an email fundraising strategist with a background in special education and a deep commitment to advocacy and social justice. With nearly four years of experience helping nonprofits close critical fundraising gaps, Amanda brings a unique, mission-centered approach to digital strategy.We explore why email remains one of the most powerful tools in a nonprofit’s toolkit—and how to use it more authentically and effectively in 2025. Amanda shares practical insights on building strong donor relationships, writing compelling email sequences, and designing donation pages that actually convert. Whether you're a small shop or a seasoned fundraising team, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can put to work right away.🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss:Why email is still a top-performing fundraising channel in 2025How to strengthen donor relationships through your email listCrafting strategic, authentic copy that reflects your missionBest practices for formatting fundraising pages that convertPost-donation engagement strategies to keep donors connected💼 Resources and LinksLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-nicholson-20a23a225/ Website: https://amandanicholson.com/ How Nonprofits Can Build Strong Donor Relations: 5-Day Email ChallengeM + R BenchmarksLiz Wilcox’s Email Marketing Membership 🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!Ready to join them? Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

🪷Nonprofit Nation is supported by Bloomerang. Download their free Ultimate Guide to GivingTuesday and get helpful templates to help you raise more on the biggest day of the year for new donor acquisition. 🪷In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, we’re joined by Faigy Gilder, a nonprofit digital marketing strategist with over 15 years of experience helping small organizations punch above their weight. With an MPA and a passion for practical, no-fluff strategies, Faigy specializes in teaching AI workflows tailored specifically to the unique challenges nonprofit professionals face.Whether you’re overwhelmed by limited resources or looking for smarter ways to write, market, and fundraise, Faigy shares actionable techniques using free or low-cost AI tools — all without needing to be tech-savvy.💡Tune in to learn how to:Audience research and personas using deep research mode, AI transcripts, and custom botsGenerating compelling grant narratives using AI to research, outline, and draftIdeating and planning marketing content that resonates using your brand voice and content pillars (both generated with the help of AI)And explore even more ways AI can boost your impactThis is a must-listen for any nonprofit leader ready to save time, streamline content creation, and make AI their newest team member.💼 Resources & LinksVisit SmallOrgComms.com/Nation to find custom GPTs you can use today and explore Faigy’s strategic and fractional services for your organization.Connect with Faigy on LinkedIn.🪷🪷 This episode sponsored by Bloomerang! 🪷🪷What if we named things for what they're not? We'd give teachers non-apples and fly non-cars.  Ridiculous, right? So why is your world-changing organization called a "nonprofit"? Truth is you're for-purpose. And the more you raise, recruit, and retain, the more good you can do.That's where Bloomerang comes in. Bloomerang's Giving Platform is built for purpose, with easy-to-use tools and powerful insights that help you understand your donors better than ever and unleash generosity! (Slightly faster, more energetic) Imagine... spending less time on admin tasks and more time on what matters: your mission. Bloomerang customers raise an average of 26% more!Ready to join them? Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts