Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell

What does it take to lead with purpose in philanthropy today? How can foundations lead in moments of political uncertainty or during periods of reduced federal support for nonprofits?As nonprofits across the country face political and financial pressures—from policy rollbacks to funding cuts—the role of foundations has never been more critical. In this episode, Dr. Sherece West-Scantlebury, President & CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, joins us to reflect on how philanthropy can lead in uncertain times. With decades of experience in public policy, community development, and systems change, Dr. West-Scantlebury shares how WRF is leaning into its 50-year legacy to support nonprofits through advocacy, trust-based funding, and bold, equity-focused strategies.For nonprofit leaders navigating a shifting landscape, this conversation offers insight into how to build power, communicate with clarity, and partner with funders who are ready to act.🔍 About Sherece West-ScantleburySherece Y. West-Scantlebury is president and CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, a private, independent foundation whose mission is to relentlessly pursue economic, educational, social, ethnic and racial equity for all Arkansans.Involved in philanthropy for 25 years, Dr. West-Scantlebury served as CEO at the Foundation for Louisiana and as a program associate at the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Her professional career includes nearly 30 years of experience in community development, public policy and advocacy, and public service.In addition to running the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, Dr. West is active in a number of nonprofits and philanthropy organizations, and she is a mentor to several nonprofit leaders and young foundation executives.🔗 Resources and Links:https://forwardarkansas.org/about/team/sherece-west-scantlebury/Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights.Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

Simply “raising awareness” isn’t enough anymore for nonprofits. In this episode, communications specialist Kathleen Tonini joins Nonprofit Nation to challenge one of the sector’s most common traps—mistaking noise for strategy. With her G.A.M.E. framework (Goal, Audience, Message, Engage), Kathleen helps values-driven organizations get clear and confident about how they communicate, so they can inspire real action—not just fill inboxes.Together, we dig into the difference between performative messaging and strategic storytelling, and how nonprofit leaders can shift from reactive comms to communications that build trust, clarity, and genuine support.🔍 What We DiscussThe problem with “raising awareness” and what to do insteadKathleen’s G.A.M.E. framework for strategic messagingHow to audit your messaging without scrapping everythingWhy clarity beats cleverness in nonprofit communicationsMessaging mistakes that cost organizations trust and traction✒️ About Kathleen ToniniKathleen is a messaging strategist who helps mission-driven organizations get clear, strategic, and confident with their communications. With years of experience working across issue areas and organizational sizes, she brings a grounded, action-focused approach to communications that converts.🧰 Resources & Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-tonini-419943b9/https://theleap.co/creator/commswithkathleen/🪷🪷 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

Can artificial intelligence actually help you raise more money, as well as build better donor relationships? We’re diving into the future of fundraising with Juliet MacDowell, a veteran development strategist who’s raised over $1 billion for global NGOs and is now the founder of Mission AI.Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or just curious about how AI is impacting our sector, this episode is full of practical insights, big-picture thinking, and a hopeful look at what’s next for nonprofit development.🔍 What We Discuss:How Juliet helped raise over $1B for mission-driven organizations—and what she learned along the wayWhat Mission AI is and how it’s helping nonprofits fundraise more effectivelyReal-world examples of how AI tools can support donor segmentation, storytelling, and strategyThe biggest myths about AI in fundraising—and what the tech can’t doWhy AI doesn’t replace fundraisers—it empowers themWhat nonprofits can do today to prepare for a smarter, more data-driven futureHit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!✒️ About Juliet MacDowellJuliet MacDowell is the founder of Mission AI, where she helps nonprofits and social enterprises achieve greater impact by combining the power of AI with 25+ years of strategic fundraising expertise. Over her career, she has helped organizations grow funding by over 50%, secure transformational partnerships, and unlock major gifts across the globe. Her work today focuses on using innovation to accelerate results—without sacrificing connection or mission.🧰 Resources & Links:Connect with Juliet MacDowell on LinkedInLearn more about Mission AI🪷🪷 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!Take my free masterclass: 3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media Content that Converts

If you've ever wondered how to land and leverage sponsorships for your nonprofit’s events, this episode is your playbook. A.J. Steinberg is a fundraising powerhouse with more than 20 years of experience producing high-impact nonprofit events and millions raised for mission-driven causes. Through her company, Queen Bee Fundraising, A.J. teaches organizations the art of securing corporate sponsorships that don’t just support events—but fuel entire fundraising strategies.In this episode, A.J. pulls back the curtain on her popular training, Mastering Nonprofit Sponsorships, and shares actionable steps to identify your assets, build irresistible sponsorship packages, and close deals with confidence.Key Topics:What makes a nonprofit “sponsorship-ready”The biggest mistakes organizations make with sponsorship outreachCreating compelling packages that go beyond logos and signageEngaging board and committee members in sponsorship prospectingHow to value and pitch your sponsorship assets effectively 🧰 Resources & Links:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ajsteinbergproductions Twitter: https://twitter.com/QueenBeeMalibu Facebook: www.facebook.com/queenbeefundraisingwww.QueenBeeFundraising.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 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

What does it take to step into leadership during a time of profound cultural, social, and institutional change? Rabbi Joanna Samuels joins Nonprofit Nation to share how she’s navigating this challenge as the CEO of the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan—one of the largest and most influential Jewish community centers in the U.S.A longtime advocate for gender equity and social justice, Rabbi Samuels brings a unique lens to leadership, storytelling, and community-building. She discusses how nonprofit leaders can rethink engagement, lift up historically excluded voices, and lead with courage in post-pandemic times. Drawing from her recent viral essay in eJewish Philanthropy, she also unpacks “the vibe shift” in Jewish communal life and what it means for fundraisers, marketers, and mission-driven professionals everywhere.Key Topics:What it means to lead a legacy nonprofit in a post-pandemic worldWhy “the vibe shift” matters—and how to respond as a sectorBuilding inclusive narratives and championing diverse leadershipHow to fundraise and communicate during cultural changeReal-world leadership advice for managing complexity and transitionAbout Joanna Samuels:Rabbi Joanna Samuels became CEO of the MMJCCM in 2022. Previously, she served as founding ED of the Manny Cantor Center and has held numerous roles at the intersection of advocacy, faith, and equity. Her writing has appeared in major publications and she’s recognized nationally as a leading voice on gender justice in the Jewish nonprofit sector.🪷🪷 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

What if the reason you're not raising more money... isn't your fundraising strategy?Kevin L. Brown believes most nonprofits are stuck in the wrong cycle—constantly doing more fundraising, instead of fixing their fundability and visibility. In this episode, the Mighty Ally CEO and author of Fundable & Findable shares a brand-first, strategy-driven approach to nonprofit growth that challenges everything you've been told about development. We explore why only 1 in 1,000 nonprofits ever scale, what makes a nonprofit actually attractive to funders, and how branding, positioning, and clarity of purpose aren’t luxuries—they’re prerequisites for serious funding.Topics We Cover:Why more fundraising isn’t the solutionThe Fundable/Findable Framework: what it is and how it worksThe nonprofit brand gap—and how to fix itWhat funders are really looking forLessons from building nonprofits across four continentsPractical steps to get fundable and findable, even on a small budget🧰 Resources & Links: https://fundablefindable.org/ https://mightyally.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinlbrown/ 🪷🪷 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

📊 Did you know the average human attention span is just 8 seconds—shorter than a goldfish? In today’s noisy digital world, that stat has big implications for how nonprofits write appeals, newsletters, and even mission statements.This week, Lynn Bohart—author, former nonprofit executive, and founder of Lil Dog Communications—joins us to unpack how nonprofit professionals can dramatically increase fundraising results through stronger, more persuasive messaging. Lynn Bohart is a seasoned nonprofit professional turned author and writing consultant. With over 35 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she now leverages her expertise to help organizations enhance their messaging and storytelling strategies. She is the founder of Lil Dog Communications, a freelance writing company dedicated to assisting nonprofits worldwide. With over 35 years of experience in the sector, Lynn shares Raise More Money Through Better Messaging why so much nonprofit writing falls flat, and what to do instead.We talk about what makes messaging truly effective, why "what you do" is less important than "why you do it," and how to unlock your organization’s emotional core to better connect with donors.What We Cover:Why most nonprofit messaging gets ignoredThe power of storytelling and “finding the secret sauce”The 1% of your message that drives 99% of the impactTechniques from professional writers that nonprofits can stealA better way to write mission statements, appeals, and case statementsResources:Lynn’s book on AmazonLynn’s website: Little Dog CommunicationsEnjoying the Podcast?✨ Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform!🪷🪷 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

In a time when short-term fundraising feels relentless, planned giving offers something rare: stability.Planned giving often seems like a strategy reserved for large institutions or a distant concern for smaller nonprofits. However, Tony Martignetti, the Planned Giving evangelist, and host of Tony Martignetti Nonprofit Radio podcast, argues that it's a crucial tool for organizations of all sizes seeking long-term financial resilience.With nearly three decades of experience and having assisted clients in raising more than $150 million through planned gifts , Tony brings a wealth of knowledge to demystify planned giving. He emphasizes that initiating a planned giving program doesn't require a massive budget or a team of experts. Instead, it's about building genuine relationships, understanding donor motivations and correctly focusing your program.In this episode, Tony shares practical steps for small and mid-sized nonprofits to embark on planned giving, discusses common misconceptions, and highlights how such programs can provide financial sustainability amidst economic challenges.Topics We Cover:The relevance of planned giving in today's nonprofit landscapeDebunking myths: Making planned giving accessible for all organizationsEffective communication strategies for discussing legacy giftsIdentifying and engaging potential planned giving donorsSteps to initiate or rejuvenate a planned giving programThe role of planned giving in ensuring long-term organizational sustainability🧰 Resources & Links:https://tonymartignetti.com/about/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymartignetti/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tony-martignetti-nonprofit-radio/id410006184Enjoying the Podcast?✨ Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform!🪷🪷 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

What if fundraising isn’t a “necessary evil,” but a powerful act of bridge-building?Jill Vorndran leads a 75-person team raising over $85 million annually for Covenant House International. In this episode, she shares what most conferences leave out: how to lead with both relentless joy and accountability, why excellent CEOs still struggle with fundraising, and what it really takes to sustain a high-performing development culture.We dig into what it takes to sustain fundraisers in a time of budget cuts and uncertainty, how to thrive inside federated models, and what leaders can do to stop apologizing for fundraising—and start owning its power.Topics We Cover:Reframing fundraising as a superpower, not a burdenLeading a large, international fundraising teamRetaining fundraisers through culture, clarity, and joySupporting non-fundraising CEOsHow to lead through turbulence and funding shiftsLearning through trial, error, and radical honestyAbout Jill Vorndran:Jill Vorndran leads a 75-person fundraising team at Covenant House International to raise about $85 million/year and support the fundraising work of Covenant House's sites throughout the United States, Latin America, and Canada. A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Jill graduated from Rutgers College and Seton Hall School of Law but developed her superpowers of fundraising, leadership, and raising amazing kids through trial and (a lot of) error. Jill and her husband Sean blended their families in 2013 and are now raising four young adults who fill their hearts and empty their fridge.🧰 Resources & Links: https://www.covenanthouse.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-vorndran/ Enjoying the Podcast?✨ Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform!🪷🪷 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

What if science wasn’t just about data—but about meaning? And what if stories were our most powerful technology for building a better future?This week on Nonprofit Nation, we’re joined by Dr. Vivienne Ming—theoretical neuroscientist, delusional inventor, and founder of The Human Trust—for a mind-expanding conversation about the stories we tell about science, progress, and ourselves.Vivienne is known for using AI, neuroscience, and epigenetics to tackle “impossible” problems—from detecting postpartum depression to transforming global economic inclusion. But what drives her work isn’t just data—it’s a deep belief in human capacity, creativity, and meaning.In this episode, we explore:Why science needs storytellers—and how nonprofits can play that roleHow to make data emotionally resonant and ethically soundWhat it means to center humanity (not just efficiency) in technologyHow nonprofits can help shape systems that actually serve peopleWhat imagination and science fiction can teach us about real-world changeIf you’ve ever struggled to communicate complex ideas, justify your mission, or bridge the gap between vision and impact—this episode is for you.Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!🔗 Resources & Mentions:Dr. Vivienne Ming’s website – Socos LabsScience is a Story – Future of StorytellingEnjoying the Podcast?✨ Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform!🪷🪷 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